Mid-day the place is usually bustling with the local lunch break crowd mixed with a healthy dose of visitors in-the-know. The restaurants in Key West are sure to delight and inspire every time.īest Cuban: Off the beaten path, this no-frills restaurant serves up generous portions of the best Cuban food on the island at reasonable prices. Peruse our top 10 favorites for ideas and make your reservations in advance. Other nationalities have immigrated to the Southernmost City like the proprietors at Onlywood, who bake authentic Italian pizzas in a two-ton wood-fired oven. The Cuban influence on the island can’t be missed and is reflected in numerous walk-up windows and low-key eateries like El Siboney. Diners with diet restrictions will discover several restaurants devoted to vegetarian and gluten-free menus like The Cafe, which has been in operation for over ten years. They also take pride in highlighting the fresh local seafood and Caribbean flavors like local’s favorite Hogfish Bar and Grill and Hot Tin Roof with its Pan-Latin twist. They can be spotted circling the dining rooms checking on the patrons. Often the chefs are also the owners at spots like Flaming Buoy Filet Co. The setup at Caroline’s Cafe rivals any theater with its prime view of all the shenanigans on Duval Street. Quirky settings abound like Blue Heaven with its courtyard filled with free-roaming chickens or BO’s Fish Wagon hidden behind a dilapidated truck.
Chain restaurants are few, and small independent establishments dominate with their fresh interpretations of island cuisine. Foodies will fall in love with the rich culinary scene in Key West.