I wasn’t really sure what to expect from our trip to Key West. But this little town truly took me by surprise, from the quirky, rebellious vibe to the free-range chickens (IYKYK).
And most importantly, some of the best food in all of Florida.
So while we were there, we made it our mission to test out all the best restaurants in Key West, from casual shacks serving life-altering lobster rolls to cutesy dessert shops and elegant spots for a table for two.
After lots of eating, drinking (and even a little dancing), here’s my tried-and-tested list of the coolest restaurants in Key West.
Best restaurants in Key West at a glance:
Coolest local hangout: Hog’s Breath Saloon
Best for lobster rolls: DJ’s Clam Shack
Best classy dinner spot: Bagatelle
Best for brunch and pastries: Moondog Cafe & Bakery
Where to stay: La Concha Key West – a gorgeous landmark hotel in the heart of Duval Street (right next to some of the best eats), with seashell-pink interiors. Or try The Artist House for a quirky, low-key guesthouse.
How to get around: Most of the Old Town in Key West is walkable, but Ubers are easy and usually available if you’re going from one end of town to the other.
Top 10 Best Places to Eat in Key West In Brief
- DJ’s Clam Shack: Coolest hangout for the juiciest lobster rolls
- Moondog Cafe: Hidden gem cafe and bakery
- Fogarty’s and the Flying Monkeys Saloon: Best casual spot for frozen cocktails
- Kermit’s: Best dessert shop for Key lime pie
- Hogs Breath Saloon: Best local spot for a party
- Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria: Best comfort Italian food
- Sloppy Joe’s: Most Iconic live music restaurant
- Rams Head: Best recovery breakfast spot
- Nine One Five: Best for fresh seafood
- Bagatelle: Best classy dinner spot
10 Best Restaurants in Key West: Photos and More Detail
1. DJs Clam Shack: Coolest hangout for the juiciest lobster rolls
What’s the vibe: Laid-back shack serving island classics
How much per person: $20 – $30
Top tip: Grab a picnic table around the back to make friends with the regulars
If you’re craving a proper lobster roll in Key West, DJ’s Clam Shack is the place to go.
This tiny, no-frills seafood shack on Duval Street is all about ridiculously good food without the fuss. Think buttery, toasted rolls stuffed with juicy lobster meat, crispy conch fritters and fresh seafood served in paper-lined baskets.
Honestly, I’m still dreaming about the lobster rolls we had here.
Just don’t expect fancy interiors or table service. You order at the counter, and drinks come in bottles (choose from beer, soft drinks, or pre-mixed vodka soda).
There are a few bar stools for people watching at the front, or a few picnic tables around the back. We sat here for ages chatting to regulars who visit Key West every year (and confirmed it was the best spot for Lobster rolls in town!).
2. Moondog Cafe: Hidden gem cafe and bakery
What’s the vibe: Colourful cafe serving aesthetic brunch, lunch, desserts and dinner.
How much per person: $20 – $30
Top tip: Book ahead in busy seasons!
Moondog is one of those places that if you didn’t make a reservation, you’re going to wish you had.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but this place has grown a cult following over the years and has even been Michelin recommended with a prestigious Bib Gourmand award in 2026.
Tucked away near the Hemingway House, this mural-splashed little cafe has a gorgeous tropical courtyard, eclectic decor and a menu that goes well beyond your average bakery.
Expect beautifully presented brunch dishes, fresh salads, sandwiches and plenty of tempting cakes and pastries.
We had the best leisurely breakfast here, but it looked just as good for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Just be aware that it’s popular, particularly during peak season, so I’d recommend booking ahead.
Don’t miss a slice of their famous torched Key lime pie, and if you’re there for dinner, try the Mahi tacos.
3. Fogarty’s and the Flying Monkeys Saloon: Best casual spot for frozen cocktails
What’s the vibe: Ramshackle bar for frozen cocktails and comfort food
How much per person: $10 – $20
Top tip: Grab a frozen cocktail to go and take it with you to the famous sunset celebrations
You can’t visit Key West without trying at least one colourful frozen cocktail, and Fogarty’s and the Flying Monkey’s Saloon is the perfect place to do it.
Right on Duval Street, this unpretentious bar is known for its frozen daiquiris, ‘vacation-mode’ atmosphere and casual comfort food.
It’s loud, lively and the perfect place to stumble on after a hot afternoon exploring Old Town.
If you’re just there for the drinks, I recommend grabbing a frozen cocktail to go and heading towards Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebrations. It’s a very Key West way to spend an evening, especially when you’ve got nowhere else you need to be.
