7 Fish        632 Olivia Street      305-296-2777

This tiny eatery is hard to find, but worth the search.  As you can probably guess by its name, fresh, local fish is the specialty here.  From sushi appetizers to seafood pastas, the fare is fantastic and at reasonable prices (entrees average around $17.00).  But beware; when I said this place is tiny before I meant it, so with that in mind, don't eat here if you are claustrophobic, and if you aren't be sure to make reservations.

2007

A&B Lobster House                 700 Front Street    305-294-5880

This upscale, elegant restaurant overlooking the water (located upstairs from Alonzo's Oyster Bar) is a great place to eat when celebrating a special occasion.  The classic menu features taste bud temping soups and stews, salads, fresh local seafood, and steaks.  The food is very good as is the service and the ambiance, but the prices are high ($23.00 - $63.00 per entree).  However, A& B's  location is superb and free parking is available as well which in my opinion makes up for the cost of dinner.  Reservations are suggested. Dress is casual. 

2006

Abbondanza ▪ 1208 Simonton Street ▪ 305-292-1199
Meaning "plentiful" in Italian, this restaurant is a fun place to go with friends.  The food is good, but not impressive; and as the name implies the portions are large so you will leave full.  Prices are fair and dress is casual.  And there is free parking! 

2006

Alice's ▪ 1114 Duval Street ▪ 305-292-5733

It is very likely that when dining here you will meet Chef Alice Weingarten and have pleasant conversation with her like we did.  The decor inside, which Alice herself is responsible for, if fun and colorful.  Alice's provides a comprehensive wine list as well as other delicious and potent potables. To start we ordered the queen conch, shrimp, and scallop ceviche martini and the flavors of fall salad, both of which were divine.  Then we looked to the specials for our entrees ordering boar ribs and the tenderloin; however, both of these main plates left us wanting.  The ribs were just okay but the filet was downright awful.  At Alice's suggestion we then tried the tropical fruit shortcake which she made for Julia Child.  How could we say no to that?  It was amazing...light and refreshing yet delicious and a perfect end to any meal.  So, I would say that if you do decide to eat here to stay away from the entrees and specials and try the appetizers and desserts.  Dress is casual, but be prepared to spend some money on your dinner here.  All in all I was disappointed with this dining experience.

8/2006

Alonzo's Oyster Bar ▪ 700 Front Street ▪ 305-294-5880

Alonzo's is a great spot to sit back, relax, and people watch or look at the beautiful charter boats sitting in wait to possibly catch some of the fare served at the A&B Marina.  Popular with locals for their happy hour and popular with visitors for its location, the food is no slouch.  Serving more than just oysters, you can get a fairly priced, and more importantly, a tasty meal at Alonzo's.  Naturally, seafood is their specialty with little for the land lover, but what does one expect in Key West?  I find Alonzo's to be a great spot for lunch and dinner alike.

8/2007

Awful Arthur's Seafood Company ▪ 628 Duval Street ▪ 305-293-7663 CLOSED

I must say that in this instance, the name says it all.  I brought my Dad (who was visiting me from Jersey) here for dinner one night for some fresh local seafood.  Unfortunately, the fresh local seafood was neither fresh nor local but had clearly been frozen.  The skirt steak that my dad's friend ordered was not bad, but out of four entrees ordered along with numerous appetizers, that ratio is pretty, well, awful!  The best part about Arthur's is the location, just off of Duval Street with outdoor seating was a nice, tropical feel. 

Bagatelle ▪ 115 Duval Street ▪ (305) 296-6609
I have eaten here on a couple of occasions and enjoyed the experiences.  The menu is predominantly seafood and the food is very good.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available at this charming establishment.  One thing to note though: if dining here in the summer it gets extremely hot and could make for an uncomfortable dining situation so try to get seating inside. 

7/2004

Banana Cafe ▪ 1121 Duval St. ▪ 305-294-7227
This French restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  They specialize in crepes of course which come in large portions and I must say are quite tasty.  Plus their wide array of sandwiches and salads are awesome. When dining here the problem is deciding what you want to eat because of so many options that tempt the palate.

6/2008

Big Daddy Conch ▪ 511 Greene Street ▪ 305-292-0802 CLOSED
Formerly Crabby Bill's, this new downtown venue serves a menu of Cuban favorites like mojo chicken, ropa vieja, and picadillo along with some American favorites like spinach/artichoke dip and wings.  The food was good as was our service, but the open-air downtown venue (just across from Sloppy Joe's) with a band playing made it very loud.  If you want the party atmosphere come here, but if you want a relaxing dinner go elsewhere. 

