Experience Outdoor Dining at Morada Bay Keys Beach Café

Dining outdoors with a view of the picturesque sunset is a signature Florida Keys experience, enjoyed by countless visitors to the subtropical destination. One of the choice places to enjoy it is Islamorada’s Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar at mile marker 81.6, an outdoor Mediterranean bistro café set in the sand that’s known for spectacular sunset views.

Situated on a beautiful palm-lined beach overlooking blue water, with walking paths through tropical flowers, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor bars and dining areas. Morada Bay also has a unique history within the Florida Keys; eagle-eyed viewers may realize that both the Beach Café and neighboring Pierre’s were prominently featured on the hit Netflix series “Bloodline” that was filmed in the Upper Keys.

Chef Joseph Wiktorek is the creative spirit behind the restaurant’s menu, which blends Caribbean- and American-style cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local seafood and produce.

Wiktorek began his culinary career at the age of 22 when another chef took him under his wing and taught him everything he knew. With no formal culinary school training, he has quickly become a master of ingredient-driven cooking and applies those ideals to the menu at Morada Bay and its sister restaurant, Pierre’s.

Menu standouts include Bahamian-style cracked conch served with a chipotle aioli, Thai Key West shrimp tacos featuring local Key West pink shrimp, and a fresh catch of the day entrée served either blackened or pan-fried alongside roasted fingerling potatoes, fresh vegetables and a citrus fennel slaw.

When not in the restaurant kitchen, Wiktorek can be found at one of the many other restaurants in the Florida Keys. He admits, however, that he’s “not the boss at home” and it’s up to his daughters where they go out to eat.

What are the chef’s personal thoughts on what to see and do in the Florida Keys?

“Support local businesses like restaurants, fishing charters and others,” he advised. “But be safe. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Follow social distancing guidelines. And when you come back from that fishing charter, bring your catch to Morada Bay and we’ll cook it up right for you!”