I’ve been escaping to the Florida Keys my entire life, long before it became Miami’s favorite long-weekend escape or Fort Lauderdale’s go-to “let’s just drive south” plan. The Upper Keys, especially Key Largo and Islamorada, feel like instant therapy the second you hit the Overseas Highway. The air changes, the water becomes that indescribable shade of turquoise blue, and suddenly your phone is down, your shoulders drop, and every meal feels like it deserves a reservation — even if it’s conch fritters served in a paper-lined basket. For me, the Keys are not just a getaway; they’re a reset, and the incredible seafood you can find here has always been at the center of why I keep coming back. (You have to check out my list of the best seafood restaurants in Key West, by the way.)
That is not to say every restaurant here is special, because anyone who has eaten their way down the Keys knows that is not true. There are plenty of “island-style” menus that blur together, loaded with buzzwords, tourist traps, and dishes that look better on a sign than they taste on the plate. The places that actually matter are the ones that understand the Keys are about balance, fresh seafood cooked with seasonal ingredients, warm hospitality, and zero need to show off (that’s why I love these 11 Best Restaurants in Key West). Whether it is a romantic, low-light dinner at Chef Michael’s, a marina-side night at Square Grouper, or a laid-back meal at Lazy Lobster that somehow hits every single time, these are restaurants that remind you why eating here can still feel exciting.
And yes, the views absolutely count. Watching the sun melt into the water at Snook’s, digging your toes into the sand at Marker 88 with a cocktail in hand, grabbing coconut shrimp at Buzzard’s Roost, or lingering over brunch at Green Turtle Inn are all part of the magic. These 15 restaurants in Key Largo are the spots I swear by, the ones I plan my drives around, and the reason I will always argue that the Upper Keys are the perfect escape: they’re close enough to be an easy drive for those living in South Florida, yet far enough to feel like another world. Enjoy these restaurants in Key Largo and Islamorada in 2026 (and make sure to order some conch fritters, mahi-mahi fish dip, and a spicy margarita for me)!
The coconut shrimp at Buzzard’s Roost in Key Largo…