Key West, known for its vibrant culture and stunning sunsets, also boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to health-conscious individuals. From vegan delights to fresh seafood, the island offers a plethora of options for those seeking nutritious and delicious meals. This article explores some of the best restaurants in Key West that prioritize fresh ingredients, sustainable practices, and flavorful dishes that nourish the body and soul.
Embracing Freshness and Sustainability
Several Key West restaurants stand out for their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. These establishments understand the importance of sustainability and strive to minimize their environmental impact while providing guests with the highest quality food.
Moondog Cafe & Bakery: A Colorful Culinary Oasis
Located across from the Hemingway Home & Museum, Moondog Cafe & Bakery is a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike. This vibrant cafe offers a globally-inspired menu with a focus on vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options. The atmosphere is as delightful as the food, with colorful decor and local art adorning the walls.
Moondog Cafe & Bakery prides itself on using fresh ingredients and crafting dishes with love and care. Their menu features a variety of vegan options, including the Green Giant burger with fries, avocado, and veggie salad, and vegan Key Lime Pie. They also offer vegan cheese for pizzas and a selection of organic wines and craft beers. Start your day with their famous Blueberry-Lemon Quinoa Pancakes, a vegan and gluten-free delight made with organic tri-color quinoa, fresh blueberries, and real maple syrup.
The Cafe: Where Art Meets Healthy Cuisine
The Cafe is a mostly vegetarian restaurant that serves up delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in an artful, hip atmosphere. The restaurant's vibrant colors and artistic scenery create a mood-boosting dining experience.
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The Cafe's menu features a variety of flavorful dishes, including the Spicy Szechuan Stir Fry with tofu, noodles, and vegetables. Diners rave about the Tofu Huevos Rancheros, calling it one of the best breakfasts they've ever had. In addition to the amazing food, The Cafe also serves fresh juices, organic wines, craft beer, as well as matcha & cappuccino. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer a bottomless mimosa weekend brunch.
Date & Thyme: A Healthstyle Foodie Experience
Located at the corner of Fleming and Margaret Street, Date & Thyme is a healthy eatery that serves fresh, organic, vegan, and gluten-free foods made with love. Named one of the 10 best restaurants in Key West by Conde Nast Traveler, Date & Thyme promotes a healthy lifestyle by offering nourishing food options for the mind, body, and soul.
Date & Thyme offers a wide array of healthy options, including breakfast burritos, açai bowls, Buddha bowls, and avocado toast. They also serve delicious coffee with many plant-based milk options, including homemade coconut milk. The restaurant features a gorgeous lush green patio and an attached organic grocery.
Hidden Gems and Island Fare
Beyond the well-known healthy hotspots, Key West is home to several hidden gems that offer unique and flavorful dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and healthy options.
Mellow Cafe’ and Gastropub: A Waterfront Oasis
Mellow Cafe’ and Gastropub is a hidden gem located right on the water at Garrison Bight. This laid-back eatery offers a variety of healthy eats and unique island fare, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
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One standout dish is the Vegan Smash bowl, a sweet Thai spiced jackfruit served with organic greens from their garden. Mellow Cafe & Gastropub is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a variety of craft beers and a mellow atmosphere to match.
Kaya Island Eats: A Fusion of Flavors
Kaya Island Eats, nestled on Duval Street, offers a culinary journey that blends South Pacific and Asian flavors with local Caribbean and Latin cuisine. Chef Scott, who grew up on Maui, Hawaii, brings his expertise to Key West, creating a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
From Ahi Poké Nachos to Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Coconut Curry Veggie Bowls to Kahula Pork Sandwiches, Kaya Island Eats has something for everyone. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options and island-themed drinks. Happy hour is from 4 PM to 6 PM daily, with half-off draft beer, well drinks, select wine, and "happytizers!"
Fine Dining with a Healthy Twist
For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, Key West offers several fine dining establishments that prioritize fresh ingredients and cater to special dietary needs.
Café Marquesa: Coastal Cuisine at Its Finest
Café Marquesa is a local favorite for special occasions, known for its unique coastal cuisine. The kitchen combines the finest seafood, meats, and produce with classic preparations and creativity. The restaurant offers fine dining with an authentic, homespun essence, like freshly baked bread and desserts made daily in-house.
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Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen: A Waterfront Sea-to-Table Experience
Located inside the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen offers a modern dining experience that combines the memory of vintage era with the bounty of the southernmost island in the United States. The waterfront sea-to-table concept pays homage to the original Four Flamingos in Orlando, Florida.
Seven Fish: Fresh Seafood and Gluten-Free Options
Seven Fish is a healthy restaurant that prioritizes fresh, locally-sourced seafood and caters to special dietary needs. The restaurant offers "Excellent Fresh Seafood and Gluten Free options." Seven Fish is committed to providing an overall enjoyable dining experience, making healthy eating a pleasure.
Other Notable Options
Azur: Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, AZUR Restaurant is a favorite for creative, Mediterranean cuisine.
Antonia’s Restaurant: Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, Antonia’s Restaurant offers the freshest local seafood dishes and a variety of traditional meat dishes made from the freshest ingredients prepared daily by Classically Northern Italian trained chefs.
The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.: An "only in Key West" restaurant with a menu that is an interpretation of family favorites, with local additions like seafood, tropical fruits, and Cuban flavors.