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    Red Shoe Island Bistro

    4.8 (364 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Red Shoe Island Bistro Photos

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    RED SHOE ISLAND BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
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    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Red Shoe Island Bistro

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    Key Lime Pie
    Farrah N.

    We really enjoyed our dinner at Red Shoe Island Bistro. The service is top notch (thanks John!) and the inside is intimate and fun with its Bowie theme. Definitely great for a date night but wouldn't recommend bringing small kids here. Definitely a hidden gem. The food was great! We really enjoyed the seasonal salad and key lime pie. We got the shrimp and mango toast per our server and lots of other reviewers recommendations and thought it was just okay. The Cesar salad is something we'd skip next time as well. Both fish dishes were great if fairly standard for fine dining. The star of our meal was their Key Lime Pie. Why everyone recommends places like Blue Heaven over this for Key Lime Pie is beyond me. This pie was INCREDIBLE. Maybe the best we've ever had. Cannot recommend enough!

    Lavender cheesecake
    Linda V.

    Our quest to find the best key lime pie led us to another great gem in Key West: Red Shoe Bistro, aptly named after footwear referenced in one of David Bowie's songs. This place does not mess around. Seatings are nightly at 6:00 and 8:00. No children, no kids menu, and no parties larger than six without the owner's consent. Cancel within 24 hours and it's a $25 fee per person. The local who tipped us off while we were at Kermit's for key lime truly did us a solid. Sebastian was our server and did a great job making sure we got what we ordered (in more ways than one). From the amuse-bouche of whipped farmer's cheese with scallion and parsley on toasted crostini (which I will absolutely be trying to replicate at home), to the beef stroganoff, grouper, deviled eggs topped with scallops, lobster stuffed shrimp, and the must-order shrimp mango toast, every single dish/appetizer/entree was impeccable. And yes, the key lime pie absolutely delivered. We even took another slice back to our room for later that night, alongside a to-go slice from Kermit's, so we could make a truly final call. To eliminate any bias, we blindfolded ourselves for a taste test. The boys declared Kermit's the winner, while the ladies, including my son, gave a slight edge to Red Shoe, citing the crust and lighter texture. We sampled several key lime pies from every place we ate at that offered key lime but Kermit's and Red Shoe offer hands down the best versions. A very close call, and a delicious way to end the debate.

    Deviled Eggs with Scallops
    Patti C.

    What a cute little bistro . We went on Valentine's Day and they presented every couples rose . The waiters were so friendly and service was great we ordered the deviled eggs appetizer . They were light creamy and topped with a scallop . Then our main course came which we got fresh fish -yellow tail snapper and the catch of the day . Each dish was well seasoned with asparagus cooked to perfection . We were full and skipped of ed dessert . This cozy restaurant ranked high for atmosphere flavor and service .. will definitely be back

    Brittany N.

    Pros: Location was great. Everywhere on the island was very walkable. Ambiance is wonderful. Very dimly lit. Very romantic. A lovely candlelit dinner. Service was great. The guy was very nice, new the specials, and was very attentive. Food was delicious. High quality stuff, not just tourist food. Loved it. Cons: No real cons. Some of the proteins were a little lacking, but the flavors were all great. Tips: Lobster profiterole appetizer. Need I say more? The scallops were cooked very well. I recommend.

    Chris A.

    Came to the Red Shoe for our main dinner of the Key West trip, the one we were most looking forward to. And it was really Good. Like all restaurants in town, it was very walkable to get there. Inside, it was dark, the majority of the light provided was the candlelight from the tables. Very nice, intimate ambiance. Service was very nice. We had a nice gentleman, catered to our every need, knew the specials and the catch of the day off the top of his head, and the drinks kept coming all night long. No issues there. Now for the food. We started off with the Lobster Roll Profiteroles (Classic lobster roll filling inside delicate house made profiteroles). These were Very fun. Creamy, large chunks of lobster, peppered with fresh herbs, and the roll of this lobster roll were these cute little choux buns. Pick them up, pop them in your mouth, they're delicious. Best part of the whole meal for me. My main entree was the Yellowtail Snapper (Sauteed tender filet with a lemon and parsley sauce, risotto topped with parmesan, and sautéed asparagus. Our signature dish). Flakey, glistening, perfectly cooked for how thin of a filet it was. A bright lemony sauce adorned it. Perfectly cooked, cheesy risotto paired well with it. And a classic asparagus side, only three stalks, but they were nice. I also got to try the Seared Scallops (Wild caught cold water scallops with a key lime ginger sauce with roasted walnuts. Service with a baked ricotta and feta spinach torte with pine nuts). This was nice. The scallops were seared and cooked well, the walnuts were an interesting touch. The blob of various cheeses in the middle were reminiscent of a spanakopita. A very interesting dish. We ended with some sort of floral cheesecake. I can't remember exactly what it was, I can't find the menu online, but it was a nice floral cheesecake, a sweeter, heavier cream on top, and a lovely way to end a good dinner.

