We will be spending our 10th anniversary in Key West and would like to celebrate at a really good and romantic restaurant. Any suggestons?

Thanks!

I can't imagine anyone thinking there's a more romantic restaurant than Louie's Backyard. The closer you get to the water, the more romantic it would be. Having said that, the food isn't always worth the price - which is expensive. I'd still recommend it.

I know Louie's will surface in one of the replies to this post. It did for me, and was recommended as well in Fodor's guide. We were there for our 30th--congrats by the way!!

The setting, at the water's edge, is lovely. Our reservations were made well in advance so we'd have the hour we preferred (8:30). We arrived early (and in appropriate dress) for cocktails and were delighted with the setting...waves breaking right off the porch. Good choice we thought, how romantic.

It was a miserable night. Our table was on a side porch so narrow the only thing that would fit is a table for two. The water was no where in sight, let alone other diners. The edge of the parking lot was below. Service on a scale of 1 to 5, was a 2: long waits for a menu, for taking the order, then for food to arrive, plus nonchalant, cavalier attitudes on the part of waitstaff. And this despite the fact that my husband had ordered, for starters, a $100 bottle of wine! The food could have been the world's best (it wasn't close) and it wouldn't have made up for what had already transpired. The evening was ruined.

The next night we ate at Blue Heaven. Dirt floors, chickens and cats running around. Live jazz. Super friendly waitstaff and fantastic food. Romantic...well, compared to Louie's, yes, absolutely, because nothing is romantic when you are bloody irritated, no matter the setting. Food was great and we had a ball. I'm not recommending Blue Heaven for your anniversary dinner, but this is a head's up for Louie's!

Perhaps we were there on a bad evening for them, Saturday night in January, but I wouldn't go back there if paid to do so. Hopefully someone will know of a romantic dining experience in a restaurant that values their reputation and their customers goodwill! Louie's will live on their reputation only so long, and right now, that's what it is, reputation.

Thanks for mentioning Louie's Backyard. I had forgotten about it. Think I've only had drinks there before but after the bad comments, I think we'll skip that! I used to go to Key West a few times a year and was at Blue Heaven right before it opened! Fun place! Used to have good breakfasts. Maybe we'll go to the Pier House..seem to remember one of the restaurants there was pretty good.

Here's another option, not as romantic but with better food: Michael's. And another option, that IS romantic is Latitudes, which is an 8 minute ferry ride away on Sunset Key. You make reservations through the Hilton.

I have to agree on Cafe des Artiste. An excellent place to dine! One of my all time favorites.
The most Romantic place near Key West, however, has to be Little Palm Island. You can go there just for dinner. They take you there by boat and you dine on right off the island's beach. Truely an incredible experience. The food is also excellent. Visit their website http://www.littlepalmisland.com for more details. Congrats on your 30th!

La te Da! Lovely romantic on Duval St.

We were in Key West last week and ate
at Square One. It was very good.
Also enjoyed Mangoes, La Te Da and
Louie's Backyard. Had a great lunch
at Bagatelle. Many good restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!

Cafe de Artiste was one of the best restaurants I ever ate at. They have this Mango Tango Lobsster dish that melts in your mouth. It does cost about $46 but it is worth it. Loved that place. Cafe Marquesa was good. Had lunch at Louie's backyard which was nice and Blue Heaven had the best breakfasts.