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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Islamorada
Green Turtle Inn
The Green Turtle Inn in Islamorada is a landmark restaurant serving fresh local seafood, hearty American classics, and warm Keys hospitality since 1947.
Islamorada
Sunrise Cuban Market & Cafe
Sunrise Cuban Cafe & Market — authentic Cuban cuisine, breakfast through dinner, right on the Overseas Highway in Tavernier.
Marathon
Triton Seafood Restaurant Italian Cuisine & Pizza
Triton Seafood Restaurant in the Florida Keys offers fresh, locally caught seafood and waterfront dining with a relaxed island vibe.
Key West
The Thirsty Mermaid
Thirsty Mermaid in Key West is a lively bar offering tropical cocktails, vibrant nightlife, and a fun, island-inspired atmosphere.
The Lower Keys
Driftwood Express
Driftwood Express in Big Pine Key offers wood-fired pizzas, specialty calzones, subs, wings, and fresh salads in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Key West
Eaton Street Seafood Market
KW Seafood in Key West is a seafood market and eatery where you can choose fresh local catch and have it cooked on the spot.
Marathon
Pink Pirate Cafe
The Pink Pirate Café — colorful island-style café in Marathon where bold flavors and laid-back charm meet.
Key West
Nine Line Apparel & Black Rifle Coffee Shop - Key West
Nine Line Apparel offers patriotic, veteran-owned apparel — shirts, hoodies, gear that honors service and American values.
Key West
Cuban Coffee Queen Downtown
Cuban Coffee Queen Downtown serves rich Cuban coffee, fresh sandwiches, and island favorites in the heart of Old Town Key West.
Key West
Duetto Pizza & Gelato
Duetto Pizza & Gelato is an Old Town Key West go-to for NY-style thin-crust pizza, fresh Italian sandwiches, and 14 flavors of house-made gelato. Grab a slice on Greene Street, order delivery, and finish with a scoop, with vegan and gluten-free picks in the mix too.
Marathon
Burdines Waterfront Restaurant & Marina
Burdine's Waterfront is a relaxed, family-friendly bar and grill in Marathon, Florida, serving fresh seafood, classic American dishes, and offering scenic waterfront dining with views of Boot Key Harbor.
Key West
Bagatelle
Bagatelle Key West is an elegant tropical-American restaurant on Duval Street, known for its gourmet seafood, inventive cocktails, and romantic ambiance.
Key West
Paradise Cafe
Paradise Café – A casual, family-friendly café in Key West serving all-day breakfast, sandwiches and burgers.
Islamorada
A Dinner in Paradise
A Dinner in Paradise is a personal chef and private dining service operating throughout the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Marathon, led by Chef Arthur, offering fully customized 4-course ocean-to-table meals prepared, cooked, served, and cleaned up at your home, vacation rental, or resort for events, gatherings, and special occasions starting at $90 per person with a $375 minimum plus groceries.
