Key Lime Martini at Latitudes in Key West

Florida Keys Dining: A Lavish Dinner Out at Sunset Key

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In terms of dining on our recent vacation to the Florida Keys, we didn’t make a whole lot of plans in advance. (Unless “conclude each meal with a slice or two of key lime pie” constitutes advanced planning, in which case I was on top of it.) I had a list of recommendations culled from my blog and Facebook but no reservations—except one.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

I had read about Latitudes on TripAdvisor and heard glowing reviews from friends who had been before and knew we wanted to go out to the little sliver of an island just off Key West when we made it down that far. So we made a reservation a week before our trip (and even then could only get a table at 5:30pm) and took the ferry from the pier at Mallory Square out to Sunset Key.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

Part of the Westin Resort, Latitudes is only accessible by boat. Ferries depart from the harbor at Key West every half hour and return with the same frequency. It was actually perfect that 5:30 was the reservation they had open, as we caught the sunset on our way over.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

When we got there, the hostess seated us right on the beach—not bad views at all—and I was doubly grateful we were lucky in arriving in the Keys during a particularly warm spell in November (high 80s, even 90s during the hottest part of the day) as it was perfect weather for an early dinner on the sand.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

Do I even have to tell you what I got to start? Why, a key lime martini, of course. It wasn’t too sweet, wasn’t too bitter, was just the perfect amount of key lime.

Key Lime Martini at Latitudes in Key West

For the appetizer, we had a lobster and crab cake, and even though I’m not keen on shellfish, I still enjoyed it immensely. (Throw a little chipotle aioli on anything and I’ll eat it, though I would have just as happily eaten this beauty even sans accoutrement.)

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

For our entrees, we had the yellowtail snapper (SVV) and the herb and parmesan-crusted scallops (the one shellfish of which I am a fan). Dessert was—what else?—key lime pie (no, it is not possible to overdose; I did the research for you), and it was getting way too dark to photograph my dishes, so you’ll just have to take my word for it that it was delicious.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

Just as we were wrapping up the main course, the skies opened up and rained a wrath that only Florida knows down upon us. By the time we made it back to Duvall Street, had a few drinks at The Bull and Whistle, and walked back to our hotel, we were soaked to the bone.

Latitudes Restaurant in Sunset Key, Florida

Was the whole experience, monsoon and all, the recipe for a perfect date night? Absolutely. Would I go back for a second round? Without a doubt.

Latitudes Restaurat in Sunset Key, Florida

Note: Latitudes is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week but reservations are required.

COMMENTS
  • January 8, 2014

    Great post keep updating…

  • January 10, 2014

    That sunset it criminal! πŸ™‚

  • January 13, 2014

    mmm looks good!

  • January 13, 2014

    Gorgeous pics! Dying to take Lucas to the Keys.

    • January 20, 2014

      You should! It can’t be more than 1.5-hour flight from you in Charlotte (and cheap, I imagine). Knowing you, I’d say you’d love Key West and to stick to the Lower Keys (the Upper Keys were a bit too full of touristy eyesores and strip malls for my liking).

  • January 15, 2014

    That sunset is breathtaking! It’s like the cloud is forming a big ball of fire! πŸ˜€

    • January 20, 2014

      Honestly, I’ve been to more than 100 countries, and I believe that Florida consistently has some of the best sunsets in the world. They never disappoint!

  • January 17, 2014

    Nice article. Good to see this…
    Thank You Very Much for posting this..

  • January 17, 2014

    Wow, that keylime martini looks amazing. Wonder if they offer a recipe for their drinks? Gonna have to try out Latitudes next time im in town.

    • January 20, 2014

      Hmm, good question. I do think the ingredients included were listed on the menu. You should go, try it, then replicate the recipe when you get home and let me know how it worked out for you πŸ˜‰

      • January 20, 2014
        Access Florida

        @Kristin. For sure! If I figure it out, Ill letcha know!
        Take it easy!!

  • January 18, 2014

    Latitude looks fascinating. Though I only eat at places that are pure vegetarian but I could visit it only for the sublime views it offers!

    • January 20, 2014

      No seafood even? Or you could just visit the bar!

      • January 20, 2014

        I am a pure vegetarian, not even egg. I dont drink too, so the bar is not a viable option either!!

        • January 22, 2014

          Wow! More self restraint than I could ever have…particularly when it comes to bourbon πŸ˜‰

          • January 23, 2014

            Haha! Nothing like self restraint actually!

  • January 21, 2014

    The place looks so good and relaxing!

  • January 23, 2014

    Great blog as usual. Choice of photos also excellent. Thanks a LOT for sharing ……….

  • February 24, 2014

    Love all your posts about the Keys. I always roll my eyes when people try to convince me to spend my vacations in Florida but this is one part I really want to visit. Especially with the winter we’ve had in New York this year!

  • March 15, 2014
    CaroleM

    I love the Florida Keys and particularly enjoyed looking around Hemingway’s house and also the journeyt across the 7 mile bridge. It is a different world to the rest of Florida and so relaxed and just stunning. Maybe I am biased but I just love Florida which has such diverse scenery to offer and even better to enjoy it in shorts and a T shirt. I live in the UK and spend as much time as possible in Florida in the fall and winter, although I haven’t yet fallen in love with key lime pie!

  • May 4, 2014

    Appreciate this review! We are headed to Key West in a few weeks and I will definitely be making a reservation at Latitudes.

  • October 13, 2014

    The sunsets never disappoint in the Keys. Of course, a good soaking is a MUST in Florida. The cuisine in the Keys will never fail.

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