About
Welcome to Cafe Sole, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant surroundings of Key West, Florida. This seafood restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience waiting to unfold. With its charming atmosphere and a diverse menu, Cafe Sole promises to delight both your palate and your senses.
Located at 1029 Southard St, Cafe Sole offers an intimate and romantic dining setting with options for both indoor and outdoor seating. The covered patio and intimate indoor spaces are perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion. The atmosphere is serene, making it a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street.
Cafe Sole is proud to offer an extensive menu that highlights the best of seafood while also accommodating various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. From the refreshing Conch Carpaccio to the heartwarming Duck à l’Orange, each dish showcases a commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Many visitors have praised the friendly, attentive service here, making your meal not just about the food, but also about the experience. Server Allen, for example, is noted for his helpfulness and charm, making every guest feel right at home.
Moreover, the restaurant is women-owned and emphasizes sustainability with its plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware. It even welcomes your furry friends, allowing dogs on the patio, so no one in the family has to be left behind.
Cafe Sole also caters to groups and families, providing an inviting space with facilities like gender-neutral restrooms and a drive-thru. The casual dress code allows you to come as you are—relaxed and ready to enjoy fresh, flavorful seafood.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines delicious food, intimate atmosphere, and impeccable service, Cafe Sole is the place to be. Make a reservation to ensure your spot in this local favorite. You will leave with not just a satisfied appetite but blissful memories of your culinary adventure.
“ A hidden gem in Key West! A great little place with terrific food and great service! Our server, Allen, was professional, friendly and helped my dining companions choose from amongst the many delicious menu items and specials. Wholeheartedly recommend this place! ”
“ Beautiful atmosphere. Quaint. Open air. Great wine and service. French onion soup- pistachio encrusted tuna. Lobster. ”
“ We had Cafe Sole recommended to us by two different locals touting the duck as outstanding. Cute little cafe well off Duval with a covered & walled patio as well as inside and on street tables. Our server, Allan, was very helpful and friendly. Great wine list by the glass, as well as bottles. Almost every bottle was available by the glass. (Note: they do NOT have a full bar) We started with the Beet and goat cheese with arugula and raspberry truffle vinaigrette salad. The kitchen was kind enough to split it for us to share. This salad was outstanding. The flavors melded so well, and you could taste the truffle (but you weren't gone to burp it up for the next 12 hours, haha) My husband got their specialty, the Hogfish snapper Sole which was very tender with a wonderfully rich hollandaise sauce. It was served with mashed potatoes, risotto, carrots and beans (Lima beans?) I got the Duck a L'orange, which was delicious. It was 2 drumsticks & thighs. The first one was cooked PERFECTLY, though the second one on the plate was overdone and dry - but still great flavor. The l'orange sauce had a nice spice to it. It was served with asparagus and broccolini, mashed potatoes and a roasted tomato. We would have tried the desserts (they looked very good), but we had to meet folks elsewhere. Definitely a place to try if you want to get away from Duvall street. Make a reservation! ”
“ Great Hog snapper specialty of the house. Beautiful setting and service was pretty good. Definitely worth a visit! ”
“ Our favorite spot in Key West to eat little fishies! We were told that they were a local favorite.. and they weren't wrong! They had amazing fish.. awesome steak, pate and foie gras! I'm convinced that you can't find a bad item in the menu. The only thing that we regret not trying was their key lime pie. We took particular note of it when the lady next to literally moaned with eyes closed with every bite, to the point that I feared parents would have to cover their child's ears whilst she moaned in ecstasy. Needless to say, my wife in particular is demanding we go back to try it. I'm slightly confused by her sense of urgency.. however shall comply! For more food place tips, IG: @Sarasota_Foodie_Couple ”
“ This place is off the beaten path in Old Town Key West. It is definitely worth the walk. We sat on the patio, which was well lit and private (we were the first people there). Not only did we get seated right away, they brought us the best hummus I have ever had. My husband does not like hummus, he tried it though, and absolutely loved it. (picture to follow). I had the stone crab claws (2) and cream of mushroom soup which both were amazing. The only thing I did not like about the soup was the peppercorn's. Otherwise, it was the best mushroom soup with Asiago cheese I have ever experienced. My husband had the linguini and clams. I have to give our server credit, she did tell him the clams were tiny and quite a bit of work, and she was very honest! We will definitely return. ”
“ wholeheartedly recommend.Cafe Solé is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Key West. It's the kind of place that keeps you coming back with its incredible food and charming atmosphere. If you're a fan of Hogfish (or even if you've never tried it), this is the spot to indulge. Their Hogfish is simply the best--light, delicate, buttery, and packed with flavor. It's a dish that alone makes the visit worth it. While the vegetables don't stand out and are more of a supporting act, the main dishes more than make up for it. Surprisingly, even the beet salad is a must-try--even for those who don't usually like beets. And if seafood isn't your thing, their ribeye steak is also a solid choice, cooked to perfection and satisfying in every way. The ambiance is a delightful mix of romantic and casual, making it suitable for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. Seating is a bit tight, and you'll likely find yourself close to neighboring tables, but it's part of the charm--just enough space for a muted conversation while still enjoying the intimate vibe. Their wine list is fantastic, offering a great selection to pair with their excellent food. Service is top-notch, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who make the experience even better. If you're in Key West, Cafe Solé is an absolute must. From the standout Hogfish to the warm atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't forget. Don't miss it! ”
“ Back to Café Sole, and it was just as amazing as the first time! The service was spot on super friendly, and made us feel right at home. The cozy welcoming vibe sets the perfect mood, but it's the food that truly steals the show. Every dish is packed with flavor and creativity just unforgettable. We'll definitely be back to Café Sole season after season! ”
“ This place is amazing! A very intimate atmosphere with a few tables inside and a few more outside. Our server was fantastic and informative about the dishes. Everything we got for food was amazing, the fish was fresh, the lobster bisque was amazing and the key lime pie fantastic. They only serve wine and beer no cocktails but they have a good selection. A great date night spot as it's super quiet and cute inside. Amazing place! ”
“ A fantastic shrimp scampi I will never forget. Everything about Sole was equally beautiful and delicious. The outdoor seating we had was charming and majestic with a very classy appeal. It gave off an intimate vibe despite the amount of seating. My beef carpaccio had a thinly cut freshness that was a good teaser for the rest of my meal. My highlight was my shrimp scampi that I couldn't give enough praise for. I'd go back here just to order this again. The noodles absorbed the sum of its parts so well with the oil and sauce. I don't know how else to describe how it tasted so good. I really enjoyed the key lime pie as well. I found torching the cream on top slightly unnecessary, the cake itself along with the graham cracker crust more than made up for it (which honestly didn't really need to be made up for.) The staff was exceptional as well. We didn't have to wait long for service and everything came as expected. They gave us good wine recommendations as well. ”