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
Marathon
El Siboney Marathon
Casual Cuban comfort food with generous portions and bold flavors — perfect for lunch or dinner after exploring the Keys.
Key West
La Trattoria-Old Town
La Trattoria — authentic Italian dining in Key West, where classic cuisine and seaside elegance come together.
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.
Islamorada
Caloosa Cove Resort
Fifteen acres on the ocean at mile marker 73.5, with 30 suites that all have kitchens, balconies and water out the front door, plus a heated pool and a sandy beach. Tie your boat up out back, walk over to Habano's for Cuban food, and never move the car.
Marathon
B's Reggae Bites
B’s Reggae Bites — authentic Jamaican food truck and island-style carry-out in Marathon, Florida Keys.
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.
Key West
OverAchieving Tea
OverAchieving Tea is a premium handcrafted yerba maté and wellness shot brand crafting better-tasting, better-quality functional herbal blends, found at the Key West Artisan Market and local Florida Keys events.
Key West
Lobster Shack, The
Lobster Shack Key West serves fresh, buttery lobster rolls, sandwiches, and seafood favorites just steps from the beach.
Marathon
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.
Islamorada
Nikai Sushi
Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant – Sleek, ocean-view sushi and Japanese-fusion dining at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada.
Key Largo
Num Thai Restaurant And Sushi Bar
Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar – A vibrant, family-run dining spot in Key Largo blending bold Thai cuisine with generous sushi rolls.
Key Largo
Dry Rocks
Dry Rocks at Baker’s Cay is a beachside restaurant in Key Largo serving vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, live music, and stunning coastal views.
Islamorada
Square Grouper Sunset Lounge
Sunset Lounge – A stylish rooftop cocktail bar and seafood lounge above the Gulf at Mile Marker 80.5 in Islamorada.
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.
