One of the best road trips in America is the Miami to Key West drive. As you’re traveling along Highway 1, you’ll drive right through Islamorada. No matter if you stay the night or not, plan on having a meal at one of the best restaurants in Islamorada at least.
There are so many things to do in Islamorada that you won’t want to leave. It is our favorite place in the Florida Keys. There are water activities, beaches, museums, state parks, and there are some really good restaurants in Islamorada.
Islamorada has a plethora of eateries, including steak houses, cafes, bars, breweries, and diners. It’s hard to leave Islamorada without eating seafood, but there are plenty of other dishes.
With so many restaurants, it can feel daunting to decide where to eat. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Check out these 17 best restaurants in Islamorada.
1. Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Lorelei’s is one of the most famous and best restaurants in Islamorada. In the morning, local fishermen frequent it for an early morning breakfast. The crowd changes at lunch and dinner, with islanders and tourists coming for a meal.
Many are drawn to this top restaurant because of its waterfront location and sunset views. Nightly live music makes this a popular and vibrant Islamorada restaurant. This is our go-to spot for sunset in Islamorada.
Lorelei’s is seafood heaven, serving up all the Florida Keys favorites. Try the Sunset Conch Fritters, Key’s Conch Chowder, Stone Crab Chowder, and more. There’s also a Little Mates & Mermaids menu, perfect for children. Their most popular menu item is the World Famous Fish Sandwich. Other options besides fish include burgers, chicken, and steak. – View menu
2. Chef Michael’s
Chef Michael’s is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Islamorada. Its elegant dining is juxtaposed with a relaxed island atmosphere. It is the perfect restaurant for a celebration, maybe an anniversary or a birthday.
The menu features modern New American dishes that focus on showcasing local produce. The chef-owner started cooking in New York’s best restaurants before heading to the Caribbean. He has now mastered the art of tremendous seafood cooking.
Are you longing for a mouth-watering seafood delight? Then you’ve got to order one of the fresh catches of the day. Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail Snapper, and Hogfish frequently feature on the menu. Chef Michael’s food looks as good as it tastes. He has an impeccable eye for detail. – View menu
3. Square Grouper
Square Grouper is a relatively new addition to Islamorada’s restaurant scene. They serve up New American cuisine in a traditional bar and grill setting. This is one of the best restaurants in Islamorada for satisfying your tastebuds. It’s also a fantastic place to eat if you’re wanting cocktails.
Their house specialties include the Square Grouper Seafood Stew and the Truffled Lobster Mac. Enjoy this modern cuisine either indoors or on their outdoor patio. This is fast becoming one of the best restaurants in Islamorada. – View menu
4. Morada Bay Beach Cafe
The Morada Bay Beach Café overlooks the Florida Bay. It’s perfect for sitting right on the beach with your toes in the sand. This is a true Islamorada joint, it’s laidback and super friendly. You just can’t beat this Islamorada restaurant for its unparalleled beach and ocean views.
Why not try the Island Cobb Salad or the Fried Chicken Sando Island Style? Of course, their catch of the day and Mahi Mahi Tacos are always popular. They also have non-fish dishes, including the Turkey Club, Beyond Burger, and Steak. – View menu
5. Green Turtle Inn Restaurant
The Green Turtle is a top restaurant in Islamorada. They pride themselves on their relaxed ambiance and gourmet flavors. The Green Turtle serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For the best breakfast in Islamorada, check out the Green Turtle.
Their breakfast menu is extensive, with a bunch of additional sides and pastries. You could try the Lobster Benedict for some early morning seafood. They’ve got waffles, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. You name it. They’ve probably got it on the menu.
The Green Turtle Inn was the only building to survive the 1935 hurricane completely. This restaurant is a little slice of Florida Keys history. The interior is filled with historical photographs documenting Islamorada life. There’s a familiar homely vibe to this establishment. – View menu
6. Ziggie & Mad Dog’s
Not only is Ziggie & Mad Dog’s restaurant top-rated, but it’s also a slice of Islamorada history. This historic building dates all the way back to the 1930s. Ziggie & Mad Dog’s has a sports bar feel to it. There’s always a good atmosphere, and it’s a premier place to get a beyond juicy steak.
