Key West, Florida, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, and the freshest catches directly from the sea to your plate. From traditional fish shacks to gourmet dining restaurants, the island is home to an amazing array of seafood restaurants reflecting local flavors and culinary innovation.
Whether you have a hankering for buttery lobster tail, pan-seared perfection tuna steak, or plain old conch chowder, Key West has it. And here are ten Key West seafood restaurants that you simply must go to that will have you booking your next vacation there before you’ve even had time to take a bite.
- Hogfish Bar & Grill
Situated on Stock Island, a short drive from Key West’s central business district, Hogfish Bar & Grill is a hidden gem where residents dine on fresh seafood in an off-the-beaten-path environment. Hogfish sandwich is its signature dish, and it must be ordered, with light, flaky fish on Cuban bread topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions. The open, casual ambiance directly on the water finishes off the charm.
- Conch Republic Seafood Company
A classic Key West experience, Conch Republic Seafood Company is located on the historic seaport, with beautiful views and an excellent seafood menu. Have their cracked conch or their renowned Key West pink shrimp, which are picked fresh from nearby waters. Their raw bar is also a great spot to try oysters and stone crab during season.
- Blue Heaven
Although Blue Heaven is famous for its quirky, outdoor ambiance complete with free-roaming chickens, it also has some of the finest seafood in town. Its Caribbean flavors come through in such dishes as spiny lobster Benedict and blackened mahi-mahi. Be sure to leave room for their renowned Key lime pie!
- A&B Lobster House
For the fine seafood dinner, go to A&B Lobster House. With a marina view, the fine dining restaurant is all about fresh lobster, from the whole Florida lobster to the thermidor and the lobster mac and cheese. Combine this with a glass of fine wine from their voluminous list for the ultimate evening out.
- Garbo’s Grill
Cult favorite food truck Garbo’s Grill serves Key West’s most excellent fish tacos in the city. The shrimp tacos with Korean BBQ and the lobster rolls pack lots of flavor, and the casual, down-to-earth vibes make it the perfect stop following a day spent wandering Duval Street. Do not be tricked by how compact this wee eatery is: its tastes are large and linger.
- Alonzo’s Oyster Bar
For oyster lovers, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar is a requirement. Located in the Key West Historic Seaport, this on-the-water restaurant has a great raw bar and an abundance of seafood platters. They have one of the greatest happy hours in town, with half-price oysters and cocktail specials that bring a celebratory crowd every day of the week.
- Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant
Half seafood store, half relaxed restaurant, Eaton Street Seafood Market serves up some of the freshest fish in town to order. Its lobster roll is one of the best in Key West, and its fried grouper sandwich a close second. You can even buy fresh fish to cook yourself if you are in an apartment with a kitchen.
- The Stoned Crab
Sustainable seafood committed, The Stoned Crab serves some Key West’s best stone crab claws. Seafood platters comprising a mix of local catches and served to be shared are suitable. Located on the Ibis Bay Resort grounds, the establishment has an informal island ambiance with excellent tropical drinks to pair your meal.
- Little Pearl
For a cozier dining environment, Little Pearl features an upscale, intimate space with a constantly changing menu serving up fresh seafood prepared in new and creative ways. Their favorite dish is miso-marinated black cod, scallop risotto, and their wine menu is carefully chosen to pair nicely with their seafood selections.
- Louie’s Backyard
A Key West landmark, Louie’s Backyard combines oceanfront dining with upscale seafood. Island flair at the restaurant is seen through such dishes as conch fritters, yellowtail snapper, and spiny lobster grilled. Watch the sunset at dinnertime off the top deck over the Atlantic Ocean with a tropical drink in your hand.
Why You Should Not Miss the Chance to Eat at Seafood Restaurants in Key West
Key West, Florida, is a seafood paradise. Being a coastal village with a long history of fishing, the island boasts some of the nation’s freshest and tastiest seafood. From grilled snapper, melt-in-your-mouth lobster, to a spicy conch ceviche, the Key West seafood eateries serve up meals that taste like a fresh catch off the ocean directly onto your plate.
- Unmatched Freshness
Seafood in Key West is as fresh as it gets. Restaurants take advantage of daily fish catches by local fishermen to provide superior cuisine bursting with flavor. Island favorite Key West pink shrimp is a treat to be enjoyed—sweet, tender, and best grilled or in traditional shrimp cocktail.
- Signature Local Dishes
Key West has up some otherworldly seafood delicacies that other places don’t. Conch fritters, a local favorite, offer a crispy, salty taste of the Caribbean. Spiny lobster, prevalent in the Keys’ warm waters, arrives clawless but with marvelous, buttery flesh. And no dinner would be complete without a slice of Key lime pie—a sweet conclusion to your seafood feast.
- Laid-Back Island Atmosphere
Dining in Key West is as much about ambiance as it is about cuisine. Most seafood restaurants offer water views, live music, and outdoor seating so you can dine with the wind through your hair. Whether at a low-key seafood shack or a high-end restaurant, the easy island vibe complements any meal.
If you are visiting Key West, missing an seafood dinner would be unfortunate. Island flair, fresh flavor, and local specialties serve to make eating here part of the deal. Relax, order some conch fritters, and savor Key West’s best seafood!
Final Thoughts
Key West, Florida, is paradise for seafood lovers, and the freshest seafood from sea to table. From classic fish shacks to gourmet dining restaurants, the island boasts an incredible selection of seafood restaurants that incorporate local tastes and culinary creativity. Whether it’s a craving for butter lobster tail, pan-seared tuna steak perfection, or just plain conch chowder, Key West has it.
lit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.