Top 15 Restaurants in Islamorada, FL 

Are you trying to figure out which restaurants are the best in Islamorada? There’s nothing to wonder about any longer.

Throughout this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to discover great tasting food in Islamorada and fill you in on all that you’ll need to know about the local food scene.

Islamorada is known as one of the cutest and quaintest towns located in Florida. It’s just 30 minutes from Key Largo by automobile and it’s one of the top islands located within the Florida Keys.

It’s a slice of heaven and a piece of paradise rolled into one and there is beautiful weather, incredible beaches, and the water is perfectly blue. This town is actually six islands rolled into one and there’s lots of beaches to explore and the water is perfectly swimmable.

If you intend to visit the Florida Keys in the near future but want to get away from the local tourist traps, then Islamorada is your perfect destination. The islands are laid-back, attract less crowds, and it’s quaint compared to their famous neighbors.

Even though the area is laid-back, there’s plenty to do when visiting Islamorada. It’s a great Florida getaway destination and the perfect hideaway for your next Florida road trip.

The islands are located in an envious position which means Islamorada is loaded with plenty of tasty and delectable seafood. So, don’t be surprised to learn that the seafood restaurants in this section of Florida are truly incredible. The restaurants on the water are in plentiful supply, which means the setting is beautiful and there is a diverse menu that’s perfect for everyone.

Restaurants in Islamorada FLDining in Islamorada is truly an amazing experience. The view is to die for, the seafood is some of the best that money can buy, and the vibe is laid-back and intoxicating.

Are you prepared to taste the incredible dishes that Islamorada restaurants have to offer? Reserve a chair, grab a delicious cold drink, and enjoy this walk-through of the top Islamorada FL restaurants to try.

Top 15 Islamorada FL Restaurants to Try

Island Grill

Island GrillThis quaint restaurant is located right on the water in Islamorada, which makes it an extra special place to visit. With a name like the Island Grill, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that their menu is seafood-focused. This place has some of the tastiest food and can be found on Snake Creek Bridge, located directly on the river.

The food here does all the talking for this incredible place. The decor isn’t necessarily fancy and the interior isn’t the sleekest in the world, but their rustic beach bar vibe is definitely intoxicating.

This location is quite popular. They have live music every night and it’s even been voted as the best restaurant in Islamorada in the past. Expect to nosh on tasty dishes including crack Conch Sandwich, Lobster Rolls, and Graham Crusted Calamari. They also have tasty vegetarian and meat dishes as well.

This restaurant truly encapsulates the island experience, which makes it one of the best Islamorada restaurants to try.

Tower of Pizza

Tower of PizzaWhen visiting Islamorada, you don’t have to go without pizza because the Tower of Pizza has you covered. This place has fresh pizza that the locals love and they are serving it up daily.

Even better, this unpretentious restaurant serves a subset, pasta, and your favorite pizza dishes for take-out, dine in, and they even offer delivery. They make fresh pizza dough each day by hand and they have the freshest ingredients around.

They have an extensive menu serving so much more than simple slices of pizza. All of your friends and family will find something to enjoy and cherish on their menu.

If you’d like to find the perfect place to eat and Islamorada, you’ll never go wrong checking out a Tower of Pizza.

Marker 88

Marker 88This local hotspot is found in Plantation Key. This is one of the few natural beaches located within the Florida Keys. Restaurant goers will enjoy delectable and elegant treats in a casual atmosphere including steaks, seafood, and so much more.

This is a favorite dinner hotspot in Islamorada because they serve delicious food, the view is to die for, and they play live music every day. They have well-known cocktails made with a local flavor and the views of the sunset are truly breathtaking.

Their food is served fresh and made with innovation and integrity. Try their Painted Tuna, Shrimp Zoodles, and Key Lime Seafood if you’re looking for a unique and delicious treat.

MEAT Eatery and Taproom

MEAT Eatery and TaproomThis is truly a cool and unique eating experience while visiting Islamorada. It’s a casual atmosphere that serves pub food at a brick-line hangout.

