The 15 Best Restaurants in Marathon, Florida
Looking for some of the best restaurants in Marathon Florida? From cafes to full-service dinner and the freshest seafood around, you’ll find an awesome place to eat on this list.
Marathon is a beachfront community in the 1700-island Florida Keys. This city is a tropical paradise and has some of the world’s most beautiful marine treasures.
This tiny city in the middle of the Florida Keys has just over 8000 residents, so there are lots of small local gems to check out. And there are certainly plenty of outdoor activities to make you hungry! Luckily, Marathon also has tons of restaurants.
With this guide, you can fulfill your cravings for amazing steakhouses, cafes, incredibly fresh seafood, and even barbecue in Marathon. Find restaurants with budget-friendly, kid-friendly, elegant, and dietary-restrictions-friendly menus. Marathon really does have a little bit of everything.
Without further ado, enjoy these 15 best restaurants in Marathon!
15. Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
3660 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL | Local Cuisine, Steakhouse, Sushi, Seafood, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly | $12 – $44
In the Marathon Community Park, you’ll find the well-known Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, which opened in 1980. It’s a must-visit place in Marathon!
Ribeye steaks, coconut shrimp, and pork ribs are among this restaurant’s delectable dishes. A culinary high point is having a slice of perfectly baked key lime pie, a crème brûlée, or a caramel cheesecake. You definitely need to eat dessert here!
You can get some decent coffee martinis or a nice draft beer. The most popular non-alcoholic drinks at Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House include delicious espresso, lime juice, and ice tea.
For those of you with kids, this eatery has kid-friendly cuisine that’s pretty popular. You can get good food at a reasonable price at this restaurant. It’s easy to unwind in this Marathon restaurant because of the beautiful decor and serene ambiance. Seriously: it doesn’t get prettier than this restaurant.
This go-to restaurant features takeout, reservations, and private dining.
We recommend this steakhouse to savor tender steaks, luscious lobster, and other delicacies in a comfortable setting. The sophisticated but casual restaurant combines stained glass-style windows and contemporary art with hardwood flooring and ceilings with white-tablecloth service.
On the menu, vegans will also find something to satisfy their taste buds; there’s something here for everyone! Some of our personal favorite dishes are fried calamari, steakhouse salad, cowboy steak, broiled lobster tail, etc.
It was a pleasure to eat here! The steak and sushi were excellent, as were the cocktails. We had Bob as a server – he was super friendly and helpful when we had questions. We highly recommend this restaurant in Marathon, Florida if you’re in the area!
14. Food for Thought
5800 Overseas Hwy Ste 23, Marathon | Café, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly | $5 – $14
Food for Thought is an organic store and restaurant that first opened its doors in 1982 at the shopping center known as Gulfside Village.
Food for Thought in the Florida Keys brings you the most excellent natural lifestyle goods and totally fits the earthy-crunchy vibe you can sometimes find in the Keys. You’ll have options for breakfast and lunch, including a large variety of vegetarian and gluten-free cuisine in the café.
Grab a coffee or a smoothie, or stay for a sandwich or sweet baked goods. Fresh produce, herbal products, supplements, vitamins, and ecologically friendly household and cooking supplies are always available in the retail location.
If you’re looking for the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Marathon Florida, go no farther than Food for Thought. This fabulous restaurant features a welcoming staff, delicious food made with organic ingredients, and cozy ambiance.
For vegans, the Everything Bagel is the ideal morning choice. Assorted vegetables and fruits are piled high on a sprouted grain bagel, hemp seeds, and onions. When it comes to lunch, we recommend the Pad Thai Salad.
The cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily. There are also several vegan and gluten-free alternatives available at the restaurant.
Thanks to its helpful staff and cheerful atmosphere, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the Marathon Florida. This place is a great option to stop by for a nutritious snack!
13. Butterfly Cafe
2600 Overseas Highway Marathon | American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $30 – $35
Looking for a restaurant that provides a high-quality dining experience with beautifully presented food? In that case, you’ll want to head over to the Butterfly Cafe.