Ziggie & Mad Dog’s has an eclectic menu. You name it, they’ve got it. There’s something for the whole family. There is duck breast, pork chops, burgers, steak, scallops, and pasta. – View menu
7. Pierre’s
Pierre’s sets an extremely high bar for fine dining. It’s one of the best fine dining restaurants in the Florida Keys. This is the ideal restaurant for a date night or a celebratory evening. Pierre’s has an intimate atmosphere as well as romantic sunset views.
Pierre’s describes their food as French fusion with a local twist. Popular dishes at Pierre’s include the seared scallops, the rack of lamb, and octopus.
Hidden downstairs at Pierre’s is the Green Flash Lounge. The perfect space for an after-dinner drink and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
8. Ciao Hound
When thinking of Islamorada, Italian food doesn’t instantly come to mind. Ciao Hound is one of the best places to eat if you’re looking for the best Italian in Islamorada. Ciao Hound is a family-friendly restaurant with beautiful decor and outdoor patio seating.
They serve both breakfast and dinner and have an extensive wine list. As an Italian joint, you can’t go wrong with their pasta dishes. Their Lasagna Bolognese is rich and moreish, and the Caprese Ravioli is super creamy. – View menu
9. Islamorada Fish Company
The Islamorada Fish Company is one of the best waterfront restaurants on the island. Relax at this restaurant for lunch or dinner as the sun sets. It’s an ideal location, and the food is pretty good, too. The clue is in the name: This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood.
There is a raw bar that includes oysters, shrimp, and the legendary stone crab claw. You can’t go wrong if you order the Mahi or shrimp tacos, crab cakes, Yellowtail Snapper, or the local catch. Also available is a “you catch, we cook” option, perfect for those fishing in Islamorada.
Even the simplest of dishes, like fish & chips, is a real crowd pleaser. Be warned, if you don’t like fish, there aren’t many choices. Come on, what were you expecting from the Islamorada Fish Company? The Bacon Cheeseburger and Jerk Chicken Sandwich are some of your only options. – View menu
10. Bayside Gourmet
Bayside is another popular local restaurant serving up top-quality Italian food. If you’re craving pizza, Bayside Gourmet has got you covered. They have everything you could possibly want on a pizza. There’s the Ricotta, Hawaiian, the Veggie Delight, Meat Lovers, and Quarto Formaggio, just to name a few. You can even add mouth-watering homemade meatballs on top of your pizza!
Aside from pizza, there is soup, salad, tons of excellent pasta dishes, and gourmet sandwiches. Their Grouper Reuben, Classic Cuban Press, and Spicy Fish Taco are three popular Gourmet specialties. – View menu
11. Mangrove Mike’s Cafe
Mangrove Mike’s is the place to go for some of the best breakfast in Islamorada. They also serve an incredible lunch that’s super filling. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone at Mangrove Mike’s.
Some of the most popular menu items include the seasoned flour tortilla wraps. They have just about every filling imaginable, including chicken, tuna, turkey, vegetarian, and shrimp. Some of their specials include the Burrito Supreme and Fish Sandwich.
Mangrove Mike’s casual atmosphere makes this a popular tourist and local haunt. If you’re a dog owner, you’ll be pleased to hear they are a pet-friendly establishment. – View menu
12. Lazy Days
Lazy Days restaurant is situated on the Atlantic Ocean side of Islamorada. This waterfront restaurant is ideal for peace, quiet, and good views whilst you eat. Sit at a beachside table or up on the second-level terrace. There will always be good views of paradise!
