Island Hotel & Restaurant is a historical building offering a perfect experience to slow down time. The ambiance, antique hardware, aged wood, beautiful balcony, and landscaping are an absolute gem. The hospitality and service are first rate, with friendly staff and owners providing established hospitality. The food is fantastic, wonderfully flavored, and consistently good from a varied menu. Favorites include the shrimp and grits, the bacon-wrapped filet, the house salad with hearts of palm, and fresh fish dishes like the fish in paper. Live music is offered most nights. Guests enjoy the balcony for island breezes, an amazing view of Cedar Key, and the amazing sunset. This cool vibe hotel and restaurant is a multi-dimensional experience and a must-try, highly recommended for a taste of a quality experience.
My second night eating at the Restaurant, one to celebrate a birthday and second just because ! Had the Shrimp and Grits and have to say my fav. Very tasty!!! A must try!
July 2025
The hospitality and service is first rate. Friendly staff and owners. The food was fantastic from a varied menu. Live music 4 of the 5 nights we stayed. I highly recommend checking out this cool vibe hotel and restaurant.
June 2025
The Heart of Palm salad was the bomb! The entrees were delicious and Dad said his Jack & Coke was superb ❤️
The Island Hotel is a fine place to sample Cedar Key's claim to fame: the sleepy fishing village is the U.S.'s No. 1 producer of farm-raised littleneck clams. Built in 1859, the hotel is purportedly haunted by 13 ghosts, particularly during grisly weather. Even if you don't believe the story of the restless spirit of a murdered former owner, you'll enjoy the hearts of palm salad (supposedly invented here by the hotel's original owners), the crab bisque, or just a drink in the chummy bar. The dining room is a bit rarefied, but you start feeling fairly comfortable when tucking into a steaming plate of Low Country grits with shrimp and scallions ladled with bacon gravy.
