Dining in Islamorada

Islamorada has some of the finest restaurants in the Florida Keys. These restaurants resemble the island lifestyle through unique and flavorful dishes. Each restaurant has its own distinct charm, with timeless recipes, and quality experiences that keep guests coming back time and time again.

This guide covers some of the most notable restaurants in Islamorada, with detailed information on each setting, menu, and guest experience.

Square Grouper Islamorada has a clean, open layout with an indoor dining room and shaded outdoor seating. The restaurant is known for some of their most popular dishes including seafood stew, grouper sandwiches, and coconut shrimp. The bar area includes full cocktail service with a rotating list of house specials. The upstairs bar offers a delightful selection of appetizers and cocktails, complemented by stunning views that enhance the experience. Square Grouper serves lunch as well as dinner.

Papa Joe’s Waterfront sits directly on the water near Tea Table Key. The restaurant offers dockside and patio seating with serene views of the channel. The menu includes traditional seafood plates, grilled items, and a chilled seafood selection. Guests arriving by boat can dock and dine. The kitchen at Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Papa Joe's has a delectable selection to satisfy your cravings.  A full tiki bar supports tropical and classic drinks as well as menu items without leaning too heavily into resort themes. Papa Joe’s serves lunch as well as dinner. 

The Green Turtle Inn is one of the longest-running restaurants in Islamorada, dating back to the 1940s. The building has been renovated but maintains its historic feel, with framed photos and original signage throughout the interior. Guests can expect shrimp and grits, eggs benedict, and their famous sticky bun. Breakfast and brunch are especially popular, with daily openings starting at 7 a.m. Green Turtle Inn also serves lunch and dinner. Popular lunch and dinner options include turtle chowder or meatloaf. The consistent hours and historic setting contribute to its steady place in the Islamorada dining landscape.

Bayside Gourmet is a quaint restaurant tucked just off Overseas Highway that offers a menu of pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and seafood. The restaurant includes counter service, a bar, and indoor seating with limited outdoor spots. Popular menu items include lobster bisque, the grouper reuben, and chicken parmesan. Customers can order ahead for pickup or delivery or enjoy a sit-down meal. The space is casual but curated, offering consistent quality in a low-key atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.

Italian Food Company combines a retail section with a restaurant space, offering wood-fired pizza, imported pasta, and wine by the glass. The space has Italian decor, including tile counters, market-style shelves, and marble tabletops. Guests can shop for olive oil and espresso while waiting for food. Pizza is the primary focus, with traditional dough and imported toppings. Italian Food Company serves signature and classic Italian dishes.

Ziggie & Mad Dog’s is a legendary destination in Islamorada that blends timeless steakhouse tradition with the relaxed elegance of the Florida Keys. Renowned for serving some of the finest cuts in the region—from melt-in-your-mouth filets to phenomenal porterhouses, and ribeyes—this storied restaurant is a haven for steak lovers and culinary connoisseurs alike. Elevated comfort dishes such as their indulgent truffle lobster mac and cheese bring a decadent twist to their menu. Ziggie’s is also very well known for their extensive and unique wine menu. Fresh seafood catches are prepared daily, along with delicious shellfish. 

Chef Michael’s delivers an exceptional upscale fine dining experience in the heart of Islamorada. Renowned for their fresh seafood creations, the menu also features gourmet brick oven pizzas, perfectly aged steaks, and classic Italian dishes. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated yet warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can savor specialties such as lionfish or hogfish.Chef Michaels has been a staple in the Islamorada community for over a decade, as they provide a memorable culinary experience for both visitors and locals. 

Enjoy a stunning open ocean view and Alligator Reef lighthouse while dining at a classic Florida Keys restaurant combining fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back beach atmosphere. This oceanfront eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors. Lazy Days offers “cook your catch,” where you can order the famous “Lazy Days Style,” encrusted with Japanese bread crumbs, sautéed, topped with tomatoes, scallions, parmesan cheese, and their homemade key lime butter. The menu features local favorites like conch fritters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the signature Lazy Conch, complemented by a variety of drinks from the beachside tiki bar.

Island Grill is a beloved Islamorada restaurant along the mangroves near the Snake Creek Bridge, providing phenomenal cuisine with beautiful picturesque views of the water. Island Grill also provides dockage, making it a favorite spot for boaters to dine. Island Grill in Islamorada is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu that highlights both fresh seafood and sushi offerings. Popular top menu picks among locals and visitors include their tuna nachos and lobster roll.

Old Tavernier Restaurant & Lounge offers various Greek, Italian, and Caribbean cuisines. Known for their homemade dishes, Old Tavernier imports and uses their family's olive oil from their own groves in Southern Greece. The menu includes a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, prime steaks, and wood-fired pizzas. Meals can be enjoyed in a casual yet romantic setting, with outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Enhancing the dining experience, Old Tavernier offers happy hours, specials, live music nights, and a full bar.

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