Chef Michael’s
81671 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 664-0640
This elegant restaurant is hogfish-centric. The sign out front features a large hogfish and says Peace, Love and Hogfish. They do serve prime rib, filet mignon and lobster, much of the menu is devoted to chef Michael’s beloved hogfish… there’s whole fried hogfish, hogfish ceviche, hogfish and eggs, blackened hogfish….
Bitton Bistro Café
82245 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 396-7481
This restaurant serve delicious coffee, cappuccino, espresso, crepes, gourmet sandwiches, Italian gelato and French baked goods. Try the fresh mango juice savory ham and gruyere crepe, quiche or the ocean salad, then take home some fresh baked croissants, baguettes.
Bayside Gourmet
82758 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 735-4471
It’s a lot of things a pizzeria, a deli, a bakery – but all done rather well. They have a rather large menu which includes lots of entrée sized salads, gourmet sandwiches like the Grouper Rueben and others named for specific parts of the keys, exotic pizzas and fish tacos. Although strictly speaking this is tropical food, it has a little bit of an Italian flair. There’s a Jersey Shore cheesecake mentioned on the desert menu and the four cheese pizza is referred to as quatro formaggio pie. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and have a long welcoming lunch counter as well.
The Midway Café and Coffee Bar
80499 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 664-2622
This quaint and colorful coffeehouse has mismatched chairs, cute café curtains, lots of local art and some really good food. They have a little gift shop you can browse while you wait for your meal and lots of local books and newspapers laying around if that’s more your speed. There’s a sign on the wall that states “ We do not have WIFI, speak to each other, pretend it’s 1995.” It’s the philosophy of the owners. There’s a tremendous selection of baked goods with gigantic muffins. They offer a large selection of salads and sandwiches and lots of vegeterian options. www.midwaycafecoffeebar.com
Ziggie and Mad Dog’s
83300 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 664-3391
An elegant restaurant serving steaks and seafood. Try the lobster mac and cheese, Filet Mignon, bone in Rib-eye or catch of the day. The portions are huge, the service is stellar and the food is downright amazing. www.ziggieandmaddogs.com
Morada Bay Beach Café
81600 Overseas Highway
Islamorada Florida 33036
(305) 664-0604
Morada Bay is a very popular destination with the locals and the home of the monthly Full Moon Parties. Every full moon they host a party that draws hundreds to dance in the sand while local bands play late into the night. They bring out entertainers, set several bonfires and set up several extra beach side bars. When they are not hosting the Full Moon party, the cafe offers a indoor and outdoor dining on it’s sandy palm lined beach overlooking the ocean. They offer a tapas menu, large stiff drinks served in Mason jars. For entrees they serve a catch of the day, crab stuffed lobster, lamb chops, pork chops, mussels a la morada, pasta and prime rib on Fridays and Saturday evenings only. Morada Bay is a can’t miss stop for travelers. It’s best to arrive just before sunset to take in the beautiful views and live music as the day melts into night. www.moradabay.com
Ciao Hound
84001 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-5300
This restaurant, open only for dinner is an Italian restaurant that pairs authentic Tuscan flavors with fresh Keys-sourced ingredients and Rat Pack-era tunes. Menu highlights include Sweet Pan-Seared Florida Shrimp with Creamy Polenta, Grilled Mahi-Mahi Puttanesca and Garlic-Rosemary Basted Tuscan Sirloin Steak. www.holidayisle.com/islamorada-restaurants/ciao-hound
Lazy Days Restaurant
79867 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida
(305) 664-5256
This is a really beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating on the balcony overlooking the water or right on the beach. They often have live entertainment on the beach. This is definitely a keys restaurant as seafood takes center stage. Entrees include cracked conch, North Atlantic jumbo scallops, lobster, Grouper St. Croix, and Jalapeno encrusted Yellowtail Snapper. They also have steaks, chicken and pasta dishes. This is a fancier restaurant, great for celebrating special occasions or entertaining guests. www.lazydaysrestaurant.com
Pierre’s
81600 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 664-3225
Pierre’s is a french restaurant located at Morada Bay. The restaurant opens for dinner only. This is one of the keys most elegant dining experiences and the prices reflect that. Reservations are required and there is a dress code. There is a full bar and extensive wine list. Appetizers include inventive offerings like Peruvian style ceviche and Octopus Tirado. Entrees include seafood curry, scallops, lamb chops, filet mignon, short ribs and the catch of the day meuniere.
Marker 88
88000 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 852-9315
Marker 88 restaurant has operated continuously in the keys for 50 years! They have an extensive menu and wine list – over 250 varieties. Reservations are recommended. For an appetizer try the Hot blue crab dip, Tuna Poke, blackened tuna sashimi or lobster and mango guacamole. Entrees include chef prepared broiled lobster, onion encrusted mahi mahi, a smoked sea salt ribeye and sesame seared Ahi tuna salad. www.marker88.info
M.E.A.T. Eatery and Taproom
88005 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 852-3833
A new concept fast casual burger eatery. They serve hearty and huge juicy hamburgers, assorted wings, truffle fries and house-made pork rinds along with floats and lots of great beer both bottled and on tap. www.meateatery.com
Island Grill
85501 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 3303
(305) 664-8400
Island grill is located on a long stretch of sand next to a bridge in Islamorada. They are famous for their ahi tuna nachos and lively happy hour. They have a rather extensive menu and serve breakfast lunch and dinner. The views are really pretty and the food is reasonably priced and delicious. They serve fish tacos, thai shrimp rolls, lobster rolls, cuban sanwiches , shrimp and grits and more. www.keysislandgrill.com
Florida Keys Brewing Company
200 Morada Way
Islamorada, Florida 33036
(305) 916-5206
A vibrant and lively brewery and bar with dozens of beers on tap, live entertainment, and board games and dominoes at every table. A really fun place for happy hour. www.floridakeysbrewingco.com