The Best Food and Restaurants in Florida Keys and Key West combine ultra-fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and laid-back waterfront dining along the Overseas Highway. As someone who has driven the Florida Keys several times (including a full Key Largo–Key West road trip after a 24‑hour Singapore–Miami journey), my advice is simple: plan your food stops like you plan your hotel bookings—popular spots in Key West and Key Largo do fill up, especially at sunset and on weekends.
For Singapore-based travellers and investors using Homejourney, this focused guide shows you where to eat across the Florida islands, how to plan a safe and smooth Keys road trip, and how to connect that lifestyle back to potential property opportunities in Singapore’s trusted market.
How this food guide fits into Homejourney’s Florida Keys pillar
This article is a tactical cluster under our broader Keys guide: Ultimate Florida Keys & Key West Guide: Homejourney Travel Insights Ultimate Florida Keys & Key West Guide: Homejourney Travel Insights .
That pillar covers when to visit, driving logistics, and safety. Here, we zoom in on the Best Food and Restaurants in Florida Keys and Key West—what to book, what to eat, and how to plan your stops if you’re flying in from Singapore or other major Asian hubs.
Florida Keys & Key West food overview for Singapore travellers
The Florida Keys stretch about 180 km from Key Largo to Key West along the Overseas Highway, with food clustered around four main areas: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West.[5][6]
Expect a mix of seafood shacks, Cuban cafés, Caribbean-inspired bistros, and fine-dining spots with sunset views. Portions are generous by Singapore standards; two mains and one appetiser often feed three average Singapore diners.
Key West: must-try restaurants and what to order
Key West is the culinary heart of the Florida islands, with everything from street-style fish tacos to white-tablecloth dining. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner in high season (December–April and US school holidays).[3][6]
1. Blue Heaven – brunch classic in Bahama Village
Why go: Iconic open-air courtyard, roaming chickens, live music; locals and repeat visitors rate it as one of the best brunches in Key West.[3][4]
Signature dishes: Lobster Benedict, Very Good Pancakes, Key lime pie.[3][4]
Insider tip from experience: On my last December visit, arriving at 8.00 am meant a 20-minute wait; by 9.30 am, the queue stretched beyond 45 minutes. From a Singapore perspective, think of it like a weekend queue at popular Tiong Bahru brunch spots—go early or expect to wait.
2. Seaside Cafe at the Southernmost House – pizza and ocean views
Why go: Beachfront setting at the southern tip of Key West; consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor.[3][4]
Try: Lobster pizza, conch fritters, frozen cocktails. Many Singapore travellers find this a comfortable first meal after arriving because the menu feels familiar (pizza, salads) but with local seafood toppings.
3. Santiago’s Bodega – tapas-style dinner sharing
Why go: One of the most recommended restaurants in Key West with thousands of high ratings for food and service.[3][6][7]
Best for: Small plates and sharing—ideal for Singapore families or groups who prefer ordering several dishes to taste everything.
Insider tip: Evening seatings go fast; book via platforms like OpenTable before you fly.[2]
4. Cafe Marquesa – intimate fine dining
Why go: Refined contemporary French-American cuisine in a small boutique hotel; highly rated and appears frequently in “best of Key West” lists.[1][2][5]
Expect: Tasting-menu style dishes, attentive service, and a quieter environment compared to Duval Street.
Good for: Celebratory dinners (honeymoons, anniversaries) and for investors or expats entertaining contacts in a more formal setting.
5. Conch Republic Seafood Company & Alonzo’s Oyster Bar – harbourfront seafood
Conch Republic Seafood Company is a dockside favourite known for conch fritters and mahi sandwiches, with lots of seating and walk-in availability.[1][3][4]
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar sits on the marina with a famous raw bar and half-price appetisers and drinks during happy hour.[1][4]
Insider money-saving tip: If you’re used to Singapore prices, happy hour here can feel surprisingly good value. Two people can share several appetisers and drinks for around what one main might cost at an upscale Orchard or Marina Bay restaurant.
6. Blue Heaven, Flaming Buoy & Red Shoe Island Bistro – local favourites
Flaming Buoy Filet Co. and Red Shoe Island Bistro regularly appear on local and charter-captain recommendation lists for creative seafood and steaks.[3][4]
These are the kind of places Key West regulars book ahead of time instead of only chasing the big tourist names on Duval Street.
Best restaurants beyond Key West along the Overseas Highway
A proper Keys road trip from Key Largo to Key West is about 3 to 4 hours of driving without stops; realistically, you’ll take a full day if you factor in meals and photos on the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Plan 1–2 food stops each way.
Key Largo: first taste of the Keys
Key Largo is your gateway to the Florida Keys and a logical stop if you’re driving down from Miami after a long-haul Singapore flight.
- Seafood shacks & tiki bars: Waterfront grills and casual bars serve grilled fish, conch chowder, and Key lime pie. Portions are large; one main often feeds two light eaters.
- Family-friendly options: Look for places with outdoor seating and parking on-site—useful if you’re still jet-lagged and prefer shorter, simpler stops.
Islamorada & Marathon: mid-way lunch stops
Islamorada brands itself as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” and that flows directly into the menus: expect ultra-fresh catch-of-the-day, fish tacos, and casual marina-side cafés.[5]
Marathon, near the Seven Mile Bridge, is a convenient midpoint for late lunches on the way to or from Key West. For Singaporeans used to rest-stop culture on Malaysian expressways, think of Islamorada/Marathon as upgraded, scenic meal breaks rather than just petrol stops.
Local dishes you should not miss
Even if you’re normally cautious with new flavours, these are safe, well-loved picks across the Florida Keys:[5][6]
- Key lime pie: The signature dessert of the Keys—tart, creamy, often with graham cracker crust. Try it at Blue Heaven or a waterfront café.
- Conch fritters: Deep-fried balls of chopped conch and batter; similar comfort level to a denser, savoury you tiao or Thai fish cake.
- Stone crab claws (in season): Typically October–May; served chilled with mustard sauce.
- Grouper and mahi-mahi: Commonly grilled, blackened, or in sandwiches—good options if you like Singapore-style grilled fish but want lighter seasoning.
- Cuban sandwiches & coffee: Reflecting Key West’s Cuban heritage, pressed sandwiches and strong coffee are easy breakfast or lunch choices.
Practical dining tips for Singapore & Asian travellers
Reservations, tipping and safety
- Booking: Popular Key West spots such as Cafe Marquesa, Santiago’s Bodega, and Blue Heaven can be booked via platforms like OpenTable or directly.[2][3]
- Tipping: In the US, 18–20% tip on the pre-tax bill is standard for table service. This is a key cultural difference from Singapore’s service charge model.
- Food safety: Reputable Keys restaurants follow US health codes; if you have sensitive stomachs, start with cooked seafood before trying raw oysters and ceviche.
- Driving safety: Avoid planning heavy alcoholic drinks if you’re the designated driver on the Overseas Highway. The road is mostly single carriageway and can be dark at night.
Budgeting and currency
For a Singapore-based family of four, a reasonable Keys food budget (excluding very fine dining) often looks like:
- Casual breakfast: USD 10–18 per person
- Mid-range lunch: USD 15–25 per person
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References
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general reference only. For accurate and official information, please visit HDB's official website or consult professional advice from lawyers, real estate agents, bankers, and other relevant professional consultants.
Homejourney is not liable for any damages, losses, or consequences that may result from the use of this information. We are simply sharing information to the best of our knowledge, but we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of the information contained herein.