Nestled amid blooming bougainvillea on a lush slice of the Gulf, Louie's remains one of the most romantic restaurants on earth. It's off the beaten path, which makes it even more romantic. Famed chef Norman Van Aken, of Norman's in Miami, brought his talents farther south and started what has become one of the finest dining spots in the Keys. As a result, this is one of the hardest places to score a reservation: Either call way in advance or hope that your hotel concierge has some pull. Try the sensational oyster, sweet corn, and shiitake mushroom pot pie for starters and for a main course, the grilled Berkshire pork chop with beer-braised cabbage and sweet potatoes is to die for. After dinner, sit at the dockside bar and watch the waves crash, almost touching your feet, while enjoying a cocktail at sunset. You can't go wrong with the fresh catch of the day, or any seafood dish, for that matter. The weekend brunches are also great. And a ritual for many in Key West is sunset cocktails at the oceanfront Tiki bar. If you can't stay for dinner, go for lunch; this is one dining experience you won't want to miss. If you're not in the mood for a full-blown meal, consider the restaurant's stellar Upper Deck Lounge, serving tapas including focaccia, bruschetta, carpaccio, roasted clams, flaming Ouzo shrimp, grilled Mongolian barbecued lamb ribs, a daily assortment of cheeses, and pizzas Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