Big John's Pasta & Subs ▪ Key Plaza ▪ 305-293-9576 ▪  610 Green Street ▪ 305-293-0377
This is the only place I get pizza in Key West.  And if that is not what you are in the mood for try one of their amazing salads or baked pasta dinners served with yummy garlic knots (be sure not to breath on anyone after you eat these bad boys). 

12/2007

Bistro 245 ▪ 245 Front Street, Hilton Resort & Marina ▪  305-294-4000
What better way to start off a Sunday than having a relaxing brunch overlooking the water?  Bistro 245 is one place to do it.  I don't think anyone on the island puts out a wider spread than the Hilton.  From French toast and fresh Belgium waffles to a carving station and an omelet station to salads galore, sushi, seafood, and dessert you can find it here.  And let's not forget the mimosas!  Service is good and so is most of the food, but I would stay away from the seafood; one crab leg just about did me in.  With that in mind, there are lots of other items to sample and enjoy, the best being the view.  Reservations are suggested.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

1/2007

Blue Heaven ▪ 729 Thomas Street ▪ 305-296-8666
This Key West gem located in downtown's Bahama Village has been around since 1992 although the building is over one hundred years old.  The atmosphere is the real Key West, very casual with chickens running around the place, tire swing hanging from the tree and all.  While all the food served here is out of this world Blue Heaven is best known for its "breakfast with the roosters" served from 8am - 11:45 except for on Sunday when they serve breakfast until 2pm.  And to memorialize your visit to Blue Heaven they even have a gift shop where you can purchase a t-shirt or a number of other souvenirs.  Reservations are recommended, but you can always have a relaxing wait at the bar sipping a mimosa or another tropical concoction.  And parking is a pain, so I suggest walking or taking a taxi. 

8/2006

Bobalu's ▪ MM 10, Big Coppit Key ▪ 305-296-1664
This casual southern food eatery is a favorite spot of locals, so there is a good chance you will have to wait a very long time for a table.  But that says something about the quality.  Bobalu's is family owned and operated, and while they are very friendly, the service can sometimes be left wanting just because it gets so busy.  Portions are decent sized and your choices seem unlimited, but a favorite is the pizza, thin crust and delicious. Also, they only accept cash, so leave the credit cards at home.

6/2007

The Cafe ▪ 509 Southard Street ▪ 305-296-5515

This new Vegetarian eatery is located spitting distance from Duval St, and with such a bustling location you may find yourself waiting endlessly for a table or for service.  Not being a vegetarian myself, I still enjoyed the fare; they make tasty vegan and non-vegan dishes including soups, salads, and sandwiches.  But if you are in a hurry or looking for good service, this would not be the place to dine.  I was particularly distressed by the fact that a lady that was seated after me was already eating her lunch before a waitress even came to take my order.

2/2006

Cafe Sole ▪ 1029 Southard St. ▪ 305-294-0230
You know the old adage "never judge a book by its cover"? Well that surely applies here; from the outside Cafe Sole appears to be a ramshackle little building.  However, the inside is a romantic garden setting which creates the perfect atmosphere for the delicious fare served here.  The staff is friendly while serving up food with a mix of French and island flair.  They also have a very extensive wine list so there is a match for every menu item. Prices are a bit high, but a 3 course, $27.00 fixe price menu helps to make some of their more popular dishes more affordable. I have to say that while the staff was pleasant I was not super impressed by the service; as the restaurant became busier, the service became more lacking. I ordered off of the standard menu while the couple sitting with us ordered off of the fixe price menu.  Their dessert was brought to them and we were never even asked if we wanted anything. However, that would not stop me from coming back again.  CLICK HERE for a coupon for Cafe Sole. 

3/2008

Camille's Restaurant ▪ 1202 Simonton St. ▪ 305-296-4811
Formerly located on Duval Street, the restaurant recently reopened in this larger new location to better serve the hoards of people that flock here for meals, especially their breakfast.  While the inside looks a bit dated the menu features delicious, down-home food with some Key West flair. Be sure to come here with an appetite and try one of their specials like their yellow corn cashew waffles topped with fresh mango, passion fruit and coconut milk sauce.

