Have you ever imagined going on vacation to a place where fine dining meets azure waters? Key Largo is a hidden jewel in Florida, well-known for its breathtaking coral reefs and, as you’ll soon find out, its delicious food scene. There are the best restaurants in Key Largo that are ready to tempt your taste buds, whether your craving is for juicy steak with a stunning ocean view, a slice of real Italian pizza, or fresh seafood that was harvested only hours before your dinner.
The best restaurants in Key Largo are thoroughly reviewed in this guide, with options to suit every taste and budget. Prepare to go on a gourmet adventure through hidden treasures, coastal retreats, and neighbourhood favourites that will make your time in Key Largo unforgettable. Are you Curious about the culinary gems in Columbia MO? Discover the top-rated eateries and hidden culinary treasures in our guide to the Best Restaurants in Columbia MO.
Fine Dining with a View: Panoramic Delights with the best restaurants in Key Largo
Calusa at Baker’s Cay Resort: Creole-Caribbean Delight with Panoramic Views
Calusa at Baker’s Cay Resort stands out as one of the best restaurants in Key Largo, offering a superb option for those seeking an upscale dining experience with a unique twist. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what Calusa has to offer:
CUISINES: Creole-Caribbean
MEALS: Breakfast, Brunch (Sundays only), Dinner
Menu:
Calusa offers a menu that artfully blends Creole and Caribbean influences. Expect to find mouthwatering dishes like:
- Breakfast: Specialty Illy coffees alongside breakfast classics with a Caribbean twist.
- Brunch (Sundays only): A delectable spread featuring both sweet and savoury options, incorporating Caribbean flavours.
- Dinner: A showcase of Chef Trexel’s culinary creativity. Think lobster bisque with coconut milk, pan-seared scallops with mango salsa, filet mignon with a guava demi-glace, and an array of other tempting choices. Vegetarian options are also available.
Timing:
- Breakfast: Monday-Friday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM), Saturday (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Brunch (Sundays only): (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Dinner: Daily (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
FEATURES:
- With its magnificent third-floor location, Calusa provides beautiful views of Florida Bay.
- Executive Chef Charles Trexel, who is renowned for his twist on Creole-Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients, created the menu.
- Calusa places a high value on sustainability and serves food prepared with seasonal, local ingredients as well as fresh seafood from the Florida Keys.
- The restaurant’s sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for a special event or a romantic date night.
Location:
- Baker’s Cay Resort, 97000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Sol by the Sea at Playa Largo Resort & Spa: Rustic Charm Meets Oceanfront Delights
Sol by the Sea isn’t just another restaurant at Playa Largo Resort & Spa; it’s an experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide if this oceanfront gem should be among your choices for best restaurants in Key Largo:
Details:
- Cuisine: Seafood, Caribbean, Latin American (with a focus on fresh, local ingredients)
- Ambience: Rustic, romantic, beach shack chic with whitewashed tables, pastel fabrics, and driftwood benches.
- Dress Code: Casual
Menu:
Sol by the Sea offers a diverse menu featuring:
- Appetisers: Smoked fish dip, conch fritters, ceviche, and fresh oysters.
- Entrees:
- Fresh local fish dishes, like snapper, mahi-mahi, and grouper, are prepared in various styles.
- Meats and poultry options like jerk chicken, New York strip steak, and baby back ribs.
- Vegetarian choices include pasta dishes and creative salads.
- Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and classic accompaniments.
- Desserts: Key lime pie, chocolate lava cake, and other tempting options.
Timings:
- Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Sun) & 11:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Additional Features:
- As you eat, take in the stunning view of the beach.
- For a unique dining experience, arrive by boat and tie up at the bayside marina (accessible for brunch, lunch, and sunset supper).
- A resort day pass will improve your time at Sol by the Sea and provide you access to the beach, pools, and other facilities of the resort.
- Savour a delicious brunch feast with traditional breakfast favourites given a Caribbean touch.
- Over supper, take in the gorgeous sunsets over in the Florida Keys.
Location:
Sol by the Sea is situated directly on the resort property at Playa Largo Resort & Spa 97490 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Casual Delights: Waterfront Gems among the best restaurants in Key Largo
The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market: Fresh Catch, Relaxed Vibes
The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market is a beloved establishment in Key Largo, celebrated for its delectable seafood offerings and lively waterfront ambience. Here’s a closer look to see if this casual dining destination among the best restaurants in Key Largo meets your culinary cravings:
Details:
- Cuisine: Seafood (specializing in local catches)
- Ambiance: Casual, family-friendly, waterfront with a lively atmosphere.
- Dress Code: Relaxed, beach casual attire.
Menu:
The Fish House prides itself on using the freshest local catches, with its menu boasting a variety of seafood options:
- Appetizers: Crispy calamari, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and conch fritters.
- Entrees:
- Fresh fish selections (daily catch varies) are prepared in various styles like grilled, blackened, fried, or served over pasta.
- Seafood platters overflowing with a variety of fresh catches.
- Non-seafood options like burgers, sandwiches, and salads are also available.
- Sides: Classic accompaniments like coleslaw, french fries, rice pilaf, and seasonal vegetables.
