The Best Key West Food To Try in 2024
There’s no better time to experience mouthwatering Key West foods than the present. Along with its stunning coastal scenery and unique landmarks, Key West is known for its diverse array of food. The famous dishes here reflect its maritime location, cultural influence and vibrant culinary scene. Of course, the destination's namesake Key limes feature in a few popular drinks and dishes as well.
Are you curious to find out more about the cuisine here and what makes it unique? Let's uncover the culinary secrets of this Florida island city and answer the question: "What food is Key West known for?" with our fun and delicious list of the 21 top Key West foods to try.
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Get a Taste of Iconic Key West Foods
Exploring popular Key West foods is fun, but the real joy is learning how to make them at home. Cooking classes in Key West not only teach you how to cook local dishes but also allow you to delve into the local food scene, learning more about the area’s cuisine. No matter your skill level, there are cooking classes near you led by expert chefs ready to share the secrets to preparing mouthwatering dishes.
21 Best Key West Foods
1. Key Lime Pie at Kermit's Key Lime Shop
The famous and distinctively tangy Key lime pie originates from none other than Key West. Satisfy your cravings for this classic Key West food at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop.
The Vibe
A peaceful location with a hidden garden patio and a koi pond for a piece of calm amongst the bustle of Key West. Going to Kermit’s is notably one of the fun things to do in Key West for couples as you can enjoy sweet treats in scenic surroundings with your loved one.
Why It’s Good
The balance of creaminess and just the right amount of tartness in the pie speaks for itself. If it’s a very hot day, you can try a frozen Key lime pie here as well.
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop | 200 Elizabeth St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
2. Gulf Shrimp and Grits at Louie's Backyard
Louie’s Backyard is one of the best spots to visit if you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean menu serving shrimp and grits.
The Vibe
This bustling restaurant features a beautiful oceanfront view; the perfect place to enjoy your Key West food.
Why It’s Good
The shrimp is sautéed to perfection and is rich in flavor. It’s served with bacon and stone-ground grits.
Louie's Backyard | 700 Waddell Ave., Key West, FL 33040 | $$$
3. Conch Fritters at The Conch Shack
Conch fritters are a quintessential part of Key West cuisine and a popular local dish. Find them at The Conch Shack.
The Vibe
Operating from an outdoor counter, diners can sit and watch the world go by.
Why It’s Good
The “Best Ever” conch fritters are deep-fried in a batter combined with onions and spices. They’re crispy and served with a Key lime aioli or spicy pink sauce.
The Conch Shack | 118 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
4. Gluttony Pork Tacos at Sinz Burrito
If you’re in the mood for classic Mexican staples, Sinz Burrito in Key West is the place to go.
The Vibe
This restaurant has the charm of an old-school diner, with lively décor and even a neon sign proudly sporting the restaurant's name.
Why It’s Good
Gluttony Pork Tacos is a succulent pork taco dish that’s flavourful and fresh. Diners can opt for a decent portion size of three tacos or get a single pork taco and mix and match with some of the other tacos on the menu.
Sinz Burrito | 500 Truman Ave., Unit 1, Key West, FL 33040 | $
5. Cuban Breakfast Burrito at Cuban Coffee Queen
To experience authentic Cuban food in the heart of Key West, head to Cuban Coffee Queen and order the Cuban breakfast burrito.
The Vibe
Cuban Coffee Queen is a lively spot that resembles a food truck, great for grabbing Key West, Florida food to go.
Why It’s Good
The breakfast burrito comes with eggs, cheese, rice and beans in a wheat or plain tortilla. You also have the choice of adding meats like chorizo, bacon or sausage.
Cuban Coffee Queen | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Hogarita at Hog's Breath Saloon
Hog’s Breath Saloon serves an assortment of drinks, but while you’re there you have to order the Hogarita.
The Vibe
This bar has an outdoor patio with live music playing in the background. Do note that it can get busy depending on what time of day you come.
