FLORIDA KEYS RESTAURANTS

Overview · Restaurants · Hotels

Barracuda Grill MM 49.5, BS, 4290 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL, USA	305/743-3314 Read Review
If you pigeonhole Keys food as grilled fish, Barracuda Grill will be a revelation. The sophisticated, eclectic menu capitalizes on local seafood (take a test drive with the Mangrove snapper and mango) but is equally represented by tender, aged Angus beef, rack of lamb, and even braised pork shank. Innovation is in everything but not at the expense of good, solid cooking. Local favorites include Francesca's voodoo stew, with scallops, shrimp, and veggies in a spicy tomato-saffron stock, and sashimi of yellowfin tuna with wasabi and tamari. Decadent desserts include a rich key lime cheesecake. The well-thought-out wine list is heavily Californian. Reservations not accepted. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.
Hideaway Café MM 58, OS, Grassy Key, FL, USA	305/289-1554 Read Review
The name captures the location -- it's tucked between Grassy Key and Marathon, easily missed if you're barnstorming through the middle islands. When you find it (just look on the ocean side before crossing to Marathon), you'll find a favorite of locals who appreciate a great menu, scenic ocean view, and quiet evening away from the crowds. For starters, dig into escargots à la Edison (sautéed with veggies, garlic, pepper, cognac, and cream). Then feast on several specialties, such as a rarely-found-in-the-Keys charbroiled veal chop, cooked to order; a belly-busting whole roasted duck; or the seafood special, which combines the catch of the day with scallops and shrimp in a savory scampi sauce. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Island Grill MM 85.5, OS, Islamorada, FL, USA	305/664-8400 Read Review
If you sat any closer to the water, you would get wet at this oceanfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Boats pull up within a few feet of your table discharging diners -- and exhaust -- so opt for a table a little farther away; you'll still get the sea view, but without the fumes. The radio plays pop music as waiters take orders from an eclectic menu with such dishes as Reuben mahimahi, guava barbecue shrimp with pineapple salsa, and tuna nachos. Southern-inspired fare includes low-country shrimp or shrimp and andouille, both with grits or, as some locals call them, "gree-its." There's a bar indoors and another outdoors, with live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday. AE, MC, V.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Restaurant MM 28.5, OS, 28500 Overseas Hwy., Little Torch Key, FL, USA	305/872-2551 Read Review
The waterfront dining room with nightly live music at the exclusive Little Palm Island resort is one of the most romantic spots, and indeed unique dining experiences, in the Keys. The menu reflects a mix of Caribbean, French, and Asian tastes. The tropical Sunday brunch buffet and the full-moon jazz dinners are the most popular meals. The dining room is open to nonguests on a reservations-only basis. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Marker 88 MM 88, BS, Islamorada, FL, USA	305/852-9315 Read Review
With a seemingly endless supply a few yards away in Florida Bay, it's no wonder marine cuisine rules at Chef Sal Barros's eatery, which over the last 30 years has become a "must" for visitors. Large picture windows offer a dandy view of sunsets, but it's a shame to skip on-deck dining in fair weather. The treats range from grilled yellowfin tuna served with wasabi and ginger to yellowtail snapper in a delicate meunière sauce. Landlubbers find veal piccata, chicken française, and a few other options, and there's also a variety of inexpensive sandwiches ($8-$12). The extensive wine list is worthy of your attentions. Reservations are recommended. www.marker88.info. AE, MC, V.
Pierre's MM 81.5, BS, Islamorada, FL, USA	305/664-3225 Read Review
A two-story sister to the Morada Bay restaurant, this spot marries British colonial decadence with south Florida trendiness. It oozes style, with dark wood, rattan, French doors, Indian and Asian architectural artifacts, and a wicker chair-strewn veranda that overlooks the bay. The food, inspired by those same Asian, Indian, and Floridian accents, is complex: layered, colorful, and beautifully presented. Weather permitting, dine outside. The sophisticated downstairs bar provides a perfect vantage point for sunset watching. Reservations are recommended. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon.
Sundowners MM 104, BS, Key Largo, FL, USA	305/451-4502 Read Review
Come for the view first. If it's a clear night and you can get a reservation (it's tough in high season), you'll be treated to a spectacular sunset overlooking Florida Bay. If you're here in mild weather -- anytime other than the dog days of summer or the rare winter cold snap -- the best seats are on the patio. The view and food are excellent and you won't have to get gussied up to eat in style. One of our favorites is key lime seafood, a taste explosion of sautéed shrimp, lobster, and lump crab swimming in a garlic-and-vegetable lime sauce warmed with a splash of Tabasco. Wednesday and Saturday are prime-rib nights and Friday features a flat rate for all the fried fish you can eat. sundownerskeylargo.com. AE, D, MC, V.