Red Shoe Island Bistro

7/5 stars all around. Todd was a fantastic server. Knowledgable, funny, and kind. It was my birthday and they announced it in front of everyone outside and treated me like royalty the entire evening. Both the yellowtail snapper and the grouper with shrimp (fresh caught on the island) were absolutely fabulous. Key lime pie was the best we have had on the island (we have had a couple others that claim they’re the best... they’re not, this is)! Again we cannot thank Todd enough for his fantastic service. If you can get in here (you MUST make a reservation) it will change your life. Thank you to everyone who made this the best birthday dinner yet for me!

What a great find! Amazing food in a cozy atmosphere. The service was incredible and our server was spot on with his recommendations! He recommended the yellowtail and black grouper (the carrot puree was awesome) and of course key lime pie. You should go there.

Red Shoe Island Bistro is a must-visit! My husband and I had the best dining experience here on a Tuesday night. We were lucky to snag the last two seats at the bar, where the staff, especially Todd and Suzy, made us feel incredibly welcome. From the mouth-watering Shrimp Mango Toast appetizer, to the delicious Fish of the Day with Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp entree, and the amazing Key Lime pie for dessert, each course was top-notch. We loved it so much that we came back for more during our stay to try additional menu items and had to finish it off with the the unforgettable Lavender Cheesecake. Red Shoe Island Bistro is definitely one of our new favorite restaurants!

A friend of mine from Philly told me that I should stop to this restaurant, I went on google to reserve a table, to my surprise there was none available for a week out! I went to the restaurant 15 min early hopefully someone would miss there reservation and not show up. As I approached the building there was 10 people waiting for the doors to open, bye the time the door opened there was 20 of us waiting. The staff came out crossed the street, introduced themselves to the guest, and proceeded to welcome the special guests for anniversary’s,celebrations, proceeded to bring them in and all the others followed, I stayed back a little, once in I told the host I didn’t have a reservation, thank god they have seating at the bar that isn’t reserved so a few guests can still go in there. As I sat down I was greeted by Brian and Chris, the bartenders of the night. They were awesome, so informative on the food and the restaurant. The food itself is phenomenal! From the first bite to the last bite. I literally was licking the plate wanting more, I wasn’t the only one either, the person to the right of me was in the same boat. If you are in key west u must try this establishment!

We had our anniversary dinner here, and it was exceptional! John, the owner, and Johnnie, our waiter, were friendly and professional. The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable. We didn't feel rushed, nor did we have to wait on each course. We were given a glass of sparkling wine in honor of our anniversary. We then enjoyed their lobster stuffed shrimp, seafood medley, beef stroganoff, lavender cheese cake, and key lime pie. Reservations are a good idea!

This was our favorite restaurant all week! Chris was our waiter and he was so friendly and knowledgeable. We got a flight of Caymus wines with great pours. Chris recommended the shrimp mango toast appetizer and it was the best appetizer on the menu. We also had the deviled eggs and stuffed shrimp. Those were wonderful too but the shrimp mango toast was our number 1. We followed it up with the chef’s grandmother’s beef stroganoff. The meat was so tender and the sauce was light and delicious. This is a must order. For dessert we went with the lavender cheesecake which was amazing, but the real winner was the key lime pie. By far the best I’ve ever had and definitely the best on the island. The Red Shoe is a must stop on your trip to Key West!!

Server was on his toes, entertaining and so enjoyable. Followed recommendation of the shrimp mango toast for an appetizer. Chef’s kiss. We both had the fish of the day which was Grouper. The flavor was outstanding. Couldn’t pass on the award winning key lime pie and it didn’t disappoint! Only regrets are I shared dessert with my husband and I didn’t take more pictures. What can I say, I was in the moment. Also, loved the tributes to David Bowie and 80s music!

This is a hidden gem, and honestly our favorite restaurant in Key West. A small and intimate restaurant that cares more about the food, atmosphere and experience than turning and burning tables. From the moment the restaurant opened, the owner and staff were inviting us to experience their love of the food and the carefully curated atmosphere of the restaurant. The decor was a reflection of the thought and care that went into providing a great experience. The smaller footprint made for an intimate space that invited conversation. We had a chance to speak with the owner, who gushed about his excitement for bringing music and food together, two things that add spice and excitement to life. The staff, likewise, were attentive but not intrusive, and had a pleasantness and spark to them, reinforcing that this restaurant wants to share itself with the world The lobster role profiteroles were soft and flaky with excellent lobster and dill flavors, and made for an almost an aperitif like appetizer before the main attractions. The seared scallops with key lime ginger sauce were cooked to perfection, with the sauce adding a light citrus flavor to the dish. But by far, the most surprising part was the spinach and feta torte, which paired well with the scallops, providing an unexpected richness of flavor. Even the walnuts, which you would expect to be out of place with the other elements of the dish, added to the overall flavor in a pleasant manner. The 'catch of the day', a blackened grouper that day, was cooked excellently, and was flaky and glistening. The sherry lobster sauce was a flavor rich addition to the Grouper and Key West Pink Shrimp. By far the most surprising flavor, however, was the carrot puree. What was expected to be an element that faded to the background instead turned out to be one that was surprisingly complex, adding to the dish in a significant and pleasant way. The biggest surprise of the night was the Lavender Cheesecake. What one would expect to be a largely herbal hit to the palette was instead a finishing enhancement to what was a creamy, rich and slightly sweet dessert, making for a delightful and surprising end to the experience. Atmosphere - 10 Food - 9 Service - 10