Best fine dining between Miami and Key West. Excellent atmosphere. Truly an intimate, beautiful place. Great service. Very very good food. As far as the Keys go, this is "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" Highly recommended.
(5)
Sasha B.
Service is very good. Must try the Napoleon Tuna appetizer... So so good! Filet mignonette was also delicious; the onion marmalade is superb. Downfall was the penne pomodoro with shrimp. So very bland, tasted like what a broke college student would make. However the shrimp they used were fresh and huge. Key lime pie is pretty good.
(4)
William W.
After a mediocre dinner elsewhere we stopped in here for desserts and coffee. The Key Lime Pie was top shelf & the atmosphere was comfortable and elegant. I had a decaf cappuccino--first for me in a long time b/c I don't do evening caffeine anymore--and it was soooo yummy. We walked the grounds and decided we wished we were staying there. At $50 for 3 fancy coffees and 2 desserts, it was a splurge, but the quality matched.
(4)
Alex C.
Okay - so we're staying at the Tranquility Bay Resort so it's a few steps from our apartment and since it's our last evening of our vacation, we decided to splurge for a nice hopefully memorable meal. And, I didn't have to drive so I can get really loaded. The atmosphere is very classy, but down-home at the same time. Linen was nice and the tables spaced far enough to be really comfortable. Service is really friendly, like being in your aunt's house where you know she's really gonna take good care of you. - totally opposite of what you'd feel in a NYC Steakhouse. Then there's the food - excellently prepared in every way. I started with the house specialty drink Butterfly Martini, i think it's called - with a really cute orange/cherry ornament (see pics), which tasted really good. Wine selection is good, with a wide range of prices and variety. Smoked Fish dip and Lump crab cakes were very tasty, good portions. My daughter had the Hand Harvested Baja Scallops ~ Piquillo Pepper Cream, (lifted directly from the menu), which was fresh, perfectly prepared, my wife had the Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa, I had the Grouper with Panko crust - which everyone on the table thought was the best main course, my son had the Yellowtail Snapper, which he liked and my little one had Filet Mignon (really?) - which was good quality. Washed it down with a good bottle of Chardonnay. Dessert was, of course, Key Lime pie which everyone agreed was the best. All in all, $325 well spent.
(5)
Todd B.
Excellent meal. The yellowtail snapper in a browned butter sauce was amazing. The fish was cooked to perfection. My dinner guests also had wonderful reviews on their dishes. Key Lime Pie wins for dessert. The frozen custard, chocolate crust plus tart key lime was a perfect balance. Excellent service and ambience. Make a reservation to sit on the back wrap around porch. It looks wonderful
(4)
Annie M.
Excellent! Perfect Keys experience!
(5)
Steve H.
Such a hidden gem. Would not have spotted in from the road. Hidden away in Tranquility Bay, this is the place to go for a nice quiet relaxing dinner. The staff are very friendly and professional and the food is excellent. I would recommend this as the go to place in all the Keys!!
(5)
Andrew G.
My wife and I went on a family vacation to Duck Key, and we decided to come here one night for dinner. Some key points: -REALLY nice location and ambiance. The old porch with outside seating near the lush greens is a really awesome backdrop. -Upscale feel; waiters and waitresses were REALLY pleasant (+1), tables done nicely. -Agree with the person below, the bread was fantastic. Specifically, the Asiago. Absolutely delicious. Warm and a bit stiff, hit the spot. -The cocktails were also good. I got the Old Fashioned, and they actually had SOMETHING OTHER than Maker's Mark bourbon. I had mine with Knob Creek, and it was made well. -Food was DELICIOUS in every aspect. ***You may be asking why I didn't give Butterfly Cafe a 5? They have cats. That were begging for food at our feet/table. One JUMPED ON our table. HUGE no-no. People may be allergic, not cat people, or just don't want animals near a place like this. I honestly didn't mind that much (I'm an animal person), but I can see how others would! It was a stark contrast to the vibe of the place in general, and it definitely took the class level and appeal down a bit. The staff gave us a free dessert to make up for it, but the memory was one no one really wanted to remember!
(4)
Lesley L.
Have eaten at Butterfly Cafe twice. My recent experience was just as excellent as the first. Since it had been 4 years since we had been in Marathon, I think that speaks for consistency. This visit all three of us chose a fish dish and expressed openly how delicious our meals were prepared. I had their "famous" Panko crusted Grouper. I'm a native Floridian and believe me, I have eaten my fair share of grouper dishes at some of the finest restaurants. This dish is top top drawer. Perfectly prepared with all the right balances of favors. The wine list is adequate but not deep. The atmosphere is lovely with a Key West Style wrap around veranda for outdoor seating. Service was excellent. They seem to handle large parties quite well. I observed them serving a party of 12. Their dishes all arrived at the same time and the staff did not appear to be overwhelmed at any time. I highly recommend this restaurant if someone is looking for a nice dinner out where the other patrons are dressed nicely (no flip flops and t shirts which is the norm in the Keys) and are interested in an upscale, tropical dining experience.
