Family recipes that are decades old, fresh Florida seafood, key lime pies – one thing’s for sure, it’s that food in the Florida keys – is a serious affair. Food is an art form and chefs are rock stars. And with hundreds of restaurants to choose from, everyone is sure to find meals to make their taste buds sing.
Keys restauranteurs and renowned chefs are passionate about their craft, and it shows. Here are our picks for some of the best.
[one_half padding=”0 100x 0 30px”]
Upper Keys
THE FISH HOUSE
102401 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
305-451-4665
Specializing in the finest seafood available, The Fish House opened just as the Conch Republic was born. Since the key to terrific seafood lies in the freshness, they made that their trademark. Fresh-caught fish arrives daily at the dock and is brought directly to The Fish House. Try the smoked fish dip appetizer, fried fish sandwich or blue crab stuffed lobster. The atmosphere is laid-back keys casual. The interior features wood walls. lots of keys kitsch, and a ceiling covered in fish nets and campy patio lights. The outdoor patio is more elegant and romantic. They also have a fresh fish market.
www.fishhouse.com
SUNDOWNERS
Since 1985 Sundowners restaurant in Key Largo has been serving sunsets, seafood and steaks. Enjoy the view from the dramatic glass-walled dining room, or sit outside on the covered deck. SunDowners can accommodate up to 100 guests for inside seating, and up to 200 guests for outside seating. This is the place to take large groups of visiting guests. They have some really innovative drinks and dishes. To start try the key lime pie martini, fried olives with fig sauce or coconut bread with pineapple butter. For an entree try the crab cakes, steak and shrimp skewers or Portugese pan roast.
www.sundownerskeylargo.com
HOBO’S CAFE
101691 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
305-451-5888
Hobo’s is a keys staple, with affordable food done just right. Hobo’s was originally a small conch house with adjacent marina, the “Cheers” of Key Largo. It was the favored water hole for the locals, but the food and service was so good, they outgrew the original location. Order the sampler platter as an appetizer. You’ll be tempted to order a seafood dish, which I highly recommend, but don’t overlook the garlic wings, they are addictive. Come early and often, but plan to wait for a table, as this is a really busy restaurant. It’s a great post-dive spot, they play videos of the reef on a continuous loop on the TV’s, but will switch to a sporting event upon request. The atmosphere is very casual, but the staff is very attentive. You are sure to feel welcome and come away very full and satisfied.
www.hoboscafe.net
MRS. MACS KITCHEN
99336 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-3722
Sisters, Paula & Angie have operated Mrs. Mac’s kitchen since 1988. Mr’s Macs has continuously been voted “The Best” in the People’s Choice Awards and Best Hometown Café . The food is simple, delicious and affordable. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They serve really regional fare including conch fritters, alligator tenders, lobster bites, smoked fish dip, crabcakes, and yellowtail snapper. They have great fried fish, shrimp. oyster and lobster baskets that come with cottage fries and cole slaw. They also surprisingly sell lots of East Coast favorites, patty melts, chili cheese dogs, 6 different Philly sandwiches, deli sandwiches. The atmosphere is keysey – and it feels very much like you are eating in the kitchen of someone’s conch home.
www.mrsmacskitchen.com
[/one_half]
[one_half_last padding=”0 50x 0 50px”]
THE BUZZARDS ROOST
21 Garden Cove Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-453-3746
The Buzzard’s Roost offers waterside dining indoors and out. Relax inside in air-conditioned comfort, or out on the patio or at the tiki bar. Enjoy live music at the tiki bar on Friday nights. They also have a fabulous brunch on the weekends. Enjoy appetizers like fresh oysters, ceviche and peel and eat shrimp. For your meal, we recommend the cracked conch, lobster reuben, fish tacos or chicken wings. The patio is especially beautiful at night with views down the canal.
www.buzzardsroostkeylargo.com
THE LAZY LOBSTER
102770 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
(305) 451-0565
The Lazy Lobster offers fresh seafood, seafood pastas, vegetarian pastas, sandwiches, steaks and chicken all prepared by chefs. They will also cook your catch. They cook lobster in a myriad of ways including an incredible lobster thermidor. Try the seafood Provencal, Tuna Tartar or Sooper Dooper Grouper sandwhich.
lazylobsterinthekeys.com
JIMMY JOHNSON’S BIG CHILL
104000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
305-453-9066
The Big Chill offers waterfront dining while taking in breathtaking Sunset Views of the Florida Bay. Enjoy tuna nachos, the Italian fisherman seafood pizza topped with a whole lobster, New England clam chowder, poorboy shrimp sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese plus a very lively happy hour poolside. This is a great place to gather to watch the big game, as the owner is the famed former coach of the Miami Dolphins.
www.jjsbigchill.com
THE PILOT HOUSE
13 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-3142
The Pilot House has been operating continually in Key Largo for over 50 years. It’s a restaurant, bar and 55 slip marina. They offer live entertainment nearly every night of the week. The menu includes lots of appetizers including oysters, Ahi Tuna Nachos, Conch Fritters, Baked Brie and a Creamy Crab Dip. Popular entrees include lobster mac and cheese, macadamia crusted hogfish, paella, St. Louis ribs and grilled Churrasco steak.
The outdoor bar is unique because it overlooks the marina and has a partially glass bottomed floor. They have been featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives.
www.pilothousemarina.com
NUM THAI & SUSHI BAR
103200 Overseas Highway, Key Largo FL 33037
305-451-5955
Num Thai is authentic Thai food and sushi. The owners are originally from Thailand. They serve fresh sushi rolls and entire boats. They have delicious soups like Tom Ka Kai and Tom Yum, warm, salty and crunchy edamame bowls, Thai curries, Pad Thai, Yakitori and Tempura dishes. They are located in a small strip center at mile marker 103 and are a favorite with the locals.
Find them on facebook at Num Thai & Sushi Bar
[/one_half_last]
Senor Frijoles
Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill
Bayside Grill
Lazy Loster Seafood Restaurant
The Pilot House
Skipper’s Dockside
Num Thai & Sushi
DiGirgios Cafe Largo
DJ’s Diner
Tower of Pizza
Ballyhoos Seafood Grille
Sushi Nami
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
