Islamorada Fish Company | Florida Keys

Islamorada Fish Company is a well-established seafood restaurant located in Islamorada, Florida, offering an inviting and memorable dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced seafood. It has become one of the premier dining spots in the Florida Keys since its founding in 1948. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this restaurant so special.

History and Overview

Establishment: Islamorada Fish Company was originally founded in 1948 as a small marina snack bar. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved, full-service restaurant that is now part of the Bass Pro Shops family. Despite its growth, the restaurant has maintained its original charm and commitment to fresh, quality seafood.

Location: Situated at Mile Marker 81.5 on the Overseas Highway (81532 Overseas Highway), the restaurant offers easy access for both locals and tourists traveling through the Florida Keys.

Setting: The restaurant is known for its beautiful waterside location, with diners able to enjoy stunning views of the Florida Bay. The sunsets from the outdoor seating area are particularly popular, making it an ideal spot for an evening meal.

Ambiance and Dining Experience

Atmosphere: The restaurant’s ambiance is relaxed and family-friendly, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. The interior features nautical-themed décor, with large saltwater aquariums and ocean-inspired elements that contribute to the tropical island experience.

Outdoor Dining: Guests can choose to dine on the spacious deck, which overlooks the water. The outdoor seating area is particularly inviting in the evenings when the weather is cooler, and the sunset creates a scenic backdrop.

Family-Friendly: Islamorada Fish Company is a great place for families. With its casual setting, there’s no need to worry about formal dress codes, and the atmosphere allows children to feel comfortable.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Islamorada Fish Company is diverse, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, though there are also options for non-seafood eaters, such as steaks, sandwiches, and desserts.

Starters: The restaurant’s appetizers are a crowd favorite and include:

Smoked Wahoo Dip: A flavorful spread made with locally smoked fish.

Oysters Bienville: Oysters baked with a rich, cheesy sauce and seafood stuffing.

Conch Fritters: A traditional Key West dish, featuring conch meat mixed in batter and fried until crispy.

Crab Cakes: Tender crab cakes made with a blend of spices and served with dipping sauces.

Coconut Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp dipped in coconut batter and fried to perfection.

Calamari: Lightly battered and fried, often served with marinara sauce.

Signature Dishes: Islamorada Fish Company is known for its seafood dishes, including:

Islamorada Portofino: Blackened Mahi Mahi paired with shrimp and topped with a decadent lobster cream sauce.

Whole Yellowtail Snapper: A whole snapper, lightly seasoned and fried, which is a favorite of many regulars.

Fried Specialties: The restaurant’s fried seafood dishes are very popular. These include:

Fish & Chips: Typically made with beer-battered cobia, served with fries.

Hand-Breaded Shrimp: Available in coconut or panko breading for an extra crunch.

Desserts: Islamorada Fish Company serves several house-made desserts, such as:

Key Lime Pie: A Florida Keys classic, with a tart and creamy filling in a graham cracker crust.

Toasted Coconut and Pineapple Ice Cream: A tropical-flavored dessert to complement the island atmosphere.

Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake: A combination of two favorite treats, churros and cheesecake, that many guests rave about.

Children’s Menu: The restaurant also caters to younger diners, with kid-friendly options such as:

Cheeseburgers

Chicken Tenders

Grilled Shrimp

Fish Tenders

Each entrée is served with a choice of side, like fries or fruit.

Hours of Operation

Restaurant: Islamorada Fish Company is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing guests plenty of time to visit during the day or evening.

Marketplace: In addition to the restaurant, there is a seafood marketplace on-site, where customers can purchase fresh seafood and other related products. The marketplace is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Fresh Seafood and Market

Islamorada Fish Company is known for its fresh seafood offerings. Visitors can purchase seafood directly from the on-site marketplace, which sells items like fish, shrimp, and other marine delicacies, as well as prepared dishes. This allows guests to take home a piece of the restaurant’s quality seafood or enjoy a freshly prepared meal at home.

Special Features

Sunset Views: One of the restaurant's standout features is the ability to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over Florida Bay. The outdoor seating area is a prime spot to relax and unwind as the sun sets, adding to the overall dining experience.

Fishing Dock: The restaurant also operates a marina with access to fishing boats. Guests can charter fishing trips and bring their catch to the restaurant, where it will be cooked and served fresh.

Live Entertainment: Occasionally, Islamorada Fish Company hosts live music, providing an even more vibrant atmosphere. The combination of live music and delicious seafood creates a lively and enjoyable setting for dinner.

Contact Information

Phone: For reservations or inquiries, you can contact Islamorada Fish Company at (305) 664-9271. For restaurant-related questions, press #1, and for the market, press #2.

Conclusion

Islamorada Fish Company is more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s an experience that combines fresh seafood, a beautiful waterfront setting, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the Florida Keys for a vacation or you’re a local, the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with a focus on quality food, relaxation, and family-friendly fun. With its combination of fresh seafood, scenic views, and island-style ambiance, Islamorada Fish Company continues to be a favorite destination for both tourists and locals alike.