11/2007

Capt. Bob's Seafood Bar and Grille ▪ 220 North Roosevelt Blvd. ▪ 305-294-6433 CLOSED
For the non-discriminating seafood pallet Capt. Bobs offers an over-priced version of Long John Silver's serving well frozen seafood entrées and less than fresh salads. However, the atmosphere was decent and the wait staff one of the friendliest and attentive we had seen (I think she was new). This place could not even meet the low expectations we had when we walked in the door. Please see our Tourist Beware Section for more details.

Caroline's Cafe ▪ 310 Duval St. ▪ (305) 294-7511
This is a fun place to grab a bite and/or a drink while people watching on Duval Street.  The food is good and reasonably priced with several healthy menu items to choose from such as the yummy Boston Lettuce wrap.  Great lunch or dinner spot. Plus, the staff is really helpful and attentive which is a real treat in Key West.  

4/2008

Cheeseburger Key West ▪ 217 Duval Street ▪ 305-296-9466
Located in the hopping section of Duval, this eatery has indoor and outdoor seating available.  While by the name of the establishment you can probably guess what they serve, they also offer seafood entrees and salads as well.  The atmosphere is fun with Hawaiian influences, but the service is SLOW.  And while they do have some unusual burger choices such as one topped with avocado and grilled pineapple, the food is not impressive.  Cheeseburger serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 

8/2006

Chico's Cantina ▪ 5230 US Hwy 1, Stock Island ▪ 305-296-4714

This is an all-time favorite spot for locals, namely because the quality and the service are consistently wonderful.  You can relax and have a fairly inexpensive, always delicious meal inside or out at Chico's.  The authentic Mexican food is so good that I have never had room for dessert afterwards.  Start of with some homemade chips and salsa-- the best I've ever had-- and then onto a mouthwatering entree.  Serving everything from Mexican soups and salads to BIG burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more the choices may overwhelm you, but everything is tasty.  And you must try one of their Margaritas made with a wine-based tequila...Wow! 

5/2008

China Garden West ▪ Searstown Shopping Center ▪ 305-296-5618 or 305-296-5619
I am not a huge fan of Chinese food, but China Garden serves up some great crab rangoon and other favorites.  It is literally the only place I'll eat Chinese food in the Keys.  The staff is very friendly too.  They also offer free delivery in Key West.  But if getting take out make sure your order is correct because I have taken home the wrong order before.

9/2007

The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant ▪ 700 Front Street ▪ 305-294-9191

Located on the second floor overlooking the harbor, the Commodore is an upscale restaurant known as the "most beautiful dining room in Key West."  The decor is imaginative yet sedate and the food is delicious.  Local seafood and land fare is moderately priced.  Parking is free and dress is casual.

The Conch Flyer ▪ Key West International Airport ▪ 305-296-6333
I've eaten here  a couple of times while waiting for a flight and it is always a good time.  The staff is friendly, especially the bartenders, and the food is diner style fare.  The best part is the people watching and the view of the tarmac. There is room for improvement on the decor which is a bit outdated, although it kind of feels like stepping back in time, and the place could use a good dusting.  I would stay away form the burgers as I am not sure what type of mystery meat they use but the fish is fresh.

4/2008

Conch Republic Seafood Company ▪ 631 Greene Street ▪ 305-294-4403

I must say that I am not a huge fan of this place even though I can occasionally be found enjoying a cocktail at the bar.  Located at the Historic Seaport, the location could not be better; views are wonderful, watching the boats sail around the harbor, and you are walking distance from so many great things to do.  But drinks are expensive here and the food is below average, but I guess you are paying for the Key West atmosphere.

7/2007

Conchy Joe's  RESTAURANT CLOSED
Formerly the Key West Bar and Grill and more recently Monte's, Conchy Joe's Tackle has opened up a restaurant above their new shop that serves really good food with friendly service.  The burgers are delicious, and the people next to me eating soft shell crab and grouper sandwiches were moaning with delight as well.  So, whether you are in need of fishing gear or a tasty meal, Conchy Joe's seems to have the market cornered. 

Crabby Dick's ▪ 712 Duval Street ▪ 305-294-7229

Getting a seat outside might be difficult but it is worth the wait; overlooking Duval Street you never know what entertaining happenings you may witness.  The food here is alright, though not impressive, and a bit pricy too.  And if salad is what you crave they only serve a house vinaigrette so you do not have the option of being choosy.  Free parking located in the back of this establishment makes it easy for those driving into Old Town, as parking is at a premium. 

