Fondly referred to as the Conch Republic, Key West is a one-stop-shop for all things island. It’s a tropical paradise people flock to from all over to visit, as the southernmost point in America. The foodie scene here is brimming with amazing bites to try, from local delicacies to globally inspired cuisine.
It’s no surprise that there’s a huge variety of ways to start your day off right as well. They always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and eating in Key West makes it feel easier than ever to roll out of bed for a delicious morning feast.
Look at all these restaurants to indulge in for the best breakfast in Key West.
1. Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Key West in the historic Bahama Village. It is one of the most famous Key West restaurants with tons of delicious food options. Breakfast is served until 2:00 pm, and it’s a first come, first serve situation, so there’s no need for reservations here.
It’s a popular restaurant in Key West for its enchanting environment, complete with whimsical garden art, tropical trees, and cute roaming creatures. It is our favorite breakfast spot, hence why it is #1!
The Blueberry Pancakes are legendary here. Blue Heaven has their own bakery on-site and serves freshly squeezed juice or a Bloody Mary to pair with your dish as well. If you have a sweet tooth, having a little dessert in the morning never hurts, so if you save some room, go for a slice of the best Key Lime Pie.
- Menu
- Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West
2. Banana Cafe
Banana Cafe offers a combo that you don’t see every day, a French bistro with a Caribbean twist. They have been a long-time favorite local spot for a great breakfast since 1992. Some of the popular dishes are they offer are Eggs Benedict and savory delicious crepe, along with more classic breakfast plates like scrambles and sandwiches.
There are a lot of great vegan and gluten-free options to enjoy here, making it one of the best vegetarian restaurants for breakfast in Key West. The cute decor is super colorful, and I love the outdoor seating on their sunny patio. It is the perfect place for a nice dose of vitamin D to start the day.
- Menu
- Address: 1215 Duval St, Key West
3. Bagatelle
Bagatelle is one of the best places to go for brunch in Key West. It’s served from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. It’s set inside a historic building (home) that was built in the 1800s, then renovated as a restaurant in 1979.
If you want to go for a Sunday Brunch, we suggest making a reservation online as it is one of the more popular restaurants. We made breakfast reservations online in the Google Maps app and had our kids with us, so a reservation was a must.
Bagatelle uses only 100% cage-free organic eggs in every order here. The specialty cocktails always add to any meal and are all handcrafted using seasonal ingredients. One of their coolest features is that they have a double happy hour each day, one for the early morning hangover crowd and one later in the afternoon for anyone just getting started. It is one of the best happy hours in Key West if you ask us!
The breakfast menu offers classic regional comfort foods with a modern twist. The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Deep Fried French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Beef Hash, and Southern Benedict all blew me away. And no, I didn’t eat all that in one visit.
- Menu
- Address: 115 Duval St, Key West
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4. Cuban Coffee Queen
Established in 2009, the Cuban Coffee Queen is a beloved breakfast fixture on the island. There are three convenient locations to try. The roasted coffee is super high quality; you can even buy a bag of beans as a souvenir. It’s such an easy and simple stop to make in the morning, whether you eat there or take it to go.
It is a great place to grab a breakfast sandwich on the go and a coffee. The Sunrise Special is half of a Key Wester Sandwich, served on pressed Cuban bread and a 12-ounce cafe con Leche. It’s one of the most highly recommended and best breakfast sandwiches here if you ask us.
They’re open every day until 7:00 pm, so you can also grab a breakfast burrito for dinner if it strikes your fancy. If you want to try some Cuban food in Key West this is a good starting point, and it is affordable.
- Menu
- Address: 284 Margaret St, Key West
5. Key Plaza Creperie
The Key Plaza Creperie is a high end European style bistro. They serve breakfast and lunch all day long, and of course, crepes at reasonable prices. Both sweet and savory are the specialty here. The Key Lime one is particularly delicious and a popular regional pick.
