Best Islamorada Restaurants

Deciding where to eat while on vacation is such an important part of the trip. I’ve always been a little nervous to recommend restaurants since what you eat on vacation can make or break the trip. Plus, what one person loves another might not care for. Or maybe a restaurant one person has had excellent service at 5 times in a row is the same place someone else had an awful experience.

But at the end of the day, I’ve tried most of the restaurants in Islamorada so I am going to tell you the best places to find delicious food in Islamorada.

While I tried to add specific days that restaurants are be closed (if applicable), it’s worth checking before you go to make sure they are open. During the slower seasons, it is not uncommon for restaurants to take a day off here and there, sometimes even for a week or so. That is just part of living on island time!

Islamorada Restaurant Quick Guide!

If you’re in a hurry, enjoy this quick guide to restaurants in Islamorada. Or read on for more details on each restaurant:

Restaurants that Have Delivery in Islamorada

• Bayside Gourmet
• City Hall Cafe

It’s actually fairly difficult to find delivery in Islamorada. Luckily, both of these restaurants are wonderful options, but don’t expect a wide variety of delivery options.

Best Breakfast in Islamorada

• Mangrove Mike’s
• Bob’s Bunz (Best for taking their famous “bunz” to go, but they have “real” breakfast, too)
• Midway Cafe and Coffee Bar
• Cafe Moka (Cafe Moka is best if you want to take it to go)

Islamorada Restaurants on the Water

• Square Grouper
• The Ocean View Inn (The OV)
• Pierre’s
• Morada Bay Cafe
• Lazy Days
• Lorelei’s
• Hog Heaven
• Island Grill
• Islamorada Fish Co
• Robbie’s
• Wahoo’s

Best Restaurant for a Fancy Dinner in Islamorada

• Pierre’s
• Chef Michael’s
• SHIMA
• Ziggie and Mad Dog’s
• Atlantic’s Edge (at Cheeca Lodge).

Pierre’s and Atlantic’s Edge are your best choices if you want a view. While all of these options offer great food, they don’t all have views like Pierre’s and Atlantic’s Edge.

Best Key Lime Pie in Islamorada

• The Green Turtle Inn
• Lazy Days
• Lorelei’s (my personal favorite, it’s whipped and frozen!)

While we are talking about dessert, Chef Michael’s has the best carrot cake!

Ultimate Guide to Islamorada Restaurants

Islamorada used to be just a drive through spot on the way to Key West on the Overseas Highway. But it’s grown significantly through the more recent years and with that growth has come some great restaurants.

Even though Islamorada is a small island, there are plenty of options for dining. Islamorada has everything from sit down to pick up, fine dining to casual, seafood to meat, and everything in between. Here are the best Islamorada restaurants:

Bayside Gourmet

We first found Bayside Gourmet when we were leaving the brewery and knew we wanted delivery. We asked the bartender where we should get delivery and she told us, “Bayside Gourmet, hands down!”

It is hard to find delivery in Islamorada. But Bayside Gourmet is a great option on days we don’t want to leave our hotel in Islamorada.

Bayside Gourmet serves pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes. My husband loves pizza, but pizza isn’t always my first choice and I love that we can both order from Bayside Gourmet and be happy (I usually order a sandwich). This restaurant is a local favorite also loved by visitors.

They are currently closed on Wednesdays.

What to order: Grouper rueben or pizza

Lazy Days

The Lazy Days restaurant is the epitome of the Florida Keys – laid back and chill atmosphere located right on the water. Upstairs, you’ll have a great view of the water. Outside, you can put your toes right in the sand. You can’t go wrong no matter where you sit.

They serve a little bit of everything – seafood (they’ll also prepare your catch), salads, steak, chicken, and pasta. You can also enjoy live music during the evening and on the weekend.

What to order: Fresh catch sandwich and have it prepared Lazy Days style

Mangrove Mike’s

Mangrove Mike’s is a small diner only open for breakfast and lunch (they close daily at 2 pm). Their breakfast is really good and they have large portions with reasonable prices.

It’s kind of a small cafe, so it can get pretty crowded in there quickly. It’s also popular, so it’s not uncommon for there to be a wait. One thing I loved when we visited is that about every other person coming in for breakfast was a local that the waitress knew by name. That’s always a testament to how good the restaurant is!

