10 Seafood Restaurants In Key West, Florida

seafood restaurants in key west
Philip
Philip 
Updated
| 5 min read

Welcome to the edge of America. Key West makes up the southernmost tip of the continental USA and has become a tourist mecca through the years, thanks to its balmy seas, coral reefs, diving opportunities and sunshine. It has also attracted a few famous faces down through the years, with celebrated author Ernest Hemingway once calling the island home. Today his former home is a museum and one of Key West’s biggest tourist attractions, while the vibrant plaza of Mallory Square and the shops and bars of Duval Street are also well worth checking out. And, as you’d expect in a community that is intimately linked to the ocean, the area is home to a superb array of top seafood outlets in which to tantalise those taste buds. Read on for just some of the best seafood restaurants in Key West, Florida.

1. Half Shell Raw Bar


A popular treat for seafood fans, the Half Shell Raw Bar is not only located down at the historic seaport, but it also runs its own fish market. This means that when you’re not tucking into its menu, you’ll be able to pick up some of those same ingredients to take away and whip up your own culinary creations. It also means that the fish is very fresh - being landed the same day it hits your plate. This was not lost on past customers, who described it as the “perfect place” to eat fresh fish. Little wonder then that this award-winning eatery has also picked up prizes for its oysters.

Half Shell Raw Bar

Address: 231 Margaret Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: Half Shell Raw Bar

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm (Mondays to Saturdays), Midday to 10pm (Sundays)

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

2. Bliss Restaurant Key West

Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.

Offering a mix of seafood and Latin fusion, Bliss enjoys an excellent reputation among past diners and is one of the highest-rated eateries in Key West. Located on Petronia Street, it is handy for a number of local spots, such as the nearby Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Fort Zachary Historic State Park. This will make the eatery a good stopping off point while out seeing the sights. Menu offerings range from classic shrimp dinners to the likes of Cartegena (shrimp and calamari in a tomato and white wine broth). There’s also a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Bliss Restaurant Key West

Address: 411 Petronia Street, Key West, FL, 33040

Website: Bliss Restaurant Key West

Opening hours: 6pm to 9pm (Tuesdays to Sundays). Closed on Mondays.

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

3. The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.


One of the highest-rated eateries in the whole of Key West, this popular restaurant enjoys strong word-of-mouth amongst delighted past diners who loved the “great food and great service”. They also hailed the atmosphere, which several described as “romantic” - so those looking for a date night eatery may wish to give it a whirl.

Described by the owner as “one part sassy corner bistro” and “one part retro supper club”, the menu features everything from lobster macaroni and cheese - which one impressed diner branded the “best on the island” - to bacon-wrapped scallops. There’s also gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options available. It is located within easy reach of a range of Key West attractions, such as Harry Truman’s Little White House and the Key West Aquarium.

The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.

Address: 424 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.

Opening hours: 6pm to 9pm (daily)

Average price for two people: 31 to 60 USD

Visited this place?

4. Seven Fish


Operating for more than 20 years, Seven Fish’s contemporary bistro stylings and “simple, unpretentious dishes” have made it a popular addition to Key West’s culinary scene. The menu encompasses all manner of popular dishes, from the house special - a Thai curry snapper - to the 7 Fish Meatloaf and a range of other fresh fish offerings. And it’s gone down a treat with diners and illustrious publications. The New York Times stated that the food “is so good and in such demand” that you should make a reservation to avoid disappointment, while Conde Nast Traveler said the seafood was “sensational”.

Seven Fish

Address: 921 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL

Website: Seven Fish

Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm (Wednesdays to Mondays). Closed on Tuesdays

Average price for two people: 31 to 60 USD

Visited this place?

5. B.O.'s Fish Wagon


Those who crave a true no-frills eatery that serves great food and boasts a great atmosphere may wish to give B.O.’s Fish Wagon a whirl during their stay. Offering a range of quick bites, this open-air shack doesn’t just come with oodles of character - complete with live music on Friday nights - it serves a range of seafood, burgers and sandwiches that have made it a popular spot down at Key West Bight. Options include everything from cracked conch sandwiches to fried groupers. Its location also places it a stone’s throw from the historic seaport.

