The Ten Best Key Lime Pies in Miami

The key to happiness comes in different forms and flavors. For many, it’s circular in shape, delightfully sweet in taste, but tart enough to make you pucker. It’s a major key DJ Khaled has yet to mention: key lime pie.

As Florida’s official state pie, the heavenly dessert uses the tiny, tangy marble-shaped citrus fruit of the key lime tree, famously grown in the Florida Keys and even in our own backyards. Good news is we don’t always need to take a trek down Overseas Highway to get our hands on some of the best.

Those craving key lime pie can find various pleasant versions at restaurants throughout the 305. But the following ten spots know exactly how to make this always-sunny dish shine.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab
At Miami Beach’s beloved institution known for its savory namesake, you’ll also find Joe’s famous key lime pie, arguably the benchmark for Florida’s favorite dessert. A perfect graham cracker crust sets the foundation for this classic version that’s equal parts sweet and sour with just the right amount of zest. A slice sets you back $8.95, but call to order ahead for a whole pie — it’ll last longer.
2. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Cafe
Wynwood’s best pie shop offers a huge range of pies, from the legendary crack pie to chocolate pecan and apple variations. Although all of firefighter Derek Kaplan’s pies are showstoppers, his key lime pie ($5) — the one that started it all — remains the star. The recipe is entirely his own, using condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, a buttery graham crust, and other, undisclosed ingredients. The result: a slice of heaven.
3. Blue Collar
Meghan Perkins, wife of Cocaine Cowboys director Billy Corben, adds her homemade touch to the key lime pie ($8) at the Upper Eastside comfort-food emporium Blue Collar. Her recipe is made from scratch, calls for hand-squeezed key limes, and is best served chilled. After some braised brisket and three-cheese mac, there’s no reason to hold back when you can end your comforting meal on a sweet note.
4. Icebox
Whether you’re enjoying a weekday dinner at Icebox or a weekend brunch, the most brilliant thing to do is order the deep-dish key lime pie, priced at $8.50. Yes, you read that correctly: deep-dish key lime pie. As with anything deep-dish, Icebox bakers spend a lot of time prepping and then refrigerating their version, and it shows. It’s a thing of beauty, made with a robust graham cracker crust filled to the brim with key lime custard and topped with a generous serving of whipped cream. On a sweltering day, it’s a surefire hit.
5. Kush
Over in Wynwood, Kush is known for its craft beer, standout burgers, and killer key lime pie ($8). Past the chopped nuts and generous pile of fresh whipped cream, you’ll discover a smooth and creamy tart center dressed in locally sourced key lime juice, set on a graham cracker and pecan-infused crust. One bite is an experience for the senses, from the aromatic taste of lime goodness to the beautiful texture variation of the extra-crunchy crust. Prepare to be mind-blown.
6. Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering
The perfect marriage of sweet and citrusy, Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering’s key lime pie is a must try. In fact, pay $27 for the whole damn pie so you can savor it for days. As Southern cooking king, executive chef Brendan Connor knew exactly what he was doing when he added this fan-favorite dessert to his Southern-style menu. And nothing says the South quite like some quintessential key lime pie at Whisk’s.
7. The Dutch
When you pick up a slice at this South Beach hot spot inside the W Hotel, you won’t want to put your fork down. Executive pastry chef Josh Gripper ups the ante on the classic recipe with a salted lime pie ($12) — made with a tangy passionfruit sauce, coconut sorbet, and toasted coconut. Forget the fork. Just lick the plate clean.
8. Lure Fishbar
Fresh seafood and key lime pie? No, this isn't the Keys. It's Lure Fishbar, nestled inside the Loews South Beach. Traditional key lime pie gets a sophisticated makeover at this seafood-centric New York import boasting a classic house-made graham cracker crust that brims with a creamy, sweet-and-sour filling, topped with fresh whipped cream and white chocolate, priced at $12 a plate.
9. Bachour Bakery & Bistro
Pastry chef Antonio Bachour is putting plenty of talent, passion, and love into his baked goods, which look more like contemporary works of art, at his and chef Henry Hané’s Brickell storefront. Chef Bachour’s refreshing rendition of key lime pie ($6.50) is served in tart form, topped with fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Are you sold on this masterpiece yet?
10. Juvia
While you take in spectacular views of South Beach, take in a few extra calories with Juvia’s lusciously creative interpretation of key lime pie ($12) — deconstructed style. Visually daring to say the least, it’s served in a glass cup that holds meringue fingers at the top, lime custard in the middle, and shortbread crumbles at the base for a more refined experience than the classic wedge.