Readers pick the nominees for best restaurant in Key West

We requested you to aid us find the very best restaurant in Essential West — a big question in a tiny city brimming with leading-notch eating solutions.

You answered in droves.

Thanks to anyone who took the time to assistance us narrow this down. Listed here we current the top 16 eating alternatives on the island, in accordance to reader submissions.

But now will come the pleasurable component: We are heading to make these 16 restaurants go head to head in a common vote until voters finally pick Essential West’s cuisine champ.

Just don’t forget, this is a just-for-enjoyable readers poll. Individuals can vote as quite a few moments as they want, but robots cannot (however they will try). The grand prize is nothing at all but bragging legal rights, which is not definitely a lousy prize at all.

The Sweet 16

Blue Heaven: This longtime location in Bahama Village, a historic Black neighborhood in Essential West, is famous for its seafood entrees, Sunday brunch and Vital lime pie, which is piled large with meringue. Outdoor seating contains a rooster or two and stray cat roaming the grounds.

Café Solé: Just a bit off the crushed path of Duval Road, this cozy area has you lined in the French cuisine division. The menu is filled with locally caught fish, which includes yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper and a Florida spiny lobster tail.

El Siboney: A Key West basic that opened in 1984, this Cuban cafe has two locations — one in Previous City and the newer spot on Stock Island. Recognized for its roast pork, “El Siboney steak,” and Cuban combine, it is a standard most loved for locals, also.

Small Pearl: Chef John Ingelsby, who has worked in the Critical West cafe scene for more than 20 decades, is govt chef and component operator of this small location recognised for fine eating with tropical touches. The wine listing is major.

Lola’s: This little bistro with large-end fare offers two seatings per evening so you want to phone in advance for a table. The transforming menu attributes area fish. Deliver your have drinks — if you want nearly anything other than water. Funds only.

Louie’s Yard: This oceanfront Victorian attractiveness has for a long time been a measuring stick for other high-quality eating contenders. The principal restaurant is linked to the Afterdeck Bar, with great views of the sunset, and the upstairs Cafe at Louie’s that serves little plates. Chef Doug Shook has been serving up dishes like Key West pink shrimp and yellowtail snapper, for 30 a long time.

Mangia Mangia: The name states it all. Selfmade pasta and sauces leading the menu with other Italian-American dishes at this Southard Road spot. Choose the dining area or the outdoor patio.

Mangoes: It usually feels like a occasion at this open up-air Duval Street eatery with a streetside bar. The menu involves Caribbean flavors and appetizers assortment from nachos to lobster mac and cheese.

Off the Hook: Housed by the historic seaport, this indoor/outside restaurant has day-to-day meal specials alongside with its coconut shrimp, lobster and shrimp mac and cheese and pizzas. Appear for satisfied hour-priced plates and beverages. And the menu has a few things for your pet, including a “bacon ice dice bone.”

Onlywood: This Italian eatery has two places: the pizzeria trattoria off Duval Avenue and the Onlywood Grill on Caroline Street. They have diverse menus. The Duval cafe boasts an impressive brick oven that reaches 1,000 degrees to make their Neapolitan-fashion pizzas. They have a checklist of special pies, along with salads.

Pepe’s: Essential West cafe record practically begins at Pepe’s, which opened in 1909 and features that it’s the oldest cafe in the Keys and the 2nd-oldest in Florida. They serve breakfast, lunch and evening meal daily. With its rustic, laid-back feel, this place remembers the island’s aged times. Steaks and pork chops are meal favorites.

Santiago’s Bodega: Modest plates are king at this Bahama Village very hot location. On the chilly side, standouts are beef carpaccio and yellowfin tuna ceviche. The incredibly hot menu has meatballs, beef tenderloin with blue cheese butter, a “petite rack” of lamb, and dates crammed with goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto.

Sarabeth’s: This James Beard Award winner has an in depth brunch menu and evening meal entrees that include things like a grilled “Cowboy steak,” mussels, yellowfin tuna and quick ribs. Located in an lovable previous household on a corner close to Duval Street, it offers American classics with island style.

7 Fish: For about 20 yrs, this seafood mainstay has served fresh new fish as signature dishes. The Thai Curry Snapper stands out together with the beloved staple meatloaf. Sushi is on the menu. The present day exterior and ethereal eating area are a much cry from its get started inside a very small developing that is now Small Pearl.

Tavern N Town: Located right off the foyer of the Vital West Marriott Beachside Resort, Tavern N City is in which the locals courageous North Roosevelt Boulevard to obtain Wagyu burgers and steaks in a modern eating room. The bar offers tapas and drink specials and are living tunes.

Viva Steakhouse: Viva payments alone as the initially and only Argentinian steakhouse in Essential West. Ideal on Duval Street within a fabled historic setting up, the menu involves grassfed beef, pasta dishes and seafood. The huge outdoor patio makes it possible for you to people observe, appreciate live music or maintain a non-public party.

This story was initially revealed May possibly 24, 2022 6:00 AM.