Upscale grill with a tree-lined patio offering a varied menu ranging from local catch to hamburgers.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Monday | 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 918 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 509-7408
Website: http://www.blackfinbistro.com/
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Reviews
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 bacon, goat cheese, apple, and honey bringing layers of flavor. It was served with a crusty baguette. We don’t normally eat bread, but this was a welcome addition.
The grilled octopus was tender, flavorful, and served hot. Always a good sign. The tempura items were nicely executed, lightly battered and not greasy. The green beans were crisp with delicate seasoning, served alongside a balsamic glaze dipping sauce that complemented without overpowering.
Service
Service was attentive throughout the evening. We never felt forgotten, and we never felt rushed. The pacing was natural and relaxed. Thank you, Gabor.
Atmosphere
The indoor dining area feels quiet and intimate. The outdoor patio in the back leans more casual. Surrounded by a tall fence and shaded by trees that form natural canopies, it offers a sense of privacy that can be hard to find in many of the more open-air restaurants along Duval Street.
Even though this was a lighter, abbreviated meal for us, my sense is that Blackfin would be an excellent choice for a full dinner. We would definitely plan to return on our next visit to Key West.
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.
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 mashed potatoes and sautéed tomato spinach. Needless to say, we decided to share and we were both pleased.
Dessert? I shouldn’t. We should. We shall! Vanilla Creme brulee, perfect caramelized sugar finish with a perfect custard.
This place earned a solid 5 star due tobthe perfect atmosphere, timing, service, and excellent foods. I have no doubt that this experience may never be replicated but to know of what a 5 star experience is like, its only fair to give credit to where credit is due.