10/2007

Croissants de France ▪ 816 Duval St. ▪ 305-294-2624
Opened since 1984, this bakery has become a favorite eatery of Key Westers.  Eating outside makes one feel as though they are overseas eating at a little cafe.  Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch items such as quiches, eggs, crepes, sandwiches, pastries, and croissants of course you are sure to find something (or more likely lots of things) you'll love. 

4/2008

Dolphin Deli 5600 Mc Donald Ave. Stock Island (305) 293-0707
Lots of locals get breakfast and lunch here.  The food is decent, but not impressive.  However, they do deliver to certain locations which is a nice feature.  I have had them deliver both breakfast and lunch and I have to say that breakfast was definitely a better buy. 

11/2007

Duffy's Steak & Lobster House ▪ 1007 Simonton Street ▪ 305-294-4900

Just steps from busy Duval Street, Duffy's is a safe dinner spot for both the land and the seafood lover.  The airy atmosphere provides wonderful ambiance for the casual diner to enjoy a delicious meal at an affordable rate. Be sure to try the Fried Alligator Tail appetizer...it tastes like chicken!

9/2007

El Meson de Pepe ▪ 410 Wall Street ▪ 305-295-2620
Family owned and operated serving authentic Cuban food for over 20 years. And there is often entertainment in the form of music and/or dancing going on.  However, the service is very inconsistent; sometimes it is good but more often it is not. 

6/2007

El Siboney ▪ 900 Catherine St. ▪ 305-296-4184
This hidden gem of Key West serves cheap, delicious, and authentic Cuban food in a rustic atmosphere. While you do not come here for the atmosphere, you do come here to eat well; portions are large and sure to fill you up. And the Sangria is the best on the island. 

3/2008

Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub and Eatery ▪ 320 Grinnell St.  ▪  305-293-0222
This is Key West’s only genuine Irish pub.  The menu is quite extensive, filled with Irish comfort food such as bangers and mash, Shepard's pie, and of course Guinness and Killian’s Red.  The food is rich and filling.  I split a delicious sandwich with my girlfriend and was stuffed.  While the food is tasty, the service can be better.  But hey, you are coming here for a relaxing and casual meal and not elegant four-star service. 

12/2005

Flamingo's Cafe ▪ 703 1/2 Duval St. ▪ 305-295-6411
A small, casual, diner-type atmosphere decorated with flamingos, playing soothing island tunes for their diners listening pleasure, Flamingo's Cafe serves up really good food with a smile.  The wait staff is friendly and everyone there from the bus boy to the waitress genuinely seem to care about if the customers are enjoying their dining experience.   What was really surprising was that we went there on a holiday morning (Memorial Day) for breakfast and we had a great time whereas most places are hurried on such busy occasions; we even talked with the owner complimenting him on the cafe. Another benefit to dining here is that Flamingo's is one of the few places on Duval Street serving up a tasty breakfast and at reasonable rates.  Try the meat lovers omelet with a cup of coffee...you won't be disappointed. 

7/2007

Goldman's Deli ▪ 2796 N Roosevelt Blvd. ▪ 305-294-3354
This small and always busy deli located in the Overseas Market strip mall serves up good New York style deli favorites along with Key West favorite like Cafe con Leche.  A good place to grab a bite for breakfast or lunch, but the service is sometimes lacking.  My preference is to get my food to go.  Last time I ate here the food was okay but I was left unsatisfied, especially for the price paid. 

4/2008

Half Shell Raw Bar ▪ Lands End Village at the Historic Seaport ▪ 305-294-7496
This indoor/outdoor bar is a great place to have a drink while milling around the boardwalk.  The food is good, though not impressive; try a local favorite like smoked fish dip and I am sure you will be happy.  But make sure you have your server clean off the tables for you; our table was covered in grime. 

7/2007

The Hickory House Restaurant ▪ 5948 Peninsular Avenue, Stock Island ▪ 305-292-2211

Located on Stock Island directly behind Oceanside Marina, this is a nicely decorated establishment with indoor and outdoor seating available.  Thursday nights this is the venue for a great jazz ensemble.  You can sit back, relax with a drink, and enjoy the music.  Diners will find the service to be good and the prices to be fair at this establishment; however, the food is not impressive in the least, the frozen drinks are awful, and you may find a dog or two walking through the restaurant as you eat, making for three reasons this diner won’t be returning. 