One of the things Lazy Days is known for is their “cook your catch.” First, you choose how you want your fish prepared: grilled, fried, blackened, or broiled. Then, sit back and enjoy one of their specialty tropical drinks. Make sure to try the Florida Lobster if you’re visiting during the lobster season in the Florida Keys. We also really like the Cracked Conch, Yellowtail Snapper, and Grouper they will not disappoint. – View menu
13. Islamorada Shrimp Shack
The owner of Shrimp Shack was looking around for cuisines that weren’t being served in Islamorada. She decided to focus on the Key West Pink Shrimp. This is one of the best Islamorada restaurants to grab yourself some delectable pink juicy shrimp. It wasn’t long after re-opening that the Shrimp Shack was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Tuck into their Famous Shrimp Fritters or the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Shrimp lovers will be visiting time and time again. As well as shrimp, there’s conch, calamari, and alligator, as well as chicken and pork tacos. – View menu
14. Island Grill
Don’t be fooled by the Island Grill’s shack-like exterior. This is one of the top restaurants in Islamorada. Island Grill’s menu is diverse, and there are just too many tempting dishes. They have absolutely everything you could possibly want.
There are shrimp tacos, burgers, seafood pasta, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish. Of course, you must leave room for dessert. An obligatory slice of Key Lime Pie, or maybe fried cheesecake or chocolate brownie.
In addition to delicious food, they have an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. Try their Grapefruit Watermelon Cooler cocktail or a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. – View menu
15. Hungry Tarpon – Robbie’s Marina
The Hungry Tarpon is an excellent waterfront restaurant in Islamorada. You may have heard of the popular Islamorada activity of feeding the tarpons. Well, the Hungry Tarpon is located at Robbie’s, a marina, boat rental, and restaurant area.
For a couple of dollars, you can feed the tarpons. Dangle food over the deck, and the tarpon jumps up, giving you a sandpapery kiss. Just across from this popular Islamorada attraction is Hungry Tarpon. Eat a delicious meal while watching the tourists feed the fish.
Seafood is the specialty of Hungry Tarpon. One of the best things about Hungry Tarpon is that you can bring your own catch. They’ll cook it how you want, and you just choose the sides and relax. This is also a great place to try some of Islamorada’s best-known food. The Conch Chowder and Florida Keys Stone Crab Claws are heavenly. – View menu
16. Kaiyo Grill & Sushi Bar
Calling all sushi lovers, Kaiyo Grill & Sushi Bar is the best restaurant in Islamorada for sushi! This acclaimed blend of Asian cuisine still serves Islamorada seafood, but an Asian twist makes it unique.
They’ve got Vietnamese Meatballs, fried rice, Tempura Fish Bites, steaks, and freshly caught fish. Head over to the sushi menu, and you will not be disappointed. They have their own specialty rolls, including the Islamorada (tuna, avo, mango, and cilantro). They have sushi platters to share, nigiri, and sashimi. This is seriously a sushi enthusiast’s dream restaurant. – View menu
17. Marker 88 Restaurant
Marker 88 serves lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekend. This local restaurant is located right on the waterfront in the most idyllic of settings. Enjoy food and drinks at the tiki bar overlooking the water while watching the sunset.
The menu at Marker 88 largely focuses on what Islamorada does best…seafood! For appetizers, the Hot Blue Crab Dip or the Coconut Shrimp are delicious options. Don’t skip dessert. Their Key Lime Pie is a less traditional meringue-topped pie. Chocolate lovers will devour the Molten Chocolate Cake. – View menu
What Food is Islamorada Known For?
Islamorada is part of the Florida Keys. Therefore, without hesitation, one of the best and most well-known foods is Key Lime Pie. This beloved tangy dessert can be eaten at nearly every restaurant in Islamorada.
Another top food to eat in Islamorada is stone crab claws. Crab season is between October and May; if you’re in Islamorada, don’t miss out. Seafood, in general, is one of the best things to eat in Islamorada. Not only is there an abundance of seafood restaurants, but their catches are always fresh. Discover the best restaurants in Islamorada for these popular food favorites.
