Key West, Florida is a beautiful place to visit. Eating your way around the area, like the locals do, calling upon the local resources on land and sea, means a varied culinary experience when you visit.  Here, guest writer Mia Clarke shares some of the tastiest ways to enjoy Key West food like the locals do. 

Save this article about Key West food to Pinterest so you’ll now what to order. Graphic by Real Food Traveler with images from Pixabay.com and Florida Tourism.

If you are planning a trip to Key West, Florida, it would be wise to consider the best local dishes to try while there. If you plan on enjoying some of the historical sites and spending time at the beach along with other activities, then learning about local food will also add extra flavor to your visit.

For those who want to experience the local culture, you’ll find that their food is an integral part of it. The local dishes below are just a few of many choices available at Key West restaurants and food establishments:

5 Key West Foods Choices to Try When You Go

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a local favorite that comes from Key West and is made with key limes. Key Lime Pies are usually served with whipped cream, and they can be bought whole or by the slice. So if you’re up for some dessert when you visit Key West, be sure to try this local favorite.

Some of the best places that serve this delicious treat are Blue Heaven who serves the dessert with a lot of meringue and a crispy crust, and Louie’s Backyard where the pie is a perfect combination of tartness and sweetness.

Hungry for more? Here’s an authentic recipe for Key Lime Pie.

Conch Fritters

Conch fritters are deep-fried, golden-brown balls made with a mixture of flavorful breading, shrimp, conch, or whelks, all found in the waters around Key West. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers! This dish is perfect if you’re looking for something sweet and savory at the same time, which can also be paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Conch fritters are sometimes served with a spicy sauce or as an appetizer before lunch or dinner, but they can also be made into a meal by themselves. They can be found at many different places, including the home of the rumored best conch fritters in town, The Conch Shack.

Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is another local favorite available at many of Key West’s restaurants. The traditional Cuban sandwich contains ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on a long bread roll pressed together and toasted using a flat griddle called a plancha. However, the Cuban mix in Key West can also include lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and onions. Some may substitute beef, while others use salami. It is also possible to get one without any meat for vegetarians.

A Cubano Sandwich combines pork, ham, cheese, mustard and pickles. Photo courtesy Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Hogfish

Key West Sunset Cruise is a perfect time to go exploring the underwater beauty of Key West. One kind of fish that lives in these beautiful waters is the hogfish.

Hogfish can be baked or grilled and served with tartar sauce, lemon, and sliced onion on a bun that has been lightly buttered and toasted. It’s one of the best seafood dishes in Key West. If you’re looking for something light to eat, visit the Hogfish Bar & Grill for their delicious hogfish dishes.

Hungry for more? Get the list of the best things to do in 24 hours in Key West.

Key West Pink Shrimp, the fifth Key West Food to try

For something with a bit more of a local flare, try the Key West pink shrimp caught fresh daily in waters near Key West. They’re usually served with cocktail sauce and sometimes lemon alongside garlic bread or a side of your choice as well as wrapped in bacon.

These five dishes are just a few samples of what you can find when you visit Key West. If you’re interested in trying something tasty and unique, be sure to try out the local dishes. They are all perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Enjoy Pink Shrimp in a variety of ways in Key West, Florida. Photo courtesy Pixabay.com.

For more information about visiting the Florida Keys, visit their website, here.

– Story by Mia Clarke, who is a freelance travel writer and works as a content manager for various international brands. When Mia is not researching and writing, she loves nothing more than heading out into the country for some downtime.