Just an hour and a half south of Miami is Islamorada, our favorite place to visit in the Florida Keys. If you are driving to Key West from Miami, you will pass right through the city. We suggest you stop and have lunch. What better place to dine than one of Islamorada’s many waterfront restaurants?
Being the sport fishing capital of the world means there is plenty of fresh seafood in Islamorada. If seafood isn’t your thing, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together this list of our favorite Islamorada waterfront restaurants with great views and delicious food.
1. Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
This is the beach restaurant in Islamorada that has a great view of the sunset. This is not a good restaurant. there are plastic tables and chairs but the view is great, the food and drinks are great and there is live music every night.
The Lorelei Restaurant is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. if you want a sunset table, you must come at least an hour before sunset. It’s very busy for sunset and dinner and they don’t take reservations. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers daily specials. – View menu
2. Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill
Wahoo’s is known for having some of the best seafood in the Florida Keys. The restaurant is located above Whale Harbor Marina and has amazing views. We love to sit outside and on one of the two oceanfront decks, but there’s also an air-conditioned dining room for those extra hot days.
With an award-winning chef, the restaurant is recognized for its cuisine. One of the most popular dishes is the Chef’s Special of Lobster Scampi. Grilled hot water lobster, baked and delicious. Finally, covered in Scampi sauce, served over a classic Portofino linguine.
Everything is made fresh to order. If you’re looking for the best happy hour in Islamorada, be sure to head to the bar that has happy hour specials on drinks and food starting at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. – View menu
3. Hungry Tarpon – Robbie’s
Robbie’s Marina is an iconic stop in Islamorada, famous for its tarp feeding. Before or after you head out to the dock to feed the tarp, head over to Hungry Tarpon for a bite to eat. We have had breakfast and dinner here many times. The menu has something for everyone and is a great choice for families with young children.
This is another unusual Islamorada restaurant on the water. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of our standout menu items are the seared tuna sliders on a steamed bao bun, crispy fried conch, coconut shrimp, and the Florida Keys Triple Tail sandwich. They also offer four different “Cook your Catch” options. Preparations include Sautéed, Blackened, Mingier and Du jour, all served with sides. – View menu
4. Islamorada Fish Company
As their name suggests, they have some of the best seafood around. What better place to eat fresh seafood than a restaurant on the water? Founded in 1948, Islamorada Fish Company knows what it’s all about and has been around for over 75 years!
If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with the famous Islamorada fish sandwich or the seasonal blue crab. If you want to try a lot of things or are looking for an appetizer to share, try the Island Sampler. You can even order fresh seafood online and have it delivered to your home- View menu
5. Lazy Days
Another of Islamorada’s best oceanfront dining restaurants is Lazy Days. This multi-award winning restaurant is located right on the beach front. We enjoy eating at the tables right on the beach with our toes in the sand. There is also an outdoor patio and indoor dining area for additional seating.
Lazy Days specializes in fresh seafood and traditional Keys dishes, and also serves certified Angus steaks, pastas, sandwiches and a kids’ menu. You can also bring your own catch of the day and it will be prepared and served with your choice of sides. Be sure to go to the Lazy Days Seafood Market to check out the fresh seafood. – View menu
6. Square grouper
The Square Grouper Bar and Grill is located at the Islamorada Marina. The Islamorada location is the second location since the first Square Grouper was so popular. Every night, there is always a line outside waiting for the doors to open at 5pm. They don’t take reservations.
Known for its unique, innovative menu. Square Grouper is only open Wednesday through Sunday. Be sure to head up to the third floor to The Sunset Lounge, an adults-only 21+ lounge, to grab a drink and watch the sunset before heading downstairs for dinner. – View menu
7. Pierre
Offering French Fusion cuisine, Pierre’s offers seaside dining in a luxurious setting. With the old West African colonial style building, there are two seating areas. Guests can admire the view of Florida Bay from the living room or veranda.
It is perhaps one of the most beautiful settings, with palm trees and tropical flowers lining the beach. You can expect five star dining in an amazing location. The dress code is referred to as ‘casual elegance’ although jackets and ties are not required. You can make online reservations. – View menu
8. Marker 88
Established in 1967, Marker 88 is an iconic stop along the Overseas Highway. Located on one of the few natural beaches in the Florida Keys. The restaurant serves fresh seafood, craft cocktails, desserts and local beers.
We usually come for a few drinks at sunset and have dessert. They have a large dessert menu and their signature homemade Key Lime Pie is amazing. There is also live music seven days a week, which is great during sunset. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner daily, and brunch is served on the weekends. – View menu
9. Atlantic’s Edge at Cheeca Lodge
Billed as Cheeca Lodge’s signature restaurant, Atlantic’s Edge offers fine dining. The menu highlights typical Keys food and is inspired by the Caribbean. Modern cooking takes you from Islamorada to Cuba, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos.
With a panoramic view of the Atlantic, the restaurant offers a wonderful atmosphere. Along with some of the freshest local ingredients around. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet elegant resort-style dining experience. – View menu
10. Morada Bay Beach Cafe
For a more casual dining experience at Pierre’s (#5 on this list), there’s the Beach Cafe. Enjoy your meal right on the sand at a beach table with your toes buried in the sand.
Overlooking Florida Bay, Morada Bay Beach Cafe offers exceptional service and award-winning cuisine. We have enjoyed lunch here many times, I love the Island Cobb Salad and the Lobster Sliders. – View menu
11. Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a fun sports bar like setting with good food and right on the water, head to Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill. It is one of the best bars in Islamorada. not only is it a fun place to have a drink, but it also serves great food.
Hog Heaven Bar and Brill is known for its hearty portions of barbecue, wings, seafood and burgers. Grab a seat inside or outside on the covered patio or at one of the dockside tables. We always get an order of the famous conch fritters and either the ribs or the smoked brisket. The bar offers specialty cocktails, wines, beers and an extensive list of spirits. – View menu
