Marathon Restaurants: Delightful Culinary Gems
Nestled amidst the scenic vistas of Marathon, USA, a hub of culinary diversity thrives, catering to marathoners and foodies alike. Here, restaurants serve as checkpoints, not for races, but for flavor enthusiasts in pursuit of local seafood, international fare, and home-style comfort food. Each eatery, from the sun-drenched patios to the cozy dinettes, tells a story of resilience and passion, much like the endurance runners they're named after. Whether carbo-loading for the next race or savoring a victory meal, the dining scene in Marathon promises a gastronomic journey as rewarding as the 26.2 miles of a marathon itself.
Cracked conch cafe
4.3
(1892)
Chill, long-running spot offering a menu of locally sourced seafood, plus outdoor seating.
Reviews:
Our waitress was very outgoing and friendly with a great sense of humor. Our party of 9 ordered mostly sweet tea and she knew instantly we are southerners. My group ordered a ton of food, our first time there, very delicious. My favorite was the dish with the mussels and conch and mushrooms in the white sauce. Very delicious. Loved all of the food, we definitely have left overs for tonight.
Tonya Hunter
My wife and I split the conch franchise and the conch ceviche appetizer for dinner, along with onion rings which were exceptional onion rings. Wow, the conch franchise really was something unique and delicious. The sauce was like a hollandaise sauce without egg yolk and it was great. The kids had pizza which was of a surprisingly good quality. When I first saw the menu, I thought that it was too extensive for them to actually make all of those dishes well, but I was wrong. It was all fantastic. I'd make a point to come back again next time I'm nearby or driving through.
Shane Thee
Had such an amazing eggs Benedict I went to eat here 2 out of my 3 days in Marathon! My boyfriend loves there half pound sirloin burger! I love that they serve breakfast till 4 and have great bloody Marys as well!
Moonlight Artistry
The reviews brought me to this place. Ordered the stuffed fish which came with a soup. Soup was very tasty but the fish was so salty that left with with bad aftertaste.
John Osorio
Table for four, please! Great little old fashion diner. The place may not look like much, but the food was amazing, and the staff was extremely friendly. Three of us started our dinner off with the conch soup. I myself have never had it before, and it was delicious. Our dinners were also really good. The guys, as always, got fried or blackened fish, and my sister got the fried shrimp and onion rings basket. I myself went with the seafood scampi. IMO, it had a little too much cheese, which hid the awesome flavors of the seafood, but it was still excellent. All the meals were cooked just right and everything tasted great. We'll be dining here often when we visit our place in Marathon.
Doreen Burke
4999 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Butterfly café
4.3
(256)
Seafood dinners with a tropical twist in a resort cafe with wicker seats, a patio & bay views.
Reviews:
Absolutely incredible meal and experience from start to finish. The dining room was wonderfully appointed and just the right size. We shared the butterfly salad and shrimp cocktail to start, both were excellent and generously portioned. The rosemary and Asiago bread that followed were warm and fresh. I had the scallop risotto and it was incredible! My husband had the snapper and it was also delicious and generously portioned. The key lime pie was GREAT, so different with the frozen white chocolate mousse and Oreo crust. The timing of the dishes was perfect and our server was attentive but not overbearing.
Erin W (Erin)
The service was probably the best part. Hostess, waitress and SA's were all very sweet and attentive. The food wasn't anything crazy, don't get me wrong it was good but nothing special. A flower is not necessary on every dish. The atmosphere was good but it is at a hotel so expect lots of foot traffic and children. If you're looking for a fine dining experience go to Pierre's, Ziggie & Mad Dogg's, Chef Michael's; you might spend less money too. Total ticket was $227 for 2 people.