They do serve breakfast all day if you like breakfast for lunch (or if you get a late start on your day) and they start serving lunch at 11:00.

What to order: Shipwreck sandwich (a classic bacon, sausage, egg but it’s served on a cinnamon roll bun!) or french toast (they have unique flavors and you can order a french toast “flight” to try multiple flavors!)

Square Grouper

Square Grouper is probably one of the most recommended restaurants in Islamorada. Their food is good and they also have a great water view. Square Grouper is a bit more upscale, though isn’t necessarily fine dining.

They serve innovative seafood dishes but also have steaks, chicken, and salad. There is often a wait, but you can go upstairs to the Sunset Lounge and enjoy tapas, a raw bar, and cocktails with a view while you wait for your dinner spot to be ready downstairs. While most people know that Sunset Lounge exists, most don’t realize it has its own name and call it “upstairs” so if you hear someone talking about “going upstairs”, that’s what they are referencing.

Both Sunset Lounge and Square Grouper are closed Monday and Tuesday. Square Grouper closes 2:30-5:00 every day and Sunset Lounge opens at 4:20.

What to order: Yellowtail snapper at Square Grouper, raw oysters upstairs (at Sunset Lounge)

Chef Michael’s

Chef Michael’s is an more upscale option for dining in Islamorada with fresh, local food. They serve seafood and steaks with a Florida Keys twist. Their menu is unique and changes somewhat based on local food availability.

I will say that the sides are nothing too special (coconut rice and steamed vegetables) but the main courses are so good that it doesn’t bother me or anyone else I’ve talked to who has visited.

Make sure to make a reservation because it is a pretty small place and usually full. It is pretty common to be able to get same day reservations, though. They are closed on Sundays.

Finally, I typically don’t recommend dessert that isn’t key lime pie anywhere but the carrot cake at Chef Michael’s is phenomenal.

What to order: Ceviche (comes served in a half of a coconut!), lion fish, carrot cake

M.E.A.T

M.E.A.T. was voted best burger in Florida in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022 and has been featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

Their burgers are delicious and I absolutely recommend ordering one. It’s by far the best burger I’ve ever had. But if you don’t like burgers, they have chicken (their wings are phenomenal too) and fish options.

M.E.A.T. also has adult milkshakes and they make their own condiments! It is not a flashy place but it’s one of my favorite restaurants. It feels like a hole in the wall and I love that vibe. Plus, everyone who works there has always been SO nice.

What to order: Inside Out Juicy Lucy Burger (or any of their burgers!) and make sure you try their homemade condiments with it

Kaiyo Grill & Sushi Bar

Kaiyo Grill is loved by locals and has amazing sushi, Asian cuisine (such as curry dishes), and wood grilled steaks. While it is not necessarily fine dining, it is definitely more of a splurge for dinner.

They have outdoor seating, which is a great option when the weather is nice. You can order for pick up and they also take reservations. They open at 5 pm and are closed Sunday and Monday.

What to order: Steak with miso butter, sushi

Ziggie and Mad Dog’s

Known for the best steak in the Florida Keys (though some will argue that Kaiyo’s is just as good!) This is another great spot for fine dining and large portions. They specialize in steaks and seafood and have delicious homemade garlic herb butter. I also really like Ziggie and Mad Dog’s history. You’ll want to make reservations as they’re often very busy.

What to order: Lobster bisque, steak

The Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub

Definitely a hidden gem/hole in the wall and local’s hangout. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

We have seen this place several times driving through the Florida Keys as it’s located right on US-1. It’s easy to pass over, though, because it doesn’t look like a whole lot. But I don’t know why I let that deter me – those are always the best kind of places and the Ocean View “OV” is no exception.

The OV serves bar food. They often have live music and also have corn hole, plenty of TVs for all of the games, and a little trail that leads down to the water for some nice views (you can also bring your boat to eat here!)

The restaurant is attached to a roadside motel.

What to order: Fried pickles, dolphin reuben

Pierre’s Restaurant

Pierre’s is another upscale dinner option that serves French food. While it is a fine dining restaurant, the vibe is a bit more relaxed and laid back.

And while there are a handful of fine dining restaurants in Islamorada, Pierre’s has the best view. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, just make sure to make reservations.

The building itself is a a colonial style two story dwelling and is so beautiful. They do weddings and this would be my number one pick if I was getting married.

