This Florida Keys Waterfront Restaurant Pairs Breathtaking Views With Even Better Seafood
There’s something truly magical about dining with your toes nearly in the sand, the salty breeze in the air, and the gentle rhythm of waves serving as your soundtrack.
That’s exactly what I experienced the first time I discovered Sol by the Sea in Key Largo, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Florida Keys.
This waterfront gem captures the laid-back spirit of island life, offering more than just breathtaking ocean views. With fresh, flavorful seafood, tropical-inspired cocktails, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, Sol by the Sea delivers an authentic Keys dining experience that lingers long after the meal.
Seaside Charm Meets Savory Fare
The moment you step onto the deck at Sol by the Sea, time seems to slow down. Located at Playa Largo Resort, this open-air dining haven wraps you in rustic-chic comfort while the bay waters stretch endlessly before you.
I’ll never forget my first sunset here – the sky painted in impossible pinks and oranges while pelicans glided overhead. The setting manages that perfect Florida Keys balance: sophisticated enough for a special occasion yet casual enough that sandy feet are welcome.
Dining here feels like being invited to a friend’s beachfront home – if that friend happened to be an incredible chef with impeccable taste in waterfront real estate.
Seafood That Celebrates the Keys
Each bite tells a story of the surrounding waters. The smoked mahi fish dip arrived at our table still trailing wisps of aromatic smoke, accompanied by house-made chips that provided the perfect crunch contrast.
My personal obsession? Their peel ‘n eat Keys pink shrimp – sweet, tender morsels that taste like they jumped from ocean to plate. The lobster roll deserves its own love letter, overflowing with chunks of buttery meat barely held together by a perfectly toasted bun.
What makes Sol’s menu special isn’t fancy technique – it’s their reverence for letting pristine local ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss.
Unique Dock & Dine Access
Arriving by boat for dinner feels like the ultimate Keys power move! Last summer, my family rented a small pontoon for the day, exploring the mangroves before tying up directly at Sol’s marina for sunset dinner.
The staff greeted us dockside, making our sea-to-table journey seamless. There’s something undeniably special about approaching your restaurant from the water – the anticipation builds differently than simply pulling into a parking lot.
Whether you’re in a fancy yacht or humble rental, the dock-and-dine option transforms an ordinary meal into a full-day adventure that captures the essence of Keys living.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
“You’ll find me here every Friday sunset,” a tanned, silver-haired gentleman told me at the bar. “Been trying other spots for twenty years, always come back here.” That’s the highest endorsement a Keys restaurant can receive – local loyalty.
The perfect balance struck between accessibility and quality keeps regulars returning. Nothing feels pretentious, yet everything feels special. The staff remembers names and favorite orders, creating that hometown feeling even for visitors.
When a restaurant becomes part of the weekly rhythm for people who have endless waterfront options, you know they’ve created something truly magnetic.
Sunset Spectacles Worth Planning Around
“What time’s sunset tonight?” becomes the most important question when planning your visit to Sol. The daily solar farewell show turns good meals into unforgettable experiences as the sky performs its nightly color transformation.
Smart diners make reservations about 45 minutes before official sunset time. This strategy lets you settle in with a first course and drink before nature’s show begins. The restaurant even dims their already-subtle lighting as sunset approaches, acknowledging the real star of the evening.
Cameras try but ultimately fail to capture the full magic – this is a sensory experience best enjoyed fully present.
Cocktail Program That Bottles Florida Sunshine
The bartender muddled fresh mango with a practiced hand, explaining that their signature Keys Breeze cocktail changes slightly through the year based on which fruits are at peak ripeness. That commitment to freshness extends throughout their drink menu.
Unexpected tropical twists refresh classic recipes – think coconut-infused old fashioneds and passionfruit mojitos that somehow avoid being overly sweet. Even their mocktails receive the same creative attention, with house-made fruit shrubs and herb-infused syrups.
Sipping something bright and refreshing while watching the water sparkle feels like the physical embodiment of vacation mode – even if you’re just there for a regular Tuesday dinner.
A Feast For All Senses
The gentle slap of waves against the dock creates nature’s perfect soundtrack, occasionally punctuated by a fish jumping or seabird calling. These ambient elements transform eating into something approaching meditation.
The restaurant’s thoughtful design maximizes sensory pleasure – every table positioned to capture water views, strings of warm lights creating a gentle glow as darkness falls. Even the plateware complements the setting, with organic shapes and colors echoing the natural surroundings.
Food tastes different here, enhanced by salt air and the distinctive quality of light that photographers call “magic hour” – when everything and everyone looks their absolute best.