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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Abbondanza Italian Restaurant
Abbondanza Italian Restaurant is Key West's multi-year People's Choice Award winner for best Italian restaurant, serving hearty pasta, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes nightly from three charming converted cigar-maker cottages in the heart of Old Town.
Mangoes Restaurant
Mangoes — Caribbean-inspired dining on Duval Street in Key West, where fresh seafood and live music meet tropical island vibes.
Scuba Scoops
Scuba Scoops — premium small‑batch ice‑cream shop in Key Largo (MM 102.7) where creative flavors and a laid‑back island setting meet.
Sugarloaf Key Hotel at KOA Resort
Tropical seaside stay with marina access and on-site dining.
Drift On The Beach
Drift On The Beach in Islamorada features open-flame coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, and island-inspired cocktails in a laid-back beachfront resort setting.
Lazy Days South
Lazy Days South — oceanfront dining restaurant in Marathon, where Keys-style seafood and sunset views create laid-back island elegance.
Irish Kevin's
Irish Kevin’s in Key West is a legendary Duval Street bar known for its live music, hilarious entertainment, and lively crowd.
Azur Key West
Azur is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Old Town Key West, offering creative dishes like charred octopus, braised beef gnocchi, and house-made pastas in a chic, garden‑style setting.
Oceanview Inn & Sports Club
The Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub in Islamorada offers comfortable accommodations with a tropical flair, an outdoor pool, and a lively pub serving classic American fare and late-night bites.
El Jardin Restaurante
El Jardín Restaurante in Islamorada offers authentic Honduran and Central American flavors—think tostones rellenos, hearty specialties, and vibrant Latin dishes.
Café Moka Islamorada
Cafe Moka Islamorada — charming European-style café tucked away at Village Square on Overseas Hwy, serving artisan coffee, fresh pastries and light bites.
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.
The Bent Prop Bar & Grill
Bent Prop Bar & Grill in the Florida Keys serves up delicious coastal cuisine, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable waterfront views.
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.