Café Marquesa

Cafe Marquesa provided our favorite meal in Key West. The restaurant was beautiful and cozy. The rack of lamb and scallops were delicious. Our server was knowledgeable about ingredients in the various dishes, and provided efficient, friendly service.

This was probably the most awkward dinner we have ever had. As we walked in, we immediately realized we were out of place. Although we were properly dressed, everybody else in the restaurant were at least 15 years older. It's a place for erlderly folks who like classy atmosphere. There are only 15 tables in less than 300sqft of room. We were seated directly facing the door so the hostess and us unintentionally stared at each other. What made it even more awkward was the bar right next to us. Two men were in a somewat heated competition to get a woman to go home with one of them. The bartender tried fruitlessly to break the tension. VERY awkward.

Well, we love good food so we stayed anyways. The waiter however was particularly cold to us. We waited for long periods between ordering courses (not waiting for food but waiting for a menu/order-taking/checks) while the waiter was chatting up with some friends of his. He also gave us a hard time for not ordering a first course. Well, it's really unnecessary to order a first course because bread and hummus were complimentary to all. Portions were also generous for a high-end restaurant that I could barely finish the main course alone.

However, the food was very good. Great presentation with layers of delicate flavors. We had almond crusted mahi mahi, and yellowtail snappers. The snappers were in season in Dec so definitely a good pick. It was melt in your mouth good! Lots of dishes are Asian-American fusion, including the mahi-mahi. I personally am not a big fan. Had the recommended key lime napoleon for dessert, very tart, not to our likings but still very beautifully presented.

All in all, we do not wish to visit this restaurant again. There are many restaurants with great food and more laid back atmosphere than Marquesa. Compared to the rest of key west, Marquesa is not quite representative of its culture.

We winter in Key West and my niece was visiting so we wanted something special...And did we ever get just that...Our caps off to the chef and staff!! Top your dinner off with a desert!! You'll be glad you did!!!