When choosing where to go for dinner in Key West, there is no shortage of options. On this night we were in the mood for something relaxed yet refined. It was not going to be a happy hour place or a tourist trap, we needed something a little more elegant yet still relaxed. Is this possible in Key West? Enter… the Blackfin Bistro at 918 Duval St. The first thing you see is a small dining room, the bar, then a doorway to the back patio garden. While the dining room looked great, the patio is my favorite!

Upscale Dining in Key West

While I did mention that the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, the menu is definitely upscale and elevated compared to your typical fried food hole in the wall you might find in the Keys. Not to say that there isn’t a time an place for that, but the Blackfin Bistro provides something a little different. Side Note: If you like it here, I would also recommend checking out the Thirsty Mermaid.

The Blackfin Bistro drink list includes a nice selection of beer and a great wine list. I started things off with a glass of red and the soup of the day, a lobster bique. Soup can always be hit or miss but this was really good. The flavor was on point, a sign of things to come with the rest of my visit.

Blackfin Bistro Menu

While the soup of the day and the complementary bread were a great place to start, next was the menu. The Blackfin Bistro chef offers a menu with everything from classic bistro cuisine to locally sourced seafood. I am a fan arancini so the Goat Chesse Croquets caught my eye right away. While arancini is typically made with rice balls that are stuffed with a mixture including mozarella, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried… these croqets featured goat cheese and topped with a red onion confit and a honey drizzle. A couple chips rounded out the flavor, providing salt that paired perfectly with this sweet and tart ensemble. 

For entrees they offer everything from gourmet bugers to local seafood, I opted for the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna. It was plated with a ginger & sweet soy emulsion, soba noodles and tempura French beans. Being a fan of seafood, I really enjoyed this combination of flavors. The fresh fish, sweet sauce, and the crunch from the tempura French beans… I am getting hungry again just thinking about it! This was a large portion after the appetizer round so I ended up bringing some home.

To finish things off we shared the tiramisu dessert which was uniquely plated in a bowl. It was one of the best tiramisu desserts I have ever had! I am always truly grateful to enjoy a special dining experience and the Blackfin Bistro was excatly that. You can tell when a chef cares about what he is doing… a great menu, the service, the curated wine list, the thoughtfulness throughout all courses… this is why you should visit the Blackfin Bistro on Duval St in Key West!