Pierre’s and Morada Bay Cafe are located side by side and are under the same ownership.

What to order: Lobster curry

Morada Bay Cafe

Under the same ownership as Pierre’s, Morada Bay Cafe is more laid back. They still have good food but it’s less expensive and it is a mix of Caribbean and American, not French fusion like Pierre’s.

The vibe here is spectacular, with outdoor seating, vibrant chairs that just scream tropical vacation, string lights, and of course, the best views of the water.

What to order: Watermelon salad (with feta cheese and aged balsamic sauce!), fish tacos

Bob’s Bunz

Bob’s Bunz is a bakery and restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. They are most known for their breakfast, and more specifically their cinnamon buns and sticky buns. You can eat there and order from a full menu, but we recommend grabbing some “bunz” to go.

What to order: Sticky “bunz” or cinnamon “bunz”

Lorelei’s

The best sunset views without fine dining prices.

Lorelei’s is huge and located right on the water with a beach-casual vibe. Their seating is outdoors but there are big umbrellas at the tables for shade. There is usually live music and they serve a little bit of everything from seafood to pasta. You can also grab a drink from the bar if you just want to enjoy the atmosphere.

Happy hour is from 4-6. During the day, it’s typically somewhat easy to be seated but around sunset, you’ll likely have to wait. It’s a really nice area to wait in, though, with a bar, gift shop, and marina you can walk around.

What to order: Key lime pie. It is less tart than other places and is frozen, which is a unique twist!

Midway Cafe and Coffee Bar

Midway Cafe is a really cute stop with its vibrant building. They also have fun decor on the inside with a few items available to purchase from local vendors. The cafe itself is small and can get busy. Most of the seating is outside.

They have plenty of healthy options and also have a large amount of bakery items. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (they close at 2 pm every day).

What to order: Specialty coffee and a pastry

Cafe Moka

They do have some seating at Cafe Moka, but it’s more of a grab and go situation. They have excellent coffee and pastries. This is a great option if you’re driving through town or have a busy day planned and want to fuel up.

They are located in the Village Square at The Trading Post which is a little community of businesses. While you wait, you can check out the other shops, there is a plant store and clothing boutique. Overall, it’s a really cool area with gorgeous foliage, too. This is also where Bad Boy Burrito is located.

What to order: Almond croissant (they are the BEST) and a coffee of your choice!

Hog Heaven

Hog Heaven has good BBQ as well as typical sports bar food. There is a gorgeous waterfront view; they have indoor seating, covered patio seating, waterfront seating, and bar seating. They are also a sports bar, so they have plenty of TVs if you’re trying to catch a game. They also have pool tables.

What to order: Brisket deviled eggs

Island Grill

We enjoy their open-air dining right on the water. It’s a little pricier than some of the other restaurants but they have good sushi, seafood, and pasta.

They also have a small menu of non-seafood items if seafood isn’t your thing. If your trip happens to land when there is a full moon, they have full moon dance parties! Usually cover is $15 and they typically have things like live music or a DJ and fire dancers.

What to order: Seafood pasta

Green Turtle Inn

The Green Turtle Inn has been open since the 1940’s. It’s an Islamorada staple and has been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. It’s like an upscale “old Florida” restaurant with upscale seafood dishes (without being too expensive, in my opinion), steaks, and salad. They are open for breakfast as well, but their dinner menu is my favorite.

What to order: Turtle chowder

Islamorada Fish Co

Islamorada Fish Co is located right on the water and is a great place to watch the sunset. There’s often tarpon hanging out around the restaurant, which is always cool to see. They have a lot of handheld options (like burgers and wraps) as well as plenty of seafood entrees. As expected, if you’re arriving for sunset, you’ll want to get there early because you won’t be the only one with that idea.

What to order: Conch chowder

Robbie’s

Admittedly, there are mixed reviews on whether or not to actually eat at Robbie’s. But like it or not, Robbie’s is an Islamorada staple. It’s located right on the water and they’re most famous for tarpon feeding. For $5, you can get a bucket of fish to feed the tarpon on Robbie’s dock. Check out Robbie’s webcam to see the tarpon feeding in action! Or, watch our Suite Life Sanburg Youtube video where we fed the tarpon on our trip!

