Best Places to Eat on Key Biscayne

Drive across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, and you’ve entered the subtropical paradise of Key Biscayne. Perfectly positioned off the coast of mainland Miami with idyllic views of the Downtown Miami skyline, Key Biscayne is an oasis of opulent residences, golden beaches and nature preserves, all with a chic, yet low-key vibe. There’s a wonderful range of casual and fine-dining restaurants, promising delicious food, intimate atmosphere, top-notch service and—if you’re savvy—Key Biscayne’s dazzling bayside or oceanfront views.

Rusty Pelican is one of Miami’s most iconic restaurants. Known for its elegant waterfront setting and floor-to-ceiling windows with impeccable views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami, this popular restaurant is perfect for happy hour, dinner or brunch. Pair your views with an agave sunset margarita and choose from Rusty Pelican’s extensive menu of contemporary American fare. If you’re on a dinner date, consider the Rusty Pelican Board for Two: whole fried snapper, lobster risotto and New York Strip with smoked sweet plantain mash. For Sunday brunch, try the crab cake or smoked salmon benedicts and the French toast with blackberry syrup and marshmallow cream.

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is home to no less than six food and drink destinations. Lightkeepers is their signature restaurant focusing on modern coastal fare and fresh seafood. The beautifully designed space boasts a spacious patio overlooking the ocean and a bar whose design is inspired by Key Biscayne’s historic lighthouse. Look forward to dishes like Florida ceviche or roasted scallops with foraged mushrooms and parsnip puree. Other dining options include Cantina Beach for Mexican fare beneath a tropical, open-air palapa by the pool, while Dune Burgers on the Beach is a toes-in-the-sand-style lounge serving juicy burgers and bottles of bubbly.

Costa Med is a chic bistro with influences from Europe, the Mediterranean and South America. Owned by Venezuela native Antonio Braschi, the restaurant has been a Key Biscayne fixture since 2003. The sun-drenched, white-washed dining room makes for a stylish, yet relaxed place to dine. Order a bottle of rosé or Champagne for the table and then select from menu highlights including steak tartare, escargots, zucchini carpaccio, caprese avocado salad, lobster ravioli, filet mignon and the catch of the day. The list goes on and on…

With an original location in Costa Rica, El Gran Inka is an authentic Peruvian restaurant with a modern twist. Choose from ceviches, tiraditos, Parihuela soup, beef stir fry (lomo saltado) or Chorrillana fish. Be sure to pair your meal with a classic pisco sour, which is made with a brandy-like liqueur produced in Peru. The restaurant’s décor features original Nazca paintings and masks that offer a peek into Peru’s ancient history and culture.

Open for lunch and dinner, Kebo Restaurant serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Start your feast with white beans, cabbage, ham, and pork belly soup. Other delightful dishes include chicken and seafood paella, grilled Norwegian fresh salmon and oxtail stew with crispy potatoes. Pair this with a nice glass of Spanish wine, cava or sangria, and you’ll be ready to feast.

A classic Key Biscayne family pizzeria since 1969, Sir Pizza serves up delicious pizza, subs, pastas and salads to a loyal following. The Royal Feast pizza is the way to go. It’s Sir’s version of the supreme and made with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Locals know to order it with a side of Ranch dressing for dipping. Their “blankets” are another popular item. These calzone-like creations are stuffed with any manner of meat, cheese and veggie combinations.

A family-run diner passed down through the generations since 1971, the Donut Gallery is a warm and comforting place to enjoy breakfast and lunch. Slide into a booth or snag a stool at the counter and order up your favorite breakfast staples from eggs to pancakes, bacon, hash browns, grits and omelets. There are plenty of combinations and specialties to choose from. At lunchtime, it’s hard to resist the Ancar steak sandwich, mahi hoagie or the grilled cheese with tomato, all served with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings or chips. It’s a true holdout of the classic American diner and a real treat.