When planning where to eat in Marathon, FL, put these five places on your list. They are truly the best restaurants in Marathon for experiencing authentic Keys flavors – from ultra-fresh seafood to classic BBQ and steaks. Whether you’re craving a lobster Reuben at a marina or a sunset dinner at a tiki bar, these Marathon eateries serve up the top local food experiences in the Middle Keys.
Marathon, right in the middle of the Keys, is known for its fishing heritage and old-Keys lifestyle - and that’s exactly what you’ll find on your plate. From dockside seafood joints to smoky barbecue shacks and surf-and-turf favorites, Marathon restaurants are casual, hearty, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Here are the best restaurants in Marathon, FL, where you’ll feel right at home whether you’re in flip-flops or fresh off a fishing trip.
5. Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House
Surf-and-Turf Family Favorite
📍 MM 49, just off Overseas Hwy
🦞 More upscale, but still casual – think dark wood, nautical decor, and tanked lobsters
🥩 Go for the prime rib + lobster tail combo or stuffed hogfish
🍰 Finish with their award-winning cheesecake or traditional Key lime pie
📝 Tip: Perfect for a cooler indoor dinner or when you’re craving a solid steak after days of seafood
4. Island Fish Company & Tiki Bar
All-Day Waterfront Dining with a View
📍 MM 54, Bayside
🏝️ Huge open-air tiki hut with full-service bar and live music
🍳 Famous for lobster Benedict, banana French toast, and cracked conch
🍹 Try the Key Lime Colada or piña colada during happy hour
📝 Tip: Boats pull up right to the docks - grab a cocktail and catch the sunset
3. Porky’s Bayside BBQ & Marina
Smokehouse by the Sea with Keys History
📍 MM 47.5, Bayside
🔥 Open-air waterfront BBQ joint with a tiki roof and live music
🍖 Known for smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork & solid seafood options
🐟 Must-try sides: smoked fish dip, collard greens, baked beans
📝 Tip: Come hungry - Chef Raymond has been smoking pork here for over 27 years
2. Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1951 Classic Mixing Surf, Turf & Sushi
📍 Canal-side off MM 50
🍣 52 beers on tap + full sushi bar in a classic fish house setting
🐟 Order the lobster tempura roll or grilled lionfish when available
🥩 Best known for steak, shrimp steamed in beer, and a bring-your-catch cook-up option
📝 Tip: Start with oysters, have sushi for your main, and end with Key lime pie - it’s all here
1. Keys Fisheries
Seafood Market Eats & the Famous Lobster Reuben
📍 MM 48, Bayside Marina
🦞 Home of the “World Famous Lobster Reuben” – over 381,000 sold
🦀 Major supplier of Florida stone crab claws (Oct–May)
🍲 Don’t miss the lobster bisque or Key lime pie on a stick
📝 Tip: Order at the window, grab a table by the water, and enjoy true dock-to-plate dining
🧭 Final Word
Looking for where to eat in Marathon, FL? These five local staples deliver the best of Marathon dining: fresh catch, smoky meats, and sunset views. Whether you’re in the mood for fish tacos, a fried chimichanga, or a perfectly grilled steak, these restaurants hit the mark - authentic, hearty, and totally Keys.