B.O.'s Fish Wagon

Address: 801 Caroline Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: B.O.’s Fish Wagon

Opening hours: 11am to 9.30pm (daily)

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

6. Fisherman's Café


Opening as early as 7 am every day of the week and remaining open until late afternoon, this eatery will be perfect for those who are craving an early food fix or hankering after a little seafood to go. From cracked conch salads and lobster tacos to pink shrimp club sandwiches - there’s plenty of seafood choice here. And, with its location right on the historic seaport of Key West Bight, diners are ensured the freshest fish dishes. That, combined with locally-sourced farm produce and even home-grown spices and peppers, has earned the eatery a very strong reputation.

Fisherman's Café

Address: Fisherman’s Cafe Key West 205 Elizabeth Street, Unit D Key West, FL 33040

Website: Fisherman’s Café

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm (daily)

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

7. DJ's Clam Shack


If you’re looking for a quick bite in the open air or something to tuck into while wandering the streets of Key West, then you’ve come to the right place. DJ’s Clam Shack has been operating for almost a decade and has won plenty of fans in that time, thanks to its mix of north and south US culinary influences and the simple charms of its location. It offers a range of popular options, including cracked conch, steamed clams and a lobster roll that many a past diner has raved about.

DJ's Clam Shack

Address: 629 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: DJ’s Clam Shack

Opening hours: 11.30am to 10pm (daily)

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

8. A&B Lobster House


Located overlooking the marina, the A&B Lobster House makes for a great setting for a family meal or a romantic seafood dining experience. Enjoying strong word of mouth - especially for its atmosphere, service and food - past diners were full of praise for its “awesome lobster” and its “delicious” Oyster Rockefeller. Other top options include pan-seared crab cakes and shrimp fettucini, while there are a number of beef options for a little surf and turf and even some vegetarian-friendly choices.

A&B Lobster House

Address: 700 Front Street, Key West, FL, 33040

Website: A&B Lobster House

Opening hours: 5.30pm to 10pm (daily)

Average price for two people: 31 to 60 USD

Visited this place?

9. Thirsty Mermaid


A strong option for those purists who like their seafood raw, the Thirsty Mermaid features a range of such options, like their jumbo shrimp cocktail or caviar service. But fret not if you cannot conceive of fish that isn’t piping hot - there are plenty of tasty courses available here, too - including pan-sauteed yellowtail snapper and seared diver scallops. What’s more, not only is it handy for local sights - such as Harry S Truman’s Little White House - the eatery is open daily until 11 pm at night, offering ample opportunity for you to check it out.

Thirsty Mermaid

Address: 521 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: Thirsty Mermaid

Opening hours: 11am to 11pm (daily).

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

10. Conch Republic Seafood Company


This busy eatery, which sits right on the water’s edge, is a popular spot to dine within the historic seaport and is handy for local ferries, too. Not only that, but its extensive menu features everything from freshly-caught snapper and mahi-mahi dishes to raw or steamed clams and oysters. There are also a number of sandwiches, plus classic grills and chicken. And, those who enjoy a little accompaniment will be delighted by the daily live music - just make sure to time your visit for one of the performances.

Conch Republic Seafood Company

Address: 631 Greene Street, Key West, FL 33040

Website: Conch Republic Seafood Company

Opening hours: Food served 11.30am to Midnight (closing times vary - see website)

Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD

Visited this place?

Seafood aplenty

Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer (30673498372)
Source: Photo by user Prayitno / Thank ... used under CC BY 2.0

In a tourist hot spot that lives and breathes the sea, it is little wonder that there is a dizzying array of cracking seafood dining experiences to enjoy in Key West. Where will you opt to grab a bite?

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Key West
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.