The Butterfly Cafe is a gourmet dining establishment – not a cafe – located at the four-star Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort. In addition to its friendly ambiance and well-decorated interior, the restaurant’s patio provides an ideal setting for al fresco eating. It’s one of the best restaurants in Marathon Florida for outdoor eating!
The award-winning café serves tropical food. Quality, local products, and ocean-fresh fish are part of Butterfly Café’s mission to capture the spirit of island cuisine in this spacious Marathon restaurant.
Dine under the umbrella on the patio or inside the beautiful dining room, which offers a high ceiling and a calm yet polished ambiance. The inside is just as beautiful as the patio and has a definitive Key West vibe.
Offerings like Panko Encrusted Florida Grouper and the famed TDF ‘To Die For’ Sticky Toffee Pudding are on Butterfly Café’s menu.
The Cuban Pork Chop is an excellent option for a hearty, savory dinner. The marinated double-boned pork chop accompanies black beans, seasonal veggies, smooth plantain crema, and saffron rice.
Unless you only eat white meat, go for the Seared Sea Scallops, a brandy-brandied cream sauce made with roasted red peppers and parmesan risotto.
If you wish to sample this high-class restaurant in Marathon, make sure to make a reservation. This is one of the best upscale restaurants in Marathon Florida and it fills up quickly!
12. Hideaway Café
57784 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $31 – $60
Grassy Key, a small island off the coast of Florida that’s part of Marathon, is vacationer’s dream come true. Over a decade since the Hideaway Cafe opened its doors at Rainbow Bend Resort, it’s still one of the few places where tourists and residents can feel like they’re getting away, so it’s definitely a hotspot.
This delightful jewel of a restaurant is a special treat and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, whether you’re there for breakfast in the morning or a packed Continental supper. We highly recommend that you make the effort to fit this experience in!
For couples looking for a romantic setting, this is one of the best restaurants in Marathon Florida (and in all of the Florida Keys!). Indulge in a wide selection of delectable fare and superb wines while receiving attentive, customized service.
Lobster & seafood, crepes, duck, shrimp, and fresh local seafood are popular on the menu. Daily specials include soups, appetizers, shrimp, aged meat, and pasta.
Escargot a la Edison is also available, which looks and tastes delicious. We recommend this dish alongside the cognac-flamed escargots in a garlic-and-pepper cream sauce with julienned red, green, and white vegetables.
Besides these fantastic meals by the chef, the seating is also in a league of its own! Sit in a charming, mirrored, glass-enclosed, air-conditioned dining room or on a jalousie-window-covered balcony overlooking the pool, beach, and ocean. The ambiance is incredible.
The restaurant’s dark oak wine racks adorn patina-colored walls with Caribbean-style floor-to-ceiling shutters. Candles illuminate linen-covered tables for a romantic setting. If you are with your special someone, don’t forget to visit this Marathon restaurant!
11. Fish Tales Market & Eatery
11711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $4 – $16
Fish Tales Market & Eatery is one of the most casual food places in Marathon. It is a seafood restaurant situated in “the heart” of the Florida Keys.
This Marathon restaurant offers fresh fish, prawns, stone crab, lobster, local seafood, hand-cut matured choices, and prime steaks. Also available for purchase are homemade bratwurst, Italian sausage, cheeses, salsa, and spreads.
This eatery delivers “fresh from the market to your tables” fish, burgers, steaks, and daily specials cooked with fresh ingredients. If you want ultra-fresh seafood there is no better spot!
Dating back to its first operation in the 1960s, this is a great casual destination to enjoy economical, delicious fish. It’s an old classic in Marathon. The interior has a bright design, a large dinner and lunch menu, and a relaxed ambiance that just feels like the Keys.
Other great options are the award-winning conch salad, cakes, chowder, lobster bisque, George’s smoked fish spread, key lime pie, or Chef Johnny’s Rambler Sandwich, awarded the most delicate fish sandwich in Marathon.
