KEY WEST. Alonzo's serves Key West's largest selection of oysters. Cold and warm water varieties are available raw, baked or fried in batter. Or try the shrimp steamed in beer, Old Bay spices and garlic. The house clam chili is a thick stew of clams, potatoes and white beans. The lobster cakes are another favorite. They are served with mashed potatoes, sausage gravy and roasted corn salsa. If you feel like dressing up for dinner, ask to be seated upstairs ­ the lower dining room is more casual. Smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

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.

KEY WEST. This no-frills spot is popular with local fishermen who stop here for a happy hour snack and beer before they head home. Don't expect white tablecloths! Patrons sit at communal picnic tables and eat off paper plates with plastic utensils. Your best bet is the "shuckers station" where you get heaps of fresh shrimp, oysters, clams and crabs. Try their frozen pina colada for dessert. Casual. Reservations not accepted.

KEY WEST. As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in fish and seafood. Delicious appetizers such as chips with shrimp salsa and an Asian-inspired spicy tuna roll start your meal off right. Try the scallops over spinach mashed potatoes, the snapper in Thai-curry sauce or the calamari-stuffed ravioli as your entrée. The Key Lime cake is a delicious twist on a tried-and-true dessert. There are only sixteen tables at this cozy spot so reservations are strongly recommended. Smart-casual attire.

KEY WEST. This restaurant is a favorite with the locals when they are in the mood for "white tablecloth dining." Start with the baked garlic ­ a house specialty ­ or one of the homemade soups, prepared fresh daily. Each evening there is a fresh catch, veal and duck special. Favorites like New Zealand lamb prepared with mustard and mint are always on the menu. For something a bit out of the ordinary, try the lobster tacos. Dessert consists of sinfully thick chocolate mousse or the house special cocktail called a "monkey nuts." This creamy concoction blends coconut cream with rum, hazelnut and banana liqueur. Fresh nutmeg is dusted on the top. Smart-casual to business-dressy attire. Reservations suggested.