    Coffee mug
    Brandi W.

    This was an exceptional meal with amazing service. I really can't say enough about this restaurant. It's the perfect size with a beautifully curated menu. Everyone was friendly, suggestions were on point, great atmosphere. If on your trip you want to stop by one excellent restaurant in between bar hopping, brunch spots, and food carts... this is the one. Oh, and don't skip the appetizers or the key lime pie.

    Lavender cheesecake
    Anna L.

    Outstanding anniversary dinner! This is a cozy, charming restaurant right off of Duval with incredible service and delicious food. We truly enjoyed our dinner but the unexpected highlight was their fabulous lavender cheesecake and complementary celebratory champagne for our anniversary. Highly recommend this local gem. You will not be disappointed!

    Feta ricotta spinach torte
    David B.

    Best meal I had in Key West! #1. John, my waiter, was excellent. His knowledge of the menu was spectacular. #2. Started with the shrimp mango toast at John's recommendation ("like crack on a plate!"). So so good. Entree: I was torn between the scallops (because I love scallops) and the grouper (because, I love grouper). Almost went with the scallops just for the baked ricotta and feta torte, but in discussion with John, he said 'oh well you can just get that as a side as well if you want' because I was leaning towards grouper because it's local. So I did. Grouper, plus the torte. Phenomenal. I wasn't going to have dessert but John (again) talked me into their award-winning key lime pie (the crust has some graham cracker and some butter. And some more butter. And some butter). It, too, was excellent. Not too tart, not too sweet, and not a huge portion (which was good because I was stuffed). Get a reservation. Go. You will not be disappointed. Expensive? Yeah kind of. But worth every penny. And it's casual!!

    Key West Pink Shrimp in Red Chili Pepper Sauce

    Probably the best dinner at a restaurant that I've ever had. I'm a foody so that is saying a lot! The service was incredible. It's expensive but worth every single bite. Must have the deviled eggs with scallops!

    Truffles for dessert. Yep, that good!
    Jerry T.

    Definitely get reservations, although they do have five chairs at the bar and a few small tables outside for walk-ups. This place is popular. They have 6p and 8p dinner seatings, so don't expect other options. I noticed that a lot of people got there before their reservation and were ahead of the others, so they will get you started earlier. Food is delicious. The menu is very limited, but it allows the chef to do each plate right. I believe they change the menu slightly, keeping things interesting. Service is excellent. Beyond excellent. This place does what you want them to do, even changing our table candle when it went out! This place shows on many "best of" lists for a reason. Everything we ate was perfectly done. Finished the evening with truffle sweets to liven up the night for what was in store!

    Chris H.

    We went to Red Shoe Island Bistro for their 5th anniversary and had an incredible experience. The service was excellent and the food was phenomenal from start to finish. We started with the deviled eggs topped with scallops. I do not usually love scallops but my wife does and these were absolutely perfect and changed my mind completely. For our entrées I had the Yellow Tail Snapper and my wife had the grouper. Both were fantastic and the grouper's lobster sauce was next level. We finished with the lavender cheesecake which was so creamy and flavorful. Red Shoe Island Bistro has definitely become a staple for us whenever we are in Key West!

    Mellissa G.

    Excellent service...decent wine selection good enough for this norCalifornian. We ordered the beef stroganoff, deviled eggs with scallops, shrimp risotto. Another recommendation found on reddit and a good one

    Red wine flight
    Jennifer B.

    Wonderful quaint romantic dinner for two. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a new spot in key west. The hostess was playful and attentive as well as our waiter named Simon. I decided to order a wine flight best decision if you are interested in trying a few different bottles. We ordered their signature dish the Beef stroganoff and the black grouper. Both were absolutely delicious. The dessert was really interesting and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. I love cheesecake then the lavender infused in the cake was really delightful, not over powering at all. Needless to say the next time we are in Key west we will dine here again!

    Key lime pie

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    1 month ago

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    John B.

    Thank you for the lovely review, Melissa! We really appreciate it!

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    10 months ago

    Everything was so good and the key lime pie is legit amazing. Great service. Love the David Bowie decor. Every thing we ordered was great.

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    6 months ago

    Was here on Jan 10, 2026. Superb meal, great service and atmosphere. Recommend the scallops.

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    John B.

    Thank you so so much, Brian! We truly appreciate it!

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    9 months ago

    Best food in Key West! Blown away! If you are in Key West this place is a must. Service and owner are fantastic.

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    Page 1 of 10

    Red Shoe Island Bistro Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Red Shoe Island Bistro

    Does the restaurant offer cocktails?