This is one of the must-see restaurants in Marathon Florida if you enjoy fresh seafood!
10. Barracuda Grill
4290 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 49, 5, Marathon | Steakhouse Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $15 – $52
Located directly between shopping centers and tourist attractions, the Barracuda Grill first opened its doors in 1992. It’s one of Marathon’s cutest, most Keys-themed restaurants.
Every night, the restaurant owner serves dinner and talks with the guests. Servers sometimes step in and take over the discussion too – the staff is like a big family. The owners serve their guests and give them the personal touch by cooking, helping to serve, and chatting as the night gets late.
While this seems like a small shack from the outside, the Barracuda Grill really gives the local flavor of Marathon. This place is an absolute must-go while in Marathon.
9. La Niña Restaurant
1571 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | Caribbean, Latin, Café, Spanish, Cuban | $11 – $30
La Niña Restaurant opened its doors in August 2019 and quickly became a sought-after destination for those craving authentic Cuban cuisine.
This restaurant is an excellent choice if you’re sick of the same old restaurants in your neighborhood and want something new in Marathon. This restaurant has a lot to love: authentic Cuban food, a great all-day menu, and luscious desserts.
Cuban sandwiches, mango chicken, and onion flans draw a large crowd to this restaurant. Its signature dishes are key lime pie, roasted mango, and bread pudding which you can partner with a nice bottle of wine, a nice lager, or a quality wheat beer.
We eat at La Niña for a Cuban sandwich almost every day when we’re in Marathon. They are the best in the world at what they do. The huevos rancheros and the Pescado Frito are both excellent choices for breakfast, and we highly recommend that you try them both. No matter what you purchase, you will not be disappointed.
Additionally, you can also try The Special Girl, a house specialty. Tomatoes, croquettes, mayo, bacon, lettuce, and cheese are all included in this dish. For dessert, try the Flan with Coconut. It’s a coconut-topped custard made with milk and eggs.
A trip to Marathon isn’t complete without a stop at La Niña. The small size and potential that there may be no sitting available make it necessary to take it to go, but it is definitely worth the trouble and is one of our favorite undercover restaurants in Marathon Florida!
8. Stout’s Restaurant
8349 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly | $4 – $10
Established in 1964, Stout’s Restaurant is a well-known eatery serving hearty American fare.
Getting breakfast at this diner-style eatery in Marathon is an excellent to start your day. An inviting atmosphere, a well-appointed environment, warm and cold sandwiches with ample servings, and reasonable rates are just a few of the restaurant’s highlights.
The fluffy homemade pancakes are a great way to fuel up in the morning. Available toppings include chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, and strawberries. The yummy Knuckle Sandwich with roasted beef, cheddar, caramelized onions, and horseradish sauce is a must if you like a sandwich for lunch.
With the immense amount of food listed on the menu, you won’t run out of breakfast and lunch choices.
Beef and poultry dinners are other common choices for lunch. You can buy a sandwich or a platter with various side dishes from Stouts. Fisherman’s lunch, Cold Sandwiches, and Blue (Cold) Plates are some of the best alternatives. With various delectable beverages, you can enjoy all of these!
Overall, Stout’s Restaurant is the perfect restaurant in Marathon for people who love American-Style dishes and heaty food.
7. Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon | Japanese, American, Bar, Seafood, Sushi | $7 – $44
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & sushi bar is a contemporary fusion restaurant in Marathon Florida. It’s the ideal place for a night out with a full bar, 52 beers on tap, and a retro vibe.
Marathon is known for its abundant fresh seafood, so seeing a sushi restaurant isn’t a huge surprise. And this is one of the best!
The best site to go if you’re looking for a fantastic lunch and a few drinks is Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar by far. Thanks to its spaciousness and comfort, it is a terrific spot to unwind after a busy day in the sun.
All meals are served in the eating room or on the dock. Stop by if you’re hungry, thirsty, or want to chat about fishing with a Captain – you’ll find lots of fishermen here.
