I have known about Red Shoe Island Bistro for awhile, but I typically avoid going downtown during busy season because parking and reservations can be difficult. So, with the season starting to slow a bit, my husband and I along with our friends Lisa and Jason decided to try it out. We made reservations for 6pm, thankfully. Otherwise, I am pretty sure we would not have gotten in as the place filled up quickly after we arrived.
We were seated immediately and given menus to peruse. Our server asked if we wanted tap, still, or sparkling water. We went with tap and a bottle of cabernet for the table. They only have beer and wine here, but it is a very good selection.
The Appetizers
There are four appetizers on the menu, each one has four pieces to it, so perfect for two couples to share. So, we opted to get one of each for the table.
Deviled Eggs with Scallops – This is a deviled egg topped with a seared scallop and drizzled with lobster sauce. Now, I am not a huge fan of deviled eggs. However, I did really enjoy this. The scallop was delicious as was the lobster sauce.
Shrimp Mango Toast -The toasted Mango bread from Cole’s Peace Bakery right here in Key West was topped with shrimp in a garlic, scallion and caper aioli with parsley and red chili. This was amazing! First off, I love all of the bread at Cole’s Peace, so they already had me there. But, the seafood was prepared perfectly and the slightly sweet with the savory was like magic in my mouth.
Baked Key West Shrimp – These shrimp were filled with a Maine lobster stuffing and drizzled with a key lime, tamarind and honey sauce. Well, what is not to like about shrimp and Maine lobster? I declared them delicious!
Lobster Roll Profiteroles – So, first you need to know that a profiterole is basically the shell of a cream puff. But instead of a cream filling these were filled with Maine lobster salad. So very good!
While all of the appetizers were amazing, I would have to say that the Shrimp Mango Toast and the Lobster Roll Profiteroles were my personal favorites. My husband’s favorites were the Shrimp Mango Toast and the Deviled Eggs with Scallops.
The Salads
There are two Salads on the menu here. They have a Caesar and a Caprese. Lisa and Jason ordered the Caesar to share while Steven and I ordered the Caprese to share.
The Caesar is grilled hearts of romain lettuce with croutons and a parmesan crisp tossed with a homemade caesar dressing. I did not try this, but they cleaned their plate off so I know it was good.
The Caprese was amazing. Fresh ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata mozzarella, and fresh basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic. If you like tomatoes, this salad was perfection.
The Entrees
There are six entrees on the menu, and here, we all agreed upon the Seafood Medley. The fresh fettuccini pasta would have been amazing on its own. But, tossed with perfectly cooked scallops, mussels and shrimp and lightly covered in a delicate tomato, shallot and boursin sauce was heavenly.
While the menu is obviously seafood heavy, there is one non seafood option for dinner. The Beef Stroganoff was a high contender to try, but we just went with the seafood vibe we were feeling last night. Black Angus skirt steak served in a reduction sauce with sour cream with portabello mushrooms over fresh pasta sounds wonderful, so I will just have to go back another time! And the Yellowtail Snapper is their signature dish, so I will have to try that eventually as well.
The Desserts
The two desserts that they serve are their award winning Key Lime Pie and a Lavender Cheesecake. We ordered one of each and shared because we had to try both of course!
The Key Lime Pie had an amazing graham cracker crust and a sweet filling topped with fresh whipped cream. Very good. And definitely a top contender for my favorite on the island. The others being Louie’s Backyard, Kaya Island Eats, and Publix.
The Lavender Cheesecake I was not going to get because I don’t like eating floral flavors. But, a friend of mine told me that I had to try it. I am so glad that I did. It was not floral at all. It was creamy but had a freshness to it. If you like cheesecake you will love this.
The Verdict & Other Things to Know
Throughout the meal, the server was attentive without being annoying. Our water glasses were perpetually filled. And the food was divine. The atmosphere is welcoming and seating was cozy. This is my new favorite restaurant in Key West! I seriously cannot wait to go back!
The Red Shoe Island Bistro is located on Petronia Street. For those that have lived here for twenty plus years, you will remember this building was once home to the original Better Than Sex as well as to Bliss which I also loved. There is a small pay parking lot right across the street from the restaurant, but it fills up quickly. We ended up having to park about two blocks away on Whitehead Street. So, if Uber is an option, go with that.
More About Key West
See what is happening on the island during your visit by checking out our Key West Events Calendar. And, for other things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
But, before making your reservations for dinner while in Key West check out our restaurant reviews! I am sure that Prim Rib won’t be on your list for every night of the week! Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
