Cafe Sole image

Cafe Sole

Restaurant American restaurant Seafood restaurant Caribbean restaurant Modern french restaurant

Cozy, romantic spot serving French-Caribbean fare, signature hog snapper & a broad wine list. People often mention restaurant, great, fish, hogfish, experience, dinner, lobster, French, service, perfect,


Address

1029 Southard St, Key West, FL 33040

Contact

(305) 294-0230

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (675 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 5 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (13) great (12) fish (10) hogfish (8) experience (8) dinner (7) lobster (7) French (7) service (7) perfect (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 TravelingGayPanda 11 months ago on Google
    An ok restaurant. The host was a bit rude and pretentious. When we checked in for our indoor 8:30 pm reservation at 8:25 pm, the host asked us to sit outside at one of their street side tables. When I confirmed with him that our reservation was for indoors, he said, “Then I guess you’ll have to wait then” and walked away. Not the most pleasant start to our dinner. Our waiter was very nice and pleasant. I had the lobster bisque which in their description notes “whole lobster”. It was creamy and had the subtle hint of lobster but otherwise was lacking in flavor and lobster. What I love about lobster bisque is finding those small chunks of lobster with each spoonful, but their version does not have any. The Hogfish Snapper Sole (their most popular dish) was tasty. I liked the lightly breaded crunch on the outside with the delicate flaky fish on the inside. I would say that the snapper at Blue Heaven was much better and more memorable though. About the venue, most of the tables is outdoor in a patio area right outside of the host, check in area. It was clean and romantic. Now, the bathrooms on the other hand were kind of disgusting. First, they were basically outdoors, hot and humid and were stacked with kitchen supplies which I thought was a little gross.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Indy Eats & A. 1 year ago on Google
    EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE!! It was nice to go to a nice, intimate restaurant and relax! Cafe Sole definitely exceeded expectations. It's a small place so definitely make reservations in advance. But don't be fooled by how small it is, everything we had was outstanding from the bread and hummus to our main courses. Our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive, the other servers kept our drinks full and cleared plates quickly. We heard on a food tour that while we were visiting we needed to try hogfish and they had it on their menu! I ordered hogfish and my husband ordered the rack of lamb. The hogfish was like nothing I'd ever tasted before. I'm from Louisiana so no stranger to seafood or fish but it tasted amazing. It was lightly breaded and so buttery. It was worth every cent! The lab was tender and seasoned to perfection. The portion sizes were larger than I expected for this type of restaurant, especially the dessert which was bananas foster! If you're looking for a nice experience and want to get away from the bars and party crowds, this is where you need to be! It was pricey but I don't regret one ounce!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kent S. 2 years ago on Google
    First of all I do very few reviews but today I was moved to take the time to properly represent our experience tonight at Cafe Sole. This may have been the best dinner I’ve had in years. Many years. Husband and I both heard so much about the hogfish snapper and that Cafe Sole had the best so fish in town so that’s that’s why we chose it. Started off with a bowl of mushroom soup that was full of flavor, and and order of $50 stone crabs which were “just eh nothing special”. But the fish!!! the HOGFISH SNAPPER was buttery soft and melts in your mouth with a delicate cream béarnaise puddle under the fish. But then we were treated to a side by side medley of taste Explosions neatly arranged in rows alongside the hogfish…a candy or spiced minced orange squash, mashed new potatoes with a hint of citrusy creamy zest, the lima beans had a mild garlic buttery sauce, the tomato was grilled with a dark crust of Asiago, garlic or dill on it…even the lemon was broiled with a sauce that you squeeze over the fish, as we finally made our way to the asparagus the rich chargrilled salty crispy burnt bits in a line down the whole stalk was just yet another new flavor surprise to add to the mix. Just Whoa!!! The whole experience was Iike no other. It was unreal. I’ve honestly never had a dinner experience like it. It was clear the chef took the time and thought to carefully plan the coordinating blends of palate pleasing surprises with each new bite. You could literally taste his passion for his craft. Well Done chef. Well done.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott G. 1 year ago on Google
    Charming and romantic setting. Many unique dishes, as well as some traditional French dishes. Definitely try the Haddock Snapper, it's one of their signature dishes and well worth a try. Full bar not available but they have a great wine selection. Friendly staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan R. 1 year ago on Google
    Best foie gras I have ever had. The hog snapper was also ridiculous. Just like a trip to France…if it were tropical. E ate here 3 times and we’re not disappointed about anything we had. Edit: Almost a year has past since we ate here and I still dream about it. One of my favorite culinary memories
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Key West T. 2 years ago on Google
    Our Home away from Home. Chef John and his incredible staff not only make us feel like family, but the food is the best on the island! Whether you are here for vacation or a local, this place is a MUST. 😋❤️ Food recommendations: App: French Onion Soup Entree: Hog Fish Desert: Yes please 😂🤷🏻‍♂️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Juanita B. (Ambrosia A. 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden Gem! Staff was professional and service was outstanding! The mushroom soup was one of the best I have tasted. Not overpowered by other ingredients! You tasted the mushroom and did not make you feel stuffed. Nothing like fresh seafood for the entree. The tuna was cooked to perfection. The dessert was the perfect amount. Spent New Years here, will be dining here again! Great date night place. Off of Duval. Reservations recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayla C. 1 year ago on Google
    We managed to get last-minute reservations and ordered the Bacon wrapped dates, Saganaki, Lobster Bisque, as well as the Diving Scallops. They were so sweet to split our entree for us & suprised us with an extra scallop. So thoughtful and appreciated. For desert, we shared Creme Brule. Everything was incredible, including all of the staff. My best friend and I both live here and will be recommending this place to everyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron P. 9 months ago on Google
    Small French restaurant featuring small plates and entrees. We chose to sit in the small dining room inside, which is a nicer atmosphere than the outdoor patio. The food was great! The service was great! Excellent wines. And it's true...the hogfish is phenomenal!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariah Treiber Photography L. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible! One of the best dinners we have had. Top notch service from Jason. Perfect amount of check ins and very professional.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 KC P. 8 months ago on Google
    Outstanding dinner at Cafe Sole! I do not think that you can have a better dinner in Key West for the price point. The service was great too!

