Key West Seafood Restaurants: Dig Into Local Flavor
Tropical, lively and flavorful are just a few ways to describe Key West’s food scene. This southernmost vacation spot provides access to fresh catches year-round while the area’s diverse population creates new spins on cuisine. For a glimpse into the best, read about these Key West seafood restaurants.
Key West Seafood Restaurants and What to Order
Conch Republic Seafood Company
Focused on dock-to-dish options, Conch Republic Seafood Company serves local seafood paired with waterfront views. Conch opens for lunch and dinner. Closing times vary, so this spot is great as a light-night hangout out as well.
To start the meal, try the crab cakes, conch fritters or coconut shrimp. Main entrees range from hearty chowders and sandwiches to large plates complete with tuna, mahi mahi, pasta and fresh catches. In addition, the restaurant has raw bar options, chicken, steak, burgers and vegetarian dishes – and a drink menu with signature mojitos and martinis.
DJs Clam Shack
For quick and affordable seafood, head to DJs Clam Shack. This spot aims to provide delicious seafood from their popular location on Duval Street.
DJs serves lunch and stays open until 9 p.m. for dinner. Favorites include the Maine lobster roll, clams, fried fish, cracked conch and fish tacos. Visitors can also choose land options such as hot dogs, chicken fingers, and chicken and pork tacos. While there’s a full menu of seafood, online reviewers rave about the lobster rolls.
Half Shell Raw Bar
This iconic spot ranks among the top Key West seafood restaurants for its Old Florida style and has served the area since 1972. Guests can also enjoy waterfront views and watch boats and sunsets.
The raw bar is the main star at Half Shell with oysters, clams on the shell and peel-eat shrimp. Other options include seafood towers, tuna and crab sandwiches, fried seafood baskets, po’boys lobster, and fresh catches. For large entrees, guests can choose from shrimp scampi, seafood combos and surf and turf. Half Shell Raw Bar serves lunch and dinner and stays open until 10 p.m.
Eaton Street Seafood Market
Eaton Street Seafood Market doubles as a fresh seafood market and restaurant. Visitors can buy fresh seafood to-go or dine outdoors.
At the restaurant, start with conch ceviche, calamari or buffalo shrimp. Lunch and dinner entrees range from lobster roll, fish sandwiches, grilled lobster tail and fried seafood baskets. For more options, Eaton also offers tacos, chicken tenders, hot dogs and catch of the day. Those staying in vacation rentals enjoy buying their favorite seafood and cooking it at home.
Seven Fish
Seven Fish is one of the best Key West seafood restaurants for dinner. For more than 20 years, the restaurant has served fresh seafood in a bistro environment.
For small plates, guests will find pink shrimp, crab cake, mussels, salads and sushi rolls. Those who want larger plates can select from yellowtail snapper curry, chef’s seafood feast, seafood marinara pasta and gnocchi, to name a few. For something different than seafood, try the strip steak or meatloaf.
A&B Lobster House
For more than 70 years, A&B Lobster House has been a staple for dining in Key West. The restaurant offers an upscale atmosphere that overlooks the water, providing the perfect place for fine dining.
Once seated, start with grilled octopus, shrimp cocktail, lobster or escargot. Then visitors can select from soups, salads, crab cakes, grouper, tuna, steak, and surf and turf. In addition, A&B Lobster House serves types of lobster dishes such as Caribbean lobster tail and Maine lobster. For the perfect pairing, ask the team about their wine list.
The Lobster Shack Key West
For more casual vibes, head to The Lobster Shack Key West. This spot is located at the Southernmost Point, a popular attraction in Key West. Plus, Lobster Shack offers to-go and dine-in options.
The menu here is pretty simple – fresh and hot – and perfect for lunch or an early dinner. Select from regular lobster roll, BLT lobster roll, lobster grilled cheese, shrimp roll or lobster bisque. Visitors are also welcome to try a salad with shrimp or lobster, or order the coconut shrimp.
Read about other Key West restaurants known for great dishes and service. Then check out the top places for Key Lime Pie.
Visiting soon? Reserve a vacation rental in Key West and get ready for a fun-filled vacation.