Food & Drink
Taste your way through The Florida Keys, where every bite feels like a mini adventure. From dockside seafood shacks and fresh-caught fish to Cuban coffees, quirky tiki bars, and Key lime pie that might just change your world, the culinary scene here is as vibrant as the coral reefs. Whether you’re after a fancy dinner with sunset views or a casual snack by the water, local chefs, distilleries, and cafés serve flavor with a sprinkle of Keys charm. Come hungry — you won’t leave disappointed.
Sweet Key Lime Pie Flavors the Keys
Few people visit the Florida Keys without sampling a few pieces of Key lime pie, renowned as the island chain’s signature dessert. Millions of slices of the tart, creamy treat — voted the official pie of Florida by the state legislature in 2006 (yes, really!) — are savored every year by Keys visitors and locals.
Brewed and Barreled in the Florida Keys
If you’re a fan of fine beers, ales, rums and more, you’re sure to enjoy unique libations created in the Florida Keys.
Cuban Heritage, Food and Culture Enrich Key West
Sample the sweetness of fried plantains served with lime-kissed pork chops.
Lionfish: An Incredible Edible Fish
It’s believed that lionfish, a popular Indo-Pacific aquarium fish, was first released in Florida’s Atlantic waters during the 1980s. Now lionfish prey voraciously on invertebrates and over 70 species of domestic fish. And these toothy coral reef fish, part of the scorpion fish family, have no natural reef predators except spearfishing humans.
The Keys Can’t-Miss List: Marathon Restaurants
Planning a getaway to Marathon and the middle Florida Keys? Check with local residents to find out which eateries they recommend to visiting family, friends and newcomers eager to discover the islands’ eats.
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Marathon
Chef Heather McDonald
Chef Heather McDonald is an award-winning personal chef in the Florida Keys, offering bespoke catering and private dining services.
Marathon
LJ's Café
LJ’s Café in Marathon serves up artisan espresso, fresh-baked pastries, and hearty breakfast and lunch classics in a cozy roadside setting.
The Mar Bar
The Mar Bar in Tavernier offers refreshing cocktails, cold beer, and delicious coastal bites in a laid-back Florida Keys setting.
Key West
Cuban Coffee Queen Roasters
Cuban Coffee Queen Roasters in Key West crafts small-batch Cuban coffee with bold island flavor and authentic Key West charm.
Key West
Kava Key
Kava Key is a non-alcoholic kava bar and community gathering space steps off Duval Street in Key West, offering kava, kratom tea, kombucha, house mocktails, kava ice cream, and a self-serve ramen bar in a lantern-lit 18th-century ship-inspired setting open daily noon to 2 AM.
Marathon
Keys Fisheries
Seafood restaurant, market & marina in Marathon offering fresh local catch, waterfront views & full bar.
Five Brothers Two
Five Brothers Two in the Florida Keys serves authentic Cuban coffee, sandwiches, and island-inspired eats with warm, local hospitality.
Islamorada
Crooked Palm Cabana
Crooked Palm Cabana is a cocktail lounge at Crooked Palm Distillery in Key West, serving handcrafted spirits, rum tastings, and tropical libations.
Fritanga Amerrisque
Fritanga Amerrisque in Key Largo serves authentic Nicaraguan cuisine—think grilled meats, gallo pinto, and traditional dishes—straight from a cozy eatery/food truck.
Key Largo
La Guajira Cafeteria
La Guajira Cafeteria — Cuban cafeteria-style dining in Key Largo, where flavorful classics and breakfast favorites fuel island adventures.
Key West
Croissants de France French Bakery
Croissants de France in Key West serves authentic French pastries, fresh croissants, and gourmet coffee in a charming Old Town bakery café.
Islamorada
Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Florida Keys Brewing Co. is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, serving award-winning craft beers in a vibrant beer garden and taproom located in Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts District—perfect for beer lovers and locals alike. Also offers a vacation rental.
Key West
Cayo's Kombucha
Cayo's Kombucha is Key West's only kombucha taproom and teahouse at 1026 Truman Avenue, pouring 25-plus flavors of local organic unpasteurized kombucha on tap alongside kava, kratom, and healthy snacks — a refreshing, alcohol-free community gathering spot that's as good for your gut as it is for your soul.
Key West
Eden House Hotel
Eden House Key West is a boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, offering a heated pool, tropical gardens, and walking distance to Duval Street. Ideal for couples seeking a charming, relaxing retreat.
Key West
Boat House Bar & Grill
Boathouse Bar & Grill in Key West serves fresh seafood, steaks, and cocktails in a lively waterfront setting with daily happy hour specials.
