Islamorada is a small island in the heart of the Florida Keys. So when it comes to dining with a view, it’s hard to find a better spot for good options.

Islamorada restaurants have plenty of options for fresh seafood, signature drinks, and unforgettable scenic views.

Today, we’re focused on the best Islamorada restaurants that specifically have good views. Because when you’re in paradise, you want to don’t want to waste any time not on the water, right?!

busy waterfront restaurant with live music playing under a tiki bar and tons of palm trees


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Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

Lorelei’s is probably the most popular restaurant in Islamorada. It is most as one of the best places to catch the sunset while enjoying the live music. It can definitely get busy here, especially during sunset. But if you show up and it’s too busy, you can just grab a drink from the bar, enjoy the live music, and still see the sunset.

Their menu has a little bit of everything from pasta to seafood and American food. I personally love their frozen key lime pie. It still tastes like key lime pie but the frozen part gives it a unique texture – it is so good!

Lorelei’s has plenty of parking (a huge plus) or you can arrive by boat.

They are also open for breakfast.

outdoor plastic tables and chairs at a restaurant on the water with a musician playing at a tiki bar surrounded by palm trees

Lazy Days

The Lazy Days restaurant brings you straight to island time with their barefoot-on-the-beach dining. But if it’s super hot (as it tends to be in the Florida Keys), you can also opt to eat inside without missing out on the views. They have porch seating downstairs but their second floor seating has sweeping water views, so you’ll have a great view no matter where you sit.

They have a diverse menu that includes steaks and seafood pastas. I recommend the fresh catch sandwich – definitely get it Lazy Days style!

But they are also well known for their cook-your-catch option in case you’re fresh off the fishing boat (which I highly recommend since Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world.

young woman sitting on an outdoor chair holding a drink on the water with a pier and palm trees in the background

Papa Joe’s Waterfront

Papa Joe’s is a tiki-themed restaurant with steaks and burgers, but especially seafood.

They have a very laid-back, Florida Keys vibe that goes perfect with the incredible views. They also have a great outdoor area with some games you can play. It’s great for the kids while you wait. This area is downstairs and the main dining area is upstairs (for the absolute best views!)

There is often live music to add to the vibes.

They are also open for breakfast.

yellow umbrellas covering outdoor tables on the second floor of a waterfront restaurant overlooking the water
cooked oysters with a lemon and flower garnish
outdoor restaurant at dusk with string lights and cornhole games on the water

Marker 88

Marker 88 (yes, it’s at mile marker 88 on the Overseas Highway) has been around since the 60s. It’s a beachfront bar & grill that specializes in local seafood (including sushi) and delicious tropical cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant.

One really nice thing about Marker 88 is that you can make reservations. They are open for lunch and dinner, but I prefer it as a dinner spot because it’s a great place to catch the sunset.

Like many spots on this list, you will want to come here for sunset. There is usually live music playing to accompany the sunset as well.

It’s completely normal for meals in high-tourist destinations to be more pricey than you’d be used to at home. And the Florida Keys are expensive. That being said, I do find Marker 88 to be more on the pricey side.

pier leading to a waterfront restaurant on a sunny day with the coast surrounded with palm trees
seafood dishes at a restaurant in the florida keys including fish tacos and seafood nachos
white plastic tables outdoor on the water at a waterfront restaurant with a tiki hut in the background

Hog Heaven

Something tells me there probably aren’t many waterfront BBQ places in the world, but Hog Heaven is one of them. It’s a nice, laid back spot with delicious BBQ and ice cold drinks.

The restaurant has hole-in-the-wall vibes and it’s the place to go if you want something a little more lively. It kind of has a party-like atmosphere as the night wears on. They have TVs for the game, pool tables, and a outdoor bar.

There is also a little walkway leading out into the water for even better views. And if you’re there at night, they have lights in the water so you can see the fish (our kids think this is pretty cool).

Definitely get the BBQ (I like the brisket) but they also serve burgers and seafood.

bbq restaurant from the water showing it all lit up with lights and busy with a lot of people eating and drinking
outdoor of hog heaven restaurant - wood shack type of building with a motorcycle parked in front
bbq ribs, french fries, bbq sauce in a cup, and macaroni and cheese at a bbq restaurant

Morada Bay Beach Cafe

When you show up to Morada Bay, the first thing you’ll notice is their outdoor seating right on the water with bright and colorful chairs (the colors you’d expect of the islands – it puts you into vacation mode immediately). Morada Bay is right on the water and it’s another great spot for sunset (they also have twinkle lights that add to the experience).

The food is laid back Caribbean food. If you want an upscale experience, check out Pierre’s next door instead.

yellow tropical drink with a pineapple with bright colorful tables and blue table umbrellas in the background
young woman posing in a pink floral dress in front of palm trees and bright tropical colored chairs
caribbean inspired seafood tropical dish of watermelon, balsamic, feta, and shrimp

Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill

I’m going to be completely honest – I go to Wahoo’s for the cold drinks and the view more than I go for the food. Pro tip: they have great happy hour specials (and a wide selection of beer)!

If I want a waterfront restaurant during the day, Wahoo’s view is my favorite. It is located on the second floor with a direct view of the water. Every table has a view of the marina and Islamorada sandbar. If you’re not familiar with the water in this area, it.is.incredible. The most bluest of blues!

They serve laid back American food and fresh seafood.

water views from a second story beach bar showing the islamorada sandbar and boats at a marina with wahoo's sign above the bar

Square Grouper

Square Grouper sits on a marina. The views are gorgeous but not quite as expansive as some of the others on the list.

It’s such a popular restaurant that there are a few of them throughout the Florida Keys (the others are in Cudjoe Key and Key West). They serve creative seafood dishes and great craft cocktails. It’s definitely a bit more “fancy” (and the prices do reflect that, though they’re to be expected for the Florida Keys) but still with the laid-back Florida Keys feel.

waterfront views from square grouper restaurant showing a canal and two barstools along the deck
lobster dish with green beans and rice at a waterfront islamorada restaurant

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant

The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant is located at Robbie’s. Side note – even if you do not eat here, definitely stop by Robbie’s to feed the tarpon. It’s a bucket list item in Islamorada!

This is a very laid back, casual restaurant with more simple food like tacos, sandwiches, and some seafood. They are also open for breakfast.

They have a huge parking lot and it can get full due to the boat tours that leave out of Robbie’s Marina and feeding the tarpon.

seafood ceviche with tortillas at a restaurant
pilings sticking out of the water with birds resting on them in front of a bunch of boats at a marina
blackened grouper sandwich with lemon, french fries, and toppings consisting of lettuce, tomatoes, and onion

Pierre’s

Pierre’s restaurant is the best spot for waterfront fine dining in Islamorada. It is in the same place as Morada Bay so you have the same incredible views.

It is in a colonial-style home which creates a romantic spot (Pierre’s is also a popular special events/wedding venue for good reason) perfect for celebrating a special occasion. The menu is French fusion cuisine.

front porch of colonial style home turned waterfront restaurant with turquoise ceiling
dish of food at fine dining restaurant overlooking the water from the second story of a patio seat
colonial style home that is now a restaurant on the water with a palm tree in the front

Final Thoughts

My favorite restaurants are the ones with views AND good food (or an ice-cold beverage)! And this list of the best restaurants in Islamorada combines both of those – there’s really no better place for waterfront dining.

Islamorada’s waterfront restaurants each have their own personality and delicious food options. This article should give you a taste of Islamorada (pun intended).

It’s hard to choose the best restaurant but depending on your vibe – from quick bites to more refined – hopefully this article helped you decide.