In South Florida, it's key lime pie.
Named for the small citrus fruit said to have been introduced in the area in the 1830s by Henry Perrine, a botanist and diplomat who discovered the plant in Mexico, this tart and creamy dessert can be found on nearly every menu in the Sunshine State.
One telltale element that separates the key lime pie contenders apart from the pretenders: real key lime juice, squeezed from the fruit. Smaller than the Persian and Tahitian limes commonly sold in U.S. grocery stores, the key lime is distinguishable from its yellow-green rind and its intensely flavored tartness.
Finding real key limes in South Florida isn't always easy, because the crop struggles to flourish here. Still, most restaurants from Key Largo to Key West insist on using only the real deal, and they make some of the tastiest key lime pies you'll find anywhere.
Below, in alphabetical order, is New Times' list of the ten best key lime pies in the Florida Keys.
The Fish House
102401 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo305-451-4665
fishhouse.com
Anyone who visits the Keys more than a few times develops their own special traditions of where to stop for breakfast, lunch, or a few cold drinks. For many Miamians, that includes a visit to Key Largo's Fish House. Here, the key lime pie ($7 a slice) boasts a light and tangy filling, but it's the meringue that makes the dessert a true winner. Rather than an imposing pile of fluff, a sheet of sweet goodness is whipped into perfect curls and torched to a gorgeous caramel brown. Buy a whole pie to-go for $20 and you'll have plenty of that Islamorada key lime goodness to share (or not) with family and friends.
Green Turtle Inn
81219 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada305-664-2006
greenturtleinn.com
You'll know the Green Turtle Inn when you see it, thanks to the giant glowing green turtle that hovers above this roadside spot off the Overseas Highway. Today, the restaurant is best known for its Southern-style charm and dishes like its signature turtle chowder, which the inn has been serving for decades. And there's also the key lime pie ($8 a slice). This version features a crust made with macadamia nuts and Rice Krispies that contrasts nicely with the sweet-tart filling.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe
200 Elizabeth St., Key West305-296-0806
keylimeshop.com
For more than two decades, Kermit's has been serving some of the finest key lime pie, courtesy of Kermit Carpenter. The store, which Carpenter founded with his sister Anita and her husband, has become a Key West brand and expanded to a second shop, located on iconic Duval Street. A slice of Kermit's pie is tart and rich, thanks to real key limes and a graham-cracker crust. Don't miss Carpenter's brilliant invention: a frozen slice skewered on a stick and dipped in dark Belgian chocolate. Kermit's will deliver a fresh key lime pie to your door overnight and also offers strawberry and coconut flavors, or a gluten-free version ($39 and up).
Key lime pie at Key West Key Lime Pie Company is an OG favorite.
Photo courtesy of Key West Key Lime Pie Company
Key West Key Lime Pie Company
511 Greene St., Key West305-517-6720
keywestkeylimepieco.com
At the height of the season, you might have to stand in line for a slice of key lime pie ($6.50) here, but it's worth the wait. These renowned pies, made fresh daily, boast a filling that's light and smooth, with just the right touch of sweetness and a perfect ratio of creamy filling to crunchy graham-cracker crust. If you're hankering for a pie but can't make the drive to Key West, you can order online ($25; $27 for a gluten-free version).
Moon Dog Cafe
823 Whitehead St., Key West305-741-7699
moondogcafe.com
This quaint café and bakery offers a full assortment of fresh-baked goods, ranging from banana cream pie to sticky buns and chocolate-covered eclairs. But don't miss Moon Dog's signature take on the traditional key lime pie ($7). The slice arrives with a beautiful meringue crown. Infused with key lime zest, the pie's creamy custard pairs perfectly with its cradle of buttery, rich crust. Vegans, take note: There's a dairy- and egg-free slice, too.
Old Town Bakery
930 Eaton St., Key West305-396-7450
oldtownbakerykeywest.com
Established in 2010, Old Town Bakery looks like it's been around a lot longer. The aesthetic is thanks to owner Niall Bowen and his wife, Elzbieta Krysztofiak, who've decorated the shop to exude Old Florida charm. Bowen, a longtime pastry chef, makes a dense, beautiful, yellowish-green custard in a gingersnap crust — a flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the tartness of the limes. Each slice ($3.75) is topped with fresh whipped cream made in-house just before serving.
Pepe's Café
806 Caroline St., Key West305-294-7192
pepescafe.net
Established in 1909, Pepe's has a sign boasting that it's the oldest eating house in Key West, so it only makes sense it also serves some of the best traditional key lime pie around ($7.50). More than a century later, the desserts continue to be handmade, and the key lime pie is the most notable. Served in a bowl, a zingy filling in a crunchy graham cracker crust is crowned with plenty of whipped cream and a lime wedge for garnish. The old-school charm of the place adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Porky's Bayside
1410 Overseas Hwy., Marathon305-289-2065
porkysbaysidebbq.com
Who said key lime pie has to be traditional? At this Marathon restaurant, the slices are deep-fried. The product arrives completely encased in a warm, crisp crust that offers the perfect touch of crispy-crunchy texture, topped off with a creamy, raspberry-and-vanilla drizzle. It all gives way to the pie's subtly sweet, creamy filling — a key lime experience that's unlike any other ($7).
Salute! on the Beach
1000 Atlantic Blvd., Key West305-292-1117
saluteonthebeach.com
Most people know about the key lime pie at this restaurant's sister establishment, Blue Heaven. But Salute! on the Beach is a Key West treasure all on its own, with the atmosphere of a beachside café and, yes, delicious key lime pie. The menu offers Caribbean-influenced takes on Italian classics, although you won't find anything Italian about the slice of key lime pie ($10). The creamy key lime custard is nestled in a rich graham cracker crust and topped with a majestic crown of fluffy meringue.
Sarabeth's
530 Simonton St., Key West305-293-8181
sarabethskw.com
At Sarabeth's, you'll find another not-so-traditional take on key lime pie. Rather than execute a tweak on the traditional slice, Sarabeth's creates a mini masterpiece ($8). There's no denying it's key lime pie, however. All the boxes check, from the tangy, not-too-sweet custard to the graham cracker crust and whipped, meringue-style topping. The only problem: It's almost too pretty to devour. Almost.
