Want to know where we actually eat? No view, no fuss, just seriously good food. This is the list we give our friends! Listed north to south by mile marker.
🌴 Heads up: lots of Keys restaurants close or cut back their hours for a few weeks in the off-season (usually September and October), so give them a quick call before you go.
Key Largo
Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant
Brightly colored spot with a garden patio serving ocean-fresh specials, lobster dishes, steaks and kids' meals. MM 102.7
💛 Don't miss: anything with lobster. It's in the name!
📍 102770 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
📞 (305) 451-0565
🔗 lazylobsterinthekeys.com
The Fish House
A Keys institution and seafood market serving locally caught fish since the 1980s, with award-winning key lime pie. MM 102.4
💛 Don't miss: the famous Fish Matecumbe.
📍 102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
📞 (305) 451-4665
🔗 fishhouse.com
Hobo's Cafe
Laid-back local favorite for lunch and dinner: fresh fish, great salads, the lobster sandwich and key lime pie in a jar. MM 101.7
💛 Must try: the drunken shrimp!
📍 101691 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
📞 (305) 451-5888
🔗 hoboscafe.net
Keys Bite
Casual, open-early spot serving an excellent breakfast (omelets and pancakes), plus shrimp baskets, hibachi and Mexican favorites. Open from 7 AM daily, with takeout. MM 99
💛 Local tip: don't skip breakfast here. It's excellent!
📍 99000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
📞 (305) 451-4843
🔗 floridakeysbite.com
Tavernier
Dillon's Pub & Grill
Friendly local pub with big plates, cold beer and a 116-inch screen for game day. Takeout, too! MM 91.2
💛 Don't miss: the jerk wings!
📍 91200 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
📞 (305) 852-6929
🔗 dillonspubandgrill.com
Old Tavernier Restaurant & Lounge
Greek and Italian favorite since 1988, with fresh seafood, prime steaks, lamb and house-baked bread in a warm, homey setting. MM 90.3, oceanside
💛 Must try: the best beef carpaccio you'll ever have!
📍 90311 Old Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
📞 (305) 852-6012
🔗 oldtav.com
City Hall Cafe & Wine Bar
Fresh local seafood and 30-plus wines by the glass, with takeout and local delivery. Closed Sundays. MM 88.5, Plantation Key
💛 Local tip: don't forget to grab a cookie!
📍 88511 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
📞 (305) 852-3354
🔗 cityhallcafe.net
Twisted Shrimp
Small, casual seafood spot with a nautical theme, known for fried shrimp, tacos and rice bowls. MM 87.7
💛 Don't miss: eating in an old boat!
📍 87745 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📞 (305) 440-2942
🔗 Order online
Islamorada
Bayside Gourmet
Family-run restaurant, pizzeria, bakery and espresso bar with a palm-shaded patio, serving breakfast through dinner. Closed Wednesdays. MM 82.8
💛 Local tip: eat in the garden when the weather is nice!
📍 82758 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📞 (305) 735-4471
🔗 baysidegourmet.com
Chef Michael's
Chef-owned island cottage serving upscale fresh seafood. Dinner only, reservations recommended. MM 81.7
💛 Why we love it: the best fish in the Keys, cooked by the chef-owner himself!
📍 81671 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📞 (305) 664-0640
🔗 foodtotalkabout.com