Ultimate Key West Food Guide | 18 Places You Must Try
This is the ultimate Key West food guide that you’ve been looking for! If you want the best places to eat in Key West, Florida, I’ve got you covered! I spent an entire summer working and eating my way through Key West.
And when we weren’t eating, we did EVERYTHING else there is to do in Key West and I created the ultimate Key West bucket list from my experiences. Plus, I’ve got you covered for everything you need to know before visiting Key West!
Anyway, back to me living in Key West. I’m not a big partier, so instead of bar-hopping each night, we tried out every restaurant, cafe, and bakery in Key West we could find! And from all of that, I’ve now got some GREAT suggestions for you.
*There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my privacy/disclosure policy to learn more.
🌴 IN A RUSH? HERE ARE OUR KEY WEST FAVORITES
WHERE TO STAY:
💰😍 The Palms Hotel: Hidden Gem!Apartment-style rooms with an outdoor pool in Old Town Key West! Has amazing reviews, cheap bike rentals and a very affordable price.
💰💰😍 Beachside Resort & Residences: Oceantfront rooms, outdoor pool, private beach and even units with a kitchen.
💰💰💰😍 Casa Marina Key West Curio Collection by Hilton: Recently renovated beautiful hotel with the largest private beach in Key West, plus 2 oceanfront pools and watersports available directly from the hotel.
KEY LIME PIE WALKING TOUR IN KEY WEST:
🍰 1.5 Hour Key Lime Pie Tasting Tour in Key West:Taste multiple slices of Key Lime pie with a local while learning about the history of Key West and Key lime pie (like a pub crawl but for pie!😍)
EXCURSIONS WE'VE BOOKED AND LOVED:
🚤 Full Day Key West Ultimate Watersports Adventure:Experience all of the watersports on this full-day trip like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, sunbathing on a catamaran and more!
🚤 Jet Ski Tour of Key West:Experience a thrilling trip around the island of Key West on this Jet Ski tour- share a jet ski and the second rider is free!
🌴 Unique Key West Sandbar Adventure: Experience the backcountry of Key West on this cruise and play on a sandbar in crystal clear water. SUPs and lunch included!
⚓ 1.5 Hour Beautiful Sunset Sail with Drinks Included: Experience the majestic Key West sunsets from the water on a sunset sail!
🤿 Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Key West:Visit the best places to see dolphins in Key West plus visit the backcountry for snorkeling!
HOW WE SAVE MONEY ON OUR RENTAL CARS:
🚘 Economy Bookings Car Rental: Any bit you can save on your car rental is worth it. Our go-to is Economy Bookings.
OUR OTHER TRAVEL FAVORITES:
📸 Tours/Excursions: Viator & Get Your Guide
🚕 Airport Transfers with Car Seats: Welcome Pickups
👉 Travel Strollers: Zoe Traveler & Zoe Double
🍼 Baby Carriers: Tula Carriers, Wildride Hip Carriers
📱 International Data Phone eSIM: Airalo
🚗 Cheap Rental Cars: Economy Bookings
🏠 Accomodations: Booking, Expedia, VRBO, Airbnb
🌎 Travel Insurance: World Nomads
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the above link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
How Much Does it Cost to Eat Out in Key West, Florida?
Key West can be known for its pricey food- but I tend to eat on the cheaper end (with a few splurges here and there). If you’re like me, I recommend budgeting around $20 per meal (per person).
You can definitely spend much more than that on food in Key West; however, there are some affordable hidden gems that you’ve got to try!
The prices on this list range from about $12 per person, average about $18 per person, and top out at about $35 per person.
Map of Where to Eat in Key West
*Use this interactive map to see my top recommendation for places to eat in Key West. Click on the full-screen icon in the top right corner to have this map open in your own Google Maps app or click on the arrow in the top left corner to see a pullout list of all points on the map*
Check out this post: The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do
Ultimate Key West Food Guide | 18 Places You Must Try
This is a list of the top 18 places I recommend to eat in Key West. It includes Key West restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus bakeries and cafes. And don’t you worry, there are also a few waterfront dining options in Key West included.
