Key West Restaurants: Local Spots to Visit Soon
Key West may be famous for sunsets, however its food scene has earned attention from all over the world. Area chefs have even been featured in Food and Wine magazine. In addition, the city’s signature dessert – key lime pie – satisfies every sweet tooth. Sound tempting? Dig into the top Key West restaurants visitors rave about, and don’t forget the pie.
8 Key West Restaurants for Local Flavor and Atmosphere
Banana Cafe
French-inspired Banana Cafe resembles a European bistro mixed with Key West vibes. No matter the time of day, this spot ranks among the best Key West restaurants for good food and ambiance.
Banana Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast crepes are the most popular. For lunch, try house favorites – like quiche of the day – savory crepes, sandwiches and salads. Its dinner menu offers crepes, quiche, seafood, steak, duck and sandwiches. Banana Cafe uses organic meats and ingredients and has vegetarian options.
Blue Heaven
This icon has become its own destination. Chickens and cats roam free, bands play the small stage daily, and people dig into American and Caribbean food.
Blue Heaven offers a casual environment and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. During lunch, sit in the shade and try salads, sandwiches, and Southern classics like shrimp and grits. Dinner features fresh seafood, steak, jerk chicken and vegetarian options.
El Siboney Restaurant
El Siboney Restaurant specializes in family-friendly Cuban cuisine packed with flavor. Additionally, its Catherine Street location offers a quiet retreat from Duval Street.
Open for lunch and dinner, guests order entrees including Cuban-style meatballs, pork chops and sandwiches. The Cuban mix and Cuban roast beef deliver a flavorful punch, or sample fresh-cooked burgers. El Siboney Restaurant also has daily lunch specials with soups and entrees.
Garbo’s Grill
Another casual spot among the best Key West restaurants, Garbo’s Grill operates out of an Airstream but offers outdoor seating in the sun and shade. Visitors will find this gem next to Grunts bar in Old Town.
The menu is simple. There’s no wrong choice here; everything is good. Burritos and tacos include shrimp, Korean BBQ, and cayo fish. Or try the house burger and beef hot dogs. All items are made to order and served fresh all day.
Latitudes Restaurant
For a raved-about fine dining experience, head to Latitudes Restaurant located in Sunset Key Cottages. This elegant restaurant has won awards for best scenic restaurants and most romantic restaurants in America.
Latitudes Restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While breakfast and lunch welcome casual vibes, there is a dress code for dinner. For breakfast and lunch, try Benedicts, sandwiches, salads, seafood and burgers. Dinnertime features entrees such as salmon, grouper, pasta, steak and lobster. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available as well.
New York Pasta Garden
For over 30 years, New York Pasta Garden has delighted hungry travelers. Upon arrival, kick back with loved ones in a tropical setting complete with exotic birds.
New York Pasta Garden serves dinner only, but that doesn’t stop people from coming back. House specialties include chicken, veal and filet mignon. There are also fresh seafood creations, pasta dishes, barbecue dinners and salads. New York Pasta Garden ranks among the best Italian restaurants in Key West.
Santiago’s Bodega
Santiago’s Bodega gives visitors a neighborhood spot to sample Spanish flavors. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner in a picturesque setting.
Begin with a homemade soup or fresh salad. Then select from cold and hot tapas. A few options include yellowfin tuna ceviche, bacon and basil wrapped mushrooms, and patatas bravas. Guests are encouraged to share tapas with loved ones. For a splash of flavor, visitors also recommend the sangria.
Looking for more things to do? Check out the top Key West tours and plan a sightseeing adventure. Then book a Key West vacation home in paradise.