Why It’s Good
This made-to-order drink is perfect for the tequila aficionados out there. It also features a delightful addition of orange liqueur.
Hog’s Breath Saloon | 400 Front St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
7. Key West Pink Shrimp at Conch Republic Seafood Company
Key West pink shrimp is another famous Key West food, and it’s served regularly at Conch Republic Seafood Company.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is laid-back, with a pleasant view overlooking the water. You can enjoy the breeze while tucking into some unique Key West food with friends.
Why It’s Good
The shrimp is served in a variety of ways, including in a pasta dish. However, if you want to enjoy the shrimp as they come, go for the Key West Pink Peel & Eat Shrimp menu option, which features half a pound or a pound of ready-to-eat pink shrimp.
Conch Republic Seafood Company | 631 Greene St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
8. Coconut Mojito at Sunset Pier
Quench your thirst with a refreshing kick by grabbing a coconut mojito at Sunset Pier.
The Vibe
Located dockside with a view of the water, it's a great spot to sit back, watch the sunset and reminisce about the day while sipping a tropical drink.
Why It’s Good
The coconut mojito is the perfect refreshing beverage to sip while enjoying the sunset over the water. If coconut isn’t your thing, there are many other mojito flavors to choose from.
Sunset Pier | 0 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
9. Spiny Lobster at The Lobster Shack
Keeping in line with the maritime theme, another popular Key West food is spiny lobster. The Lobster Shack serves spiny lobster in different ways, making it a popular spot if you want to try this Key West dish.
The Vibe
The Lobster Shack is quaint, and the interior is affectionately decorated with vibrant lobster motifs.
Why It’s Good
Diners can order spiny lobster in a variety of ways, including in lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese and lobster salad.
The Lobster Shack | 507 South St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
10. Cuban Sandwich at El Sibony Restaurant
The Cuban sandwich is another iconic Key West, Florida food. If you're looking to try the most famous Key West foods and get your Cuban sandwich fix, stop by El Sibony Restaurant.
The Vibe
This family-friendly setting is cozy and inviting. The wooden walls give it a rustic feel.
Why It’s Good
The Cuban sandwich is served with pickles, roasted pork, mustard and Swiss cheese. It’s a satisfying balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy and savory.
El Siboney Restaurant | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Seafood Tower at Alonzo's Oyster Bar
Some of the best Key West foods can be found at Alonzo's Oyster Bar, including amazing seafood. Try a variety of their best offerings by splurging on a decadent seafood tower.
The Vibe
The open-air dining experience with a stunning view of the harbor makes this one of the most scenic and relaxing places to enjoy a meal in Key West.
Why It’s Good
Alonzo’s seafood towers come packed with delicious seafood, including Florida clams, oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp. If you want to taste local delicacies, you’ll tick a few famous Key West foods off your list with a seafood tower!
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar | 700 Front St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
12. Key West Fish Tacos at Sloppy Joe’s Bar
Seafood is a classic Key West food, and trying fresh fish in delicious fish tacos at Sloppy Joe's Bar is a great way to taste the local seafood with a Mexican twist.
The Vibe
The décor is quirky and the energy is fun, with live music and dancing. It gets busy, so waiting for a table isn’t unusual.
Why It’s Good
The fried fish tacos are served fresh with delicious white taco sauce, tomatoes and salsa.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar | 201 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
13. Oysters and Clams at Half Shell Raw Bar
Stop by Half Shell Raw Bar for the oysters and clams. It’s the perfect spot for all the raw shellfish lovers out there.
The Vibe
This waterfront eatery offers diners a stunning view and some of the freshest seafood in Key West.
Why It’s Good
You can get your fill of oysters and clams during happy hour at Half Shell Raw Bar. It’s the best way to satisfy your cravings for half the price.
Half Shell Raw Bar | 231 Margaret St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
14. Ceviche du Jour at Thirsty Mermaid
There are plenty of spots to get ceviche in Key West, but Thirsty Mermaid stands out as one of the best.
