Who knew that when Lupe Ledsma broke into the restaurant biz as a dishwasher back in 1986, he would morph into an award-winning chef and become the founder of three highly acclaimed restaurants? Today, Lupe is one of the Keys’ most beloved Foodmeisters and his latest hit the acclaimed Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant in Key Largo.

Don’t expect anything fancy, here – this is a super casual roadside eatery. But if if you like true “Keys-style” cooking, the Lazy Lobster won’t disappoint. Yes, you can get fresh Florida lobster here prepared in all kinds of delicious ways. But that’s just the beginning. High fives go to the local Yellowtail Snapper encrusted with mild jalapeño and bread crumbs sautéed with cilantro and key lime butter sauce. The Grouper Lorenzo, which is sautéed and topped with a crab cake, key lime butter and bernaise sauce, is also a show-stopper. And while Chef Lupe is a master with fresh local seafood, his chicken, steak and pasta dishes are just as tasty.

Lots of great appetizers and light bites here, too including some of the best fried cracked conch you’ll ever eat. If you stop in for lunch, we highly recommend the coconut fried Fresh Catch Sandwich. And do not, we repeat, do not go home without a loaf of Chef Lupe’s homemade banana bread. It is absolute heaven!

The Lazy Lobster is open daily for lunch and dinner at 102770 Overseas Highway (MM 102 Bayside) in Key Largo. Info: 305-451-0565; LazyLobsterInTheKeys.com.

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