If you don’t eat meat, we recommend the Professor’s Pasta. This linguini pasta recipe with cream reduction features white wine, mushrooms, broccoli, shallots, and artichoke hearts.
Order the Spicy Mae Roll for a taste of something different in the world of sushi. Some ingredients are Habanero peppers, tuna sesame seeds, salmon dill pickles, spicy mayo, hamachi, and kimchi sauce.
Seating is available both indoor and outdoor on the water. Besides the super yummy food, you can also encounter different marine animals during dinner. You might even see a bunch of manatees in the open!
6. Burdines Waterfront
1200 Ocean View Ave, Marathon | American, Bar, Seafood | $5 – $18
The official name of the Burdines Waterfront is the Burdines Waterfront Chiki Tiki. Its on-site marina makes it one of the best restaurants in Marathon on the water.
Burdines Waterfront restaurant is one of the best places to host an event. You can celebrate your special day by boating and fishing on the ocean, having a few drinks, and savoring some delectable seafood.
But it’s also great to stop in for seafood and hearty sandwiches! Get your taste buds tingling with an Italian Stallion Burger. Provolone and marinara are the ingredients that make up this Italian-inspired burger, served on an Angus patty.
ChikiTiki Chicken is a unique take on a chicken dish that you must also try. Jerk marinade with allspice, onion nutmeg, cinnamon, and garlic makes up this one-of-a-kind delicacy.
Besides the food in Burdines, there are various activities in the marina you can try out, including fishing and watersports. The marina has friendly facilities for laundry, showers, and urinals. Pets are also welcome in the facility. Plus, you might even get to see manatees – they often hang out around the dock!
5. Frank’s Grill
11400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | Italian, Vegetarian | $11 – $30
Just a few blocks from the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Frank’s Grill is a great place to eat at the Town Square Mall. Since its opening in 2006, Frank’s Grill has been serving up Italian cuisine that’s super popular.
Frank’s is best known for its pasta, although it isn’t the only food available. We recommend the fried calamari for starters, but don’t miss out on the shrimp fra Diavolo. There is also the choice to bring your catch to be cooked if you were out fishing that day. As lovers of Italian fish meals, we always take advantage of this!
Start your meal with a palate of the ocean with the Tuna Sashimi. It includes ginger and wasabi in the mix. If you only eat white meat, get the Francaise. The freshest fish caught that day is cooked in butter, lemon juice, and white wine, so there’s always a new type of fish to try.
Lunch listings include appetizers, soups & salads, pasta, sandwiches, side orders, desserts, and drinks, while dinner has many of the same courses with fish and meat.
We ate snapper Diane, grouper Francese, and pasta for our main meals. The snapper Diane and the grouper Francese were delicious! For dessert, we had the most delightful tiramisu.
This spot is excellent, but it’s also incredibly crowded. If at all possible, secure a seat in advance. At 5:30 pm, it’s often fully booked.
This is one of the top restaurants in Marathon Florida if you’re craving Italian cuisine!
4. S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill
58835 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Bar, Seafood | $7 – $34
The Dolphin Research Center and the Grassy Key RV Park & Resort are just a short drive away from this historic bar and grill. If you’ve just seen an incredible dolphin show, this is the perfect location to get a bite to eat afterward.
S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill is the “local’s favorite” in Grassy Key, Florida. Steve and Stephanie founded it in 1999, sold it to a third party in 2005, then repurchased it in October 2015.
The S.S. Wreck reopened on February 10, 2016, with the original owners, chef, and some waitstaff, reinvigorating an old-fashioned tradition. It’s one of the coolest restaurants in Marathon Florida because it has so much local history.
Enjoy a casual get-together with friends in an engaging atmosphere. Discover simple food, including locally sourced seafood, all made with the freshest ingredients.
S.S. Wreck is one of the only restaurants in Marathon to combine sports and good food. Relish the competitive live sporting events on the restaurant’s 20 large screen T.V.s on Sundays.