You can ask them to mix different flavours of their frozen cocktails, so it’s a good time to try some fun combinations, too.
4. Kermit’s: Best dessert shop for key lime pie
What’s the vibe: Key West institution for a slice of the good stuff
How much per person: $7
Top tip: Try the frozen pie on a stick dipped in chocolate!
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to eat in Key West, it’s Key lime pie, and Kermit’s is one of the most iconic places to try it.
This fun little shop is dedicated to the island’s most famous dessert, with everything from traditional slices to Key lime sweets, biscuits and other zesty treats. They’ve got a couple of locations in the Old Town, one’s right on Duval Street, but we found the one on Elizabeth Street had more choice.
I recommend trying the classic pie first of all, which was deliciously tangy, creamy and just sweet enough. It’s about $7 for a slice.
But on a hot day you have to get the frozen Key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate. It’s essentially a slice of pie turned into an ice cream-style treat, and it’s every bit as good as it sounds.
5. Hog’s Breath Saloon: Best local spot for a party
What’s the vibe: Dive bar meets beach shack for strong drinks and dancing
How much per person: $10 – $40
Top tip: Get there around 10pm for the liveliest atmosphere and people watching
Hog’s Breath Saloon is the sort of place that sums up Key West nightlife: a little chaotic, completely unpretentious and always up for a good time.
This legendary open-air bar has been entertaining visitors for decades, with live music, strong drinks and a ramshackle atmosphere. Think dive bar meets tropical beach shack, with plenty of dancing thrown in.
They do food too, mostly bar snacks like Cuban and pulled pork sandwiches. But if we’re being honest, most people are here for a party.
I’d recommend arriving around 10pm, when the atmosphere really starts to pick up and the people-watching is at its peak. It’s not somewhere you go for a sophisticated cocktail in peaceful surroundings, but that’s exactly what we loved about it.
If you want to experience Key West’s fun-loving, slightly eccentric side, this is a must.
6. Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria: Best comfort Italian food
What’s the vibe: Cosy, candlelit pizza restaurant with a pretty outdoor courtyard
How much per person: $30 – 40
Top tip: It can be easy to miss the sign from Duval Street, so keep an eye out.
Sometimes, even in a destination famous for seafood, all you really want is a good pizza and a glass of wine.
Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria is a gorgeous little Italian restaurant tucked away just off Duval Street, with a romantic, chilled-out atmosphere and a pretty courtyard that feels surprisingly peaceful.
The menu focuses on authentic Italian cooking, particularly wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and simple, delicious ingredients.
It’s the kind of restaurant I’d recommend for a relaxed date night in Key West. The entrance can be surprisingly easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander along Duval Street.
And whatever you order, get the sangria. It’s delicious!
7. Sloppy Joe’s: Most Iconic live music restaurant
What’s the vibe: Tourist heart of Key West with legendary live music
How much per person: $30 – 40
Top tip: Make sure you bring ID to get in, no matter how old you think you look…
I couldn’t write a guide to the best restaurants in Key West without mentioning Sloppy Joe’s.
This legendary Duval Street institution has been part of the island’s nightlife since the 1930s and is famously associated with Ernest Hemingway.
These days, it’s a chaotic mix of live music, dancing and American comfort food, with everything from burgers and wings to its namesake Sloppy Joe sandwich.
Is it touristy? Absolutely. Would I still recommend going? One hundred per cent. The atmosphere is what makes it, especially when the band gets going and everyone starts singing along.
Just make sure you bring photo ID, even if you’re convinced you look far too old to be asked. It’s not worth getting turned away from one of Key West’s most iconic nights out.
8. Rams Head: Best recovery breakfast spot
What’s the vibe: Laid-back local comfort food and mix-your-own Bloody Marys
How much per person: $30 – 40
Top tip: Portions are VERY generous, get one to share if you’re not that hungry!
After a late night exploring Duval Street, Rams Head Southernmost is exactly where you want to find yourself the following morning.
This laid-back restaurant has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere and serves the sort of hearty American comfort food that your hangover craves.
Think loaded tater tots (hash browns), eggs Benedict, pancakes and plenty of other indulgent brunch favourites.
The most popular attraction here is the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, where you can customise your drink with all sorts of garnishes and extras.
It’s a fun way to ease yourself into another day in paradise, if that’s your sort of thing (I’ll be totally honest, I can’t stomach a Bloody Mary myself).
My biggest tip is to arrive hungry, because the portions are seriously massive. If you’re only after a light breakfast or lunch, you might want to try elsewhere.
They also have live music and events at lunchtime and in the evenings, so it’s a fun spot no matter what time of day you find yourself there.
