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
Takeria La Palapa
Takeria La Palapa in Marathon serves fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine with a casual Keys vibe.
The Lower Keys
Good Food Conspiracy
Organic market and juice bar in Big Pine Key offering vegan wraps, smoothies, and holistic wellness products.
Key West
Hot Tin Roof & Sunset Pier
Hot Tin Roof Restaurant at Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers elegant, waterfront dining on Duval Street with a menu featuring island-inspired seafood and stunning harbor views.
Key West
Little Room Jazz Club
Little Room Jazz Club is a chic Duval Street cocktail venue in Key West with nightly live jazz, craft cocktails, and an intimate listening room vibe.
Islamorada
Paris Coffee Gone Coastal
Paris Coffee Gone Coastal – Cozy gourmet coffee shack in Islamorada serving premium espresso drinks, smoothies and specialty treats.
Marathon
Butterfly Café
Butterfly Café at Tranquility Bay offers casual waterfront dining with island-inspired fare and scenic canal views.
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.
The Lower Keys
Pop's Smoke Shed Big Pine Key
Authentic Florida Keys BBQ at Pop’s Smoke Shed — slow-smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork & more across Key West, Marathon & Big Pine Key.
Islamorada
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant in Tavernier offers classic, flavorful Chinese dishes like General Tso’s, fried rice, and noodle plates in a cozy Upper Keys setting.
Key West
Rock Key Café
Rock Key Café — breakfast and brunch café in Key West, offering fresh sandwiches, Latin‑American coffee and casual island vibes right on 111 Overseas Hwy.
Islamorada
Capt Craig's Restaurant
A beloved Florida Keys seafood spot in Tavernier, serving fresh catches and the “world-famous” fish sandwich daily.
Key West
Captain Tony's Saloon
Captain Tony’s Saloon is a historic Key West dive bar famous for its colorful past, live music, and legendary visitors like Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett.
Marathon
Rainbow Bend Resort
Rainbow Bend Resort is a family-friendly, oceanfront retreat in Marathon, Florida, offering a private beach, saltwater pool, and hot tub with ocean views.
Islamorada
J-Dao Sushi Thai
J-Dao Sushi Thai — vibrant sushi and Thai cuisine destination in Tavernier, Florida Keys.