If you’re someone who loves a good tour, check out this Key West foodie walking tour, where you get to eat your way through Key West while learning a bit of history along the way.
🤤 Click here to learn about the Key West Foodie Tour! 🤤
There’s also this Key Lime Pie tasting tour, which is like a pub crawl… but for pie… (my kind of pub crawl).
🍰🌟 Click here to learn about the Key Lime Pie Tasting Tour in Key West! 🍰🌟
And, if you only have 1 day to spend in Key West, check out my The Ultimate Itinerary for a Day Trip to Key West to see which top places for food I recommend to squeeze into one day!
1. Blue Heaven
- Price: $$
- Type of food: American (especially good breakfast/brunch spot)
- Street: Petronia Street
- Diet: Vegan and gluten-free options available
The absolute best place to eat in Key West is DEFINITELY Blue Heaven. Blue Heaven is suchhhhh a cute eatery and every locals favorite for a relaxing, open-air breakfast with (get this) live music and roosters! Their catchphrase is even ‘breakfast with the roosters’!
If you are going to eat anywhere in Key West, I am telling you, eat at Blue Heaven. You’ve got to try ‘Richard’s Very Good Pancakes’ which are huge made-from-scratch pancakes with either chunks of banana, pineapple, pecans, or blueberries within.
Unfortunately, no reservations are available for breakfast (served until 2:00 pm) or lunch, so get there early to make sure you get a table outside! And if you’re looking for a unique Key Lime Pie with an absurdly awesome amount of meringue, snag a slice after your meal.
2. Amigos Tortilla Bar
- Price: $-$$
- Type of food: Fresh-Mex
- Street: Greene St/Duval Street
- Diet: Vegan and gluten-free options available
Don’t let the name fool you because Amigos Tortilla Bar isn’t an actual ‘bar’ (which you will find plenty of on Duval Street). It’s actually a mouthwatering fresh-Mex joint with a delicious and simple menu.
Amigos is a small establishment located right off Duval Street with both indoor seating and an open-air counter facing the bustling street which is perfect for people-watching. And considering their location, their menu is actually very reasonably priced. For example, you can get a burrito or bowl for $10 (which is unheard of in Key West)!
I ate at Amigos ALL the time when I lived in Key West. I highly recommend…. well, everything on their menu. However, you can’t go wrong with any of their bowls! And don’t feel guilty eating Mexican food in Key West, because you can still choose a Key West-favorite Baja fish, Mahi Mahi, for any of your tacos, bowls, or burritos!
3. Cuban Coffee Queen
- Price: $
- Type of food: Cuban and American (including breakfast)
- Street: 3 locations: Margaret Street (original), Front Street, Southard Street
- Diet: Vegan and Gluten-free options
If you’re looking for a cute coffee shop and cafe (which also happens to have amazing prices), Cuban Coffee Queen is for you! Cuban Coffee Queen now has 3 locations. However, the original location (Margaret Street) is a little waterfront, walk-up shack with outdoor picnic tables, and friendly roosters hanging out! But if you are looking for a newer/ bigger location, try the other two!
You can pick from any of their delicious Cuban sandwiches, breakfasts, or smoothies. And if you are looking for a pick-me-up, the Cuban Coffee is supposed to be amazing (I’m not a coffee drinker, but if I was, I would totally get it).
Be sure to snap a pic in front of the adorable “Welcome to Key West” postcard mural on the side of their Margaret Street shack!
4. Falafel King
- Price: $
- Type of food: Middle Eastern
- Street: Fitzpatrick St (near Mallory Square)
- Diet: Vegan and gluten-free options
Falafel King is the hidden gem of cheap eats in Key West. If you are looking for a cheap but yummy lunch or dinner option you need to check it out. It’s located right near all the action in Key West, just a 3-minute walk from Mallory Square. Be sure to keep a lookout for the small ‘Falafel King’ sign pointing you down the alleyway to the entrance!