9. Nine One Five: Best classy dinner spot
What’s the vibe: Upscale dining and wine bar in a historic house on Duval Street
How much per person: $50–75
Top tip: Request a table on the balcony for people-watching
For something a little more sophisticated, Nine One Five is one of my favourite restaurants in Key West for a special evening out.
Set inside a beautiful historic house on Duval Street, this stylish restaurant feels a world away from the island’s rowdier bars. The menu combines contemporary American cooking with Mediterranean flare, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, creative small plates and an excellent wine selection.
I’d recommend booking an evening table and making a proper occasion of it. The restaurant’s upstairs balcony is particularly lovely, with a view over Duval Street for top people-watching while you eat.
It’s romantic without feeling overly formal, perfect for couples or just a more refined Key West dining experience.
10. Bagatelle: Best for fresh seafood
What’s the vibe: Gastronomic seafood restaurant with white-tablecloth service
How much per person: $75-100
Top tip: Reservations essential. Get the swordfish and thank me later.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dress up a little and indulge, Bagatelle is the place for you.
Located inside a beautifully restored 19th-century house towards the northern end of Duval Street, this elegant restaurant combines historic Key West charm with a more polished dining experience.
The menu celebrates fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired flavours and beautifully prepared dishes, alongside an extensive wine and cocktail selection.
This is the kind of place I’d save for a special evening, particularly if you’re celebrating something. The atmosphere is romantic, the setting is gorgeous, and it feels a little more grown-up than many of the casual restaurants nearby.
Make a reservation in advance, especially during the busiest months, and if the swordfish is on the menu, don’t hesitate. It’s fresh-from-the-net, melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Another top tip: If you want to try Bagatelle but don’t have deep enough pockets for an evening meal, happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm, with $5 tasting plates and half-price on most cocktails.
Best Restaurants in Key West: FAQs
What food is famous from Key West?
Key West is famous for its fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired flavours and, of course, Key lime pie.
Some of the local specialities I’d recommend trying include conch fritters, stone crab claws (when in season), grilled lobster rolls and Key West pink shrimp.
You’ll also find plenty of Cuban influences, from Cuban sandwiches to strong Cuban coffee, thanks to the island’s close historical ties with Cuba. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a slice of authentic Key lime pie! Try Kermit’s for an easy takeaway slice, or Moondog Cafe for a more indulgent dessert.
What are the coolest restaurants in Key West?
For somewhere with a little more personality, I’d recommend Moondog Cafe for stunning food in a cosy, colourful setting, or Louie’s Backyard for a romantic waterfront dinner.
Blue Heaven is another iconic choice, famous for its quirky tropical courtyard and resident chickens, although it’s worth checking its reopening status before visiting (it was closed when we visited, unfortunately).
Where is the best place to stay in Key West?
For first-time visitors, I’d definitely recommend staying in Old Town Key West. It’s the prettiest and most atmospheric part of the island, with colourful historic houses, independent boutiques and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
Stay near Duval Street if you want to be close to the nightlife, or choose a quieter guesthouse a few streets away. For a more luxurious, resort-style holiday, the Casa Marina area is another excellent option.
Hotels I recommend include:
La Concha Key West: Gorgeous, landmark hotel on Duval Street
The Artist’s House: Bright, eccentric guesthouse in the heart of town
Almond Tree Inn: Cosy, adults-only hotel with a pool, in a prime location.
For low-cost accommodation, you can try hotels in Stock Island, Key West’s gritty neighbour, which is a 20-minute drive from Duval Street.
What are some other cool things to do in Key West?
There’s so much more to Key West than eating and drinking!
I’d recommend exploring the colourful streets of Old Town, visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters around the Florida Keys and taking a sunset sailing cruise.
Watching the sunset celebrations at Mallory Square is practically a Key West rite of passage, while a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is a fantastic option if you have extra time.
Where do the locals go to eat in Key West?
If you’re looking to escape the more touristy restaurants around Duval Street, try Pepe’s Cafe, a long-standing favourite for hearty breakfasts and casual dining, or Half Shell Raw Bar for fresh seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Are there any Michelin Star restaurants in Key West?
As of 2026, Key West doesn’t have any Michelin-starred restaurants, but that doesn’t mean the island is short of fantastic places to eat.
The Michelin Guide now includes Key West, with Moondog Cafe & Bakery receiving a Bib Gourmand award in 2026 for good-quality, good-value cooking. Blue Heaven is also Michelin-recommended, making both excellent choices for food lovers looking beyond traditional fine dining.
Enjoyed this review of the best restaurants in Key West? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to ask any extra questions you have about visiting the island.
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