If you’re the kind of person who sees food as more than just fuel, you’ll want to add Key West to your vacation bucket list. This island in the Florida Keys has welcomed people from around the world for generations, and those residents have brought with them authentic recipes and a determination to maintain the integrity of their favorite meals. Key West is an amazing place where you can enjoy all kinds of amazing food and drinks that will tempt you to come back soon. Here are just a few of the opportunities to indulge in the kind of stand-out dishes that will satisfy your craving for exciting food.
Key Lime Pie at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
There may be no other dish that’s more associated with Key West than key lime pie, and Kermit’s has the best. It’s made fresh, from scratch, every day, and the pie-makers here go above and beyond. The menu includes more than just the standard key lime flavor, too. Kermit’s has creative versions such as strawberry key lime, too. Just stop by the charming clapboard cottage on Elizabeth Street and treat yourself to a slice or pick up a whole pie for a group to enjoy. While you’re there, stock up on key lime-inspired treats like cookies and candies as well as chutneys, jellies and jams, and even lip balm.
Catch Your Own Fish for Dinner with All In Fishing Charters
Earn your foodie cred by joining in a chartered fishing trip where you may even catch your own dinner. Fishing in the Florida Keys is world-famous, and depending on when you visit, you could catch snapper, grouper, tarpon, mahi, and more. Fortunately, charter fishing boats typically welcome new and experienced anglers, too. Your reservation includes everything you need, from fishing gear to friendly advice. Check out All In Fishing Charters for customized excursions that include half-day trips led by an experienced local captain who’s knowledgeable about the best fishing spots around Key West. And if you do catch your own fish, you can take it with you to one of the many local restaurants that feature a cook-your-catch menu item; your fish will usually be grilled, blackened or baked and served to you family-style.
Get the Grilled Lobster at Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant
While the Northeast is often the first thought people have when it comes to getting great lobster, Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant has a grilled lobster that will certainly convince you that Maine doesn’t have a lock on this specialty. The Art Deco exterior of this restaurant in Old Town Key West stands out, but it’s the seafood that keeps people coming back. In addition to lobster, guests love the fish tacos, conch ceviche, and fish sandwiches. House-made accompaniments deliver superior flavor, and it’s easy to see why Eaton Street’s reputation remains so positive year after year. Choose your meals to-go or dine al fresco at the picnic tables surrounding the restaurant.
Famously Fizzy Drinks at Southernmost Beach Cafe
While the Southernmost Beach Cafe is well-known for its pizza, burgers, pasta and especially Sunday brunch, it’s the cocktails that are the most memorable. Guests can sit beachside and watch the waves roll in as they dine outdoors with attentive service and a friendly atmosphere. The convenient location is close to the Southernmost Point landmark so it’s easy to get to for a convenient dinner before heading out for the evening.
Dinner and Dessert at Duetto Pizza & Gelato
Duetto Pizza & Gelato has been a crowd-favorite for years. The restaurant takes great pride in its homemade crust and freshly made ingredients like tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The menu features plenty of traditional-style pies such as margherita and Hawaiian as well as creative options like a 4-cheese pizza. Don’t miss La Rossa, which skips the cheese entirely but is still so flavorful because of the black olives, capers, and tomato sauce, and the 4 Formaggi pie, which includes several types of cheese. What’s more, the restaurant also serves its own house-made gelato in multiple flavors. It’s the ideal way to finish your meal, and if you’d prefer, get your gelato made into a milkshake. Flavors include lemon, chocolate, mango, coconut, and chocolate hazelnut.
Plan Your Vacation Around Your Appetite
When you love food as much as you love to travel, it’s smart to book your itinerary around the best restaurants in Key West. With international influences that include French, Asian, Central American, South American, American South, and Spanish cooking and baking, the scope of Key West’s food scene goes far beyond the few square miles that make up the island. It’s a wonderful location to explore new global tastes, cooking techniques, and historical flavors, so book your trip today and see why Key West is the ideal vacation spot for food fans.