What is the Signature Dish Showdown?

It is the competitive part of Taste the Keys. Each participating restaurant nominates one standout dish from its menu, and diners sample these featured plates throughout October and then vote for the Best Dish in the Keys.

How many restaurants are in the 2026 Showdown?

16 restaurants have a signature dish in the 2026 Signature Dish Showdown. Each one is listed on this page with its dish.

How do I vote for the Best Dish in the Keys?

Try the signature dishes during October, then cast your vote online on the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce ballot linked on this page. Voting is open to the public.

When does voting close and when are winners announced?

You can vote for your favorite signature dish the entire month of October 2026. Winners will be announced in early November.

Signature Dish Showdown

Adding a competitive twist, each restaurant will nominate one standout dish from their menu for the Signature Dish Showdown. Diners can sample these featured plates throughout October and then vote for the Best Dish in the Keys. Voting is open to the public, the competition runs all month long, and winners will be announced in early November.

How to vote

Try the signature dishes during October, then cast your vote online.

Vote for your favorite dish (opens the Key Largo Chamber ballot in a new tab)

2026 participant locations!

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen: Key Lime Pie (signature dish)
Key Largo Conch House: Gator and Shrimp Jambalaya (signature dish)
Coast to Coast Pizza Company: SS Wreck Key Lime Pie (signature dish)
Snooks Bayside: Pistachio Encrusted Yellow Tail (signature dish)
Sol by the Sea: Crispy Whole Thai Snapper (signature dish)
Buttonwood Grill: Onion Crusted Catch of the Day (signature dish)
Buzzard's Roost: Mahi Seminole (signature dish)
C&C Wood Fired Eats: Short Rib Lasagna (signature dish)
Keys Latin House: Cuban Sandwich (signature dish)
Shrimp Shack Islamorada: Islamorada Stuffed Lobster (signature dish)
Vicky Bakery Key Largo: El Cubano (signature dish)
Gus' Grille: Firecracker Shrimp (signature dish)
Sundowners Key Largo: Stuffed Hogfish (signature dish)
Italian Food Company: Crispy Chicken Caesar Wood-Burning Panini (signature dish)
Italian Food Company Express: Ultimate Alfredo (Chicken & Shrimp) (signature dish)
Lido 73: Shrimp Fra Diavolo (signature dish)

Vote for your favorite signature dish the entire month of October!

Vote now (opens the Key Largo Chamber ballot in a new tab)

A look back at 2025 Taste the Keys participants

Crooked Palm Cabana: Prosciutto Fig Pizza (signature dish)
Gus' Grille: Firecracker Shrimp (signature dish)
Italian Food Company: Gnocchi Bowl (signature dish)
Italian Food Company Express: Fiocchi di Pera (signature dish)
Key Largo Conch House: Shrimp and Grits (signature dish)
Mrs. Mac's Kitchen: Parm Encrusted Key Lime Mahi (signature dish)
Lido 73: Mahi Florentine (signature dish)
Snappers Key Largo: Yellowtail Filet Dove Creek (signature dish)
Sol by the Sea: Crispy Whole Thai Snapper
Sundowners Key Largo: Key Lime Seafood (signature dish)
Skipper's Dockside: Blackened Mahi Sandwich (signature dish)
Buzzard's Roost: Yellowtail Margarita (signature dish)
Vicky Bakery Key Largo: Vicky Croqueta (signature dish)
Zaika Indian Cuisine: Moily with Shrimp (signature dish)

(signature dish) Signature dish available entire month of October.