Nicholas Bugosh
Really nice place to have dinner. I definitely recommend reservations. Our food was delicious, and the creme brulee was one of my favorites . Our server Denise was amazing, offering great recommendations and overall service. The Ahi Poke appetizers was amazing!!!! I got the Scallop Risotto, I loved it and my husband got the Grouper, he said it was good but not the greatest. We originally had a table outside, but I started to really get eaten by the bugs, but thankfully they were able to accommodate us to an indoor table. Otherwise it might have turned into a whole different evening. In the small amount if skin i had exposed in my ankles (i had jeans on) and arms i have quite a few welts. The view and atmosphere was beautiful and overall a good experience.
G. Image
We had a great family meal here while staying at Tranquility Bay. The food was good, and our server Michelle was fantastic. The highlight of the meal was their key lime pie, which was a unique preparation and truly remarkable. The next day we bought a key lime pie and realized we forgot to get whipped cream, I asked the hostess for some and she graciously brought me some from the kitchen. Good food, great ambience, and even better service. Highly recommend!
Woodie Zhao
We went their for our anniversary dinner and it was amazing! We both had the filet and it was done perfectly. The dessert was great. The service was out of this world. We have been in the keys for a week and have been disappointed by the lack of customer service; but not here. Our waitress Michelle was personable and approachable. We will definitely be back!
Joy Rademacher
2600 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Hideaway café
4.6
(363)
Beachfront bistro featuring French & American cuisine, plus a robust wine & cigar list.
Reviews:
We ate dinner on the patio here this week for our Anniversary. The setting is beautiful, menu has a great selection, and our food was prompt and delicious. My wine pours were generous, however there is not a huge beer selection. The chef came out and gave us a complimentary (delicious) anniversary dessert as well. Will definitely be back. Great hidden spot. Dinners only I believe. I had the seafood crepe entree that was great and a large portion. The dessert was Raspberry Key Lime mouse!
Julie Eastman
This was one of the best experience I had. Exceptional location on the beachfront with outstanding view. We have been there when moonrise began and it added to the atmosphere. The staff was friendly and chef herself came and greeted us with a bottle of wine we orderdd and we had a nice chat before our food being served. And great food completed our night in the beach
Ben Clark
Highly recommend Hideaway! The service was outstanding. The chef even came out and had great conversation with us. The food was amazing and dessert was top notch. View is beautiful on the porch. This place is very deceiving from the outside but best restaurant on Marathon. This is a true hidden gem.
Miranda Schultz
We love this place! We know the chef, she pays attention to every detail. Tonight, our server was Wanda, so nice and knows the dishes. If you don't like Keys hospitality, don't choose the porch, the noseums bite. We can deal. They have spray to help. Food as usual was wonderful, Papillote Hogfish and French Coq au Vin. Dessert was superb, creme brulee and Bananas a la Hideaway.. Don't forget a walk on the beach after. If you have a request, ASK, they are so accommodating.
Jennifer Boyd
I wish I had a rubberscrapper so I could have properly cleaned the bowl. Words cannot describe how good this unassuming place is, it truly is a hideaway. I almost didn’t want to write a review bc I don’t want it to become popular, it’s a small place so you need to make a reservation but OMG. I will come back to Marathon just for this, forget staying in Key West, Frieda is the best!
Suzanne Gay
57784 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Lighthouse grill
4.2
(783)
Chic bayside restaurant & bar at Faro Blanco Resort offering seafood, happy hour & lighthouse views.
Reviews:
Start to finish service, food and drinks were awesome. Our server was super attentive. We’re not new to the Lighthouse Grill as we frequent here year after year sometimes multiple times a year. We’re actively Interested in purchasing a home here locally as Florida Natives and having vacationed in Marathon and Key Colony for over 25 years….it’s home away from home. Lighthouse Grill in peak season has great live entertainment, the food is always spot on. We’ve used the marina to dock our boat on a few trips down for a couple of days and the marina staff is just as accommodating. Ok enough fluff above. The prime rib, potatoes and pork chop and rice was abundant in flavor. The Old Fashion was great and the spicy Margarita was Smokey and spicy. Overall the food and server were phenomenal. We love Lighthouse Grill & Faro Blanco for food, drinks and marina services. We highly recommend Lighthouse Grill.
