You don’t have to go far for a nice dining experience in Key West with fresh, well-prepared seafood. At The Gates Hotel, we know the importance of shopping and consuming local, from locally-distilled rum to locally-made cigars available at our onsite bar.  

There’s no exception to shopping local when it comes to dining -- because who wants fish from Alaska when you’re in Key West? Here is our list of the freshest, tastiest seafood restaurants in Key West.

The Stoned Crab

This waterfront restaurant with ample deck seating has the highest marks for serving sustainable seafood and farm-fresh ingredients. The Stone Crab often supplies diners with information on who exactly caught their food. Hungry to try the famed Key West spiny lobster? Pink shrimp? Stone crab? Fresh seafood dip? This is your place. They also boast an Eco Bar that pours sustainable wine, spirits and craft brews. Hours are 10-11 am daily, serves brunch, lunch and dinner. 2101 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Seven Fish

Favored by the New York Times and Condé Nast, this Key West classic serves fresh, local fish with recipes made from scratch daily. Seven Fish is open 6-10 daily, closed Tuesdays. Reservations are a must for this popular restaurant. They make the best crab cakes around. Make sure to save room for dessert -- the banana flambe will make your tastebuds sing. 921 Truman Ave.

Bliss Restaurant

Seafood and Latino fusion at its finest. Bliss serves simply good food made with love and family recipes. They make delicious homemade sangria, red and white, and their appetizers have some kind of magic to them. Try the arepa con queso and guacamole for starters. Bliss Restaurant is open 6-9 Tuesday-Sunday and closed Mondays. Make a reservation ahead of time on their website. 411 Petronia St.

Thirsty Mermaid Raw Bar

The Thirsty Mermaid isn’t fine dining, but it makes the list for its fun, fresh menu and casual setting. Go and order food from the raw bar and enjoy a few drinks. Open 11-11 daily, the Thirsty Mermaid’s raw bar includes ceviche, caviar, oysters, and middle neck clams. They serve sandwiches, burgers and other meals if you’re looking for something more filling. Check out their extensive wine menu and pair it with one of your raw bar orders -- you don’t be disappointed. 521 Fleming St.

The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant

The Commodore offers panoramic views of the Key West Bight and fresh seafood and steaks. They’re especially known for their prime rib dinners. We recommend the shrimp scampi, served with jumbo shrimp. Enjoy a generous happy hour in their breezy dining room until 6:30 pm. Open 5:30-10 daily. 700 Front St.

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