11/2005

Hobo's Cafe ▪ 101691 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo ▪ 305-451-5888
My husband and I decided to take a little day trip this past weekend up to the Key Largo area.  Hobo's was our lunch stop.  We had driven by Hobo's a bunch of times in the past but never stopped so we decided to finally give it a try. The place was packed so we took a seat at the bar.  We were immediately greeted by a friendly bartender and given menus. My husband and I both opted for the Hobo's Fish Sandwich and slaw as our meal with a basket of fries. As we waited for our food we talked to some of the staff who were all friendly and happy (quite a departure from what we are used to seeing in Key West) and admired the interior which was very nicely decorated with wood ceilings, tropical fans and widescreen TV's playing everything from incredible local dive footage to sports games for the regular bar crowd. It was a little bit loud in the restaurant but not obnoxiously so; what do you expect with a full house anyway? Because it was so packed the wait for our food took a bit longer than what we bargained for, but it was worth the wait.  The sandwich was awesome. It was a great Upper Keys dining experience and we'll defiantly go back next time we are in the area.

5/2007

Hurricane Joe's ▪ 5114 Overseas Hwy. ▪ 305-294-0200
Located at Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island, Hurricane Joe’s is a diversely decorated dining room with vaulted ceilings which is cool and welcoming, but outside seating is also available for those who do not mind the Keys heat.  Menu items vary from land lover’s fare to seafood dishes. The fare is priced economically, ranging from about $7.00 to $14.00.  The food here is tasty, but the service is inconsistent.

5/2008

In Kahoots ▪ 3850 Roosevelt Boulevard ▪ 305-294-9986
Formerly Chili's, this new eatery served the same type of foods but at much higher rates.  While my burger was good, it was not great, and it certainly was not worth the $11 I paid for it!  The atmosphere was dull and the service was wanting. 

9/2006

Island Dogs ▪ 505 Front St ▪ 813-380-6996
Located on Front Street just steps from Duval, Island Dogs offers a limited menu with good food.  And mixed drinks are quite pricey at about $8 each.  Unfortunately, the food was the only good experience at this establishment.  There was no hostess at the door when we approached although there was a sign that said seat yourself, which we did on the outside patio.  The hostess appeared about a minute later and started flirting with another employee.  After sitting there for about 8 minutes watching her flirt and having no one come over to us I tried to get her attention but to no avail.  It took about 12 minutes before someone came over to offer us any service.  There was one waiter doing all of the work and one bar tender inside.  When we asked for some clarification on one menu item the waiter looked at us like we had horns growing out of our heads and spoke to us in a very condescending manner.  I won't be dining here again. 

8/2005

Jack Flats ▪ 509 1/2 Duval Street ▪ 305-294-7955
A dining surprise.  Jack Flats offers good food at reasonable prices with decent service.  The burgers are huge and tasty and the other fare, such as the shrimp club, is also delicious and served in good sized portions sure to fill you up.  Typically a relatively quite spot on Duval Street, if you are coming here during a football game be prepared for loud screams of excitement from the bar crowd.

5/2007

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville ▪ 500 Duval Street ▪ 305-292-1435
Margaritaville is a great place to buy some souvenirs, but I would think twice about eating here.  The service is not bad; I would go with average here mostly because even though our server was friendly and knowledgeable we had to wait 13 minutes to get a beverage while our glasses sat empty.  With the exception of the smoked fish dip, the food is awful...the salads are tasteless, the sandwiches taste anything but fresh, the desserts were served frozen (and I'm not talking about ice cream!) and the burgers which aren't anything special (I can get a tastier burger from Wendy's) have made me sick on two separate occasions now so I will not be chowing down here again anytime soon.  And to cap it all off I was served probably the worst pina colada I have ever had  anywhere!  At least we didn't have to wait to be seated...oh, I guess we all know why that is, now don't we.

6/2007

Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill, and Brewery ▪ 301 Whitehead St. ▪ 305-293-8484
When I first moved down here Kelly's was the place the locals went.  Plus, it was neat that you might actually run into Kelly's own Kelly McGillis.  But things have changed.  Kelly is no longer around, service is just ok, prices are high and the food is overrated. However, if you want to have a drink at the bar the atmosphere here is a lot of fun, located in the old Pan Am building with a tropical courtyard and foliage all around. And for beer connoisseurs the microbrewery is definitely a bonus. 

