Exploring Key West’s Best World Cuisine

The tropical balmy island may be famous for its island cuisine, old-world architecture, literary heritage and snorkeling in Key West, but there are other things that stand out when you care to take notice of them. Despite the fact that Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba, there are many other influences here other than Cuban. This is evident in the diverse styles of cuisine that also seem to hold their own on the island. Here are some of the best restaurants in Key West to explore world cuisine.

1. Best Japanese Restaurant - Thai Island Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Thai Island's claim to fame is the fact that it has been featured in the 1989 Bond flick 'Licence to Kill', featuring Timothy Dalton. The restaurant uses locally harvested fresh ingredients like herbs and spices which are combined with best quality meats, seafood and noodles to create traditional culinary masterpieces. Their sushi menu comprises things like baby octopus and cucumber, and crab and avocado salad. Try their sashimi too and special rolls like the Golden Dragon Roll which is deep fried shrimp, avocado, scallions, Japanese mayo and masago. The tempura here is pretty great too.



2. Best Italian Restaurant – Salute! On the Beach!

On Atlantic Boulevard, you will find Salute! On the Beach! This quaint little beach-side cafe serves Italian cuisine which has been peppered with island influences. Everything on their menu has a Caribbean take like the sautéed sea scallops and fresh greens with tropical salsa. Try the mussels, calamari, crab stuffed portabella, and the shrimp alfredo. They also serve delicious Carpaccio, and the Maryland crab cakes with a tomato and horseradish relish. Don't miss the homemade ice cream cookie sandwich which tastes as good as it sounds.

3. Best Mexican Restaurant - Amigo's Tortilla Bar

Amigo's boasts of healthy, hearty, fresh and most authentic Mexican food. They have an in-house tortilla machine, sourced all the way from Mexico that cuts their tortillas in to their signature square shapes. The tortillas are made fresh everyday with organic ingredients and no preservatives, saturated fats, or gluten.

Their spices and ingredients are ground on the molcajete – which is a traditional mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock that adds flavor and robustness to every meal. Try their carne asada, carnitas, and el pastor pork. If you feel like a taco, try the chorizo potatoes, fish tacos, or the lobster. This is how food is supposed to taste unlike that fake McDonald's cheeseburger.



4. Best Cuban Restaurant - El Meson de Pepe

This is a family owned restaurant that has been operating by the family that owns it for the last 20 years. Cuban favorites have been served up to locals and tourists alike since 1984 by Chef Pepe Diaz and his family. El Meson de Pepe has been dedicated to the preservation of the island's Cuban heritage in an effort to bring quality and authentic Cuban cuisine to the people. Watch the sunset as you dig into delicacies like the Alitas de Pollo –marinated fried chicken wings in garlic mojo sauce or sip on the classic flavors of the restaurant's signature mojito.

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