“Mouthwatering”
My husband and I had dinner here while staying in the upper keys and I can’t say enough good things about it. In fact, I’ve told friends that have vacationed in the keys to go there and THEY cone back raving about the place. The parking is great and it’s easily located from overseas highway. The restaurant itself has great dark wood decor and “old Florida” feel as my husband would say. Lots of fishing pics adorn the walls and you feel like your in a nice featureless (sic) but not a snooty one.
The staff is impeccable. They are nice, informative, and accommodating (sic). And the food was out of this world. We had the prime rib and not only was the portion a good value, but it was melt in your mouth good. This was my first time trying prime rib and I was in love. My husband however, who has had it many times in upscale steak houses, declared it the best he’s ever tasted. We can’t wait to go back!
“Truly, a wonderful experience!”
We arrived at Green Turtle on a recent stormy Friday night. The bartender at the Cheeca Lodge recommended it to us. She was a local and claimed to be a “foodie” so I knew to listen to her praises.
We walked into the Green Turtle about 7pm and found it to be warm, inviting, dark and a very interesting/ eclectic/ intimate space. Loved it.
Sort of old New York speakeasy. We sat at the bar and bartender AnneMarie was fantastic. She chatted with us/ showed us the menu and spoke of the places history. And what a history it has! The dining room is small… but very cool. After 45 minutes or so, and into my second martini… we were seated. Food and service: both exquisite. We started with the appetizer special which was “fried bread”. It was warm soft pillowy crusty donut-like pieces of bread served with hummus, tomatoes and roasted garlic. TO DIE FOR.
Both of us ordered fish (hog snapper) and we were not disappointed. The fish was cooked perfectly and all of the sides were delicious. Everything was terrific. One of the hosts or the dining room manager.. his name was Yoel came over to ensure all was ok and he was so nice and accommodating. We chatted with him for a while, as well.
Dessert was as delicious as it was beautiful….All in all.. a great place and next time we’re in Islamorada………we’ll return to the Green Turtle.
“…deserves a medal!”
We had been to the Green Turtle only once in its prior incarnation and were not impressed by the surroundings, the food or the service, so never returned.
Since the “makeover”, we have become regulars for Sunday breakfast and love everything about the “new” Green Turtle: the decor and ambience are both attractive and comfortable, the service is outstanding in every respect and, of course, the food is wonderful. The only thing that we would like to see is the return of the Yucca Hash to the breakfast menu; we think it is “to die for” and is a real signature dish for the restaurant that differentiates the Green Turtle’s menu from all others in the area. The Sunday breakfast specials are wonderful!
Last week, we tried lunch in order to accommodate the schedule of a departing friend and were equally impressed by everything. Now we will become regulars for lunch, as well. As a side comment, whoever created the “Gumbo Ya-Ya” deserves a medal!
Please keep up the good work – knowing that it is very much appreciated.
Cheers,
Bernie and John Cooper
Islamorada, FL