I recommend picking up some falafel or shawarma to-go and walking over to Mallory Square to enjoy the sunset celebration with food in hand. Nothing better than enjoying a world-class sunset knowing you only paid $8 for your meal in a town where you usually spend $15-$20 😆.
You’ll love this post: 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida
5. Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
- Price: $
- Type of food: Dessert
- Street: 3 locations: Elizabeth Street (original location) and Duval Street
- Diet: Gluten-free options
When in Key West, you MUST try Key lime pie (even if you don’t think you will like it). And trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop is known for having some of the best Key lime pie in Key West and has been around for almost 25 years! You can buy pie by the slice, or my favorite way to get it is on a stick! And you’ve got to try the chocolate-covered Key Lime Pie on a stick while you’re there.
Along with Key lime pie, Kermit’s has all sorts of goodies and sweets made with Key limes that make great souvenirs or gifts for those back home. We actually impulse-bought some Key lime dog treats for our pup the last time we were in Key West 🙈.
6. Old Town Bakery
- Price: $
- Type of food: Desserts, artisan bread, and sandwiches
- Street: Eaton Street
- Diet: Vegan options available
Old Town Bakery is an adorable bakery in a restored, charming 19th-century Key West building. It’s a family-run bakery with fresh artisan bread, baked goods, and super affordable sandwiches (including vegan and veggie options).
Swing by Old Town Bakery for breakfast or lunch, or for a pick-me-up goodie during the day. However, it’s only open until 3 pm each day, so be sure to get there early!
7. Mattheessen’s Bakery
- Price: $
- Type of food: Dessert
- Street: 3 locations: (2 on Duval Street and 1 on Greene Street)
If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert, head over to Mattheessen’s Bakery. They are a family-run bakery with three locations in Key West (all of them great) and all of the goodies are baked in-store each day!. They are known for their yummy, giant cookies; however, they have ice cream, Key Lime Pie and lots of other treats.
When I went, we indulged in the ‘Cookie Monster’ which is a huge cookie (you pick your flavor) with 3 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, and sprinkles. It’s soooo good (and sooo big 🙈 ). Two of us somehow finished it off, but I’ve heard of groups of three or more that have had leftovers!
Mattheessen’s is open until (get this) midnight every day of the week which makes it a perfect place to swing on over to for your late-night sugar cravings
8. Key West Original Conch Fritters
- Price: $
- Type of food: Caribbean
- Street: Mallory Square
One of the unique foods you’ve got to eat in Key West are some conch fritters. Conch (pronounced con-k). Conch fritters are small bits of conch (a sea snail) deep-fried with cornmeal batter, jalapeños, and other spices.
9. El Siboney
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Cuban/Caribbean
- Street: Catherine Street
Since Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba, it’s a good idea to try some authentic Cuban food while on the island! El Siboney is a cozy family-run restaurant with the best Cuban food around, where all the locals love to go.
It’s only a few blocks from Duval Street and worth the short detour. Be sure to try the platanos (fried sweet plantains) and the Cuban bread! If you take a Key West Foodie Tour they’ll be sure to take you to a great Cuban joint and let you know some of the history behind the tasty food in Key West.
Related post: The 8 Best Places To Try Key Lime Pie In Key West (Including Vegan and Gluten Free Pies)
10. Southernmost Beach Cafe
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Caribbean
- Street: Duval Street/Southernmost Beach
Southernmost Beach Cafe is a cute cafe located right on Key West’s Southernmost Beach (as the name implies 😆). I recommend swinging by at sunset to buy some drinks or an appetizer to share and soak in the beautiful views of Key West’s famous sunset (that is, if you’ve already experienced Key West’s famous sunset celebration on a different night).
11. The Cafe
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Healthy Eats
- Street: Southard Street
- Diet: Vegan and Gluten-free options (specified on menu)
The Cafe is a chill, mostly vegetarian eatery adorned with local art and is every healthy-eater’s dream in Key West. Although meat is served, the menu is specifically labeled with vegan/gluten-free items (I wish everywhere did this!).
