BEST Restaurants Not to Miss in Islamorada, Florida

It’s no secret that one of the best parts about visiting the Florida Keys is the delicious food. From casual beach cafes to upscale dining, there’s no limit to the amount of incredible places to eat in this slice of paradise! In my opinion, Islamorada has some of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys.

In fact, not one but TWO restaurants in Islamorada have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! Keep reading to find out which 😉

In this guide, I provide a list of the BEST restaurants not to miss when visiting Islamorada, Florida.

I’ll also provide some different types of food (and drinks!) you have to try when visiting Islamorada! So whether you’re just taking a day trip from South Florida or planning an epic road trip from Key Largo to Key West, make sure to make a stop at one of these local Islamorada restaurants! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

All About Islamorada, Florida

Before we get into the list, here are some quick facts about Islamorada, with some helpful links to help plan your trip! 

Islamorada is a major town/village in the Florida Keys, and it actually encompasses six different keys(Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key). 

If you are driving from Miami, Islamorada is the second major village you will hit, right after Key Largo! Islamorada is home to some incredible hotels, restaurants, and of course, activities! 

Note: In the Keys, most restaurants and hotels designate their locations by referring to their Mile Marker! For example, Islamorada Fish Company is located at Mile Marker 81.5. Key Largo starts around Mile Marker 107, and Key West ends with the famous Mile Marker 0!

A Complete Guide to the Best Restaurants in Islamorada, Florida

If you’re planning a trip to Islamorada, rest assured you will not go hungry! In the guide below, I will go over all of my favorite restaurants in Islamorada, from breakfast joints to dinner spots on the water. I’ve also put together the below Google Map you can save for your trip! It includes every restaurant I mention in this guide.

What to Eat and Drink In Islamorada

I can’t write a guide on the best restaurants in Islamorada without mentioning what type of food you need to try! The Florida Keys is home to some of the most incredible seafood, almost all of which will be locally caught.

It’s actually very common in the Florida Keys to bring your fresh catch of the day to a restaurant, and they will prepare it for you! Look for something on the menu like: you catch ’em, we cook ’em!

If you’ve never been to the Keys, here’s a list of things you NEED to try during your trip!

1. Conch Fritters: because really what’s better than fried conch?
2. Key Lime Pie: you can’t go to the Keys and NOT have it!!
3. Mahi Mahi: try it blackened, fried, and in a lemon butter sauce if you can!
4. Grouper: fingers, sandwiches, Reubens.. the world is your oyster!
5. Tuna Nachos: fresh tuna + seaweed salad + spicy mayo + and avocado = heaven
6. Lobster: in any form! It’s sure to be fresh caught Florida lobster (different from the New England kind!)
7. Rum Runner: bonus points if you get one at the famous Tiki Bar!
8. Key Lime Coolada: it’s like key lime pie.. but in drink form.
9. Local beer: keep reading to find out which!

Breakfast Restaurants in Islamorada

Let’s start with my husband’s favorite meal – breakfast!! I feel like good breakfast spots can be kind of hard to come by in places like the Keys. But fortunately, Islamorada does not disappoint!

Mangrove Mike’s Cafe

Address: 82200 Overseas Hwy MM, 82 sunset inn, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 6am – 2pm
Price Range: $
What to Try: Mangrove Oscar, Banana Nut Pancakes

Mangrove Mike’s is one of the best spots in Islamorada for breakfast (or lunch!). Highly recommended by locals, you can grab a hearty meal here that will be sure to cure your hangover. From lobster omelettes to strawberry waffles, you can’t go wrong with anything the menu!

Bob’s Bunz

Address: 81620 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 7am – 1pm
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Sticky Bunz, Blue Crab Eggs Benedict

Another breakfast/lunch combo spot, Bob’s Bunz is a local favorite and is known for their incredible cinnamon bunz! They also have an assortment of other pastries, cakes, cookies, and more! This is a great spot if you need something quick.

Midway Café & Coffee Bar

Address: 80499 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036-3775
Hours: Every day, 7am – 2pm
Price Range: $
What to Try: Tropical Macchiato, Coffee Cake

If you’re craving a latte and quick breakfast, the Midway Cafe is the place to go! This small, brightly covered spot serves breakfast and lunch and has a cute patio if you want to sit outside. It’s also one of the only “coffee bars” in Islamorada, so take advantage!

Islamorada Restaurants on the Water

Alright, now let’s get into one of the best parts about eating in Islamorada.. The fact that you can sit outside right on the water and eat freshly caught seafood is one of my favorite parts about visiting this gorgeous island! Below are my favorite restaurants in Islamorada that are right on the water, both on the bayside and ocean side!

Note: If you’re looking for the best sunset views, head to the bayside restaurants!

Robbie’s of Islamorada (Bayside)

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 7am – 9pm
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Bloody Mary, Stone Crab Claws

I can’t talk about Islamorada and NOT mention about Robbie’s! Robbie’s of Islamorada has become a popular attraction in the Keys due to their tarpon feeding. They also have a killer restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I highly recommend the Bloody Mary, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (Bayside)

Address: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 7am – 10pm
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Conch Fritters, Snapper Sandwich

Look for the giant mermaid as you’re driving through Islamorada and you will find Lorelei! Probably my favorite restaurant in Islamorada, Lorelei has live music and entertainment plus killer views of the sunset. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I recommend visiting at dinnertime so you can watch the sun go down in paradise!

