Nestled on Sunset Key and only accessible by boat, Latitudes is an escape from the bustling Key West atmosphere. If there were a first row seat for the sunset, this would be it. Enjoy an intimate, toes-in-sand meal while looking out at the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t own a boat? No problem. A complimentary, eight-minute ferry ride is included with each reservation.

The window-lined walls that overlook the Gulf of Mexico at Shor make dining indoors worthwhile, but don’t pass up its outdoor deck space. Formerly known as the Nicola Seafood Restaurant and located at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa, this seafood grill prepares Key West staples like conch fritters and Mahi Mahi sandwiches.

What was once a shrimp packing building is now a watering hole for fishermen, locals and out-of-town visitors. Half Shell Raw Bar sits right on the Key West Bight Marina and serves up oysters, clams and peel ‘n’ eat shrimp. Don’t expect linen napkins at this iconic joint, but do enjoy the view and its seafaring characters.

Turtle Kraals is all about keeping the island’s seafaring traditions alive. Located in the Historic Seaport District at the Key West Bight Marina, it’s the perfect place to admire the still-working waterfront that was once at the center of the sponging industry. As if the view of the bobbing boats and setting sun wasn’t enough, the restaurant also hosts turtle races three times a week. 

This restaurant on the water is just a short walk from Mallory Square and has some of the best seats in town for Key West’s legendary sunsets. With its colorful chairs and live music, Sunset Pier is a casual spot to watch boats float by as the sun sinks into the horizon.

This beachside “sister” restaurant to the iconic Key West eatery Blue Heaven offers up casual fare like fish sandwiches and shrimp salad with waterfront views to boot. Oh, and Blue Heaven’s famous Key Lime pie also makes an appearance on the menu.

Housed in an oceanfront Victorian home, Louie’s Backyard offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The renovated home now focuses on seafood and brings together three different dining experiences. Guests can have tapas-style items such as fried artichokes and truffled cauliflower at The Café on the upper deck, sit down for a full meal at Louie’s Backyard or grab cocktails on the Afterdeck Bar, which sits just 25 inches above the water.

The Southernmost Beach Café is an open-air restaurant is right on the beach and exudes island vibes. Located on the Atlantic side of the island at the Southernmost Beach Resort, it’s open to resort guests and non-resort guests alike for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wander in from the shore and dine on classics like the coconut shrimp or the blackened catch BLT wrap.