Good Eats in the Florida Keys
There is so much to eat in The Keys. From fresh lobster to sushi and Cuban food, you can find anything to fit your mood and appetite. We ate at some fabulous restaurants, and I will share them all here!
FL Keys Steak & Lobster House
We ate at this fabulous restaurant two nights during our trip it was so delicious! Painted a bright blue and accented with murals of sea creatures and port hole windows, you can't miss this spot located on Marathon Key. Their menu is HUGE and so diverse. You can get your lobster and steak fix here of course, but the menu also features a wide variety of different sushi rolls. Me, being a sushi lover, absolutely had to try one, and I must say, it was the best roll I have ever eaten! The second time, I got a delicious shrimp scampi dish. The atmosphere of this place is so eclectic and relaxed, featuring oil paintings, as well as asian and beach themed decor.
El Meson de Pepe
If you want authentic Cuban food in the heart of Key West, then look no further than this charming restaurant located just off of Mallory Square! This was definitely my favorite meal of the trip because of the atmosphere and the delicious food. We sat in the intimate patio area which featured a fountain in the middle and tropical plants all around. With Cuban music being played by a live band in the background, it felt like we were really in Havana (oooo na na). I ate a delicious meal of dolphin fish with a special Cuban sauce, sweet grilled plantains, and yellow rice. After your meal, go into the cigar shop, Cigar City, located next to the restaurant, light up, relax, and enjoy the sounds and vibes of Key West.
Sunset Grille
We really enjoyed this casual grill in Marathon Key, which is the key where we were staying; so much so, that we went twice! It was a totally laid back restaurant with a grass thatched ceiling that totally fit the island vibes and reminded me a little bit of The Enchanted Tiki Room in Disney World. The entire restaurant was "outdoors" with a fantastic view of the 7 Mile Bridge. On our first visit, I got a portobello caprese burger, as I am a pescatarian, and on the second trip, I got conch fritters, a must in The Keys! The best part about this restaurant were the drinks which could be served in their accompanying souvenir cups for an extra $3, which were ADORABLE. The first visit, I ordered a delicious bushwhacker in a monkey cup, and the second, I got a pineapple rum drink served in a toucan cup! I would definitely recommend this place for a laid-back lunch spot. After your meal, take a walk out to the pier. You may get lucky and see a manatee like we did!
The Green Turtle Inn
This fancy spot in Islamorada, Florida, is the perfect date night spot. Dine in an open room with high ceilings and a very attentive wait staff, and get ready to experience some of the most high-end food in the keys to the tune of a live ukulele singer. The decor is elegant, yet laid back; I loved this restaurant and everything about it, although, I definitely could not afford it on my own! I ordered one of the specials, parmesan coated yellow fish served on top of three cheese ravioli and fresh greens...it was probably the best meal I have ever eaten. Inside the restaurant is the prettiest liquor store, stocked with liquor, wine, and beer of all kinds. Also in the restaurant, is a store which sells Lilly Pulitzer, custom Florida Keys fine gifts like salt scrub and hot sauce, Vineyard Vines, and a variety of other souvenirs anyone back home would love to receive. Stop in to both after your meal and leave with a gift from The Green Turtle Inn. I cannot wait to go back here!