I only recently found out about The Cafe, but it’s at the top of my list for places to eat in Key West next time I visit. And if you are looking, this is the place to pick up your vegan Key Lime Pie!
12. Sunset Pier
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Caribbean/American
- Street: Pier at 0 Duval
Sunset Pier has a small menu of what you may call ‘bar food’. However, that doesn’t matter because I recommend visiting for a perfect place to watch the sunset (or for front-row seats to the annual Key West Speed Boat Races).
You can order some Key Lime Pie or some drinks and soak in the amazing waterfront views, listen to local music, and sit under the adorable twinkle lights at night.
13. Latitudes Restaurant on a Private Island
- Price: $$$
- Type of food: American/Caribbean
- Street: Sunset Key (private island just a short 7-minute shuttle boat ride from Front Street in Key West)
- Diet: Vegan and gluten-free options
I’m not usually one for fancy-pants restaurants (like, ever). However, I make an exception for Latitudes. And here’s why:
Latitudes Restaurant is located on a private island called Sunset Key, which is just a 7-minute boat ride from Key West. It is home to the posh Sunset Key Cottages, beautiful white sandy beaches with palm-frond umbrellas, hammocks, and gorgeous views.
You are only allowed to be on Sunset Key if you are either staying at Sunset Key Cottages (we are talking about spending over $1,000 per night for a one-bedroom cottage), OR if you have a dining reservation at Latitudes.
It’s a really beautiful restaurant, RIGHT next to a picturesque sandy beach, and it just feels really nice. It’s popular, though, so you have to book FAR IN ADVANCE and be sure to ask to be seated outside as close to the beach as possible.
To get to Latitudes, you board a small boat off Front Street in Key West at your reservation time (you are not allowed to go over early), and they shuttle you for free to the restaurant. After your meal at Latitudes, you can catch any boat headed back to Key West (no specific time).
I recommend making breakfast or lunch reservations to avoid the more expensive dinner menu (you’ll still be spending around $25-$30 per plate for lunch). Although dinner isn’t too crazy for a really nice place at about $50 per plate.
The dress code for lunch (so fancy, I know) is just casual. However, attire for dinner is ‘country club casual’ with no tank tops or cover-ups.
*I’ve heard that you may be able to get beach passes for Sunset Key from their sister hotel, Opal Key Resort in Key West. This seems to change often, but it’d be worth calling Opal Key Resort or Sunset Key Cottages to inquire about access to the beach on Sunset Key because it’s by far the nicest beach in Key West.
14. Mo’s Restaurant
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Creole, Haitian and Caribbean
- Street: White Street
- Diet: Gluten-free and vegetarian options
For some true Haitian Creole comfort food, check out Mo’s Creole. Mo’s is a homey, hole-in-the-wall establishment with rich Haitian dishes. If you are looking to get away from the sometimes touristy feeling downtown Key West, head over to Mo’s for an experience trying food you’ve maybe never tried before!
Be sure to check out their rice and beans with their delicious Creole sauce!
15. Jimmy Buffett’s Original Margaritaville
- Price: $$
- Type of food: American/Caribbean
- Street: Duval Street
- Diet: Gluten-free options
I mainly recommend Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville if you are a self-proclaimed Parrothead (aka a Hawaiian shirt, flip-flop-wearing Jimmy Buffett fan 😁). Key West was Jimmy Buffett’s first Margaritaville location, which opened in 1985 after the soaring success of his song, ‘Margaritaville’ released in 1977.
The food covers your basics with fish tacos and burgers, and definitely a fun time if you’re looking for some great Jimmy Buffett nostalgia!
related post: The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do
Best food to eat on a day trip from Key West
Even though these eateries aren’t TECHNICALLY in Key West, they are still so worth mentioning. The following places are located up the Florida Keys, either in Islamorada or Maratho,n and they are totally worth a stop on your drive down the Overseas Highway from Miami or on a day trip from Key West.
