We are not foodies—we are professional diners. Our kitchen is certainly more decorative than utilitarian. Much to the amusement of our friends, we eat out every night of the week. Luckily, we live in a small town that offers big city choices when it comes to dining out.
Compiling this list of Our Top 10 Favorite Key West Restaurants was a lot of fun! Some of our top pics are casual and some are fancy. Some of them are reasonably priced and some are a bit pricey. Some require a reservation and some don’t. All of our favorites keep us coming back with terrific food, smiling faces, and great value.
Keith & Dean
OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE KEY WEST RESTAURANTS
10. Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria, 5620 Macdonald Avenue, Key West, Florida
305-296-4999, www.roostica.com
The best place for pizza in Key West! We love the Mixed Green Garden Salad, Margherita Pizza, and Chicken Parmesan.
9. El Meson de Pepe, 410 Wall Street, Key West, Florida
305-295-2620, www.elmesondepepe.com
Our favorite place for Cuban food on the island. We love the live music, Cuban bread, and ordering by the numbers. We can’t get away from ordering #61 Picadillo Habanero and #92 Mahi Mahi con Salsa de Camarones!
8. Mangia Mangia Pasta Cafe, 900 Southard Street, Key West, Florida
305-294-2469, www.mangia-mangia.com
Great homemade pasta keeps us coming back! We love the Lobster Linguine, Spaghettini Schmappellini, and Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon.
7. Nine One Five, 915 Duval Street, Key West, Florida
305-296-0669, www.915duval.com
Fabulous food and great people watching from the front porch! We love the Caesar Salad, Grass Fed 8oz Burger, and the Soul Mama Seafood Soup. Whatever you choose, order the Cone of Fries!
6. Chico’s Cantina, 5230 Highway 1, Key West, Florida
305-296-4714, www.chicoscantina.com
Key West’s best Mexican food! We are always treated like family at Chico’s. We love the Chips and Salsa, Cheese Crisp, Taco Salad, and Chicken Enchiladas.
5. Latitudes, 245 Front Street, Key West, Florida
305-292-5394, www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com/latitudes
Our favorite place to celebrate a special occasion. We love the boat ride to Sunset Key, dining on the porch, and the gorgeous sunset views. The Pan Seared Snapper and the Honey & Ancho Chile Crusted Waygu Beef Skirt Steak cannot be beat.
4. Salute! On The Beach, 1000 Atlantic Boulevard, Key West, Florida
305-292-1117, www.saluteonthebeach.com
The best lunch spot on the island. We love the Old Key West feel, beautiful ocean views, and entertaining people watching on Higgs Beach! The Green Salad, Shrimp Salad Sandwich, and Carrie’s Gazpacho keeps us coming back.
3. The Café, 509 Southard Street, Key West, Florida
305-296-5515, www.thecafekw.com
Delicious and healthy options galore! The Café has the best Spinach Artichoke Dip on the planet. We love the Cream of Tomato Soup, Truffled French Fries, Falafel Sandwich, Grilled Portobella Mushroom Salad, and Café ‘Veggie’ Veggie Burger.
2. Santiago’s Bodega, 207 Petronia Street, Key West, Florida
305-296-7691, www.santiagosbodega.com
Our favorite place to meet friends for dinner. We love the large selection of tapas to share. The Spinach Salad, Dates, Croquettas, Camembert Wedge, and Miniature Quesadillas are always on our list. Save room for the amazing Bread Pudding!
★1. The Flaming Buoy Filet Company, 1100 Packer Street, Key West, Florida,
305-295-7970, www.theflamingbuoy.com
We love The Flaming Buoy Filet Company! Many happy memories have been made at this charming and acclaimed, off the beaten path, Key West treasure. Scott, Fred, and their amazing staff always welcome us with open arms. We love the Lobster Macaroni & Cheese, Iceberg Lettuce Wedge, Seafood Marinara, The Filet Co. Three Way, and Spicy Chocolate Quesadilla. The Flaming Buoy Filet Company was an easy pick for our absolute favorite Key West restaurant.
The Flaming Buoy Filet Company. Our top restaurant pick!