It’s always good to start with a few drinks to enjoy while scanning the menu. The delicious and tropical flavors can make you feel like you’re on vacation even though you are not – we love the fresh cocktails! On a Friday night, we recommend ordering some prime rib.
The menu has a lot to offer. You can choose starter bites, salads, soups, oysters, sandwiches, entrees, and award-winning desserts.
Even if you don’t have time to eat at the S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill, we recommend stopping by for a drink.
3. Lighthouse Grill
1994 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $20 – $40
The beachfront restaurant & bar at Marathon is a must-stop on any to the Keys.
Faro Blanco lighthouse serves as a backdrop for a casual, bayside dining experience where you can savor various fresh seafood specialties and local favorites. This bar is the perfect location to relax after an exhausting day of sunbathing and soaking up the views. It’s an insanely beautiful spot!
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club’s lighthouse stands on Marathon’s waterfront. Its full-service marina, 125 rooms, and restaurant make it the best Florida Keys resort by far. This resort has everything from weddings with a harbor view to fishing tours and Jeep rentals.
The Lighthouse Grill offers a variety of really fun seafood creations that change often. Stop by for some appetizers, a drink, or one of the chef-created daily dinner specials. Everything from tasty dinners and inventive cocktails to breathtaking sunsets is on the menu.
Everything about the meal, from the wines to the starters to the main course to the dessert, was outstanding when we visited. There was a fantastic band playing outside the restaurant as we sat inside.
The price is reasonable for what you can get, and the ambiance is extremely upscale, especially compared to some of the more casual Marathon restaurants. Lighthouse Grill is a great spot to eat in Marathon!
2. Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House
6350 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | American, Caribbean, Barbeque, Bar, Seafood | $7 – $40
Herbies is the Keys’ first and longest-running restaurant. It opened for business in the late 1940s as Maggie’s Chowder House and has become a neighborhood institution and favorite.
Even though this Marathon restaurant has been around for a long time, the only thing traditional about the menu is that they grind their owned grass-fed beef, conch, sausage, and hot dogs. Everything else is super personalized!
No other bar offers a better range of brews than Herbie’s. You won’t find a nationally labeled beer here, but you can sample some of the country’s best craft beer and wine.
Don’t be fooled by the shack-like appearance on a Florida highway. Stop in and enjoy the most excellent cuisine in the middle of the Keys!
This Marathon restaurant’s success comes from its authentic, home-cooked fare. There is nothing like it in the Keys today regarding service, quality, quantity, and atmosphere. It’s definitely one of the best local places around.
Try the classic Conch Chowder and Asian Oyster Plate and Conch Fritters, Ahi Tuna Sliders, Shrimp Scallops, and more. There’s also an extensive bar if you want to chill after an exhausting day of sunbathing and sand.
Tender, fresh, and cooked to perfection, everything the restaurant place on its plate is delicious. Herbie’s is a place you’ll want to return to again and again. It is one of our favorite spots in Marathon, and we’re confident it will be yours, too!
1. Marathon Grill and Ale House
5800 Overseas Hwy #12, Marathon | Italian, American, Bar, Pub | $15 – $30
Marathon Florida’s Ale House is pleased to welcome you. There are 30 beers on tap and another 40 in bottles and cans, making this a true full bar. Weekly specials on an eclectic food menu and daily happy hour are available and are always delicious.
You can also enjoy plenty of home entertainment, such as Trivia and Music and special events like Sip and Paint Nights. During football season, you can spend your day on the grill watching your favorite team on one of its 11 big-screen T.V.s.
At this bar, you can savor Italian cuisine. Crab cakes, coconut shrimp, and shrimp po’boys are all delicious options!
Key lime, chocolate, and blueberry pie are all delectable desserts. You can get outstanding draft beers, pale ales, and craft beers in this location. Americano and iced tea are two of the most popular beverages at this establishment.
Since its location is prime, this site is easy to find. After a long walk through the nearby Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, you can relax here.
You’ll be able to have a dinner in a pleasant atmosphere thanks to the speedy service and reasonable costs. It’s an all-around great choice!
