I have read numerous positive reviews on Alices and Blue Heaven. This takes care of 2 nights. Looking for insider scoop on the best restaurants in KW.

I don't think the food at Blue Heaven is very good but it doesn't matter because the place is such a trip. Must be experienced to be believed.

We enjoyed Louie's Backyard, formerly a sort of dive, now an upscale restaurant and bar. Make an early reservation, watch the sunset from the bar, then go to your table for a delicious dinner. We had great service. Be sure to reserve. The front of the house is merciless on people who tried to lie about having reservations.

We also had a delicious dinner at LaTeDa, very reasonably priced for what it was with good wine and ultimately good service, though it was shaky at first since we were dining early. It is a very pretty setting, and people are nicely dressed. If you want to skip dessert, there is a spectacular ice cream shop on the corner in the direction of Truman.

Should you find yourself in Islamorada at dinner time, at Chanticleer South, a classic French restaurant near the Hurricane Memorial, Jean-Charles Beruet continues the tradition of Chanticleer in Nantucket. Wonderful, wonderful food in a simple setting. Wines are somewhat stratospheric but all very high quality. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Blue Heaven is a little more famous for its breakfast, but Ackislander is right: it's the experience of being there that matters most.

I also love Louie's Backyard but prefer going for lunch - when the food is just as good but the prices are better.

Another couple of options are Michael's and the newly reopened Martin's on Duval.

There are lots of very good restaurants in Key West!

Oh yes, one more that's brand new and getting rave reviews is Azur. I believe you can access all these menus online.

Michael's

Love BO's fish wagon on Caroline Street. If you can imagine a ramshackle beach bar (like Bomba's on Tortola) plopped down in Key West, you've got the picture. Amazing burgers and fish sandwiches. This is more a lunch spot than a dinner spot.

For a more elegant dinner, Cafe Marquesa is very nice. The tables are a bit close together, and with hardwood floors, there is a bit of noise, but the food is fabulous and the service well-informed and efficient.

Second the favorable review of LaTeDa. Had hubby's 40th birthday dinner party there, and they came up aces, with great food and great service (especially since our reservation was lost).

Sara Beth's for breakfast and Seven Fish for dinner. Blue Heaven is great for lunch.

Louie's a sort of dive? I don't remember that. It has been over 10 years since I have been to Louie's and it was never a dive. It was started by Norm Van Aken.

Pepe's for breakfast, Louies or Mangoes or Schooner Wharf for lunch. I like A & B for fine dining & Marquesa.

Thanks for the responses thus far. What about Latitudes on Sun Set Key? Is is worth the trip?

If you want something different, try the www.nonamepub.com. Might also see some Key Deer. We usually couple this w/a trip to Bahai Honda.

Latitudes is beautiful and our one experience there was positive, but it gets very mixed reviews - mostly negative. Generally speaking it's overpriced and the food is iffy.

If you don't mind spending BIG bucks, go up the keys and have lunch or dinner at Little Palm Island. The food (and resort) there are fabulous. littlepalmisland.com

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...s_Florida.html

Pjk

check out my last nights thread "Eating in key West"

I am a big fan of "fondue". I think I read that there was a restaurant in KW that offered such an item on their menu. Am I correct?

Michael's at the back Garden Bar!

Should have added:

www.michaelskeywest.com

We really liked Mangoes on Duval, and the Marquesa if you want something a little more swanky.

I second the A&B Lobster house. On the water, inside/outside dining. Great food and service. Go there at least one every trip. For a little lighter fare, try downstairs at Alfonzos. I've always had good luck at Kellys at Carolina and Whitehead. Original Pan Am building.

Mangia Mangia on Southard Street. Excellent italian food and wine selection. Ask to sit on the patio.

You might want to try La Trattoria on Duval St. Delicious Italian food in an upscale setting. And, yes, LaTeDa, is also an excellent choice.

Love Mangia Mangia. I am surprised to find this restaurant rarely mentioned as a favorite. Had dinner at MM the last night we were in KW 2 years ago and sat in the patio area. The food was very good however the waitress was a bit surly and couldnt recommend a favorite on the menu.