Key West is a popular destination for travelers, but if you want to eat like a local, there are a few restaurants you may want to turn your attention to. These hidden gems capture the essence of what it is to dine out as a Key West local.

Among these restaurants, you'll find a wide variety of cuisine on offer, though much of it is centered around seafood. Luxury and budget-friendly options are both available, so everyone can find something suitable for their tastes and their bank account. Check out the best local restaurants on Key West.

  • 1

    Conch Republic Seafood Company

    Enjoy a beach bar with live music

    Conch Republic Seafood Company
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Conch Republic Seafood Company is a lively beach bar with seafood, live music, and plenty of Caribbean flair that creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Fresh seafood is the main star of the menu, utilizing Caribbean and American recipes together.

    The layout of the restaurant creates an inviting atmosphere, as 3 sides of it are open to the outside. The smells and live music often fill the surrounding area of the street, so simply walking by might be enough to lure you in. You'll find it located on the north side of downtown by the coast.

    Location: 631 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 11.30 pm to 9.30 pm

    Phone: +1 305-294-4403

    Map
  • 2

    Two Friends Patio Restaurant

    Dine in a historic restaurant

    Two Friends Patio Restaurant
    • Food
    • History
    • Nightlife

    Two Friends Patio Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in town and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink to finish off the day. The establishment dates back to 1967, though the spot it stands on served as a saloon back in 1886. When you visit today, you can see some history among the restaurant's decor.

    On the menu, you'll find mostly American fare, but there's some Caribbean flair in there as well. They're generally better known for their breakfast food, with evenings being heralded for their drink selections. You can experience it for yourself right downtown on the corner of Front and Ann.

    Location: 512 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 9.30 pm

    Phone: +1 305-296-3124

    Map
  • 3

    Off the Hook Grill Key West

    Check out a seafood pub

    Off the Hook Grill Key West
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Off the Hook Grill Key West is a local seafood pub where you'll find a wide variety of different drink options alongside delicious seafood. Being a pub and a restaurant, you'll find a large bar area if you're looking for a drink, and there are proper tables and booths where you can sit and enjoy a full meal.

    On the menu, you'll find some of the best seafood in town. They offer fresh fish and ceviche every day, with the actual item changing depending on what's fresh during the season. Stone crab claws are a popular favorite as well, and you'll also find duck breast prepared several different ways. You can find it by Key West Bight.

    Location: 920 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 4 pm to 9 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

    Phone: +1 305-741-7980

    Map
  • 4

    Seven Fish

    Fill up at a Key West classic

    Seven Fish
    • Food
    • History

    Seven Fish is a long-beloved Key West restaurant where you can enjoy a contemporary bistro with a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The dishes here are notably unpretentious, offering something that everybody can enjoy, including kids.

    While they strive to offer universally appealing food, they still have a passion for quality, so you'll find that only the finest fresh ingredients are used in their daily made-from-scratch items. Seafood is particularly popular here, but you'll also find a surprisingly vast wine menu. It's all located right in the historic district.

    Location: 921 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 6 pm to 10 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 305-296-2777

    Map
  • 5

    Seaside Cafe at the Mansion

    Take in the views at a scenic restaurant

    Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
    • Families
    • Food

    Seaside Cafe at the Mansion is known for its positively picturesque views of the surrounding coast as well as for serving delicious food for the whole family. Just about every seat in this restaurant offers an impressive view to pair with the relaxing and upscale yet casual ambience.

    When it comes to the food, you'll find a spectrum of delicious dishes like salami pizza and coconut shrimp. The dessert is especially popular, with items like Key lime pie and coconut pie. Several drinks, such as mojitos and margaritas, are available as well. It's all located on Duval Street by the southern coast in Casa Marina.

    Location: 1400 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +1 305-340-8167

    Map
  • 6

    Sarabeth's Key West

    Taste award-winning food

    Sarabeth's Key West
    • Food
    • History

    Sarabeth's Key West is a James Beard award-winning restaurant that offers exceptional seafood and grilled meats alongside breakfast and lunch foods in a historic building. The menu is designed to elevate classic American cooking, so you can expect quality, fresh ingredients whether you order a proper seared fish or a sandwich and a salad.

    One of the more interesting aspects of this restaurant is that it's located in a historic building from the 19th century. The atmosphere here lets you feel as if you've stepped back into the past, yet the taste meets even the harshest contemporary standards. It's located in Old Town off Simonton.

    Location: 530 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Hours may vary

    Phone: +1 305-293-8181

    Map
  • 7

    Blackfin Bistro

    Eat at an upscale bistro

    Blackfin Bistro
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Blackfin Bistro is an upscale, classic bistro that sports a Key West flair and offers simple and freshly sourced seafood alongside a generous drink selection. The menu is relatively small, but you'll still find something for just about everyone whether they're interested in soup, lobster rolls, or something a bit more exotic, like escargot.

    The wine list is especially impressive here with an array of whites and reds on offer. You can order by the glass or get an entire bottle if you like. Wines are sourced from all over the world from destinations like Oregon, Italy, Germany, and even New Zealand. It's located around where the historic district meets Bahama Village.

    Location: 918 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 305-509-7408

    Map
  • 8

    Hurricane Hole Restaurant & Marina

    Experience good food and watersports

    Hurricane Hole Restaurant & Marina
    • Adventure
    • Food

    Hurricane Hole Restaurant & Marina is a unique local seafood restaurant that features its own dock with easy access to thrilling watersports to enjoy. The restaurant serves seafood caught just a short distance away from the property.

    At the marina, you can enjoy a wide variety of watersports whether you're looking to relax on a boat cruise or do something a bit more thrilling, like tubing. All the gear you need is available on-site, and there's room on the dock for you to arrive by boat if you like. It's located on the east side of Cow Key Channel on the east side of the island.

    Location: 5130 Overseas Hwy #1, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 305-294-0200

    Map
  • 9

    The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.

    Visit a cozy Caribbean restaurant

    The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
    • Food

    The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. is a popular local restaurant best known for its smoky and grilled items, but you'll find a relaxing atmosphere and vegetarian options too. The menu here offers a variety of delicious dishes, including pink shrimp, lobster mac, pan-seared yellowtail snapper, and a spicy chocolate quesadilla.

    The atmosphere of this restaurant makes it easy to feel comfortable, featuring wood furnishings and an orange and yellow color scheme throughout. You can see it all for yourself in the downtown area off Eaton.

    Location: 424 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 6 pm to 8.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 305-295-7970

    Map
  • 10

    Little Pearl

    Relax in a friendly neighborhood seafood restaurant

    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Little Pearl is a seafood restaurant offering innovative and tropical cuisine made with locally caught fish and served in courses in a relaxed environment. When you book a meal here, you can enjoy a 4-course menu experience that lets the chef show off their skills with stunning traditional yet innovative recipes.

    It's important to note that this friendly restaurant also doubles as a wine bar, making it an exceptional nightlife destination that's especially fit for couples. Experience it all for yourself in Old Town within the historic district away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

    Location: 632 Olivia St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +1 305-204-4762

    Map