It said that their burgers are the best that Florida has to offer. So if you love juicy and tasty hamburgers and cheeseburgers, you’ll flip for this burger hotspot. You’ll also enjoy tasty craft beers, innovative foodstuffs, top shelf food, and a friendly staff.

Their Inside-Out Juicy Lucy Burger is known as one of the best Florida burgers. They serve more than hamburgers as well, so you should try their Chicken Tenders, Home Smoked Chicken Wings, and The Catch of the Day Sandwich if you’re looking for other delicious options.

As far as Islamorada FL is concerned, this is a great restaurant to visit with a large outing of family and friends.

Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar

Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana BarThis restaurant is one of Islamorada’s most famous eateries and it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for cocktails and beautiful sunsets. This place gets really packed at happy hour as well, so the crowds are fun and always looking for a good time.

Besides the delicious food, you’ll appreciate the live magicians and live music as well. This place is vibrant and totally happening. In fact, throughout the area the restaurant has a reputation as “The Pulse of Islamorada” and it’s serving up tasty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

On their menu, you’ll find such delicious dishes including stone crab chowder, sunset conch fritters, coconut shrimp, and their world-famous shrimp sandwich. For those curious, they even serve vegetarian and meat dishes too.

Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen and Bar

Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen and BarFor those looking for delicious Italian food in a laid-back environment, you’ll absolutely love this place. It’s known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine, excellent meals, and it’s a place for great friends.

The menu has many Italian inspired dishes. It’s a small and concise menu with tasty treats including Grouper Puttanesca, Luigi linguine Frutti de Mare, Pasta E Fagioli, and Spinach Artichoke Fonduta.

This Italian restaurant also serves popular breakfast items including Buttermilk Pancakes and Breakfast Paninis.

Square Grouper Islamorada

Square Grouper IslamoradaThis restaurant can be found at the Islamorada Marina and it’s best known for its innovative and fresh seafood dishes along with its sweet and pleasant selection of wine. It’s a popular dining hotspot in the Florida Keys and rightfully so, so you should add it toward the top of your list.

The service is incredible, the food is of the highest quality, and the overall atmosphere is absolutely perfect. It’s an incredible place to eat dinner when visiting Islamorada.

On their menu, you’ll find tasty dishes including Truffled Lobster Mac, Square Grouper Seafood Stew, Fried Conch, and Yellowfin Tuna and Avocado Eggrolls to name a small selection of the most delicious choices.

If you’re looking for the perfect seafood restaurant in Islamorada, you should look no further because this place will never disappoint you.

Bayside Gourmet

Bayside GourmetIf you’re looking for the best place to eat in Islamorada offering Italian food and outdoor and indoor dining options, then this is a great choice. The Bayside Gourmet is a top-rated restaurant that provides an excellent dining experience.

This restaurant is family owned and operated and serves some of the best and freshest food in the area and it’s all hand prepared. The dishes are mouthwatering, the decor is modern and stylish, and the casual atmosphere is always welcoming.

They serve gourmet pizza with meat and vegetarian topping options. They also have homemade meatballs and spaghetti, a variety of meat and fish dishes, and the ever-popular homemade lasagna.

This place is definitely one of Islamorada FL’s best restaurants.

Lazy Days Restaurant

Lazy Days RestaurantWould you like to dine on a porch, patio, the beach, or inside a restaurant? No matter which option you choose, you’ll always be graced by a beautiful view.

This is an award-winning restaurant with a great location, a friendly staff, and absolutely delectable food. Coming here always leads to an incredible experience.

Their food choices include sandwiches, veggie and meat dishes, steak, pasta, and seafood. If you catch your own fish, their chef will even cook it for you.

Some of their more popular menu items include Coconut Fried Shrimp, Baked Brie, the Best Fried Cracked Conch, and Oysters Moscow. This is a low-key destination that packs a powerful punch.

Chef Michael’s

Chef Michael’sAre you looking for the perfect Islamorada restaurant to try? Chef Michael’s might be the perfect place to check out when you want an upscale experience.

