Blackfin Bistro

We came across Blackfin Bistro on our last night in Key West. If we had discovered it earlier in the trip, it likely would have earned a repeat visit. Food Blackfin is a beer and wine restaurant, so no cocktails. I’m not a big drinker, but I do enjoy when a place offers creative house cocktails. Since I’m not much of a wine or beer person either, I was initially a bit disappointed. That changed quickly when I saw they served Stiegl Grapefruit Radler. That alone felt like a small vacation in a glass. The menu offers plenty of choices to satisfy almost any palate. We weren’t especially hungry, so we opted for a lighter approach: • Grilled Octopus • Tempura Green Beans • Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad Everything we ordered was very good. The salad was fresh and thoughtfully balanced, with

We had Sunday Brunch & it was very good: Soup & Sandwich for me & Shrimp BLT for my wife. Lobster Bisque was delicious and the sandwich was a French style toasted baguette with ham & small Gerking pickles. The sandwich was good, heated & toasted, but had a few too many pickles. The BLT & fries were great. Waiter was friendly & attentive (thank you!). We were a bit disappointed they didn’t have the full menu as the brunch menu was limited. Overall, a good meal.

This was our first meal in Key West. We ordered the grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and the pan-seared black grouper from the special menu. Overall, the portion sizes and flavors felt underwhelming for the prices. The grilled octopus ($28) was cooked properly, but it lacked the natural flavor of the octopus itself, which made me rely more on the sauces. The fried avocado was okay, but I wasn’t quite sure how it was meant to complement the octopus. The seafood pasta ($48) was especially disappointing—the portion was very small, with only a small amount of seafood, including just the tip of a lobster claw, which felt unreasonable for the price. The pan-seared black grouper ($50) was overcooked; the fish was firm and dry rather than moist, and it didn’t pair well with the coconut-style sauce.

This is my 3rd 5 star rating I've given in the last 8 years, and I can honestly say the experience was memorable. Stopped in to use the restroom, but before I left a previous patron recommended that I'd try the "Porkchop dish," and immediately I was sold with curiosity. While dining with my Navigator, we compromised our interest and lovingly split our meals to experience one's interest. She chose the smoked salmon appetizer and I the Lobster bisque. Both dishes were in harmony. The bisque was excellent and the salmon was as fresh as if it was caught within 36 hrs. The 2nd course is served. The anticipated main course delivered. Caribbean-style pork chop cooked med-well over yellow rice and charred asparagus, a well deserved "chef's kiss." For my Navigator, Caribbean sautéed shrimp over

We had an outstanding dining experience. The food was exceptional, the ambiance truly upscale, and the guests were elegantly dressed. The owner and staff were highly professional and welcoming, and the service was impeccable.