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.
Filters
La Isla Taco Grill
La Isla Taco Grill — vibrant Mexican taco spot in Marathon, where bold flavors and casual island atmosphere meet.
Digiorgio's Cafe Largo
Café Largo (DiGiorgio’s Café Largo) in Key Largo offers handcrafted Italian cuisine and fresh seafood in an elegant, family-owned setting.
Barnacle Barney's Tiki Bar and Grill
Barnacle Barney’s Tiki Bar & Grill in Marathon offers waterfront dining, tropical drinks, and live music in a laid-back Keys setting.
Bongos Botanical Beer Garden
Keep your eyes peeled at Mile Marker 59 on Grassy Key because Bongos Botanical Beer Garden is one of those places you could easily miss and never forgive yourself for. Opened in 2020 inside The Lagoon adventure park, this tropical beer garden is surrounded by mature palms, banana trees, and an organic herb and fruit garden growing the fresh ingredients that go straight into your cocktail, with over 20 craft beers on tap, a daily food truck, weekend brunch and live music, hammock chairs for swinging, lawn games, and a genuinely dog-friendly policy that extends to a plain beef patty for your pup.
Frita's Cuban Burgers
Fritas Cuban Burger Café brings the bold flavors of Cuban street food to Key West with signature frita burgers and fusion tacos.
Louie's Backyard
Louie’s Backyard — upscale ocean-front dining in Key West, where Caribbean flair meets fine cuisine under swaying palms.
one DUVAL
One Duval — waterfront fine dining restaurant in Key West, where elegant cuisine and stunning Gulf views meet.
HiNote Bar
HiNote is a lively cocktail bar in Key West, Florida offering handcrafted drinks, cozy seating, and a welcoming atmosphere for nights out.
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.
Conch Republic Seafood Company
Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West crafts island-style cuisine with fresh seafood, steaks, raw bar offerings, and tropical flavors.
The Thirsty Mermaid
Thirsty Mermaid in Key West is a lively bar offering tropical cocktails, vibrant nightlife, and a fun, island-inspired atmosphere.
Tavern N Town
Tavern N Town Key West offers upscale dining with island-inspired dishes, premium steaks, and fresh seafood in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Krust Pizza & Pies
KRUST Pizza & Pies is a Tavernier, FL pizzeria and pie shop serving handcrafted pizzas and specialty desserts from its cozy Florida Keys location.
Pizzaworks
Pizza Works — dependable family-style pizzeria in Big Pine Key where classic pies meet laid-back island flavor.
The Armory Speakeasy at The Post
The Armory Speakeasy at The Post in Key Largo offers handcrafted cocktails and vintage charm in an exclusive, hidden bar setting.