This restaurant provides fresh caught fish that get delivered and served at the restaurant daily. And if you catch your own fish, the chef will even cook it up for you. This restaurant even serves brunch for those in the mood for a breakfast-lunch combo.

Their creative menu contains game, meat, and fish dishes including Tempura Shrimp & Asparagus, Lamb Shank Braised in Castronovo Red, Crispy Roast Long Island Duck, and other delightful choices.

This is a sophisticated eatery and a place for celebration. It’s elegant yet provides a casual flair and always serves superb food no matter what time of the day it happens to be.

Ziggie & Mad Dog’s

Ziggie & Mad Dog’sThis tasty restaurant serves up some of the best seafood, chops, and steak that money can buy in Islamorada. Everybody loves this place and they have been around since the 1950s, so they definitely have staying power.

The setting is a casual sports bar atmosphere with an eclectic and extensive menu. There’s something for everyone to try and enjoy.

Some of their popular dishes include Grilled Duck Breast, Beef Tenderloin Stroganoff, Lobster Tail and White Truffle Mac & Cheese, and Fresh Florida Keys Stone Crabs.

Midway Café and Coffee Bar

Midway Café and Coffee BarIf you want to find a great breakfast nook in Islamorada, then you should definitely check out the Midway Café and Coffee Bar. This place has great food and a colorful and vibrant atmosphere.

Their coffee is amazing and their baked goods are second to none so this place always gets very high praise. Some popular dishes include Egg and Cheese Omelets, Avocado Toast, and Green Egg Sandwiches.

They have gluten-free and vegetarian dishes on their menu and during lunch they serve salads, wraps, and tasty sandwiches too.

Bob’s Bunz – Islamorada Restaurant and Bakery

Bob’s Bunz – Islamorada Restaurant and BakeryDo you enjoy going to brunch? You should definitely check out Bob’s Bunz if this is the case because it’s an excellent place to start your brunch loving food journey in Islamorada. Although it’s a bakery it serves brunch, lunch, and diner-style breakfast, which makes this one incredible place.

They have an extensive menu for those who have a sweet tooth, or not. Their pastries, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and key lime pie are to die for.

Even more incredible, the locals really seem to love their Bread Pudding French Toast and we suggest you give it a try.

Pierre’s Restaurant

Pierre’s RestaurantPierre’s Restaurant is one of the best places for an incredible dining experience in Islamorada. It’s found in the confines of the Morada Bay Hotel, which is a truly stunning location.

The restaurant is elegant, decorated using a colonial style, and it’s a great place for a unique and exciting experience with your better half.

They serve French fusion food on their menu. Some of their more popular dishes include Roasted Summer Vegetable Tartlet, Thyme Roasted Free Range Chicken, and Charred Sous Vide Spanish Octopus to name a few of their popular choices.

Whale Seafood Feast

Whale Seafood FeastThis local restaurant has been a staple in Islamorada for more than 100 years. In fact, the Food Network even named this hotspot one of the top seafood restaurants throughout the United States.

They have a huge seafood buffet with more than 85 items on the menu. They have a raw bar with shrimp, mussels, oysters, and crab legs. They even serve incredible vegetable, poultry, and meat dishes as well.

Examples of some of their popular buffet items include Ceviche, Crab Cakes, Cedar Plank Salmon, Carved Roast Beef, Maryland Blue Crabs, Grilled Mahi-Mahi, and Smoked Fish Dip.

For anyone looking for an incredible seafood buffet experience, this is the best place to check out in Islamorada.

As you can see, when it comes down to picking Islamorada restaurants to try, there are so many amazing places to choose from. We really hope this article helped open your eyes to some of the best eateries in the area.

We’ve also included all of the local hotspots that are known as the best restaurants in Islamorada. Dining here is an incredible treat for those who enjoy Surfside restaurants and tasty seafood.

We hope you enjoy your trip to the area. Feel free to stop by and let us know about your experience.

Chris is a Midwest Transplant that has lived in South Florida since 1999. While he likes to remain active and is an avid sports enthusiast, he's become our go-to provider of reviews of any establishment serving food and booze!