10/2005

Key West Diner ▪ 2811 N Roosevelt Blvd. ▪ 305-292-8002 - CLOSED
I am a Jersey girl so I love diners as they are a staple for us up there.  However, on the couple of occasions that I ate at the Key West diner I was not impressed.  It lacks that hometown diner feel. On the positive side, if you enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, there is a rather large buffet area filled with breakfast and lunch/dinner choices and lots of extras too. 

Knuckleheads ▪ MM 15 Bay Point ▪ 305-744-0039 ▪ 305-744-0039 CLOSED
I live a few minutes outside of Key West so when this new restaurant was being built I was excited to have a new place to eat close to home.  A few of my friends tried it before I did and they were none too impressed.  I tried it anyway.  It was like dining at someone's house, loud with bad service.  The interior is done nicely with a 3 Stooges theme but the food is bland and overpriced.

Kyushu Japanese Restaurant ▪ 921 Truman Ave. ▪ 305-294-2995
I have eaten here on several occasions with my husband who is a sushi lover; me, not so much.  But Kyushu has good sushi and other delicious menu items such as tempura, salads, soups, teriyakis, and such.  Also, the atmosphere is very pleasant with a beautiful coy pond and waterfall and friendly staff. 

2/2006

La Trattoria ▪ 524 Duval St. ▪ 305-296-1075
This romantic Italian restaurant has a wonderfully authentic menu and the food is just wonderful.  Opened in 1984, the same Sicilian family has run it ever since.  You have to try the cannoli!  And next door you will find Virgilio's Cocktail Lounge which is a fashionable martini bar with great live jazz music and more! 

7/2006

Little Palm Island Dining Room ▪ Mile Marker 28.5 Little Torch Key ▪ 305-872-2551
Located at the luxurious Little Palm Island Resort and Spa accessible only by boat you will find an ever changing menu filled with delicious items.  Sunday brunch is my favorite with everything from pastries to seafood on the buffet and entrees from eggs to lamb on the menu.  Reservations are necessary and children 16 years of age or older are welcome.  Cell phones are not permitted on the island and proper attire is necessary. 

8/2006

Lobo's Mixed Grill ▪ 5 Key Lime Square ▪ 305-296-5303

If you are in the mood for a wrap this is THE place to go.  With 30 different "roll-up sandwiches" to choose from you may have a hard time making a decision.  In addition, Lobo's also serves salads, burgers, quesadillas, and a few other delicious side items.  Seating is outdoor on picnic tables and the prices are good.  And, if you are relaxing at the pool of your hotel and you don't feel like moving, Lobo's provides free delivery service as well.

11/2006

Louie's Backyard ▪  700 Waddell St. ▪  305-294-1061

One of the most stunning dining views in Key West, Louie's has indoor and outdoor seating.  The drinks and the food have gone downhill in quality yet they are still very pricey, especially with inconsistent service and a sometimes snobby staff, which I don't appreciate, particularly when I am spending a pretty penny on dinner. Our server who has been with Louie's for years was loud, inattentive, and rude to us our last visit, and I do mean our last visit. 

2/2008

Mangia Mangia Pasta Cafe ▪ 900 Southard Street ▪ 305-294-2469
This cozy eatery may not be on the main drag but you wouldn't know it by the people waiting to get in, and with good reason. The food is some of the best on the island and the price is right at around $10 - $17 a plate.  House specialties such as their Picadillo Pasta and their Bollito Misto di Mare are exciting and delicious, giving pasta a Key West flare. And if you happen to have room for dessert, the chocolate mousse cake is awesome; smooth as silk and a chocolate lover's dream!  On a sour note, I did find the staff to be hurried and a bit rude; however, I would dine there again because the food was excellent although I may have a difficult time dragging my husband back here after the host's rude display.

