The Florida Keys are a foodie magnet and with good reason. Here, you can find a colourful, tropical culinary vibe with interesting local specialties and beautiful surroundings in which to enjoy them.

Ubiquitous to the islands is a shellfish called conch (“konk”). Similar to calamari in texture, it bursts with flavour and can be served on the shell as conch steak and fritters or in salads and soups. Another local favourite is the Key lime, found in everything from pies to salad dressings and drinks.

KEY LARGO

Renowned for the “best Key lime pie in Florida,” the Fish House has been a Keys favourite since 1982 and has the awards to prove it. Local Florida lobster and stone crab are also great here and the atmosphere is causal and friendly. The stunning Calusa Restaurant at Baker’s Cay Resort highlights Keys seafood along with just-picked fruit and herbs from its own gardens.

ISLAMORADA

Restaurants on Islamorada prepare and serve seafood that was in the water only an hour before as well as good ethnic dishes. Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar offers waterfront dining, live music, breathtaking sunsets and delights such as smoked fish dip or conch fritters. Islamorada also boasts Pierre’s, an elegant Victorian vision on the beach with international specialties.

MARATHON

Well-known for its conch fritters, Keys Fisheries is one of those classic open-air fish houses overlooking the water. The Butterfly Café at the Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort, on the other hand, uses local seafood and produce to offer what it calls “tropical world cuisine”—a collection of eclectic dishes found along the world’s coastlines.

LOWER KEYS

Square Grouper Bar & Grill is a Lower Keys landmark, known for its artsy ambiance, homemade desserts and seafood specialties such as fish tacos. For authentic Cuban/Caribbean fare, try Coco’s Kitchen (you’re only 160 kilometres from Cuba), where the flavours are outstanding.

KEY WEST

Key West restaurants range from continental to casual. Just minutes from Key West, Bobalu’s Southern Café is a cool culinary experience, featuring American comfort food and seafood in a very funky, aquatic-themed atmosphere. The waterfront Conch Republic Seafood Company boasts its seafood is “from our boats to your table.” And that’s clearly obvious in such unique specialties as hogfish.

Travel Planner

Plan your Florida Keys getaway at fla-keys.com.