Fine Dining

Repeatedly voted the best dinner on the island. I know personally the amount of dedicated effort that is involved from the kitchen to the front on a daily basis because it is my home. Chef Laurence accents his menu with a bit of Creole flare, and it pairs well with our coastal cuisine. This is fine dining with a home felt style.  I recommend anything on the menu without reservation. Speaking of reservations, please do make one as we fill up most nights. If you would like to request me, it would be my pleasure to serve your table Thursdays through Saturdays or join me at the bar on Wednesday nights!

600 Fleming Street

(305)292-1244

www.marquesa.com/cafe-marquesa

Hot Tin Roof features bright vibrant colors indicative of the overall style of the Ocean Key Resort & Spa. It's a mélange of tastes and fragrances, combining traditional Florida foods with Latin, Caribbean and tropical influences. It's fun and fresh with a broad range of tastes and sensations. The restaurant features a relaxed elegance with dramatic water and sunset views. Make a reservation in advance. Also, they put on a spectacular Sunday Brunch plan ahead for reservations or shoot me a message to see if I might be able to help you arrange a table last minute.

0 Duval Street

(305)295-7057

Hot Tin Roof Restaurant | Ocean Key Resort

Traditional Lobster house with beautiful steaks. This is a premier icon of Key West dining located right in the historic seaport. There is a craft cocktail speakeasy bar attached to this second story dining room called Berlin's. Head in for a drink and then sit down for a gorgeous dinner of local fish, lobster, and sumptuous side dishes. They have a fantastic wine list as well, and let's not forget to talk about that view. The dining room really shines at sunset. I like to enjoy an early dinner to be dazzled by the sky at dusk. Also, I like to walk off all of that glory that I enjoyed down the Harborwalk.

700 Front Street

(305)294-5880

www.aandblobsterhouse.com

An institution of the Key West dining scene, Antonia's restaurant on Duval Street has been serving discerning locals and visitors homemade pasta and Italian cuisine in its cozy and romantic dining room for over 40 years. Highlights of the menu:  the goat cheese souffle, fettuccine with prosciutto and peas, fettuccine Bolognese, veal chop Parmesan, and the famous amaretto coconut cream pie. That said, you truly cannot go wrong with anything from the kitchen. A beautiful wine selection with plenty of options and a range of prices is found on the menu. They have a cool upstairs private dining room available for private parties. Say hi to TK or Nicole at the bar and tell Bismark at the door or Robin that I sent you. 

615 Duval Street

(305)294-6565

www.antoniaskeywest.com

If an exclusive and unique dining experience strikes your fancy, a short ferry ride transports you to a private island that is home to the legendary Latitudes restaurant. It truly is something special. I love everything on the menu, but I always order the Cesar salad. Lunch is great here as well, but the crowning glory of this experience is to book a reservation about 45 minutes before sunset so that you are dining beachside with an unobstructed view of nature's spectacular Key West Sunset. Tiki torches are then lit as you continue to enjoy your dinner under the stars (indoor seating available as well.) Please contact me to see if I might be able to help with reservations as they are often booked months out.

245 Front Street

(305)292-5394
www.opalcollection.com/sunset-key

Impress your guests with a visit to this classic American steakhouse known for fine wines, traditional cuts of beef, and exceptional service. A very nice patio is available as is an intimate dining room. The escargot and beef carpaccio are a couple of do not miss appetizers. They have perfected the art of grilling and broiling your steak to perfection. Do go for the truffle mac and cheese side dish, it is delicious. Say hello to Pavel and Alex for us, I have known them for many years, and they are masters of their craft servicing the bar and dining room.

951 Caroline Street

(305)296-4000

www.primekeywest.com

Coastal Italian Cuisine meets Key West's local seafood. Set right above the harbor next to A&B Lobster (our sister restaurant), Bel Mare is a beautiful dining space for a romantic evening or a memorable dinner with friends. The menu is laid out in traditional Italian fashion with antipasti, pasta, and entree, however you are able to enjoy as you wish. I am there on Sundays and Mondays and would love to personally serve you at my table if you would like to request me.

700 Front St

(305) 396-4040

https://belmarerestaurant.com

Martin's has been delighting guests in Key West for over three decades. The menu is highlighted by German cuisine with tropical island notes. The only schnitzel in town, but it is terrific. Martin's boasts one of the finest wine selections around, and the martinis are good too. We always order the beef wellington and red cabbage. Happy hour is incredible here as it is half off all the tapas and cheap martinis and wines as well. There is a line around the block a half hour before they open for good reason. Ask for Tripp or Chip for indoor dining or Mark in the garden. Say hi to Alex or Sarah on the bar. 

917 Duval Street

(305296-0111

www.martinskeywest.com

Live piano, classic cocktails and you're already heading in the right direction for the evening. In the Lobby of Marriot Beachside is a beautiful dining room at Tavern N Town. They have a gorgeous open kitchen that cooks up craft pizzas, steaks, and a host of other options. They source some of the finest Wagyu to be found down here. We love to arrive early and lounge at the bar with a martini listening to the live music before seating. There is a happy hour as well for those wanting to mix it up a bit and maybe head into town later for dinner.

3841 N Roosevelt Boulevard

(305)296-8100

www.tavernntown.com

This charming restaurant is unique and wonderful. It offers guests a truly intimate dining experience. From the cozy dining room home to ten or so tables that are surrounded by a central One chef kitchen in the center of the dining room, to the walls adorned with what seems like a hundred floor to ceiling tea lights, it is a truly romantic atmosphere. The menu is verbalized, and the food is 10 stars in my opinion. Bring your own beverages. They have wine chillers and corkscrews and glasses. Absolutely try the scallops. Cash only so prepare in advance and be sure to take out a generous amount so you can tip my friend Bruce heavily!!! Say hi to Bruce for us. 

728 Simonton Street

(305)204-4457

www.facebook.com/lolasbistrokeywest

This newer eatery has quickly become a favorite by anyone who visits. The dining room is quaint and charming with a kitchen bar and a couple of al fresco tables. The staff are super friendly and pleasant. The menu is executed very well and is highlighted by local fresh fish and yes, beef stroganoff... (It's their thing, and it's good) Did I mention the scallops?!!! I have not had anything for dinner here that I did not crave to return to. The one thing that I dare not forgo and never miss is the lavender cheesecake for dessert. Tell Chip and John that I sent you!

411 Petronia Street

(305)509-7271

www.redshoeislandbistro.com

Among the backstreets of Key West's Bahama Village is one of the local's favorite restaurants. Santiago's Bodega offers small plate tapas and an interesting list of wines and delicious sangrias. Dinner reservations are recommended and they are open for lunch with a delightful afternoon happy hour. I love the croquetas and the lamb chops. Tell Fernando at the bar or Chef Jeff that I sent you.

207 Petronia Street

(305)296-7691

www.santiagisbodega.com

One of the more interesting menu experiences on the island is housed in an intimate dining room in a little neighborhood spot. The format is a tasting menu which changes weekly. There are usually add-on enhancements such as raw bar options or stone crab claws. Enjoy a great selection of beer and wines to pair. This is a great date night spot.

632 Olivia Street

(305)204-4762

www.littlepearlkeywest.com