10/2007

Michael’s Restaurant ▪ 532 Margaret Street ▪ 305-295-1300
Michael’s is fine dining Key West style with indoor and outdoor seating available.  The atmosphere is very romantic but you’ll have just as great a time dining there with friends.  Michael’s is best known for its steak (which by the way is wonderful), but they also have fabulous salads, hors devours, fish, chops, pastas and fondue as well (although you can only do the fondue at the outdoor bar for fire precautions).  But for me, the best part was not the food even though I left satisfied by the delicacies I put in my tummy; it was the attention to detail and service, truly first class which is very rare now-a-days, especially in our little island community.  Every effort was made to ensure our entire dining experience was more than satisfactory.  Each time we got up from the table we would return to find our napkins neatly refolded and waiting for us on our seatbacks. And when we asked our waiter questions he answered honestly and not with the customary “everything on the menu is just fabulous;” he made truly helpful comments, like the fact that several of the salads and appetizers were large enough to share and they could plate them that way for us as well.  Perhaps this is why Michael’s has such a high rate of regulars and repeat clientele and reservations are most definitely needed. 

1/2008

New York Pasta Garden ▪ 1075 Duval Street ▪ 305-296-6706
Being an Italian I tend to steer clear of Italian restaurants as they never seem to measure up to my Nana’s cooking.  Recently, however, I have changed my tune.  The New York Pasta Garden, conveniently located in Duval Square where there is plenty of free parking, has thoroughly impressed me.  Not only is the food just phenomenal, but the atmosphere is wonderful as well, reminiscent of sitting at a little outdoor café in the Old Country itself where you can relax with a glass of wine and a delicious meal.  The moderately priced menu includes fares from awesome salads to steaks and seafood to, well what else, pasta!  And, for dessert you must try their cannoli; they are to die for!  Sorry Nana, but you finally have some competition.

5/2006

Origami ▪ 1075 Duval Street ▪ 305-294-0092
Situated in Duval Square, Origami has indoor and outdoor seating available and provides a pleasant dining atmosphere.  I will admit that I am no sushi expert nor do I particularly enjoy it; however, my dining partners the other night were all sushi connoisseurs and I did actually enjoyed my sushi without resorting to ordering chicken teriyaki or shrimp tempura. But, the service was extremely lacking.  Our server seemed to forget that we were there, leaving us thirsty on several occasions and then left us waiting for our check for about thirty minutes after our plates had been cleared.  Origami has the reputation for being one of the best sushi restaurants in Key West, and while the food was quite enjoyable it is an embarrassment for one of our best known establishments to have such shoddy service.  I really hope that our dining experience was an isolated experience.

4/2007

Outback Steak House ▪ 3230 N Roosevelt Boulevard. ▪ 305-292-0667  
Anybody who has ever eaten at an Outback will know what to expect here.  Outback is a chain restaurant, but one can always be sure that the service you receive here will be good and the food is the standard tasty fare served at its other locations.  Because you know what you are going to get every time makes Outback a favorite for my hubby and many other locals too.  Note: I always enjoy my meals here, but if you are getting a chicken dish make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

5/2008

PT's Late Night Bar & Grill ▪ 920 Caroline Street ▪ 305-296-4245 - CLOSED

Home of the weekly "Blue Plate" Specials in Key West, PT's is a fun place to get a bite.  This casual sports pub has good food reasonably priced.  But the best thing about this establishment is that it is open from 11am - 4am every day so if you are looking for a late night you know where to go. 

Paradise Cafe ▪ 1000 Eaton Street ▪ 305-296-5001

Noted as the home of the "Monster Sandwich" this family run establishment really does serve up huge and tasty sandwiches for breakfast and lunch; and unless you are really hungry, chances are you'll have leftovers. My personal favorite is the Cuban Cooked Pork...Yummy!  You know the food and the service has to be good because Paradise has been around for over 12 years; that must be a Key West record! 

5/2008

Prime 951 ▪ 951 Caroline Street ▪ 305-296-4000
This place serves steaks the way they are meant to be served...tender, delicious and on a wooden cutting board.  We had the Filet Mignon and the Porterhouse, both of which melted in our mouths. The bread was warm and crusty yet soft inside, the potato was cooked just right, and the au jus was amazing.  But lets not stop there; everything about Prime 951 could not be more right.  The atmosphere is utterly romantic; low light and candles set the mood with the help of crooners like Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jr. playing softly in the background.  The ala carte menu has wonderful choices yet it is not too extensive as to make ordering a chore.  And the service is top notch.  Not once did we have to stop out server to ask for a drink or anything else for that matter.  Everything was right on the money.  Speaking of money, to dine here it will take some, but it is well worth the price for the quality of service and food that you receive.   We will definitely be coming back to Prime 951 again and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a first class dining experience in Key West.

12/2006