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Where to Eat in Islamorada, Florida Keys!

We often have friends and family visiting from all over the world asking us where to stay and eat in the Florida Keys. There are so many spots that it is not easy to remember all of them. That said, I just got back from a very nice weekend in Islamorada where my 8 year old daughter Emma had a 2-day swimming competition (she swims for the University of Miami’s Canes team)…and of course, we took that opportunity to enjoy what this key had to offer!

Here are my favorite spots:

  • Morada Bay Cafe: A long time favorite, this place is very casual, with an amazing bay view. It’s very relax, perfect with kids, and it’s a great spot for lunch, drinks and dinner. The best time being the sunset. Morada Bay Cafe is also well-known for its full moon parties! The food is not cheap but fine.
  • Marker 88: Same spirit as the Morada bay Cafe, on the bay, but a bit more casual, with a nice band. If you can, try to get these tables that swing. Very relaxing! Food is fine as well, yet not cheap in my opinion.
  • Robbie’s: We went there for lunch. We loved it. Our favorite spot in the keys. They have a very nice market which looks very authentic…The restaurant is very casual and offers rather surreal blue water views! They have a band, you can feed Tarpons, and rent boats and Jet Skis from there. Of all 3, this was our favorite spot!

Lodging wise, there is not a lot unfortunately so I’ll limit y recommendation to the following:

  • The Moorings: Love it, but very expensive! 1-2-3 Bedrooms cottages on the beach. If you like top notch service, dont’ go there. The entire concept of this hotel is that there is no service. They want to make you feel as if you had your own cottage on the beach. If you want to a long chair or a paddle board or a kayak, it’s right there for you. No need to sign any waiver forms, or ask anyone… I personally love it. The beach is beautiful…perfect for morning paddle-boarding! It has a tennis court, and a beautiful pool. The Moorings is across the street from Morada Bay Cafe (same owner) and Pierre (same owner)
  • Cheeca Lodge: More affordable although not cheap, it’s more resort like and more family friendly with programs for kids. They have a 9-hole Par 3 golf course (not very well maintained but it’s good enough…), tennis courts, and a nice spa. They have several restaurants offering great views…Most people favorite part is the the very long fishing pier. You can rent fishing poles and buy baits right there. The marine life of the pier is beautiful: sharks, lobsters, all sort of fish, and of course the Pelicans!
  • There are 2 other resorts we haven’t tried but which are new and seem pretty nice form the outside and what we could see online. Maybe you want to give it a try and share your experience! The Postcard Inn and the Amara Cay Hotel.

I hope this will be useful for planning your next trip in the Florida Keys!

Zelda