Waterfront Dining in Key West

Of all the fun things to do in Key West, dining must be one of the best. No matter what you might be in the mood for, Key West is sure to have something to satisfy you. While you’re in the area, you can’t leave without having experienced the best waterfront dining in Key West. These great waterfront restaurants in Key West let you enjoy the ocean breeze and a mouthwatering meal simultaneously!

Whether you want to treat yourself to an upscale evening or sit back and relax with your friends and family, you can enjoy a fantastic view.

Dress it Up:

Latitudes Sunset Key  

Latitudes Sunset Key ignites a spark of excellence for all things waterfront dining in Key West. It’s a first-choice restaurant for many who come out here, primarily because it’s got an extensive 3-meal menu made with only fresh ingredients and plenty of love from the chefs. Indeed, you can come in any day from 7-11 (breakfast), 11-2:15 (lunch), or 5-10 (dinner on Sunday through Thursday)/5-11 (dinner on Friday and Saturday). 

Latitudes Sunset Key offers dozens of wines by the glass, one of the local favorites being the Justin Isosceles, a unique Cabernet Blend. You can also find rosé drinks, chardonnays, other red varietals, Italian mixes, aromatic whites, and even pinot noirs. Reservations are usually required no matter what time you’re dining. If you’re ever unsure which plate to try, start any of your meals with their classic onion soup, which will give you but a simple taste of the culinary mastery these kitchen chefs hold. It comes with gruyere cheese as well as toasted croutons. 

To get to the Latitudes Sunset Key, you have to make your way into the local Westin Hotel in Sunset Key. Keep in mind that, at this upscale restaurant, casual formal dress is required, such as a nice buttoned or polo shirt and some semi-formal shoes.

Louie’s Backyard

In business for 30+ years now, Louie’s Backyard offers an escape from the usual, mundane fast-food routine for a change — with its decadent lunch and dinner selections of kids and adult meals alike. Dinner options change seasonally, guaranteeing that your meal is always constructed with the freshest local Key West ingredients. Lately, guests enjoy options like grilled sweet and sour duck breast, grilled pesto-rubbed swordfish, and Swiss chard-wrapped King salmon.

If you’re a fan of coffee drinks, you’ll be pleased to hear that Louie’s Backyard also specializes in creating these in-house. They’ve got Frangelico, Keoke, Irish, Jamaican coffee, and more. The Jamaican coffee is one of the local favorites, including a blend of Meyer’s and Tia Maria coffee and finished off with a cinnamon stick. If you’re a fan of the Bond-famous Martini, you’re in for a treat from heaven itself with the Martini Glass, which includes chocolate rum, espresso, and mocha. 

bartender pouring four coffee cocktails in key west

Dress it Down:

Salute! On the Beach 

Open 12-8 daily, Salute! On the Beach happily serves you lunch or dinner by the seaside. Try it out for a new experience of the area! You’ll see the shoreline right by your table, a few vacation homes, and some beautiful wildlife. Here at Salute! On the Beach, life is simple, and that’s precisely the vibe you’ll get when you sit down to have a grilled chicken breast plate that comes with green beans. Perhaps your desire is for some spaghetti and homemade, fresh meatballs instead; you can even tell the server how well you’d like the meatballs cooked. This eatery is also one of the rare places you can get a sauteed yellowtail snapper, which is glazed with citrus beurre blanc and comes with a side of spinach and roasted potatoes. 

If your sweet tooth kicks in later, add a Blue Key Lime Pie to top it off. You’ll be satisfied when you sink your mouth into a fresh bite of that soft, moist pie and its warm, sweet crust. Order your own slice or get an extra fork to share with a loved one if you’re feeling generous. Either way, the food, atmosphere, and ocean view all combine to make for an incredible evening.

Conch Republic Seafood Company 

The Conch Republic Seafood Company opens every day at 11:30 and closes with varying needs and seasons. Regardless of the time of year, people flock here to enjoy the legendary Happy Hour. Indeed, they have one of the best bar areas with constantly revolving specials. Sometimes, it’s the 2-for-1 house wine deal, or other days, it’s the 2-for-1 premium well drinks or 2-for-1 beers. You never know what you’ll be in the mood for when you come in for Happy Hour, and the mystery, for many visitors, is part of the fun.

raw seafood bar in Key West

If you like raw seafood, you can’t miss their raw bar, which features clams, shrimp, and oysters (by the dozen or pound). How about a few specialty starters, like the conch fritters or chicken tenders? These will melt in your mouth and get you excited about what comes next. Some of the most popular main courses include the New York strip, coriander crusted tuna, blackened jumbo scallops, St. Kitts Pasta, and more. Be sure to finish with some Key Lime Pie, strawberry tempura, or hot pineapple upside-down rum cake!

Your Key West Vacation Rental

Our pet-friendly rentals can be found less than a mile away from these delectable Key West restaurants! You should consider making plans to stay nearby and taste the best of everything. For that and more, Key West Vacation Homes is here, with plenty of options for short or lengthy stays in our cottages and condos. 

If you desire Key West waterfront rentals, we’ve got the largest selection in the area. We also offer Key West rentals with a dock for the boater of the group, with convenient launch pads close by. No matter which rental you select, you’ll benefit from upscale amenities such as high-speed internet access, washers and dryers, stunning views of your surroundings, fully stocked kitchens, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and so much more. Our rentals are ideal for solo vacations, romantic getaways, fun gatherings with family, or anything else that might bring you to our shores.  

Plan Your Key West Vacation!

Ready to experience all the delicious waterfront dining opportunities that Key West has to offer? Planning your vacation doesn’t have to be difficult! Simply select your ideal vacation dates, book your favorite Key West vacation rental, and prepare for a fun vacation!

Key West Vacation Homes is your go-to solution if you searching for the perfect Key West rental. We offer breathtaking Key West rentals with impressive features, and we’re also proud to have one of the most dedicated and passionate rental teams around. Our staff is always happy to discuss why we love Key West or help you decide on the right rental for your group. We can even recommend some of the best things to see and do while you’re in the area. Now is the time if you’ve been considering a Key West vacation. Contact us today to get started!