Indulge in Fresh Seafood and Island Vibes at Marathon’s Top Waterfront Restaurants
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The Best Waterfront Dining in Marathon, Florida
Marathon, Florida offers some of the best waterfront dining in the Florida Keys. From fresh-caught seafood to sunset cocktails, these restaurants combine incredible food with stunning water views. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable meal after a day on the water, here are the top waterfront restaurants in Marathon.
Keys Fisheries
Style: Casual waterfront | Known for: Lobster Reuben
Keys Fisheries is arguably the most famous seafood spot in Marathon, and for good reason. Their lobster reuben—a generous portion of Florida lobster on grilled rye with swiss cheese and thousand island dressing—is legendary throughout the Keys. The casual outdoor setting overlooks the working fishing docks, where you can watch boats unload their catch. Don’t miss the stone crab claws (in season) or the smoked fish dip. Cash only, and expect a line on weekends.
Location: 3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Style: Casual upscale | Known for: Sunset views
Perched at the end of the 15th Street causeway, Castaway offers panoramic sunset views over Florida Bay. The menu blends Caribbean influences with fresh local seafood—try the coconut shrimp or the catch of the day prepared your way. The sushi bar serves surprisingly good rolls given the casual Keys setting. Book a table on the deck for sunset, or grab a seat at the outdoor tiki bar for cocktails and appetizers.
Location: 1406 Oceanview Ave, Marathon
Barracuda Grill
Style: Upscale | Known for: Fine dining seafood
For a special occasion, Barracuda Grill is Marathon’s premier fine dining destination. Chef Jan operates an open kitchen, preparing dishes like hogfish meunière, yellowtail snapper with tropical fruit salsa, and perfectly grilled steaks. The intimate dining room and extensive wine list create a romantic atmosphere. Reservations are essential, especially during high season.
Location: 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Lazy Days South
Style: Casual | Known for: Ocean views & fresh fish
Located on the oceanside of the Overseas Highway, Lazy Days South serves classic Keys fare with views of the Atlantic. The restaurant sits right on the water, so you can watch boats pass by while enjoying their famous fish tacos or whole fried snapper. The key lime pie is made fresh daily and rivals any in the Keys. Great for families with a kids’ menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Location: 725 11th St Ocean, Marathon
Brutus Seafood
Style: Ultra-casual dockside | Known for: No-frills fresh seafood
Brutus is as casual as it gets—order at the window, grab your own drinks from the cooler, and find a picnic table overlooking Boot Key Harbor. What it lacks in ambiance it makes up for in freshness. The daily catch comes straight off local boats, and prices are some of the best in town. Try the fried fish basket or peel-and-eat shrimp. It’s the authentic Keys experience.
Location: 6950 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
Style: Upscale casual | Known for: Surf and turf
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you—this restaurant serves some of the best lobster in Marathon. The Maine lobster tails are flown in fresh, and the steaks are USDA Prime. The dining room is comfortable if unremarkable, but the food is consistently excellent. It’s a favorite for celebrations and date nights. Make reservations for dinner.
Location: 11400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Style: Casual waterfront | Known for: Sunset views & raw bar
A local favorite at the Seven Mile Marina, Sunset Grille offers waterfront dining with spectacular sunset views over Florida Bay. The raw bar serves fresh oysters, clams, and stone crab claws (in season). The kitchen turns out solid Keys classics—conch fritters, fish sandwiches, and a mean fish dip. Live music on weekends adds to the party atmosphere.
Location: 7 Knights Key Blvd, Marathon
Island Fish Company
Style: Casual tiki | Known for: Waterfront tiki bar
This tiki restaurant sits right on the water with its own dock—you can literally pull up by boat. The menu features fresh fish prepared simply, plus excellent tacos and a good kids’ menu. The frozen drinks are strong and perfect for a hot Keys afternoon. The sunset views from the deck are hard to beat.
Location: 12648 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Dining Tips for Marathon
- Reservations: Upscale spots require them, especially December-April
- Cash: Some casual spots are cash-only (Keys Fisheries, Brutus)
- Sunset timing: Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset for best views
- Stone crab season: October 15 – May 15 is the only time for fresh claws
- Lobster season: August 6 onwards for Florida spiny lobster
Stay Near the Best Dining
Our Marathon vacation rentals put you minutes from all these restaurants:
- Deep Blue – Close to Key Colony Beach dining
- Azul Paradise – Near Marathon’s restaurant row on Overseas Highway
- Vista del Mar – Full gourmet kitchen for cooking your own catch
- Ocean Muse – Chef’s kitchen with island views for those who prefer to cook
