The Florida Keys are among the nation’s top sportfishing destinations. This tropical archipelago is home to countless species of fish and is an ideal launchpad for some of the most epic big game angling on the planet. But what’s a good catch if you can’t enjoy it over an idyllic sunset dinner? Luckily, the Keys have plenty of solutions. Here are the top restaurants that will cook your catch in the Florida Keys.
Hook and Cook Restaurants in the Upper Keys
The Buzzard’s Roost
Address: 21 Garden Cove Drive – Key Largo
Nestled in the scenic Garden Cove Marina, The Buzzard’s Roost is the ideal landing spot after your fishing trip. This ocean-side restaurant has an indoor and an outdoor area, both of which boast beautiful views of the marina. The Roost offers delicious fresh seafood, steaks, homemade desserts, and a great wine selection.
You can bring up to 8 ounces of cleaned fish per person. The staff will fry, grill, blacken, jerk, broil, or sauté your catch. Your meal will come with one side plus a dinner salad or soup of the day.
For a true gourmet experience, you can opt for one of the classic style preparations – Almandine, Coconut, Picatta, or our Famous Bert’s Style. If you have more than 8 ounces of fish you’d like for the staff to prepare, it’s possible to do so for an additional fee.
Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar
Address: Mile Marker 82, Bayside – Islamorada
Dubbed “The Pulse of Islamorada,” Lorelei combines mouthwatering seafood and enchanting beauty all in one irresistible package. People come here for the delicious food but stay for the unforgettable sunset. This place has a nightly Sunset Celebration, which features live music and happy hour from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Lorelei will cook your catch by either grilling, frying, or blackening it. The restaurant accepts up to 16 ounces of cleaned fish per person. For sides, you’ll have a choice of two chips or fries and coleslaw. To wash it down, we recommend ordering one of those tall, cool drinks Lorelei is known for.
Marker 88
Address: 88000 Overseas Highway – Islamorada
Making people happy since 1967, Marker 88 is one of Islamorada’s oldest and finest traditions. Located on one of the few natural beaches in the Keys, the restaurant boasts just the sort of tranquil beauty you’ll want after an action-packed day of fishing.
You’ll have a range of options for how you’ll want your catch to be prepared. For a very affordable price, the chef will grill, blacken, or fry your catch, and you can even have it coconut-crusted, or served as sandwiches. You may bring up to 8 ounces of cleaned fish.
To complement your meal, Marker 88 offers a wide variety of exquisite wines. Alternatively, you can go for one of the crafted cocktails on offer.
Hook and Cook Restaurants in the Lower Keys
Lazy Days South
Address: 725 11th Street Ocean – Marathon
Lazy Days South is the perfect venue for an oceanside gourmet experience. The younger brother of the award-winning Lazy Days Islamorada offers a spacious, yet cozy interior. During high season, the place has almost a carnivalesque feel to it. Chef Lupe will take care of your catch, and you’ll have a bunch of cooking options to choose from.
You can have up to a pound of fish or two lobster tails grilled, fried, broiled, or blackened. For sides, you can choose between potatoes, french fries, rice, or vegetables of the day. And to accompany the main dish, you’ll have a choice of soup or salad as well as homemade bread and fresh dinner rolls.
Frank’s Grill
Address: 11400 Overseas Highway – Marathon
A true local favorite, this Italian-style eatery is bound to turn your bounty of the sea into a genuine culinary delight. There’s nothing like finding a hidden gem when you’re traveling, and Frank’s is the perfect example.
Frank and his cooks will grill, blacken, or fry your catch. To accompany the fish, you’ll have a selection of salads,
Hogfish Bar and Grill
Address: 6810 Front Street – Stock Island
Tucked away in Safe Harbor Marina, Hogfish unapologetically brings back that old school Keys vibe. This is where you come to escape the tourists, a sort of “local’s secret” type of joint. The laid-back atmosphere is complemented by the lush greenery, making this seem more like a portal to simpler times than a restaurant. The seasoned local characters only add to the charm of the place.
Of course, there’s no shortage of delicious fresh seafood, strong drinks, and picturesque waterfront views. Bring your filleted catch (a pound per person) here, and the friendly Hogfish staff will cook and serve it for you with one of two sides. If you have more fish fillets you’d like to have cooked, it’ll cost you a small additional fee.
No matter where you fish in the Keys, you won’t regret spending a little more time to come down to Hogfish. Their motto is more than fitting – “A great place if you can find it!”
Dante’s
Address: 951 Caroline Street – Key West
Dante’s might be a restaurant in name, but honestly, the distinction doesn’t do it justice. Its open-air area boasts a giant swimming pool adorned by a cascading waterfall, with colorful Tiki bars all around it.
Bring your freshly caught and filleted fish to Dante’s and they will prepare it for you to utmost perfection (one pound per person). You can have your catch grilled, blackened, or fried, with two sides.
If you’re visiting during high season, there’s just one thing to keep in mind – the outdoor area can get a little crowded on weekends. Luckily, there’s an equally beautiful indoor area where you can enjoy your meal in peace.
Florida Keys hook ‘n’ cook: What better way to enjoy your vacation?
So there you have it. Now that you know where you can cook your catch in the Florida Keys, there’s nothing to stop you from turning your angling adventure into a culinary dream. All that’s left for you to do is book a charter, land that dream catch, and get a restaurant to cook it up! Your dream vacation awaits.
What’s your favorite hook and cook restaurant in the Keys? And how do you like your catch prepared? Let us know in the comments below.
