Blackfin Bistro

We came across Blackfin Bistro on our last night in Key West. If we had discovered it earlier in the trip, it likely would have earned a repeat visit. 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.