Jay Canals
The atmosphere would have been better if the sun was not setting during our 🍽️ meal. Also odd there is a pool adjacent to the restaurant but, oh well. The restaurant service was good. The fish was delish. The cost of five scallops (not pictured) were the same as a full fish 🐟, so I felt bad for my friend who had to watch me eat for thirty minutes after he had finished his dish. The shrimp tacos were solid. All was really good and the lighthouse was fun. Sunset partially blocked but still very nice.
Rodreich Stotsenburg
During our return journey from K West, we were on the lookout for something extraordinary, a place that combined a modern kitchen with a beautiful atmosphere, and this restaurant turned out to be the perfect match. Lighthouse Grill offers an exceptional menu that caters to connoisseurs of haute cuisine. From the first bite to the last, the food impressed us with its exquisite taste and impeccable presentation. Each dish was a work of art, crafted with precision and showcasing the chef's culinary expertise. The flavors harmonized beautifully, leaving our taste buds in awe. One of the standout moments during our dining experience at Lighthouse Grill was undoubtedly the exquisite Scallop Risotto. It was the best order of the evening, showcasing the culinary prowess of the kitchen. The perfectly seared scallops atop a bed of creamy, flavorful risotto created a harmonious combination that left us craving for more. The dish was a true testament to the chef's skill in balancing flavors and textures, and it surpassed our expectations in every way. We opted to dine outside, and the fresh ocean air from the nearby golf course added an element of tranquility to our meal. The view of the lighthouse added to the overall ambiance, providing a picturesque backdrop that enhanced our dining experience. It was a delightful combination of culinary delights and natural beauty. If you're searching for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Lighthouse Grill is the place to be. With its remarkable menu, impeccable flavors, and breathtaking views, it truly stands out as a culinary destination worth savoring. We highly recommend indulging in the delights of this establishment and immersing yourself in its wonderful ambiance.
Dillon Mykalo
Excellent place and very convenient walk as it is on property of Faro Blanco resort. Reservations recommended. The lighthouse and yacht dock view is awesome. The smoked fish dip was the best of the two appetizers and tasted really fresh (chicken lollipop was the other). The shrimp pasta was delicious and light. The winner is the chocolate martini dessert (pic attached) and highly recommended. Comes with raspberry reduction. Our server Camilo was very good 👍🏻
Abhishek Shete
We made our reservation online. Got a great table with a good view. They had live music while were there which was nice. Great food options other than seafood in case you are not a big fan of seafood. I do recommend this restaurant. Our server was really nice also
Burcay Gurcan
1994 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Irie island eats
4.8
(526)
Cool food truck whipping up locally sourced meals with tropical flavors in a leafy, outdoor locale.
Reviews:
Lunch was amazing, had the daily specials, short rib quesadillas. My wife had the tropical rice bowl with Hawaiian chicken. Price was great, atmosphere was fantastic.
Dennis Dunaway
We are on vacation here from Daytona Beach Shores. This is by far the best and most unique restaurant we’ve at at on our vacay. The food is fresh and healthy. We have eaten here twice in the last few days. I wish they had something other than disposable plastic ware. I brought my own reusable utensils the second trip. The tables are set around a beautiful garden of native plants.
Shannan Burk
Atmosphere is a unique experience. Food is super special and quite amazing. Didn’t had that kinda lunch for long time. Definitely a must see in the Key‘s. Vegetarian friendly as well.
Nils Hünerfürst
My friend recommended this place and OMG, this place is perfection! The island vibes are strong, items are ordered at a trailer, and the flavors are insane! We got the border wrap with the Pineapple Mojo Chicken and the island tacos with Hawaiian beef… You have to stop here!!!
Jason Martin
If only I could eat here everyday. Spectacular jerk chicken, shrimp, and coconut rice. Everything about this place is Irie. The garden is exactly the tropical hideaway vibe you’ve been searching for. My new favorite spot in Marathon.
Charlie Ellis
4540 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Burdines waterfront
4.5
(3359)
Relaxed spot with a tiki theme & water views serving up burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus drinks.
