Looking to plan your next vacation? Plan to experience the best restaurants and coffee cafes the Florida Keys have to offer.
This beautiful island chain at Florida's southern tip is renowned not just for its picturesque beaches and clear waters but also for its eclectic dining scene.
From fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors to inviting coffee cafes and casual dining spots, the Keys offer a rich variety of culinary experiences.
Here are thirteen top locations that showcase the diverse and delicious flavors of the Florida Keys' culinary landscape.
1. Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
Discover the charm of Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House in Marathon, FL, a local favorite known for its Certified Angus Beef and daily fresh seafood.
Established in 1980, this restaurant has evolved into a fine dining haven, rated 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, and ranked #1 out of 76 restaurants in Marathon.
A patron on TripAdvisor recommends the "pear pasta," describing it as "delightful," along with the "early bird surf and turf."
The relaxed yet elegant ambiance reflects the vibrant culture of the Florida Keys, making it a must-visit for both residents and visitors alike.
If you're hungry for more favorite Florida eats, read Food To Try In Florida: 5 Signature Dishes You Will Love
2. Porky's Bayside Restaurant and Marina
Dive into a delightful mix of seafood, BBQ, and sushi at Porky's Bayside Restaurant and Marina in Marathon, FL.
Hosting notable personalities like Ernest Hemingway and Elizabeth Taylor since the 1950s, it's where the charm of the old Florida Keys meets contemporary culinary delights.
This unique eatery offers a trifecta of culinary experiences, making it feel like "going to 3 different restaurants at one time," as one OpenTable review describes.
As of recent publication, Porky's Bayside has a 4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and a ranking as the fourth-best restaurant in Marathon out of 76.
The restaurant also provides a fun atmosphere with activities like mini-golf, making it a family-friendly destination. As the official website invites, come and "discover family fun and delicious food" while enjoying the bayside ambiance.
3. Butterfly Café at Tranquility Bay Resort
This award-winning restaurant at Tranquility Bay Resort is known for its tropical cuisine, with a focus on quality, local ingredients, and ocean-fresh seafood.
Since its inception, Butterfly Café has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering tantalizing dishes such as Florida Keys’ Shrimp Cocktail, Panko Encrusted Florida Grouper, and the famous TDF 'To Die For' Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Open daily for dinner from 6-9 pm, the café offers both indoor and al fresco dining options. The indoor dining room is impressive with its soaring ceiling and sophisticated decor, while the outdoor patio offers a relaxed setting under the stars.
As of recent publication, Butterfly Café has an excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 1742 reviews. The restaurant also recommends reserving in advance and encourages casual resort attire.
4. Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe
Key Largo's Fisheries Backyard Cafe is not just a restaurant — it's a multifaceted seafood market, Backyard Cafe, marina, and wholesale distributor.
This bustling place offers waterfront dining with a vast menu comprising over 100 items, ensuring something to satisfy every palate.
The relaxed, casual atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a meal with some "Keys" style fun. Established in 1972, this locale has been a go-to spot for seafood lovers for decades, offering freshly prepared seafood delights in a laid-back setting.
On TripAdvisor, the Backyard Cafe is rated well and is the 14th-best restaurant out of 79 in Key Largo.
Visitors have praised the diverse menu, including American, seafood, and cafe-style dishes, making it a versatile choice for different tastes.
5. Keys Fisheries
Experience the authentic flavors of the Florida Keys at Keys Fisheries in Marathon.
Known for its fresh local seafood and casual dining ambiance, it's where you can enjoy a meal right by the water. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, offering a broad range of seafood options.
One of the highlights of Keys Fisheries is its famous Lobster Reuben, along with other fresh seafood offerings such as Key West Pink Shrimp, Lobster, and Stone Crabs.
You can also enjoy house-made soups and the iconic Key Lime Pie, with the new addition of Key Lime Pie Pops now available.
Yelp reviewers recommend stopping by to have a fish sandwich on the water, appreciating the picnic table setting and the option to choose your preferred type of fish and how you want it cooked.
6. Seaside Café at the Mansion on the Sea
The Seaside Café at the Mansion on the Sea is a culinary gem at the Southernmost House in Key West, Florida.
Overlooking the stunning waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this family-owned and operated eatery offers a unique dining experience that combines great food, excellent service, and breathtaking ocean views.
The Seaside Café is renowned for its diverse menu, which includes a variety of cuisines from pizza to seafood. The restaurant's signature dishes include the Conch Fritters with Key Lime Honey Mustard Sauce, the Island Poke Cups, and the famous Lobster Bianca Pizza.
For dessert, the Piña Colada Key Lime Pie and the Classic Key Lime Pie are must-tries.
As of recent publication, the Seaside Café at the Mansion has an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,773 reviews, making it the top-rated restaurant in Key West.
The café is open from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and it's recommended to make a reservation in advance.
7. Jimmy's Ocean Blue
Venture into a serene beachside retreat at Jimmy's Ocean Blue, behind the Hyatt Beach House Resort in Key West, Florida.
This casual eatery offers a delightful mix of American and seafood dishes, with a grill serving various appetizing options.
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Jimmy’s Ocean Blue provides a tranquil setting for patrons to indulge in traditional American fare.
