The Fish House: Key Largo's Iconic Seafood Restaurant and Market Since 1987

Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys, and The Fish House sits at Mile Marker 102.5 on the bayside, making it a convenient stop for anyone heading south from the mainland or returning from a day on the water. Located at 102401 Overseas Highway, this family-owned restaurant and seafood market has been a Key Largo landmark since 1987, earning an outstanding 4.5-star rating from over 4,200 reviews. It is one of those rare places that locals and visitors agree on wholeheartedly.

What makes The Fish House special starts before you even sit down. The restaurant is one of the few in the Keys that buys only whole fish directly from local commercial fishermen. Every fillet is cut on the premises, which means the fish on your plate was likely swimming in nearby waters the same morning. This commitment to freshness has earned them recognition from the Food Network, Southern Living, and countless local awards over their 35-plus years in business.

The signature dish at The Fish House is the Matecumbe Style preparation: locally caught fish topped with fresh tomatoes, shallots, basil, capers, olive oil, and lemon, then baked to perfection. It is light, bright, and lets the quality of the fish shine through. Other favorites include the lobster bisque, stone crab claws in season, yellowtail snapper prepared a half-dozen ways, and the legendary coconut key lime pie for dessert. The homemade Key West chowder and smoked fish dip are essential starters.

Beyond the dining room, The Fish House operates an adjacent seafood market where you can purchase the same fresh, local catch to take home. Whole fish, fillets, stone crab claws, Key West pink shrimp, and fresh lobster are available when in season. For visitors staying at a vacation rental or locals cooking at home, the market is a fantastic resource for recreating the Keys dining experience in your own kitchen.

The atmosphere at The Fish House is classic Keys casual: a cheerful yellow building with a covered porch, friendly service, and the kind of unpretentious warmth that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. It is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name if you have been there before, and where the conversation at the next table might be about that morning's fishing catch or the sunset forecast. In a community like Key Largo where seafood is a way of life, The Fish House has earned its place as a true local institution.