Robbie’s also has an open air market that is fun to browse and you can also rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards. Robbie’s is a great launching point for paddling (I have an entire blog post dedicated to paddling in the Florida Keys).

The restaurant at Robbie’s is the Hungry Tarpoon and they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu is pretty standard with plenty of sandwiches, tacos, and quesadillas to choose from. This is another location that will prepare your catch for you.

What to order: Mahi mahi tacos or sandwich

City Hall Cafe

City Hall Cafe is a more gourmet option in a laid back atmosphere. Their lunch is fairly standard, but their dinner menu has amazing fresh seafood entrees, steak, and pasta. If you prefer a go-to meal like burgers and tacos, they have that on their dinner menu as well. Prices are reasonable and they are also a wine bar! They also offer delivery after 5 pm.

What to order: Fish tacos (lunch), Chicken Parmesan (dinner)

Twisted Shrimp

Twisted Shrimp is about the best casual dining you could wish for.

Their shrimp cannot be beat, it truly is the best shrimp around. It’s lightly fried, so it doesn’t feel too heavy, and it has the perfect amount of seasoning. Perfect for a quick meal, especially if you are roadtripping through the Florida Keys.

I loved that they have a happy hour on food when we visited. The portions for their happy hour specials are a little smaller which I prefer and it also made the meal very reasonably priced.

What to order: Po Boy wrap, Brussels sprouts (they are flash fried with a balsamic glaze and parmesan!)

Wahoo’s Bar and Grill

Wahoo’s is right on the water with stunning views. I think this is actually my favorite water view of all of the restaurants in Islamorada. You have a good view of the Islamorada sandbar and it’s fun to watch the boats come and go.

The food is good, they serve a large variety of seafood as well as burgers, salad, and steaks. I personally think it’s kind of pricey for what you get, but the views can’t be beat. We like to order an appetizer and cocktail and sit at the bar.

Do note that Wahoo’s is located on a second floor, so if you have someone with difficulties climbing stairs, this may not be the best spot.

What to order: Wahoo bites and a cocktail

Nikai Sushi

Nikai was recommended to us by a friend. It’s located in the Cheeca Lodge (you don’t have to be staying there to eat at Nikai) and since we were staying at the Cheeca Lodge, we decided it was the perfect time to give it a shot. We did not have reservations, thinking that we could sit at the bar. We were very lucky that they did make a spot for us at the bar but we were wrong to think you wouldn’t need reservations, even for the bar. Definitely make reservations, you don’t want to chance it like we did and miss your opportunity to eat here because it’s the best sushi we have ever had!

What to order: The luxe sushi roll

SHIMA Sushi and Champagne

SHIMA is a newer restaurant in Islamorada (they opened in March 2022). They are a sushi and Japanese restaurant. Of course, they have great sushi, but they also have great non-sushi options such as short rib ramen, duck tacos, pork belly bao buns, and chicken and waffles. Plus, they have a champagne bar, which is a pretty unique concept for the Florida Keys.

What to order: Pork belly bao buns, Volcano sushi roll

The Italian Food Company

The Italian Food Company first opened a location in Key Largo. Locals loved it, but didn’t love the drive (if you know Florida Keys traffic, then you probably understand) so everyone was elated when a second location opened in Islamorada. It’s a taste of Italy with authentic Italian food featuring pasta and wood fire oven pizza. They also have a full bar and a mercantile store with Italian food available for purchase.

What to order: Pizza!

Bad Boy Burrito

Bad Boy Burrito is one of our favorite casual restaurants.

All of their seating is outdoors in a really cute area with a lot of tropical plants and string lights but it’s also a great spot to take food to go.

We ordered burritos quite a few times until I did a TikTok on the restaurant and someone told me I needed to try their sushi burrito. They were right, it is so good. But you can’t go wrong with anything.

Be aware of their hours – in the past, they have closed very early (4pm). Currently, they are open most days until 6 but they close at 3 on Saturdays and are not open Sundays.

What to order: Sushi burrito

Islamorada is a true paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of dining experiences. From casual beachside eateries to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the Florida Keys, exploring the area’s culinary scene is a must-do activity. With fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and laid-back atmospheres, the best restaurants in Islamorada are sure to provide you with a dining experience that you’ll never forget. So come and savor the flavors of this beautiful island oasis and discover why Islamorada is a foodie’s dream destination.