On the weekends, there are a few fancy additions to the menu, including Eggs Benedict, wine, imported beers, craft beers, and mimosas. The food here always comes out almost too pretty to eat, making it the ideal restaurant if you’re a foodie who likes to photograph.
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- Address: 1105 Key Plaza, Key West
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*This picture is from dinner at Latitudes, but I wanted to show you the setting*
6. Latitudes
Latitudes is all about island elegance. It’s the place to be for fine dining in Key West. You can always expect great food and great service. The food is always fresh and full of flavor here. It’s the signature restaurant of the Sunset Key Cottages, a luxury resort.
The waterfront Gulf of Mexico views from the fancy dining room here are spectacular. Attire for breakfast is casual, though reservations are recommended. Breakfast is served until 11:00 am, so it’s a great way to motivate for an early start to the day.
The fresh juice bar makes for a healthy breakfast and a refreshing add-on to any order. The dishes can be on the pricier side, but if you’re going to treat yourself, go all out and get my favorite meal here, the delectable Lobster Benedict.
- Menu
- Address: 245 Front St, Key West
7. Pepe’s Cafe
Pepe’s Cafe is the oldest eatery in the Florida Keys. It first opened in 1909, and the nostalgia is all part of the old-school charm here. Harry Truman is said to have been a frequent guest, and the black and white framed photos adorning the walls are there to prove it.
The juices are freshly squeezed, the oysters are shucked to order, the homemade bread is baked daily, and the hot sauces are made from scratch. It’s open every day, and breakfast is served until noon. It’s a pet-friendly place with great happy hour as well. The menu is simple, but the food is affordable. I tend to opt for the build-your-own-omelet option when eating at Pepe’s.
If you happen to miss breakfast, they also have a great lunch menu too.
- Menu
- Address: 806 Caroline St, Key West
8. Harpoon Harry
Harpoon Harry is the best place to enjoy an amazing breakfast all day, every day. It’s a classic American diner spot with brightly colored island decor, street seating, and counter service. After a night out hitting the best Key West bars, I need a big breakfast, and Harpoon Harry’s hits the spot.
There’s plenty to choose from on their breakfast menu. If I’m craving something sweet, I tend to get the Key Lime French Toast. If in the mood for something more savory, I always really enjoy the Country Po’ Boy. The Bloody Harry is a fun and spicy twist on the usual brunch beverage as well. The House Specialty is a more inventive plate you don’t see daily: Pork Chops and Eggs. Get it with grits on the side, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Keep in mind that it’s cash only here.
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- Address: 832 Caroline Street, Key West
9. Southernmost Beach Cafe
Southernmost Beach Cafe is part of a simple yet sophisticated resort of the same name in historic Old Town. It’s located just 90 miles away from Cuba and is actually about as South as you can get within the country. On one of our Key West trips, we stayed at the Southernmost Resort. It is a super convenient location and a short walk from most Key West attractions.
The breakfast fares are boat-to-table with an island twist. The flavors are inspired by American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines, and all the ingredients are locally sourced.
This beachside bistro is eclectic, offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, and is a great spot to enjoy a morning drink poolside. The Seafood Omelet made with fresh local seafood is always a great call. I also loved the Southernmost Toast and the Breakfast Tacos here.
If you are looking for restaurants on the water in Key West, make sure to stop by here and check our list.
- Menu
- Address: 1405 Duval Street, Key West
10. Sarabeth’s Key West
Sarabeth’s is a mainstay in the historic district of Key West. The building was the first synagogue on the island, and it maintains plenty of character today and a flower-filled outdoor patio. It opened its iconic flagship spot in New York City and moved down south in 2005.
Sarabeth’s serves brunch from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, giving you a large window to indulge in a morning bite. They serve an updated take on classic American eats. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, the Shrimp and Bacon Omelet, and the Smoked Atlantic Salmon are all signature standouts on this simple breakfast menu.
It’s a fancier atmosphere great for special occasions, though the prices for breakfast tend to be more affordable than a meal here.
- Menu
- Address: 530 Simonton St, Key West