About This Spot

Stepping into Chef Michael’s in Islamorada, you’re gently wrapped in an atmosphere that balances laid-back island charm with a quietly refined sense of occasion. The setting moves at its own unhurried pace—warm lighting and thoughtful details invite you to settle in, catch up, and savor moments as much as the meal itself.

This is a place where the rhythm of the Florida Keys subtly influences every course and conversation. The kitchen’s focus on fresh, local seafood and carefully sourced ingredients reveals itself in dishes that feel both familiar and a little adventurous, inviting exploration without overwhelming. Whether you’re beginning with a delicate ceviche or easing into a richly seasoned creole-style fish, the flavors unfold in ways that speak to both the bounty of the sea and the chef’s attentive craft.

What lingers most, beyond the food, is the genuine care woven through the experience. Attentive yet unobtrusive service helps create a space where sharing a meal feels like a treasured occasion—whether marking a celebration or simply enjoying an evening out. The thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu thoughtfully, adding an extra layer to the convivial mood. Guests often find themselves returning—not just for a dish but for the feeling of being known to a kitchen and dining room that values community and connection.

Comfort finds its place both in the intimate dining room and the relaxed bar area, where local flavors and friendly faces create a sense of belonging. It’s a spot where evenings unfold like a dinner with friends—full of easy conversation, honest ingredients, and quiet moments of delight.

What’s Available Here

  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconGreat cocktails
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconGreat wine list
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCocktails
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconBrunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconRomantic
  • IconTrendy
  • IconUpmarket
  • IconGroups
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconBrunch reservations recommended
  • IconReservations required
  • IconDinner reservations recommended
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconKids' menu
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

Mandy 05 Jan 2026

Chef Michael’s came highly recommended, and it absolutely delivered. The conch and shrimp fritters were perfectly crisp and packed with flavor, and the lionfish appetizer was amazing—fresh, light, and beautifully done. The stuffed shrimp easily made my top list. They’re also known for their hogfish, which is clearly a must-order on future visits. Great wine selection and a well-curated bar experience. Ashley took amazing care of us and made the night even better. This is a must-visit for food lovers—just be sure to make a reservation in advance. Highly recommend.

Phil Daniels 04 Jan 2026

5/25/24 - Chef Michael's is fantastic! This was our first visit, but we'll definitely return whenever we're in Islamorada. We started with the Lion Fish appetizer because it's an invasive species and we're trying to do our part to help the Florida Keys ecosystem. It was tasty and the sauce it was served with was amazing. Chef Michael's had five or six fresh fish with five or six preparations to choose from. I went with the mixed nut preparation of the hog fish. It was delicious and again had a perfect dipping sauce with it. My wife selected the Juliette preparation of the triple tail. It had a nice sauce with shrimp and scallops that made for a delicious entree. We finished with their "nearly famous" carrot cake. I think they may have to remove the nearly from the description. I don't love carrot cake, but this was fantastic. Give it a try, but consider sharing because it is a large piece of cake. We've been to several nice restaurants in the Keys, but so far Chef Michael's is the best.

H P 06 Dec 2025

The service was excellent, friendly and attentive. My boyfriend ordered the steak topped with onions, which was delicious and perfectly seasoned. I had a Louisiana, creole style fish dish that was rich and full of flavor. The first few bites were great, but the intensity of the seasoning got to be a bit much for me. The presentation, however, was absolutely beautiful. The ambience was a little off from what I anticipated; I was expecting a dimly lit, more romantic dining space, but it was brighter and livelier than I imagined. Very loud at peak dinner time. Overall, a lovely dining experience with great service and beautifully prepared dishes.

Alexandra Aldrich 31 Oct 2025

Chef Michael’s is a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday! Food, service and intimate atmosphere made it very special for our family to get together and enjoy a meal. The Trilogy special, the seafood pasta and duck were all excellent!!!

Nancy Clancy 29 Oct 2025

We have been dining at Chef Michael’s on our anniversary for years and it’s always a wonderful experience. This time we were seated in what used to be their porch area (it is enclosed). I personally prefer sitting in the bar area and will ask for that next time. Our server, Jennifer, came to the table and told us about all the specials. We split a wedge salad - iceberg lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and candied bacon - it was delicious. I always order Hogfish if it is available which is was - amazing. My husband ordered Lamb Lollipops with Pistachio Pesto which he said was delicious but it was an entire rack of lamb and he could not eat it all (this would be a great dish to split). This is an expensive restaurant (dinner for two with a bottle of wine will be about $300.00) but the food is fresh, creative and delicious.

Jane Kangleon 23 Oct 2025

We had our first visit to Chef Michael’s and were genuinely impressed! It’s a fine dining restaurant, but the prices were surprisingly reasonable for the quality and experience. The atmosphere felt upscale yet welcoming, and the service was attentive throughout our meal. The highlight was definitely the food — everything we ordered was delicious, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. The only downside for us was the dessert — it didn’t quite live up to the rest of the meal. It wasn’t bad, just not as memorable as the main courses. Overall, a great experience and we’re already looking forward to going back. Highly recommend!

Paul McLellan 26 Sep 2025

I've reviewed restaurants for years and as of right now, this is the best food I've ever had. 1. The complimentary bread and garlic infused olive oil (and herbs). Salty, savory and delicious. 2. Iceberg salad - this was the juciest most succulent salad I've ever had. The bacon was out of this world and the gorgonzola cheese was stunning. 3. Roasted duck + hogfish/shrimp/scallops. So good. Decadent and flavored so well. The unique sauces and extras paired so well. 4. THIS is the best key lime pie in the Keys. Despite what others claim, this is the best. The raspberry/strawberry sauce put it over the edge. Thanks to server Jennifer for the warm and friendly service. The chef put heart, soul and black magic into this food. What an experience.

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