- Desserts: Key lime pie, chocolate cake, and other delightful options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Timings:
- Lunch & Dinner: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)
Additional Features:
- Enjoy magnificent views of Florida Bay while you dine.
- Enjoy the tropical vibes and sunshine on the large outside terrace.
- There’s a fresh seafood market next to the restaurant where you can buy premium fish to prepare yourself.
- Live music performances frequently enhance the vibrant atmosphere of The Fish House; check their website or social media for scheduling.
- Families with kids will love The Fish House because of its kid-friendly menu and laid-back vibe.
Location:
The Fish House is conveniently located along the main highway in Key Largo:
102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Hidden Gems: Beyond the Waterfront
Italian Food Company: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Key Largo
Craving a slice of Italy during your Key Largo adventure? Look no further than the Italian Food Company! This family-owned gem stands out among the best restaurants in Key Largo, promising a warm atmosphere, friendly service, and authentic Southern Italian cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Details:
- Cuisine: Southern Italian (Pizzas, Pastas, Italian Specialties)
- Ambience: Casual, family-friendly, with a touch of rustic charm.
- Dress Code: Casual
Menu:
The menu at Italian Food Company is a celebration of all things Italian. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
- Appetizers: Classic bruschetta variations, fried fresh mozzarella sticks, burrata with truffle oil, eggplant parmigiana, and more.
- Salads: Fresh garden salads with various dressings and optional protein add-ons.
- Pizzas: Wood-fired pizzas are the show’s star, with a variety of classic and signature toppings to choose from. Opt for the traditional Margherita or explore more adventurous options like the “Prosciutto e Rucola” with arugula and prosciutto.
- Pastas: Indulge in a selection of homemade pasta dishes like lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, and gnocchi. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
- Entrees: For those seeking something beyond pasta and pizza, the Italian Food Company offers classic Italian entrees such as chicken Marsala, veal parmigiana, and fresh seafood dishes.
- Desserts: Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli.
Timings:
- Lunch: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Mon, Wed, Thu)
- Dinner: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Fri)
- Weekend Brunch: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Sat & Sun)
Features:
- Savour your dinner al fresco while basking in the Key Largo sunshine on the large outside patio.
- For private occasions like birthday celebrations, rehearsal dinners for weddings, and business get-togethers, the restaurant has a covered dining space and terrace that may be leased.
- Italian Food Company offers a variety of pasta meals that are free of gluten to accommodate dietary requirements.
- There are also tasty selections for vegans and vegetarians on the menu, such as pasta dishes and pizzas loaded with vegetables.
- Do you want to spend a cosy evening in? For maximum convenience, the Italian Food Company provides take-out and delivery options.
Location:
Italian Food Company is conveniently located on the main road through Key Largo:
98070 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037-2356
Family-Friendly Fun and Budget Bites
Sundowners: Relaxed Vibes and Sunset Delights in Key Largo
Sundowners isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Key Largo institution, serving up casual American fare with a breathtaking backdrop since 1985. Here’s a closer look to see if Sundowners should be your next culinary stop among the best restaurants in Key Largo:
Details:
- Cuisine: American (with a focus on fresh seafood, steaks, and sandwiches)
- Ambience: Casual, relaxed, family-friendly, with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunset views over Florida Bay.
- Dress Code: Casual
Menu:
- Sundowners offers a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, including:
- Appetizers: Coconut shrimp, calamari, peel-and-eat shrimp, and classic bar fare.
- Entrees:
- Fresh seafood options like grilled mahi-mahi, coconut-fried shrimp, and fish tacos.
- Classic American dishes like burgers, steaks, and chicken sandwiches.
- Lighter options like salads and wraps.
- Sides: French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and seasonal vegetables.
- Kids’ Menu: A dedicated menu with kid-friendly favourites like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and mini burgers.
- Desserts: Key lime pie, chocolate cake, and other tempting options.
Timings:
- Lunch: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Dinner: Daily: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Weekend Brunch: Offered seasonally, typically on Sundays, from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM (check their website or call to confirm during your visit)
Additional Features:
- Savour your lunch against the captivating backdrop of Florida Bay, which is particularly breathtaking at sunset.
- Take advantage of their large covered terrace or tropical patio to enjoy the sunshine and island feel.
- Sip on a cool beverage at their bustling bar area.
- Savour a delectable brunch menu that changes seasonally and includes breakfast favourites with a modern twist.
- Every day from 3-5 p.m., enjoy happy hour with reduced drinks and appetizers (times may vary).
- Live music events are occasionally held there, which enhances the lively ambience (see their website or give them a call to confirm during your visit).
Location:
Sundowners boasts a convenient location on the main road through Key Largo:
102750 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits in Key Largo
The diverse food scene of the best restaurants in Key Largo has something to offer everyone. Your taste buds are going to be in for a treat with everything from elegant seaside dining with panoramic views to laid-back, family-friendly options and hidden gems serving traditional food.
Explore the delicious options Key Largo has to offer by beginning with this guide. So gather your appetite, savour the island atmosphere, and set out on a gastronomic journey across this idyllic tropical setting!