10 Best Local Food in Florida Keys and Where to Find It

Known as The Pulse of Islamorada, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in all of the Florida Keys. Not only is the food and drink selection incredible, but you can sit back and enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset over the water from its waterfront tables. 

There's even live entertainment just about every night, allowing you to enjoy both dinner and a show. Don't worry about dressing up for the experience either. While there's much to offer, the atmosphere is casual overall, so you can relax in your shorts and T-shirts.

At Barefoot at Pierre's, you'll find beauty at virtually every turn. The restaurant itself is located on the beach with palm trees towering overhead and walking paths decorated with vibrant and colourful tropical flowers. 

The architecture of the building mimics that of a plantation-style house, and all of that can be enjoyed before you even step foot inside. Once you sit down to eat, you'll find a fine dining experience with high-end, contemporary American cuisine that specialises in seafood with a hint of fusion.

When you dine at Chef Michael's, you can expect only the best when it comes to your cuisine. The chefs in the kitchen have extensive experience working at some of the top-rated restaurants in the world, from Manhattan to Martinique. This fancy restaurant is equally adept at preparing fresh seafood as it is with handling a filet mignon. The wine list is also one of the best in the Florida Keys.  

Their execution is perfect and their vision is nothing short of perfection, so you can hold an entirely new standard when it comes to your food and still be satisfied. To ensure unrivalled quality, this restaurant locally sources every last one of their ingredients from local waters and farms.

At Lazy Days Restaurant you can enjoy a casual dining experience that lets you take it easy while the staff does the opposite. They work hard to ensure the food is top quality whether you're looking for fresh seafood or certified Angus steaks and chicken. Don't leave without trying the Keylime Pie.   

There's even a kid’s menu and a full-service bar available, so you can enjoy a wide variety of experiences here. Plus, the restaurant is located by the shore, so their waterfront dining is some of the best in the Keys.

When you're looking to relax with a cold craft beer, Angler & Ale is one of the greatest spots on the islands. You'll find fresh-from-the-tap brews, including local crafts and more well-known favourites. 

While their drink selection is certainly robust, you'll find several incredible food options, as well. They specialise in seafood like most local restaurants, and you can always count on a fresh catch prepared by expert chefs. Of course, you can always opt for a classic burger instead.

While Keys Fisheries is a delicious seafood restaurant, that's just the beginning. You'll also find a diverse seafood market with an incredible selection that you can peruse, should you decide to try your hand at cooking some seafood dishes for yourself. There's even a marina on-site, allowing patrons to drive up by boat and dock rather than reaching the restaurant on foot or by car. As for the food itself, it's made from the quality ingredients featured in their market. For reference, this level of quality is enough to supply the local Whole Foods.

The Barracuda Grill has made quite the name for itself throughout the Keys. Winning numerous awards throughout its years in operation, it has rapidly become one of the most popular restaurants in the area. When you visit, you can enjoy pristine seafood like yellowfin tuna and fresh oysters and scallops, but that's just the beginning. 

You'll find even more seafood in the menu including octopus, calamari, and even swordfish. Don't forget to check out its extensive award-winning wine selection as well. You'll find vintages from all over the globe.

When you visit Milagro, you'll find a diverse selection of cuisine created by the talented husband-and-wife team of Kevin and Magdalena Montoya. While they've spent decades in the Florida Keys, their Spanish roots shine in their food, offering simple, yet enjoyable dishes that you won't forget anytime soon. 

You'll find local seafood, of course, in addition to wood-grilled steaks and chops. Mexican fare is prevalent throughout the menu, but you can also opt for artisan pizzas.

The star of the show at The Thirsty Mermaid is the raw bar. This incredible feature offers state-of-the-art fresh seafood such as oysters, shrimp, and clams, all locally caught. Of course, the main courses are appealing enough in their own right as the talented chefs prepare a variety of dishes, including snapper and steak to perfection. 

It's also a good place to grab a burger, if you're tired of the local seafood fare. Don't forget to check out their craft beer and wine selection as well.

If you're looking for seafood on Key Largo, you won't have to look further than The Fish House. This seafood restaurant is located right next to the shore in a region populated with tasty fish. They oversee the catching of the fish, delivering freshly caught seafood every single day. 

Fish are carefully selected by the staff and hand filleted on-site. Smoked fish is a speciality here, and you can enjoy a variety of such, including mahi-mahi, yellowtail snapper, stone crab, and Florida lobster.