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The Most Iconic Dishes to Try in the Florida Keys (and Where to Find Them)

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Food lovers will find their own slice of paradise in the Keys, where ultra-fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavors pair with laid-back vibes and shimmering vistas.

Few places in America embody “vacation” quite like the Florida Keys. Aquamarine waters, swaying palm trees, and radiant sunsets spell instant relaxation for visitors to this 125-mile-long archipelago, which stretches from the southern tip of Miami to the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the world’s most coveted destinations for scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing, these emerald islands are equally famous for their easygoing atmosphere and fresh-from-the-sea cuisine. More than just frozen cocktails and Key lime pie, the Florida Keys boast a unique culinary scene that draws on Caribbean influences and emphasizes ultra-fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

From Key Largo to Key West, you’ll find exquisitely prepared plates of fresh hogfish, red grouper, spiny lobster, and yellowtail snapper — often served in a come-as-you-are setting with funky decor, gorgeous views, and a loyal clientele that returns again and again, year after year. So grab a menu: Here are some of the most iconic dishes, beloved restaurants, and must-do activities as you travel along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

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Key Largo

Known as the Dive Capital of the World, the island of Key Largo is a paradise for both underwater adventure and waterfront dining. Boat, scuba, and snorkel in turquoise waters before returning to dry land to dine at some of the Keys’ most popular, historic establishments.

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What to Order: Conch Fritters

“It’s unlike any seafood you’ve ever had,” says Laura Dreaber, owner of the Key Largo Conch House. “There’s a lot of seafood you can get in Florida, but conch is really unique to the Keys.” That’s because this large, chewy sea snail is found only in Caribbean waters. It’s most popularly served as a fried appetizer — the perfect pairing with a cold cocktail on a breezy patio.

Where to Get it

Key Largo Conch House: Draeber’s Caribbean-inspired restaurant feels like the home of a family who’s been living in the Keys for generations. Old Florida charm and pastel walls ensconce a boisterous crowd of visitors and locals alike, while the covered veranda is an ideal spot for breakfast.

Fish House: This funky eatery is dripping with colorful art and memorabilia, staffed by a team of longtime servers who seem to remember everyone’s name — and their order, too. If the juicy conch fritters don’t fill you up, try the day’s fresh catch served Black and Bleu, with a creamy sauce of bleu cheese, blackened seasoning, and white wine.

Key Largo Fisheries: “Fresh” is an understatement at this working fishery, where daily catches are either served dockside or shipped to restaurants nationwide. It’s a truly authentic Keys’ experience, complete with fishermen who will happily regale you with tall tales.

What to do

Take a ride on the real African Queen. Featured in the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart, the vessel runs daily tours around the Keys. For even more movie history, grab a drink at the Caribbean Club, which served as inspiration for the Bogart and Bacall film, Key Largo.

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Islamorada

Made up of six beautiful Keys, Islamorada boasts enchanting state parks, waterfront resorts, and laid-back charm in spades. As the Sportfishing Capital of the World, boaters and anglers flock to these islands for fishing trips, and many restaurants will cook your catch.

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What to Order: Mahi

This colorful fish swims in abundance just off Florida’s Coral Reef, making it a ubiquitous and delicious staple on nearly every menu. “Tomorrow morning, I could go out maybe four or five miles and catch all the mahi we’d ever want,” says Michael Ledwith, owner and chef of Chef Michael’s. The most quintessential dish is Fish Senator: sauteed with mushrooms and a light demi glaze, then topped with Key lime sauce.

Where to Get it

Chef Michael’s: Though Chef Michael’s motto is “Peace, Love, and Hogfish,” the mahi here is no slouch. Ledwith’s specialty is a unique take on Fish Senator called Fish Ambassador, served with a shiitake Key lime sauce and topped with either stone crab or blue crab and butter.

Lazy Days: Seafood always tastes a little better with sand between your toes, and this multi-story shack offers tables right on the beach. For a truly unique experience, anglers can bring in their catch for the chef to prepare in any number of ways.

Lorelei: If there is such a thing as a tough table to get in the Florida Keys, it's here. The over-water patio is always packed thanks to Lorelei’s legendary fish sandwich, where freshly caught mahi is fried, grilled, or blackened and served on a Kaiser roll. For something more hearty, enjoy the mahi cooked in Key lime peppercorn sauce.

What to do

Sip a Rum Runner in the place it was invented: The Holiday Isle Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn. A mix of banana liquor, rum, and grenadine, the famous cocktail was named for liquor smugglers that inhabited this area in the early 1900's.

