Islamorada Seafood Restaurants Worth Trying

 

Islamorada Seafood Restaurants Worth Trying: A Culinary Guide for Travelers in the Florida Keys

Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is often referred to as the "Village of Islands." This picturesque chain of islands nestled between Key Largo and Marathon is not only famous for sportfishing and turquoise waters, but also for its thriving seafood scene. With its unique blend of Caribbean influences, fresh catches straight off the boat, and laid-back island ambiance, Islamorada is a haven for seafood lovers.

If you're driving along the Overseas Highway (US-1) or staying in Islamorada for a few days, indulging in local seafood is a must. From dockside grills and tiki bars to upscale restaurants and hidden gems, here are the top seafood restaurants in Islamorada worth trying.

1. Lazy Days Restaurant

Location: Mile Marker 79.9 Oceanside
What to Try: “You Catch, We Cook” specials, Yellowtail Snapper, Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

Lazy Days is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a relaxed, beachfront setting with unbeatable ocean views. The menu is packed with fresh seafood, but what sets it apart is its "cook your catch" service. Bring in your own freshly caught fish, and the chefs will prepare it in a variety of styles—grilled, fried, sautéed, or blackened. Try the Lazy Days Style preparation, which includes panko crumbs, tomatoes, onions, capers, and key lime butter sauce. Their seafood pasta and fried shrimp basket are also worth a try.

2. Morada Bay Beach Café

Location: Mile Marker 81.6 Bayside
What to Try: Coconut Shrimp, Lobster Caesar Salad, Caribbean Conch Chowder

Part of the luxurious Morada Bay compound, Morada Bay Beach Café offers fine dining in a casual, beachfront atmosphere. Tables are scattered right on the sand, with tiki torches and string lights enhancing the experience at night. The seafood menu is Caribbean-inspired and beautifully plated. Their Coconut Shrimp is golden and crunchy, served with mango chutney, and the Grilled Lobster Caesar is a house favorite. Make sure to stay for the sunset—it's one of the best views in the Keys.

3. Chef Michael’s

Location: Mile Marker 81.6 Oceanside
What to Try: Tripletail, Hogfish, Island Shrimp & Grits

If you're looking for an upscale dining experience with a strong focus on fresh, local fish, Chef Michael’s is the place to be. This restaurant is known for serving underutilized local species like tripletail, hogfish, and tilefish—sustainably sourced and expertly prepared. You can choose how you'd like your fish cooked (pan sautéed, grilled, encrusted), and the chef will pair it with elegant sides and sauces. Their Island Shrimp & Grits is creamy and flavorful, with a Caribbean twist.

4. Islamorada Fish Company

Location: Mile Marker 81.5 Bayside
What to Try: Mahi-Mahi Sandwich, Smoked Fish Dip, Stone Crab (seasonal)

Part of the World Wide Sportsman complex, the Islamorada Fish Company offers rustic island charm, great service, and a menu that celebrates local seafood. This waterfront eatery is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with stunning views of the marina. Their Smoked Fish Dip served with crackers and pickled jalapeños is a must-have starter. For mains, the Mahi-Mahi Sandwich is fresh, grilled to perfection, and served with island slaw. If you're visiting during stone crab season (October–May), don't miss the chance to crack into a chilled plate of claws.

5. Square Grouper – Islamorada

Location: Mile Marker 80.4 Bayside
What to Try: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Yellowtail Snapper, Tuna Poke Bowl

Square Grouper in Islamorada is an extension of the wildly popular original in Cudjoe Key. The ambiance is modern, clean, and stylish—great for foodies looking for elevated dishes without losing the Keys’ charm. Their Lobster Mac & Cheese is luxurious and loaded with meat. For a lighter option, the Tuna Poke Bowl is beautifully balanced with sesame-soy glaze, edamame, seaweed, and sushi rice. The Yellowtail Snapper, a Keys staple, is often the catch of the day and handled with culinary finesse.

6. Marker 88 Restaurant

Location: Mile Marker 88 Bayside
What to Try: Seafood Paella, Cracked Conch, Key Lime Baked Oysters

An Islamorada institution since 1967, Marker 88 offers beachfront dining under the shade of large palm trees and tiki umbrellas. The menu blends classic Florida seafood with global influences. Their Seafood Paella is a generous mix of mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp, and fish over saffron rice. The Cracked Conch is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly tender—a nod to Bahamian cuisine. For something truly unique, try the Key Lime Baked Oysters, a fusion dish combining tart citrus and savory seafood.

7. The Hungry Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina

Location: Mile Marker 77.5 Bayside
What to Try: Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tostadas, “Trailer Trash” Bloody Mary

Located within Robbie’s Marina—home to the famous tarpon feeding dock—The Hungry Tarpon is casual, funky, and full of character. Diners love the dockside views, the eclectic crowd, and the creative food. Their Fish Tacos are some of the best around, served with cabbage slaw and spicy aioli. The Shrimp Tostadas pack bold flavors with grilled shrimp, avocado, and mango salsa. If you're there for breakfast or brunch, the “Trailer Trash Bloody Mary” is legendary—garnished with bacon, shrimp, olives, and jalapeños.

8. Atlantic’s Edge Restaurant at Cheeca Lodge

Location: Mile Marker 82 Oceanside
What to Try: Lobster Ravioli, Seafood Tower, Caribbean Grouper

If you're in the mood for fine dining with a resort feel, Atlantic’s Edge at the luxurious Cheeca Lodge & Spa delivers. The view overlooks a private beach and the Atlantic Ocean, providing a romantic backdrop for a seafood-focused meal. Their Seafood Tower is perfect for sharing and includes oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp, and crab claws. The Caribbean Grouper is often pan-seared with tropical fruit salsa and sides like coconut rice. Don’t miss their carefully curated wine list and fresh cocktail offerings.

9. Green Turtle Inn

Location: Mile Marker 81.2 Oceanside
What to Try: Shrimp & Grits, Crab Cakes, Lobster Benedict

A historic Islamorada landmark dating back to the 1940s, the Green Turtle Inn has reinvented itself while keeping its old-school charm. This is a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Their Shrimp & Grits are a Southern classic with a Floridian twist—creamy grits topped with plump shrimp and smoky sausage. The Lobster Benedict is a decadent way to start the day, and their Crab Cakes are packed with meat and lightly seasoned.

Tips for Enjoying the Islamorada Seafood Scene

• Go local: Look for dishes featuring hogfish, yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, stone crab, and conch, all native to Florida Keys waters.

• Reservations recommended: Especially during weekends and tourist season (December–April), many restaurants fill up fast.

• Try “You Catch, We Cook”: Several places will cook your fresh-caught fish—just call ahead to confirm their policy and preparation styles.

• Sunset matters: For the best ambiance, plan your meals around sunset times—especially at waterfront spots like Morada Bay and Marker 88.

Conclusion

Islamorada offers a seafood experience that’s as authentic, diverse, and unforgettable as the tropical paradise itself. Whether you're digging into a lobster mac & cheese with a tiki drink in hand or savoring a blackened snapper fillet on a sandy beach at sunset, the flavors of the sea are always front and center. With restaurants that cater to every taste—from casual fish shacks to high-end resorts—Islamorada is undoubtedly a seafood lover’s dream. So take your time, sample widely, and make your road trip through the Keys a culinary journey to remember.