Reviews:
Perfect place to unwind after a beach day. Took the kids here and the food did not disappoint. Staff was friendly. Nice view of the mangroves from upper deck of the building. Don’t skip the fries!! Don’t skip the hushpuppies! And the fried key lime pie lived up to the hype!
Angela Sielski
We discovered this place by looking up “dog friendly” since we had our lab with us. The food was reasonably priced, especially for the big portions. They do offer beer and wine but not cocktails. They have a dock if you are coming by boat, and had lots of tables for big parties.
Tracy L
Very friendly service and as for the food we came here with the fried key lime pie recommended to us. All I have to say is wow was that delicious. I don't eat dairy unfortunately since it doesn't like me but looking at that pie made it impossible to not break my dairy rule. It looked at tasted amazing and was worth the consequences. I only had a few bites so that I didn't push my luck but my wife loved the rest of it. I would absolutely eat this again as a dairy treat.
Steven
BEST FRIES EVER!!!! I love Burdines, one of my favorite spots in Marathon, especially if I can pop in there by boat. Super affordable food on the water, you can’t ask for more. The fries are a must. The dolphin sandwich is my go to when I’m there, but everything the have is so good. The hush puppies are another hidden gem, covered in cheese with the raspberry sauce, so good.
Ryan InMIA
Food was decent. The fries were the best thing they had. Come with the expectation that you buy every single item. Fries are separate. Drinks are cans that cost wayyyy too much for a canned soda. Also. No kid menu, just "kid friendly" options.... so my kid wants fried shrimp, I'm not paying $18.95 for my little kid to eat 7 pieces of shrimp and 4 fish. Blackened seasoning was good. Fish and shrimp is fried in cornmeal batter. Not light and fluffy, but decent.
Sarah Kelley
1200 Ocean View Ave, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Florida keys steak and lobster house
4.6
(3526)
Steaks from a stone grill & lobster tails are the specialties of this casual, nautical eatery & bar.
Reviews:
We ate at this restaurant 2 separate times during our recent trip to the keys. This is one of our favorite places and the food and service is always great. Highly recommend making this one of your places for dinner.
David Smith
First off the food was delicious! You get a lot of food for the money and taste super good! Our server Mrs. Precious was awesome! She was the best server we’ve had in a long time! Would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be back soon!
Michael Davidson
Wow! If you’re hungry for well prepared, presented and absolutely delicious food, check out this restaurant in Marathon Key! First time there with family yesterday. Lots of choices of surf, turf, pastas, and vegetarian cuisine. Yes, a pricey place; yet, the meats and seafood all tasted superb—freshest fish and lobster, aged angus that melted in your mouth. One way to tell of a restaurant is good is by the number of cars in the parking lot. We noticed it packed the night before and decided to check it out next day. Didn’t disappoint. Quite the contrary. Brandon our server was polite, knowledgeable and courteous. All the wait staff were attentive to their tables. Everyone working hard to please the customer. Good work.
Elena S
We love Florida keys steak and lobster. We have celebrated many birthdays with many friends here. Every year the service and the food continues to be Top notch. You have to make reservations, so when you are in marathon key, don't not skip this restaurant. Their lunch / happy hour isn't bad either.. Every item on the menu are amazing and the dessert is to die for. The service, hostess, helpers and every employees there are the best. They are friendly and accommodating and helpful and quick and responsive. Florida keys steak and lobster will not disappoint. Make a point to stop in and have yourself a great meal while in marathon.
marie brett
Came by because of a friend's recommendation and was not disappointed. I very much enjoyed the whole experience . Though the food was a little more on the expensive side it was overall delicious. They start you off with bread and butter and that was sooo good. Pair it with an order of lobster bisque to dip the bread in too. Lobster po boy was good. The sushi though... I don't know what it was , could just be my order but I think they didn't use sushi rice ? The banana split bomb was delicious and fun to watch. the place was good and service was on point. Definitely would come back !
Timothy C
3660 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA