10 Restaurants in Key Largo to try if you want good food

If you’re looking for legit places to eat in Key Largo, the key is not to aim just for the ones with commanding views but to consider the quietly underrated.

I’m always about good food, and especially with a good view. But oftentimes I’m met with either or, particularly with restaurants that promise both for popularity’s sake.

Here’s the thing when I’m on vacation: I want to eat, and I want food that satisfies. You feel me? So if you want good food in Key Largo – [shouting from the rooftops] – go for underrated!

When it comes to Florida Keys restaurants, popular isn’t always better. This goes for anywhere, really. And I understand, some people genuinely don’t care about food quality as long as their stomachs are filled and accompanied with the spectacular views they came for.

But if you want good food, then allow me to make some suggestions.

My husband and I have been going down to the Keys (middle and upper) for over 7 years now, and in 2021 we took the plunge and bought our second home in Key Largo.

Do we consider ourselves natives? No, clearly not, but a local? Progressively and part-time. We come down and stay often enough to really get to know the area, and what’s *actually* the real deal when it comes to good food.

*Now remember, this is strictly Key Largo!

Mike’s BBQ (food truck)

While vacationers may not be keen on anything that doesn’t provide service, I can promise you the food makes up for it. And to be fair, there aren’t many authentic BBQ places in Key Largo (if any, in fact).

Mike’s is only open select days (until they’re sold out) so it’s important to schedule your time of when to go. This may just be a food truck, but this BBQ speaks for itself. The brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ribs are fantastic. And for me, who is not a huge meat eater to begin with, I could be happy just to have their green beans or baked beans, macaroni and cheese and jalapeno cornbread as a meal – just sayin’. So make sure you come hungry.

Oh, and if you’re trying to be budget-friendly, the two-meat plate with two sides easily feeds two people.

I know, I know. Just one more for good measure.

Daiya’s Cafe

Located in the Publix shopping center in Key Largo, you’ll find this little Cuban Cafe tucked away in the corner. When I say my husband and I have been coming here since the beginning, I’m talking when it was originally named Fernandez The Bull – IYKYK.

It’s cute, it’s quaint, and the food is consistent. Consistently good, too. Portions are hearty and the price point is unbeatable for delicious, authentic Cuban food in Key Largo. I am easily suckered into a Media Noche with fried plantains and a piping hot Cortadito. My husband almost always gets their roast pork with rice and beans – it’s that good.

It’s the perfect lunch spot after late morning shopping (with TJ Maxx, Bealls and Burlington just steps away) or if you need some caffeination!

Pinecrest Bakery

Stop! Wait!

Okay now that I have your attention, you might be thinking, “A bakery? Um, ok, cool they have sweets…” BUT, that’s not all.

There are clearly multiple Cuban spots around Key Largo, like Denny’s, but Pinecrest Bakery is also a Cuban bakery that offers more than an array of pies (including Key Lime), cakes, and other desserts.

I think my husband and I grab more empanadas and guava pastries for breakfast than anything else these days, along with their cafe con leche or cortadito (*chef’s kiss*). Come to think of it…we’ve snagged their cake slices for a late night treat – um, hello, they’re open 24/7 – and those did not disappoint!

Where can you get a slice of cake (that poo-poo’s on Publix’s, TBH) for around $4-$7?!

Nonetheless, they serve an array of other breakfast, sandwich and meal options. So one day (of many) for lunch we stuffed our faces with their Cuban – stacked THICK – as well as the steak sandwich (featured below). And we also got this slice of chocolate cake for good measure.

Their cookies and cream cheesecake was delicious, too!

For the love of all that is good, if you’re in the Keys you need to try cuban coffee – skip the Starbies, PLEASE.

Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe

This is a really great spot if you’re looking for a view of the water (it’s actually in a marina) with a more laidback, self-serve atmosphere. The Fisheries is considered “cafeteria-style”, but please don’t let that discourage you. By that, I mean, you simply order your food from a window outside, they call your name when it’s ready, and then seat/serve yourself in the covered outdoor area.

It’s also a fish market, so you can purchase fresh seafood as well. That said, be prepared for it to smell a bit *fishy*.

Featured below are the lobster BLT, Mahi tacos, and – duh – Key Lime Pie. Delicious, start to finish, though the only downfall I have to add is that my lobster was a bit over-cooked. I know this because the lobster was chewy, and I know the difference since we’ve fetched and cooked our own lobster at home and the meat should melt like butter in the mouth (ugh, drooling as I’m writing this). But since the Fisheries is a pretty fast-paced cafe, the food does come out fairly quickly.

Nonetheless, everything we had was full of flavor and tasted fresh, which is obviously important when 1. you’re eating in the seafood Capital, and 2. you’re eating seafood that literally comes from a fishery/seafood market.

Taco Jalisco (food truck)

“Another food truck?!”

Yup, we’re revisiting. Their popularity grows simply because their less expensive, and convenient. Even if you’re paying an arm and a leg to stay at one of Key Largo’s resort bungalows, everyone wants 5-Star food regardless. And when I say you won’t find solid Mexican food nearby that isn’t made with Love like Jalisco’s.

Because I know without a doubt their flour tortillas are handmade (i.e., when I make my own).

This place is a must-try if you like authentic tacos and burritos. I actually think they have the best burritos in town, but that’s just me. The Veggie burrito, whether you’re a meat eater or not, is actually superb. The loaded nachos are also a killer, in a good way. Plus, they also have a great deal for two – 6 tacos (3 choices of meat) for $12.

Featured below we got 2 chicken, 2 pork, and 2 steak. Mind you, these are not your “normal” tacos. They’re street taco size, come served in a corn tortilla, with your option of meat(s) topped with onions and cilantro (as featured below). That’s it.

Golly but they are so good, mostly because I am a huge fan of onions and cilantro.

Obviously, they have a variety of other items on their menu, such as quesadillas, campechanas, tortas (Mexican sandwiches – featured below), and sides/starters like chips and salsa or guacamole. Sometimes they even have certain specials depending on the day – one time they had ceviche.

To top it off, they offer house-made fruit water (guava featured in the picture above). The pulp and all, so it’s legit. They’ve had strawberry and pineapple on previous occasions. These are so refreshing to have with your meal – I may even bring my own flask of rum next time to mix. Shhh, don’t spill my genius secret!

[Featured below is Jalisco’s Steak Sandwich]

Doc’s Diner

Yes, it’s a diner, and it’s a good one. Popular by both visitors and locals day in and day out for their homestyle breakfast and even lunch options. You won’t find a cheaper, homecooked breakfast anywhere else in Key Largo.

Their waffles and pancakes are phenomenal, and if you can squeeze it in you must try their homemade cinnamon roll. And their Key Lime pie, in fact. The owner’s daughter, who works there, sells out of these pies by the whole so once they’re out for the day…they’re out.

Oh, and we recently finally tried one of their, apparently, infamous Italian Tuesday specials. Needless to say, Doc’s chicken parmesan is one for the books. While we waited quite some time for it, we must have heard over a dozen to-go orders of their Tuesday lunch special that afternoon.

So if you’re looking for that divey diner breakfast or a place for delicious homestyle cooking, look no further.

Buzzard’s Roost

How charming is that entry?! This is Buzzard’s Roost – another tucked-back restaurant in the upper-upper Keys of Key Largo, just down the street from Shipwreck’s.

It’s located on a marina and has that nautical, uppity vibe inside and out with peek-a-boo views of the water. It’s a bit more upscale for your Keys restaurant in a nonchalant way. Yet it was delicious and worth the splurge, especially when you can sit out on the covered, screened-in patio (with a legit bar) and watch the forklift transfer massive boats to and fro.

You come for the atmosphere, and it delivers!

There was plenty to choose from on the menu, including an array of seafood. They even do lobster platters/specials, including a Lobster Reuben I was SO tempted to get but I was skeptical whether it was with Maine lobster and not Florida lobster since we were just a day away from commercial season. Next time, for sure.

Instead, I decided to go for a Buzzard’s Fav, the Fish of the Day (Mahi) Sandwich on Rye with grilled mushrooms, onions and jack cheese. And there was no skimping on the fish, like in some restaurants where they give you the size of a fish finger on your sandwich. Every bite to the crust had a nice 3/4 inch thick piece of meat (as you can see in the pictures it was hanging off the sides).

It really was a sandwich fit for a Buzzard, but I’m all about grilled mushrooms, onions, and Rye, sooo.

My husband had the Bacon Avocado Burger, which he said was delish and even comparable to his favorite burger spot closer to home in New Smyrna Beach, and that’s saying something coming from a guy who places burgers at the top of his food pyramid.

Upper Crust Pizza

You know how you can never go wrong with pizza, yet somehow there are still places better than others? That’s where I’m going with this. Now there might be a battle between two places in Key Largo when it comes to pizza (even though the #1 pizza place of choice is technically in Tavernier) – the first being Tower of Pizza (which is an obviously popular choice), and the second is Upper Crust.

For me, I chose the latter.

Why? I guess it boils down to that I’ve simply had far too many pizzas resembling the Tower. It’s good, don’t get me wrong – it’s pizza. But Upper Crust, as in the name, has this ammmmazing almost-thin-like crust, yet it’s not thin crust pizza. You might even say the sauce tastes different (a bit sweeter) and the way the pizza is cooked is different (it has that caramelized cheesy goodness from in the oven with just slightly burnt edges).

Also, it’s less greasy all around, which I prefer based on my own personal opinion and experience.

I think if you were to try them both to compare, you’ll understand and appreciate their differences in both good and unique ways! This pie was customized with pepperonis, fresh basil, and buffalo mozzarella.

Dani and Mike’s Smash Burgers

Yep, another food truck! And it’s one we go to every time we’re in Key Largo – so monthly, lol. As soon as you walk up, Dani greets you with an infectious smile. And these smashburgers are unlike any burger in town, I can promise you that. Plus, as of recent, they now have some of the best wings on their menu. My husband, a wing snob, says they are unbeatable.

Oh, and make sure you snag the cajun fries to share!

Avenue Subs

Who isn’t all about a good submarine sandwich for a day out on the boat, lounging by your community/resort/rental private beach, or as a hearty to-go meal after a long day of all the things fun in the sun?!

I feel like subs are such an underrated food item, to begin with, let alone there are so few actual places to get them anymore. And I can’t believe I’m about to say this…but Avenue (in my humble opinion) blows Pub-subs out of the water.

After hearing about this place from multiple locals, my husband and I decided to bop by this not-so conspicuous little spot on the side of the Overseas Highway after a morning of fishing. We were hungry, and normally this would lead us to simply picking up PubSubs (my Florida and southeast peeps know what’s up), but this is the time to venture from the norm.

And we are so glad we did.

Avenue has even officially made it into our contacts, and the owner now knows and recognizes us by name – that’s how often we go now.

Forewarning, there’s no dine-in option, so be prepared to get To-Go or call ahead ordering. But the inside was very clean, air-conditioned, and everyone working was incredibly nice and helpful (they went above and beyond to make sure our order was right and that we had everything we needed). They really care, and it shows from the way they hand you your subs – they carry them to you like a baby!

As for their current menu, they only do submarine sandwiches and salads (not wings as listed on their main sign) – *if this changes I will update this post because we go THAT often. You have cold sub-options like turkey, BLT, Italian, veggie, and hot sub-varieties such as their pizza and pizza deluxe subs (which, tried and true, are also delicious), meatball, roast beef, and sausage parmesan.

[Featured below] I got the Italian and my husband got the meatball sub. Since having been way too many times to count now, lately I’ve been on a kick of ordering their Veggie sub [Also featured below!] and it is the tea for my veggie lovers, and far from just a boring ole’ vegetarian sandwich.

So if you’re spending a day on the boat, at your local sandbar, lounging by your resort, private beach, or just need a quick stop for lunch – Avenue Subs needs to be your go-to on speed dial!