Their menu features a range of seafood options, and it's particularly praised for its fish tacos with mango salsa, freshly made hamburger patties, and marinated chicken sandwiches, adding a tropical flair to classic American cuisine.
The conch fritters served as appetizers are also a tasty choice for patrons to start their meal. A Yelp reviewer recommended Jimmy's Ocean Blue for its excellent grouper taco, diverse cocktails, and scenic views.
Another praised the food, especially the buffalo chicken wrap and burger, and highlighted the bartender's memorable service and friendliness.
8. Key West Cuban Coffee & Restaurant
Step into the vibrant world of Key West Cuban Coffee Shop & Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida. This charming restaurant, established in 2017, is a family-run gem that brings the rich flavors of Cuban and Mexican cuisine to life.
Praised for its warm hospitality and rated an impressive 4.8 stars by Google reviews, it's a place where every meal is an adventure.
From the Spicy Fish Taco Bowls to the Skirt Steak Churrasco, the menu at Key West Cuban Coffee Shop offers a delightful array of dishes, perfectly blending traditional tastes with a contemporary twist, all in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Not to be missed are the breakfast burritos and Cuban sandwiches, which have rave reviews on Yelp.
9. The Fish House
The Fish House is a popular dining destination located in Key Largo, Florida. This bustling seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catch and local cuisine, offering a wide array of dishes that cater to seafood lovers.
Every dish, whether it's the Conch Fritters with Key Lime Honey Mustard Sauce or the Shrimp and Scallops, showcases the rich and diverse flavors of the sea.
The Fish House has a classic old Florida vibe. It's mentioned in many Florida Keys travel guides, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.
As of recent publication, The Fish House has an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 4,375 reviews. The restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
10. Keys Coffee Co. & Cafe
Nestled in the bustling heart of Old Town Key West, Keys Coffee Co. & Cafe stands out as a beloved restaurant, serving not only locally roasted coffee but also a delectable array of breakfast and lunch options.
Renowned for its bright and cheery atmosphere, this cafe, since its establishment in 2015, has been delighting patrons with its fresh, made-to-order meals.
From the buttery house-cured salmon to expertly brewed coffee, every dish and drink at Keys Coffee Co. reflects a commitment to quality and local produce, earning it a stellar reputation as a go-to dining spot in Key West.
One Yelp reviewer highly recommends the Cuban breakfast sandwich and the Cafe con Leche and praises the friendly and attentive staff.
The cafe on Southard Street operates daily from 7 am to 7 pm, providing ample time for patrons to drop by for a hearty meal or a refreshing coffee brew.
They also have a satellite coffee takeout counter inside Hyatt Centric for those on the go, open every day from 7 am to 2 pm.
11. El Siboney Restaurant
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine at El Siboney Restaurant, located in the heart of Key West, Florida.
This family-friendly restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban dishes, offering a wide array of options that cater to all taste buds. From the Roast Pork (their #1) to the Siboney Steak (their #7), every dish is a testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Cuba.
El Siboney Restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both family gatherings and romantic dinners. The staff at El Siboney are known for their friendly service and are always ready to make your dining experience memorable.
As of recent publication, El Siboney Restaurant has an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 6,695 reviews, making it the second highest-rated restaurant in Key West.
12. Lorelei Restaurant
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Lorelei Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys.
This waterfront restaurant is renowned for its fresh catch and local cuisine, offering a wide array of dishes that cater to all taste buds. One of the standout breakfast dishes at Lorelei Restaurant is their Breakfast Burrito.
This local favorite is a grilled flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, your choice of sausage, ham or bacon, and cheddar cheese. Served with salsa and home fries, it's a hearty start to any day.
One of the standout dishes at Lorelei Restaurant is their World Famous Fish Sandwich. This signature dish has garnered rave reviews from patrons for its fresh ingredients and exquisite taste.
As of recent publication, Lorelei Restaurant has an impressive rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 5,272 reviews. The restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and it's recommended to make a reservation in advance.
13. Mangrove Mike's Cafe
Known for its splendid morning meals, Mangrove Mike's Cafe is a haven for early risers, offering a range of delicacies.
While the specific menu items like crab meat are subject to verification, guests can enjoy popular dishes such as French Toast, Tater Tot Tower, Eggs Benedict, Mangrove Oscar Benedict, and Lobster Benedict.
But the cafe doesn't just cater to savory preferences.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can indulge in delicious French toast complemented by a great French coffee or fresh juice.
The cafe is highly rated, holding the #2 spot out of approximately 80 restaurants in Islamorada on TripAdvisor and a 4.4 Yelp rating. Its patrons frequently praise the amazing breakfast and personable service, as reflected in numerous reviews.
To try something different, check out our Tampa foodie guide: Eating Your Way Through Tampa: A Guide to the City’s Most Unique Food Experiences
Savor the Island Flavors of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer an abundance of tempting restaurants and lively cafes waiting to be discovered.
Treat yourself to a getaway in the Keys and indulge in fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and tropical comfort foods. Wherever you eat, make reservations during peak tourism seasons.
And don't just stick to the hot spots — some of the best finds are local joints frequented by islanders, so consider asking around for those areas, too.
Most importantly, embrace the laidback Keys lifestyle as you dine. Savor both the flavorful food and the company you share it with.
