Best Seafood Restaurants in Key West

The Key West seafood is some of the best in Florida. Fresh, ocean-caught fish is unmatched in flavor, quality, and presentation at one of the many fine restaurants. This article features restaurants serving the best seafood in Key West, located close to our Key West downtown rentals.

Conch Republic

Conch Republic is a seafood restaurant with a twist. The establishment is built in an old fish-packing factory; Conch Republic is one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West. We recommend starting with their Smoked Fish Dip and Key West Crab Cakes, which pair smoky seafood with an excellent blend of herbs and spices. Their Angus steaks are also top-notch. Make sure to visit next time you are in Key West.

Eaton Street Seafood Market

Eaton Street Seafood Market serves the best seafood near Key West. Their fish market displays a wide range of fish, from snapper to grouper and even king mackerel. The fish you choose can be put on the grill and cooked in front of you to eat on their cozy outdoor deck overlooking the Gulf. 

The market also offers online ordering and delivery, making it ideal if you prefer to cook in your home. While they are not a full restaurant, Eaton Street Seafood Market is perfect for seafood shopping, dining, and delivery.

late of oysters and lobster
Photo From Shutterstock

Pinchers USA

Pinchers USA is one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West. Their menu is lobster and crab-themed, as befits the name. However, Pinchers also serves a wide range of seafood, such as smoked grouper and New England Blue Mussels. 

We highly recommend their Garlic Bread and especially the Crab Clusters, paired with Key Lime Pie to finish. Pinchers also offer excellent baby back ribs; the chefs have carefully vetted the recipe to ensure authenticity. Pinchers are one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West.

Key West Lobster Shack

Key West Lobster Shack is an oceanfront lobster shack serving fresh-caught lobster prepared in various ways. Their best is the Key West Lobster Roll; lobster meat is filled with hot butter and fresh Key Lime juice. We also recommend the lobster BLT roll, a BLT sandwich with lobster meat, applewood smoked bacon, and fresh tomato to compliment it. Either dish is excellent when paired with fresh-squeezed limeade or cold hibiscus tea. There is also a wide selection of draft beer and soda on deck.

Lobster Shack sits on the waterfront, a short distance from the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This makes it the ideal destination after a day studying exotic birds and butterflies, walking over, and chowing down. Make sure to visit KW Lobster Shack during your Key West visit.  

The Thirsty Mermaid

The Thirsty Mermaid is a local seafood restaurant serving not only Floridian fish but also from the East and West Coasts. Their rotating menu features a wide selection of oysters and a full Raw Bar, providing classics such as Mermaid Lager and Pinot Grigio. Their Steamed Pei Mussels are the best in Key West and Florida; we recommend pairing their Middleneck Clams with the Bread Service and, of course, a draft beer. Thirsty Mermaid brings traditional Floridian seafood with a touch of alternative flavoring. Book a reservation today.

Where To Stay in Key West

We highly recommend eating at any of the restaurants in this article. All are extremely accommodating of food allergies or other dietary needs, and their menu features a wide range of fresh-caught seafood, providing healthy and tasty food across the board. Additionally, they are located near our Key West waterfront rentals! Book your vacation today!