Key West Lobster Best Returns: A Weeklong Culinary Salute to Florida’s Signature Shellfish

Source: Visit Florida Keys

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

The Florida Keys have long been a sanctuary for fresh seafood, but from August 6–10, Key West will take its crustacean devotion to decadent new heights with the return of Key West Lobster Best—a week-long culinary celebration devoted entirely to lobster in its many regional forms.

This island-wide tribute to the Florida spiny lobster showcases the culinary creativity of local chefs, the coastal craftsmanship of the region’s spirits scene, and the relaxed sophistication that defines Key West living. Guests can expect a mix of hands-on cooking, spirited pairings, fine dining, and beachside bites—all anchored by the beloved lobster tail.

One of the week’s most anticipated moments unfolds on Saturday, August 9 at the Key West Cooking School, where two interactive sessions (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) will offer guests a rare chance to cook alongside celebrated local chef Paul Menta. Known for his rebellious take on traditional dishes—and for beating Gordon Ramsay with his now-famous Lobster Enchilados—Menta will lead participants through the recipe step-by-step in an intimate, kitchen-front setting.

But the experience doesn’t end at the cutting board. Attendees will sip their way through curated rum tastings led by Neil Lindsey, founder of Key West Rum Fest and a champion of local distilling. Lindsey will serve up pours of Bad Bitch First Legal Rum, along with craft cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri and Cuba Libre, while offering insights into the Key West mixology scene with a dash of Conch Republic humor.

Tickets for the cooking class are $175 per person and include all food, drinks, and gratuity. Proceeds will benefit the Culinary Arts Scholarship at the College of the Florida Keys, adding a philanthropic layer to the indulgence.

As evening falls, the celebration shifts toward refinement with the Florida Keys Lobster Dinners at The Lost Kitchen, where diners will savor a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing spiny tail lobster, crawfish, and rock lobster. Here, seafood is elevated into fine-dining territory—paired with island ingredients and elegant service that reflect the Keys' upscale culinary evolution. The dinner experience runs through August 10 and offers a high-end alternative to the week’s more casual events.

The week concludes with a coastal festival atmosphere at the Key West Artisan Market on Higgs Beach. Running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, the event invites locals and visitors to soak in the seaside energy while sampling an array of lobster-forward dishes from food trucks and vendors, including tacos, rolls, and other island-inspired bites.

Alongside the culinary offerings, guests can browse handmade art, locally crafted goods, and enjoy live music under the sun. It’s a breezy, community-driven sendoff to a week built around Florida’s most iconic seafood.

More than just a shellfish celebration, Key West Lobster Best blends flavor, community, and coastal culture into an event that speaks to the spirit of the island. With opportunities to engage with local talent, support culinary education, and indulge in fresh, regional seafood at every turn, it’s a uniquely Floridian experience—one where taste and place are forever intertwined.