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Marathon

A family-friendly destination in the heart of the Keys, this quaint island oasis exudes old-Keys character anchored by its rich fishing heritage, impeccable beaches, and relaxed pace.

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What to Order: Stone Crab Claws

This South Florida delicacy is particularly prevalent to the Keys, which is responsible for some 40 percent of the state’s stone crab harvest. A seasonal favorite best enjoyed between October and April, the stone crab has a flaky, sweet meat, comparable to that of a King Crab.

Where to Get it

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar: One of the most popular spots for happy hour in the Middle and Upper Keys, this oceanfront bar offers a diverse menu of Keys classics as well as steaks, burgers, and sushi. Live music and poolside DJs cater to the fun-loving crowd.

Keys Fisheries: Located shortly before the Seven Mile Bridge, this seafood market and restaurant offers beautiful views of the marina, especially at sunset. The no-frills eatery serves up simply prepared, mouthwatering dishes on a silver tray.

Angler & Ale: Enjoy a delicious dockside meal at the family-friendly Angler & Ale, where you’ll mingle with guests of the luxe Hawks Cay resort and enjoy breezy views of its private lagoon. Keep your cameras ready for dolphins, who often pop by to see what’s for dinner.

What to do

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers a variety of interactive experiences and exhibits where you can touch, feed, and observe marine life, including sharks, eels, rays, and turtles. You can even snorkel through the 200,000-gallon saltwater tank — no seasickness necessary.

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The Lower Keys

Often referred to as the Natural Keys, these tranquil islands are renowned for their natural beauty, uncrowded beaches, and protected lands — including two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary, and a state park.

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What to Order: Key West Pink Shrimp

While they don’t grow as large as other shrimp, Key West pink shrimp pack twice the flavor. “They’re just night and day,” says Chef Michael Ledwith. “If you blind taste-tested these with a dozen other varieties, pink shrimp would come out on top every time.” Consistently sweet, crisp, and fresh (especially this close to their origin near Dry Tortugas), pink shrimp need little more than a gentle sauteeing in key lime butter to taste perfectly delicious.

Where to Get it

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar: Ideal for colorful cocktails and hearty weekend brunch, Matt’s serves a delicious spin on shrimp and grits made with Key West pinks, Manchego cheese grits, and tomato bacon gravy.

Square Grouper Bar and Grill: This chef-owned spot on Cudjoe Key lets you enjoy exquisitely prepared dishes (like the pan sauteed shrimp with Thai sweet chili butter sauce) without even changing out of your beach attire.

No Name Pub: One of the most iconic dive bars in Florida, No Name Pub is located down a long, middle-of-nowhere road in Deer Key. Wallpapered with dollar bills, the friendly yellow bar serves up delicious pizzas, peel’n eat shrimp, and cold beer.

What to do

Don’t miss Bahia Honda State Park, home to what many consider to be the most beautiful beach in the state. White, powder-soft sand leads straight into the brilliantly clear water of Florida Bay, making this a prime spot for snorkeling.

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Key West

Anything goes here at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S., where divey watering holes and lively street festivals complement historic sites and breathtaking sunsets. Just a short boat ride away from the action, vibrant coral reefs offer some of the world’s best underwater adventures.

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What to Order: Key Lime Pie

Much like drinking champagne in France or eating pasta in Italy, cutting into a slice of Key lime pie in the land of its origin is a true bucket list experience. No food emblemizes this region quite like Key lime pie, a creamy custard of tart citrus and sweet graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream or meringue. The finishing touch? A fresh squeeze of juice from Florida’s native Key limes.

Where to Get it

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe: A bit like Disneyland for Key lime pie, you can snap pictures with Kermit himself and take home all manner of Key lime-related souvenirs (and pie, of course).

Blue Heaven: You can smell this popular landmark breakfast spot a mile away, as the aroma of fresh baked breads and pastries fills the air. Once inside, enjoy your Key lime pie in a shady courtyard filled with roosters, funky furniture, and occasional live music.

Sunset Pier: Colorful tables line the pier behind the Ocean Key Resort, and there’s no better spot to savor a slice of pie as the sun dips behind the sea.

What to do

Attend the nightly Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square, a Key West tradition since the 1960s that fills the last two hours of daylight with a bevy of magicians, jugglers, fire dancers, musicians, mimes, joke-tellers, and street vendors.

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