Best Cuban & Caribbean Restaurants in Key West
Did you know Key West, Florida, is closer to Cuba than it is to the mainland of the United States? Since the islands are just 90 miles apart, it should be no surprise that we have an intertwined history and heritage. One of the most evident connections today is our island cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the unique flavors of Cuba, the Bahamas and many other island neighbors. Many of our best restaurants offer Caribbean influenced and Cuban cuisine. Let our Rent Key West Vacations team of local experts help you find the best Caribbean and Cuban restaurants in Key West! Here are just a few of our favorites to wet your appetite:
El Meson de Pepe
El Meson de Pepe has served authentic Cuban food in Key West’s Mallory Square for over 30 years! They have a beautiful Patio Bar where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while listening to live salsa music as the sun goes down over the adjacent, nightly Sunset Celebration. They offer fantastic combination plates where you can sample three of their most popular dishes in one order. For over 30 years, Chef Pepe Diaz and his family have been dedicated to pristine quality, authentic Cuban Cuisine, and the preservation of Cuban Conch Heritage in Key West. Buen Provecho!
El Siboney Restaurant
El Siboney in historic Old Town has been recognized as one of Key West’s best Cuban restaurants since 1984. The family owned and operated establishment offers traditional Cuban home cooking & housemade sangria in a casual, family-friendly setting. Their most popular dishes include roast pork sliced, topped with onions and served with a choice of rice, sweet plantains and Cuban bread. Other favorites include the Siboney steak, a Cuban mix sandwich and Paella Valenciana.
Kaya Island Eats
Their name says it all; fresh island inspired dishes. Enjoy their signature Tuna Nachos Pokee or the Incredible Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings with Goat Cheese Jerk Sauce & Green Onion to start. The Legendary Rasta Pasta with Macadamia Nut Jerk Pesto is amazing on its own, but you can add chicken, shrimp, veggies and/ or portobello mushrooms. They also offer Carne Asada Steak Tacos and other beef and pork dishes.
Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe Key West
Photo Credit: Nick Doll
This Quaint, quirky Cuban kitchen with outdoor seating is doling out way more than just authentic Frita Burgers! The Frita is a heavenly burger with origins in 1930’s Cuba. The burgers are a mouthwatering blend of beef and pork burger seasoned with Spanish spices and topped with a special sauce and crispy fried julienne potatoes, all sandwiched on a Cuban bun. They also serve classic Cuban cuisine and homemade pastries and locally crafted ice cream! Local Secret: Some of Key West’s best musicians pop in later in the evening to jam on the patio!
Blue Heaven Floridean-Caribbean Cuisine
This Iconic landmark offers Floridean-Caribbean cuisine & key lime pie in a funky outdoor setting with live music. It is quirky and fun, but the food is taken very seriously. One taste of the blueberry pancakes, carrot and curry soup, miso-marinated eggplant salad or the scallops provencal will prove that fact to be true. Check out our friends: Broadway Diva Teri White and the Broadway Pitboss & Music Man Larry Baeder when they perform. They are two of Broadway’s Best who have made Key West their home!
Key West Cottages, Condos & Vacation Home Rentals
After enjoying delicious food at Caribbean inspired & Cuban restaurants in Key West, return to your vacation home on the island. Rent Key West Vacations offers properties with everything you need, including fully equipped kitchens, linens, and laundry facilities. We also offer Key West vacation rentals with private pools, ocean views, and easy access to the beach. Escape to Key West today!