The Vibe
This spacious location is upscale and inviting with sleek and stylish décor.
Why It’s Good
Diners rave about how refreshing the ceviche is on the palate. A variety of other raw bar seafood dishes, plus sophisticated caviar service, are also available to accompany your ceviche dish.
Thirsty Mermaid | 521 Fleming St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
15. Hogfish at Hogfish Bar and Grill
For a piece of the Caribbean in Key West, check out Hogfish Bar and Grill and make sure to order the hogfish.
The Vibe
It's a relaxing open-air space with live music serenading the diners enjoying their meal.
Why It’s Good
You can order the hogfish in several dishes, including a hogfish sandwich, hogfish and chips or a coconut hogfish platter.
Hogfish Bar and Grill | 6810 Front St., Stock Island, FL 33040 | $$
16. Fish Sandwich at Eaton Street Seafood Market
If you're craving a simple yet flavorful bite, dive into the fish sandwich at Eaton Street Seafood Market.
The Vibe
It's a charming spot with an outside seating area beneath a canopy. There are also some Key West chickens roaming around!
Why It’s Good
Fried fresh each day with the option of grilled or blackened, the fish sandwich is served with a side of coleslaw and plantain chips.
Eaton Street Seafood Market | 801 Eaton St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
17. World Famous Lobster Reuben at Keys Fisheries
Keys Fisheries is renowned for its World Famous Lobster Reuben. If you can only try a few Key West foods, this should be near the top of your list.
The Vibe
A rustic waterfront location where diners can enjoy the sunset on the upper deck.
Why It’s Good
Diners call it "the best lobster Reuben." It’s served with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on toasted rye with Thousand Island dressing.
Keys Fisheries | 3502 Gulfview Ave., Marathon, FL 33050-2362 | $$
18. Yellowtail Snapper at Ocean Grill and Bar
The yellowtail snapper is another Key West food that you need to try. Luckily, Ocean Grill and Bar has you covered.
The Vibe
Seemingly hidden on the busy street, it has outdoor lighting and beautiful foliage.
Why It’s Good
The fish is fried whole and served with butter sauce on a bed of coconut lime risotto.
Ocean Grill and Bar | 1075 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
19. Crab Bisque at The Stoned Crab
If you’re looking for hearty Key West food, The Stoned Crab is what you need. They serve many Key West food favorites, including crab bisque.
The Vibe
This open-air eatery is located by the dock and has a stunning view of the water.
Why It’s Good
The bisque is fresh and creamy with a sizable portion of crab meat. If you’re still hungry, the menu features a vast array of other crab dishes, plus many other kinds of seafood.
The Stoned Crab | 3101 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040 | $$$
20. Heritage Pork Tenderloin at Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven serves a variety of delicious dishes, but it’s the place to go if you want to enjoy pork tenderloin in Key West.
The Vibe
This popular spot has an indoor bar as well as outdoor seating for those who prefer to dine under the stars with live music.
Why It’s Good
The pork tenderloin is served on a bed of sweet potato purée and is adorned with a final drizzle of curry butter. If you want to enjoy Key West seafood dishes, also order the Caribbean “BBQ” Shrimp, which features blackened Key West shrimp deglazed with red stripe beer.
Blue Heaven | 729 Thomas St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
21. Ropa Vieja at El Meson de Pepe's Restaurant & Bar
Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish that you can find on the Key West culinary scene at family-owned El Meson de Pepe.
The Vibe
The décor is rustic with art pieces placed throughout the restaurant, giving this spot a welcoming feel.
Why It’s Good
Made with slow-cooked shredded beef, onions and red wine, the ropa vieja is an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.
El Meson de Pepe's Restaurant & Bar | 410 Wall St., Key West, FL 33040 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Key West welcomes both locals and tourists alike to explore its many restaurants serving delicious Key West foods. The culinary scene captures the essence of the island's laid-back atmosphere. So, if you ever find yourself in the area, make sure you immerse yourself in the best food Key West has to offer.
For even more ways to explore Key West and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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