    No it does not. Only beer and wine

    Is this place a BYO?

    No, full bar

    View All 3 Questions

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    Sunset Pier

    Sunset Pier

    3.7(530 reviews)
    0.7 mi
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    Fantastic venue to watch sunset although obscured by the Sunset Key as it gets low in the sky…read more Service was sketchy. Non English speaker who forgot a simple request for mayo so we could try to choke down our chicken sandwich. Food was uniquely terrible. Chicken sandwich was small for $21 and I swear it was frozen and microwaved prior to bringing out to the table. It was so dry and obviously over microwaved, but we did not say anything we just asked for mayo to try to chock it down, but the mayo never came. This is an overpriced venue that cannot even get bar food right. For the price, food quality, lackluster service, too loud music, and obstructed view, do yourself a favor and go to the Tiki Bar at the Galleon for picture perfect sunsets, followed by dinner on the marina. Spent over 2 weeks here this time and have each June for the past 20. Last year I met my Son and Daughter in law there for drinks but did not eat. Tonight is our last night here and I wanted to do something different with my girlfriend. Should have taken my own advice and stayed at the Galleon. I am in food service so tipped for food I could not each but as a KW regular I will vote with my feet and not return . Below is the sunset view from the Galleon.

    Best Sunset views! Waterfront dining Fun vibes, live music,…read moregood food *Ocean Key Resort and Spa* Don't have to stay at Resort in order to come to Sunset Pier Hours 11:30am- 8:30pm Daily Weather permitting *Call/check seasonal/weather* ***Best Time: Arrive about 60-90 minutes before sunset to secure a table*** We went about 6:30pm- sunset was beautiful around 7:50pm! Service was slow but they were busy. We knew that going in. Still good service! Menu looked good- Caribbean, American food! *Had a vegan option on the menu* Ordered: Mango Mule- really good! Pineapple Ace Cider- delicious! Angry Orchard was the main cider in FL where we were so I was happy to see Ace! Shared a burger with fries- good portions, double patty, plenty of toppings *Ordered the pickle juice mayo on the side- highly recommend!* *Angus Stack Burger* $22 beef patties, lettuce, tomato, american cheese, ssp remoulade sauce, toasted potato bun, french fries The band was AMAZING! They had the crowd dancing, of all ages = a great band! Lots of seating- bar seating or dining seating- first come, first serve! Really busy so plan on the possibility of waiting for a table. Party area (Reserved for parties/events) on the back of the pier seating area Bathrooms in resort parking area- a little walk from restaurant Parking- street metered parking, paid parking lots *We paid $50 in a parking lot blocks away, it was all day until 3am- security 24/7 *bartender said that's a good price in that area* Don't miss this spot in Key West!

    Photos
    Sunset Pier - He joined the fun.

    He joined the fun.

    Sunset Pier - Mahi Mahi sandwich

    Mahi Mahi sandwich

    Sunset Pier - View from the pier

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    View from the pier

    Two Friends Patio - Arugula Watermelon Salad

    Two Friends Patio

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I got the spicy seafood combo and the blackened Mahi with the spicy cocktail dipping sauce was…read morefreaking delicious! Fried Buffalo shrimp was superb and the scallops in the marinara sauce.... Now, let's just say I'm not a fan of marinara sauce, but the spicy definitely made me like it More! The dill sauce that was by the mashed potatoes and I was dipping them on was fantastic! My husband got the shellfish combo. They said the lobster was perfectly cooked, and he is currently inhaling the snow crab. Legs, and I can't even see the shrimp on the plate anymore. LOL so apparently he must have liked that... We set on the inside bar where the AC was. There was 3 bartenders for the tiny little bar, not much interaction from any of them. Its karaoke night so my hubby has to of course sing a song... We might even come back for breakfast tomorrow! FYI... the prices are not on the menu for reason ..

    BLUF: delicious food with friendly service Went with a very…read morelarge group on a weekday night. They accommodated all of us, and the waiters really had to hussle, I can tell you that. To a person everyone enjoyed their food. They have a seafood platter that is a very generous portion of fish, scallops, and shrimp that was delicious. Highly recommend. Also got a side of steamed mussels: wow, they were nice meaty mussels in a delicious wine sauce that was perfect for dipping the two pieces of cheesy toast that come with it. They have a virgin version of most of their cocktails, and i can highly recommend the virgin mango daquiri. Key lime pie for dessert was delicious. I'd definitely go back and have recommended it to my friends

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    Two Friends Patio - Great atmosphere live music

    Great atmosphere live music

    Two Friends Patio - THE BEST Shrimp on the island

    THE BEST Shrimp on the island

    Two Friends Patio - Bloody Mary

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    Bloody Mary

    Red Shoe Island Bistro - seafood - Updated September 2026

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