16. Porky’s Bayside Marina
- Price: $$
- Type of food: BBQ
- Street: Marathon, Florida (1 hour from Key West)
Porky’s Bayside is a cute open-air restaurant located right on a marina in Marathon, Florida. It is known as a BBQ restaurant; however, what I recommend is the fried Key Lime Pie. This is because I’m a firm believer that when in Key West, you need to try as much Key Lime Pie as possible! And I mean, where else can you get fried PIE?
You can make Porky’s a break on your drive through the Florida Keys, or take a little day trip from Key West!
17. Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
- Price: $$
- Type of food: Caribbean/American
- Location: Robbies of Islamorada (Islamorada, Florida) 1.5 hours from Key West
The Hungry Tarpon at Robbie’s is the quintessential, laid-back, Florida Keys eating experience. It is located at Robbie’s Marina, which is a perfect stop on a Florida Keys road trip or a day trip from Key West.
The patio area is located right on the water, has gorgeous views and afterwards you can hang out in the marina to feed the tarpon and enjoy the cute shops.
You can enjoy a variety of delicious food like fresh fish (of course), sandwiches and wraps. And if you head out on a fishing excursion, they will even ‘cook your catch’!
18. Charli’s Shave Ice at Robbie’s of Islamorada
- Price: $
- Type of food: Dessert
- Location: Robbies of Islamorada (Islamorada, Florida) 1.5 hours from Key West
- Diet: Gluten-free and vegetarian options
If you’re looking for a pitstop on your way to Key West or a yummy treat to after a crazy, fun time feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s, check out Charli’s Shave Ice. Charli’s is a newer addition to the fun atmosphere of Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada.
They feature shave ice similar to what you would find in Hawaii (shaved, not crushed ice) and if you desire, you can get it with ice cream or sweetened condensed milk!
And those are the top places I love to eat in Key West, Florida! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below, and I’ll be sure to get back to you.
🌴🐚 LOOKING FOR MORE ABOUT KEY WEST?
🍰 The 8 Best Places To Try Key Lime Pie In Key West (Including Vegan and Gluten Free Pies)
🌴 The Ultimate Itinerary for a Day Trip to Key West
🐚 The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do
❗ 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida
🚤 8 Key West Excursions Definitely Worth the Money
🤿 10 Best Things to do at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West Florida
☀️ The 7 Most Beautiful Places You Need Watch the Sunset in Key West
🚤 5 Reasons You Need to Rent Jet Skis in Key West + How to Rent
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CJ
Thank you for putting this together! I am planning a Key West trip and have looked at all of your recommendations pages – food, excursions and more – for Key West. Much appreciated! 🙂
jenessa
CJSo great to hear that it’s been helpful. I hope you have a great trip!
Aimee
Thanks for the quick response!
Aimee
Do you know if Latitudes will still allow you to hang out at the beach after breakfast? I can’t find any information about them allowing it. Thanks for the great recommendations…adding several you mentioned on our list for upcoming trip 👍🏻
jenessa
AimeeHey Aimee- Great question. You know what, I don’t actually think that is allowed. I am pretty sure they have signs up now at the beach saying ‘for Sunset Key guests only’. I’m not sure if those signs were there when I visited or not- but to be safe I’m guessing it’s not actually allowed. :/ Such a bummer! But I definitely still recommend visiting Latitudes!
Christy Huebner
Do you just have a list of these of the food guide. I really don’t want to print out all the pictures.
Thanks
jenessa
Christy HuebnerHey Christy 🙂 I’m glad you found this helpful. Here are a list of all the restaurants: Blue Heaven, Amigos Tortilla Bar, Cuban Coffee Queen, Falafel King, Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, Old Town Bakery, Mattheesen’s Bakery, Key West Original Conch Fritters, Thai Island, El Siboney, Southernmost Beach Cafe, The Cafe, Sunset Pier, Latitudes Restaurant, Mo’s Restaurant, Jimmy Buffet’s Original Margaritaville. And a drive up the keys you will find: Porky’s Bayside Marina, Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, Charli’s Shave Ice