Best Restaurants in Key West

Key West is a premier travel destination on Florida’s coast for a reason. With its endless activities, amazing dining options, and beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder people come back year after year to vacation in paradise.

If you’re about to head out on your next vacation here, you’ll want to know where to find the best restaurants in Key West. Don’t fret; we’ve compiled them all here in one place for you!

Check out our picks for the best restaurants in Key West!

El Siboney

Key West is the closest part of the continental United States to Cuba, and if you’re looking for authentic Cuban fare, El Siboney is the place to be. This family-friendly Cuban restaurant offers the best authentic Cuban dishes at budget-conscious prices. Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, it’s just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street and offers a peaceful respite away from other tourist attractions.

El Siboney serves mouthwatering dishes like Paella Valenciana (make sure to call an hour ahead for this delicacy!), the Cuban Mix Sandwich, and other favorites listed by number, such as #1 Roast Pork and #7 Siboney Steak. Voted the best Cuban restaurant in Key West every year since 1993, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists alike love this spot. The warm, family-owned atmosphere makes every visit feel like coming home. Come try out El Siboney for yourself and experience the flavors and hospitality that make it a Key West gem.

Santiago’s Bodega

At Santiago’s, you’ll feel like part of the family! Founded in 2004, owner and operator Jason Dugan wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant where people could enjoy great food with friends and walk away feeling like family.

Santiago’s is a hidden gem in Key West, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its good food and good vibes. They serve some of the best tapas in Key West, with options like beef carpaccio—often touted as the best on the island—and hot tapas such as croquetas, brussels sprouts, and delicious puff pastry.

The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a memorable dining experience. Stop in for dinner at Santiago’s to experience one of the best restaurants in Key West—you’ll be counting the days until you can come back!

Key West Lobsterfest

August 8-11, 2024

This is less a restaurant and more a foodie extravaganza. A festival dedicated to lobster? Sign us up! Back for a 27th year in 2024, Key West Lobsterfest always delivers the best lobster around, as well as other seafood options, cold drinks, and live music.

The festival originally started amongst friends as an argument about who could make the best Lobster Chilau. They had a cook-off to see whose was best, and the event has snowballed from there year after year! Now, it’s a three-day event celebrating everyone’s favorite crustacean.

Enjoy lobster in just about any capacity you can think of during this fun festival. There’s a lobster broil, lobster brunch, and more. Make sure to see the schedule of events, so you don’t miss a thing!

Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is famous in Key West for both its fantastic food and the chicken and cats that roam the premises! Self-described free spirits Suanne and Richard opened the spot in 1992 and have been serving incredible culinary dishes ever since.

Dine al fresco amidst canopies of tropical foliage and unique art pieces like a leopard-spotted mannequin and a sail strung between two trees providing shade. The eclectic and artistic ambiance perfectly complements the laid-back, island vibe.

 While the décor is whimsical, the focus on food is serious. One bite of any signature dish will have you planning your next trip to Blue Heaven. From breakfast to dinner, their menu offers an enticing array of choices, each more mouth-watering than the last. The menu remains consistent, so unique favorites like the Caribbean shrimp deglazed with Red Stripe will be there every time you return!

Red Shoe Island Bistro

No trip to Key West is complete without indulging in amazing seafood, and Red Shoe Bistro is the perfect place to find it. This unpretentious dining joint may be a hidden gem, but it’s one you’ll be glad you discovered!

Located just far enough away from the busy main streets, Red Shoe Bistro offers a cozy retreat where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in town. The intimate setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends, making every visit special.

Imagine savoring delectable dishes like Key West pink shrimp in red chili pepper sauce, mango shrimp toast, and a customer favorite: the beef stroganoff. Many patrons even claim that Red Shoe Bistro serves the best key lime pie in Key West, and they have a trophy to prove it. The raving reviews speak for themselves, but you won’t truly appreciate it until you experience it firsthand. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a must-visit. Try this incredible hidden gem on your Key West vacation—you won’t regret it!

Book your Key West Vacation with Us!

Now that you know all the best restaurants in Key West, it’s time to book your vacation! Dwell Key West has the perfect boutique accommodations to make sure your time here is unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a rental with a full kitchen so you can cook a meal or a pool to cool off, we have you covered. Browse our boutique accommodations now and book your next Key West Vacation directly with Dwell Key West!