P.S. If you’re planning a trip to the Keys, don’t forget to check out my guide on the Best Time To Visit the Keys!

Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar (Bayside)

Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 11am-9pm
Price Range: $$$
What to Try: Thai Key West Tacos, Lobster Sliders

Morada Bay Beach Cafe is slowly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in Islamorada! It is such a vibe! The outdoor seating is along a gorgeous, white sand beach dotted with swaying palm trees, right on the ocean. You are guaranteed to have some incredible sunsets here. Plus, the food is delicious!

Lazy Days (Ocean Side)

Address: 79867 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 9am-9pm
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Cracked Conch, Lazy Gator

Lazy Days is a great spot to visit if you’re looking for that classic Florida Keys vibe. With 4 different dining spots, there’s something for everyone here. They’ve also been awarded multiple times in the Annual Upper Keys People’s Choice Awards, so you know it’s good!

Island Grill (Ocean Side)

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Every day, 11am-10pm
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Tuna Nachos, Miso Hogfish

Another favorite of mine, Island Grill is a great little spot on the ocean side right next to the Snake Creek Bridge. You have to visit here just to try the original tuna nachos… heaven! This is also a great spot to hit up for lunch if you’re out on the water and in the area. There’s a dock you can pull right up to!

Land-Locked Spots in Islamorada

Would you have guessed that the only two restaurants in Islamorada that Guy Fieri has visited are not on the water?! So if you are excluding places that aren’t on the water from your restaurant picks while visiting the Keys, think again! Some of the best restaurants in Islamorada are the land-locked ones,

Chef Michael’s

Address:  81671 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Mon-Sat, 5pm-10pm, Closed Sunday
Price Range: $$$
What to Try: Petite Lionfish “Creole”, Seafood Pasta

You won’t find too many restaurants in Islamorada that describe themselves as “fine dining”. However, Chef Michael’s truly embodies that description. My favorite part about Chef Michael’s is how they serve Lionfish in an effort to help safe the reefs! If you’re looking for a fancier dinner in Islamorada, this is the spot.

Green Turtle Inn

(featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!)

Address:  81219 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Tues-Sat 7am-10pm, Sunday: 7am – 2pm, Closed Monday
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Turtle Chowder, Bacon-Wrapped Love

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, the Green Turtle Inn has a strong history that dates back to 1947! Although it’s not on the water, it’s a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Where else are you going to try turtle soup?!

Pssst: Planning a trip to the Florida Keys? Don’t miss my Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide for more info on where to stay, things to do, and more!

Islamorada Shrimp Shack

(featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!)

Address:  81901 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Thurs-Tuesday 11:30am-9pm, Closed Wednesday
Price Range: $$
What to Try: Shrimp ‘N Grits, Shrimp Jambayla

Another triple D-recommend spot, Shrimp Shack might not look like much from the outside, but I promise it’s worth it! You really can’t go wrong with any of the food here. I recommend trying.. you guessed it.. shrimp!

Bars and Breweries in Islamorada

These three spots are not really “restaurants” per say.. but they all have food and happen to be some of my favorite spots on the island. So I had to include them! If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink and some grub, here you go!

Islamorada Brewery and Distillery

Address:  82229 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Sunday-Thurday 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Price Range: $
What to Try: Sandbar Sunday, No Wake Zone

You know you’re getting old when you remember when restaurants first open! I am only 28, and I can say I remember when Islamorada Brewing started. Since then, they’ve only gotten better. Even if you just stop in for a beer here, it’s worth it! They’ve got a great taproom plus an outdoor beer garden with a food truck, picnic tables, and more.

Florida Keys Brewing Company

Address:  81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Sunday-Thurday 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Price Range: $
What to Try: Iguana Bait, Honey Bottomed Blonde

There’s only two breweries in Islamorada, and I love them both equally! Florida Keys Brewing holds a special place in my heart because they served the beer at my wedding! They’ve got a great kid and pet friendly beer garden out back. Plus, they have regular live music and fun events like bingo and trivia.

the Tiki Bar at Postcard Inn

Address:  84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Sunday-Thurday 11am-11am, Fri-Sat 11am-11am
Price Range: $
What to Try: Rum Runner, Miami Vice

In my humble opinion, you can’t visit Islamorada without visiting the world famous Tiki Bar! This place has a long history, but the most important fact is that it’s the home of the Rum Runner. If you’ve never had a rum runner.. well you’re in for a treat. Make sure to get the floater! 😉 The food here is also delicious, so it’s worth a stop!

Final Thoughts

By now you’ve seen there’s no shortage of INCREDIBLE restaurants to choose from in Islamorada, Florida. No matter your budget or style, there is a restaurant here to tickle your fancy! You’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of choices as you drive along the Overseas Highway through Islamorada.

Of course, I recommend you like seafood if visiting Islamorada, or at least be willing to give it a try! However, there’s still delicious food to try if you don’t. Don’t forget to save the map at the beginning of the post for your trip!