  • 5/5 Mark K. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazing dinner experience. To start, the staff was all welcoming and seemed happy to be there. Our waiter, Allen, was nothing short of amazing. He was very helpful and checked in us the perfect amount. Let us have our time to ourselves, but also was perfectly available if a need arose. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, the perfect setting for a nice romantic date. I’m not a huge wine guy, but if you are you will love this place. They have an extensive wine menu. The food was phenomenal, possible one of the best fine dining experiences I’ve had so far. The hogfish was so unbelievably good, perfectly salty and buttery it was just perfect. My significant other had the spicy skirt steak, and she loved it! I tried a bite and it was again perfectly seasoned and tender. This is high quality food, the chef does not mess around. Incredible.

  • 5/5 Frida N. 6 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful restaurant in the old town but still far enough from the busy Duval street. Please do come to visit the staff at Café Solé, they will make sure you will be attended and leave the restaurant happy and content. Their house recommendations are definitely something to try, we are glad we enjoyed our last evening here. The key lime pie was the best one we've had on our trip. Thanks for having us - we hope to be back. Thank you to our waitress, Patrizia and her colleagues that made sure our evening was delightful!! 💙

  • 5/5 Toni W. 7 months ago on Google
    This restaurant was highly recommended by a local and it did not dissapoint!!! They have an amazing beer and wine list, but the food was exceptional. Their signature dish of Hogfish Snapper Sole was one of the best dishes I have ever had!

  • 4/5 Captain and First M. 6 months ago on Google
    4.8 Food was great. Fish was fresh. Expect French style cuisine. A lot of butter, cream, etc. delicious, but rich flavors. Service was nice and attentive. Building is very dated. We happened to be the only ones there for a late weekday dinner, so it was a fun experience on our end, but it looked as though seating would be very tight if the restaurant was busy.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey F. 6 months ago on Google
    Exquisite food! Conch carpaccio an intelligent texture and flavour that awakens the appetite! The hog fish sole takes center stage on the plate, its delicate and flaky texture a testament to its freshness and careful preparation. It's beautifully complemented by the rich and creamy French bake sauce, which adds a velvety touch of indulgence to every bite. Served alongside are tender lima beans, their vibrant green color and natural sweetness providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish and sauce. The mashed potatoes, whipped to perfection, offer a comforting and creamy side dish that pairs harmoniously with the rest of the meal. Completing the ensemble is the carrot shredded puree, a vibrant and colorful addition that not only adds a pop of orange to the plate but also brings a subtle hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the dish. Together, these carefully selected components create a symphony of flavors and textures, making each bite a culinary delight that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Magnificent!

  • 5/5 Chris B. 9 months ago on Google
    Phenomenal service and great food. There are some unexpected twists on some of the offerings (such as the Key Lime pie having marshmallows instead of meringue and the clams with pasta dish featuring angel hair instead of linguine) but everything is very tasty. The wine selection is good as well.

  • 2/5 A W. 1 year ago on Google
    I don’t get it..!!!! This place had over 2000 stars, top rated. People you must be smoking. Firstly, parking is challenging and when you finally walk up to the restaurant it’s someone old modified house that is converted into a restaurant. The dining area is their deck and the seating is hard uncomfortable chairs. They could hire a cleaning company to clean the place. However, I look past that due the the high ratings with hope the food would speak wonders. When my food arrived and the lobster was so tough I had to use a stake knife to cut it. So, I sent it back. I was so disappointed, I wanted nothing else it it’s place. The service was on point. This is a not dine again.

  • 5/5 Josh E. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow this restaurant is so delicious. French Caribbean fusion in Key West. The French bread was amazing. The Hogfish was as great as the reviews say it is. Unlike anything we have ever had (in a great way). Service was great. An unbelievable wine selection. Super cosy environment. Love the ambiance.

  • 4/5 Max H. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and excellent service. I got the hogfish snapper, which is their signature dish, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. The fish was very good, but the hollandaise sauce is heavy and I wasn't impressed with the sides it came with. Personally, I would've preferred to choose how the fish was cooked and have a choice of side item(s), but I understand that's not the way this restaurant does it. Overall we still had a great dining experience, but next time I would get one of the chef's specials.

  • 5/5 Dudley P. 1 year ago on Google
    Outstanding!! The grilled artichoke was spectacular! Seared sea scallops with Hollandaise equally so.. The desserts were over the top great, the key lime pie with a fresh cup of coffee was the perfect finish. The chocolate pecan pie was superb, the perfect blend and not over the top sweet.. Service and the setting likewise perfect, a great experience!


Call (305) 294-0230 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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