Florida Keys' most incredible seafood restaurants—5 places you just have to visit

Pastel-hued houses, buried treasure, Key Lime Pie, and sublime seafood, Florida’s arc of islands really does have it all. I was lucky enough to spend a week getting to know the Keys one blissful summer, where hazy days were spent snorkeling around the shallow waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, discovering kooky Key West—a place Ernest Hemingway called home for a while—and of course falling in love with the seafood that’s so bountiful in these parts. 

For my time in the Keys, I based myself at several hotels to get a feel for the place, yet one of my favorites was the expansive Ocean's Edge Resort and Marina with its six pools and relaxed feel. From the hotel’s bright white suite, I’d whizz off to neighboring islands looking for the absolute best seafood the Keys has to offer, here’s what I discovered…

The best seafood restaurants in the Florida Keys

1. The Stoned Crab at Ibis Bay, Key West

The Stoned Crab has some of the freshest seafood around, specializing in stone crab and Key West pink shrimp, don’t miss the ‘build your own’ steamer pot. I filled mine with stone crab claws, pink shrimp, snow crab, corn, and potatoes. After being steamed to perfection it was covered in garlic and butter and was undoubtedly one of the best meals I had in the Keys. The Stoned Crab also has a brilliant selection of organic and sustainable wines, craft-brewed beers, and organic cocktails made with locally farmed fruits.

The Stoned Crab's Steamer Pot

2. Chef Michael’s, Islamorada 

This is the place to head to for incredible conch chowder, ceviche, and any of the catch-of-the-day main dishes. Chef Michael's has a great wine selection and some pretty decent Key Lime Pie too.

3. The Fish House, Key Largo 

The Fish House is so laid back but the food is brilliant. With daily specials and a regular menu, it’s a self-serve kind of place where you order from the little hatch, and then collect your food when it's ready. Try the lobster mac and cheese or their famous lobster Reuben—both are incredible.

Tuna Burger, Lobster Rueben, Clam Linguine, Lobster Mac
and Cheese, and Tuna Steak at The Fish House

4. Mrs Mac's Kitchen II, Key Largo 

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen II has huge, well-priced portions (I had the fish tacos and couldn't finish them) and the best key lime pie in the whole of the Florida Keys. The interior is super kitsch with shells galore, twinkling lights, and pastel-colored table tops—no surprise then that it was used as a filming location in the Netflix series Bloodline.

5. Little Pearl, Key West 

Little Pearl is the place to go after opening only a few years back. Located in Key West this intimate little place serves dreamy conch chowder, ceviche, scallops, and crab pot pie.