What to Eat in Key West: Local Seafood, Island Flavors & Waterfront Dining
Come to Key West hungry.
This is an island where the water shapes the menu. Fresh seafood sits alongside Cuban influences, tropical flavors and a few dishes that simply belong in the Florida Keys.
So, what should you eat in Key West?
Start with the seafood. Add something fried, something with lime and, ideally, a table close enough to the marina that you can watch the boats come in.
At The Perry Hotel & Marina, that last part is easy.
What Flavors Is Key West Known For?
Key West food is all about fresh seafood, Cuban influence, citrus, spice and simple island flavors.
A few local favorites worth trying:
Key West Pink Shrimp
Sweet, tender and often served grilled, fried or simply with citrus. A must for anyone looking to try Key West seafood.
Conch Fritters
Crispy, golden and made for sharing. One of the Keys’ most recognizable bites.
Hogfish & Fresh Local Fish
Look for hogfish, snapper, mahi-mahi and grouper, often grilled, blackened or fried.
Cuban Flavors
Roast pork, rice and beans, plantains, Cuban sandwiches and strong coffee all reflect Key West’s longstanding Cuban influence.
Key Lime Pie
Tart, sweet and unmistakably Key West. Save room.
Learn the Flavors of Key West
Want to do more than just order the food?
At the Key West Cooking School, watch local chefs bring traditional Conch Cuisine to life in a live cooking demonstration, then try your hand at crafting an island-inspired cocktail in a hands-on class.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
If you’re looking to turn those local flavors into dinner, start dockside.
At Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, Expect New American comfort food with an island feel, built around fresh-caught fish and coastal classics, with weekly specials on both food and drinks.
Fresh seafood does not get much more local than that. Looking for some expert recommendations, our guests love:
- The Key West shrimp cocktail (or if you’re in the mood to share, the seafood tower)
- The delicious and delicate shrimp and crab linguini
- Or for meat lovers, the center-cut fillet of beef pairs beautifully after an evening of activities.
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill
Some meals call for reservations.
Others call for a seat by the marina and whatever sounds good at the time.
Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill is firmly in the second camp. The lineup includes fresh oysters, cold drinks, jumbo chicken wings and the bar’s well-known $100 Hamburger, a favorite with the aviation crowd (Don’t worry, that’s an inside joke, not the actual price!)
Another round because the sun is still out? Even better.
For anyone looking for waterfront dining in Key West, this is exactly the kind of place that makes staying on Stock Island feel like a pretty good idea.
A Little Something for the Locals
Living in the Keys has its perks.
Bring a valid Monroe County ID and enjoy 20% off dinner and 15% off drinks at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen or Salty Oyster, 365 days a year.
Dinner by the marina, with a local discount.
Hard to argue with that.
Where to Find Waterfront Dining in Key West
The food matters. So does where you eat it.
For waterfront dining in Key West, Stock Island offers a more relaxed side of the experience. Boats come and go, the marina is part of the view and dinner can stretch comfortably into sunset.
At The Perry, both Matt’s and Salty Oyster sit right on the marina.
No agenda required.
Stay Close to the Water and the Food
One of the best parts of eating your way through Key West?
Not having far to go afterward.
Stay at The Perry Hotel & Marina and marina mornings, dockside dinners and evenings over cocktails can all happen without leaving Stock Island.
And when you do want the buzz of Key West, it’s close enough.
Key West Food FAQs
What food is Key West known for?
Key West is known for fresh seafood, Key West pink shrimp, conch fritters, local fish, Cuban-influenced dishes and Key lime pie.
What seafood should I try in Key West?
Key West pink shrimp, hogfish, snapper, mahi-mahi and grouper are all popular local choices. Fresh catches can vary by season and availability.
Where can I find waterfront dining in Key West?
The Perry Hotel & Marina offers two waterfront dining options on Stock Island: Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar and Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill.
Can you eat at The Perry’s restaurants without staying at the hotel?
Yes. Both Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar and Salty Oyster are open to visitors as well as hotel guests.
Do locals receive a discount at The Perry’s restaurants?
Yes. Monroe County residents with valid ID can enjoy 20% off dinner and 15% off drinks at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen or Salty Oyster.
