DUVAL STREET. Alice Weingarten's eponymous restaurant is a gem in the culinary crown of Key West. The menu features only the freshest ingredients combined in extraordinary combinations and served in a brightly-colored tropical setting. This combination proves the accuracy of her slogan: "Where Fabulous Food and Fun Times Meet." Menu favorites at brunch and lunch range from eggs benedict to cold meat loaf sandwich; dinner, meanwhile, wows with dishes like macadamia coconut nut crusted shrimp and grilled center-cut pork chop stuffed with smoked gouda and sun-dried tomates. Make sure to have reservations, and come hungry.

Dining in this historic home ­ built by a sea captain in 1884 ­ is a unique experience. Sit indoors or outside on the verandah. The second story looks down onto the bustle of Duval Street. Fresh fish and seafood are the order of the day here. Try the conch steak or the very rare seared tuna crusted with peppercorns. The garlic-herb pasta topped with gulf shrimp comes well recommended. Though it doesn't come from the sea, the artichoke stuffed with fresh herbs and garlic is a favorite appetizer. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.

This spot is popular with locals, tourists, kids, vegetarians.... and the list goes on. EVERYONE loves Blue Heaven. Some people come to see where Hemingway once refereed boxing matches, and others to see the free-range chickens prowling around. Those in the know come here for the food. Breakfast and Sunday brunch feature fresh-baked breads, seafood benedict, fruit-topped pancakes and homemade granola. For lunch or dinner try a hearty vegetarian stew made with local produce or the freshly made curried soup. A daily fresh catch is available, as is delicious jerk chicken. Casual. Reservations not accepted.

KEY WEST. Pepe's is worth a visit for the history alone ­ this diner/steakhouse is the oldest eatery in the Keys. A Cuban fisherman opened it in 1909. The fare is simple but well prepared and satisfying. Breakfasts consist of traditional favorites like omelets, waffles and chipped beef on toast. For lunch, try one of Pepe's grilled burgers, homemade chili or a fish sandwich. Dinners revolve around the evening specials. Monday night is meatloaf, Tuesday is seafood night and each Thursday a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is served. Thick cuts pork chops served with buttery mashed potatoes and steaks smothered in sautéed mushrooms are always popular and available. The locals come here for the fresh oysters and reasonably priced cocktails made with fresh juices.

KEY WEST. Located in the hip Duval Street hotel LaTeDa, this dining room specializes in traditional cuisine with an innovative touch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, LaTeDa regales palates from the get-go thanks to morning dandies like their layered omelet cake with pancetta, fontina cheese, arugula, oven roasted tomatoes and spinach. Dinner appetites, meanwhile, find solace in opening numbers of oysters remoulade and diver scallops wrapped in Serano ham. Mains, too, are sure to dazzle, especially dishes like rosemary and mustard-crusted pork tenderloin, tamarind-glazed lamb loin and garlic shrimp served over polenta.