(4)
Abhi V.
Had the HogFish stuffed with crab and it was great. This place has a really nice ambience and the server Kate was extraordinary! A great place for a nice meal.
(5)
Zeina E.
Best restaurant I've had in the Florida Keys. Great atmosphere. Quiet, breezy. Delicious food. my husband and I shared the hamburger and the coconut shrimp. The only reason I gave it a 4/5 stars is that the portions are pretty small. I was not full afterwards Also, waitress served everyone bread & butter and forgot about us. We realized this as after we finished our meal and were headed out. Try the flourless chocolate cake. It's amazing. But very small in size.
(4)
Erin B.
We were in Marathon for a family vacation the week after the Fourth of July. After a week of making meals at our rental house we were more than ready to go out to dinner for our last night. After perusing Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews, we came across Butterfly Cafe. We had 7 adults and 2 young children. Our experience was fabulous and everyone thought the food was fantastic. We had the crabcakes, yellowfin tuna, jerk chicken, pork chops, scallops and filet mignon. All were fabulous and everyone kept commenting how delicious their food was. After dinner we took our drinks down to the beach to enjoyed the sunset. All in all it was a great experience and our waitress was very attentive. She was engaging with the children and it was the perfect way to end our vacation. Thank you Yelp for coming through again!
(5)
Zinchen N.
FOR THE FEW WITH EXTREME TASTE BUDS If God has blessed you with highly sensitive clusters of bulbous nerve endings on the tongue in the lining of your mouth, I propound that you excite your sense of taste at the Butterfly Cafe. Valentine's Day was our first time there and it was with a fixed menu. Between all our dishes, the food was incredible and this is now one of my top 3 restaurants in the state of Florida. Since taste was the dominant factor (along with presentation), they did not have to surprise you with large portions, as most others do when covering up their average tastes. The Butterfly Cafe's portions were of perfect size. We left completely satisfied and not overly full. The ambiance was special because it was a quiet environment, something you rarely have in any restaurant these days. If it wasn't for their service and key lime pie, I would have given the Butterfly Cafe a 4 1/2 star (which you can't do in YELP - only 4 or 5 star). Their service was above average and extremely efficient, well-paced, and friendly. However, it was like a typically annoying corporate restaurant chain approach - of constantly coming by and asking if everything is alright. Don't restaurant managers know that we don't like to be interrupted while eating and conversing, and that if anything was askew, we would prefer to let them know? Finally, because the food was so astounding, we were shocked to receive the key lime pie frozen - especially when "frozen" was not mentioned on the menu. It's like they were saying, "We don't have time to defrost this, so please just eat it frozen."
(4)
Cody B.
Great buffet that offers quality food. So many wonderful options! It offers quality food for the sea lover and great prime rib.
(5)
Thomas S.
Great spot for dining on Marathon! Definitely more upscale and expensive than other spots on the island, but well worth the money. Before dinner, I recommend having a drink at the tiki bar (behind the restaurant) while watching the sunset. There's a lovely little man-made beach there. The scallop risotto was incredibly good, as was the pork! Strongly recommend going here if you find yourself on Marathon!
(5)
M H.
3.75 stars... Despite its name, It's a restaurant, not a cafe. Food: Quite refined. Terrific creamy scallop risotto. Succelent and generous portion of pork chop. Atmosphere: Upscale beach cottage. Service: Very mixed. Friendly, but missed the mark on a few occassions - despite being more staff than diners, there was a verrry slow start...the they sent us back to our rooms to get ID for wine (we're 30ish). In summary, I suspect this is one of the most civilized dining experiences in this mixy part of the Keys. Worth a go.
(4)
Trenton E.
best meal we had on our trips. try the grouper wow. great service, excellent food, and amazing drinks. didn't like the fact that they added gratuity to our bill only had a party of 4, oh well but I would have tipped more then 18%.
(5)
David J.
My wife took me to this place for my birthday and the following happened which is why this is the first place I have ever rater like this. 1. The Salad which we ordered was canceled because "they could not make it" our waiter told us 30 min after she took our order. 2. The award winning Grouper was destroyed. It was very dry,had a 1/4 inch of batter on it, and was way over cooked and the Groper is served over instant potatoes. 3. The kitchen had one cook and the manager drinking in the front of the place and never check on any of the tables. 4. It took over an hour and half to bring our order out after we ordered. 5. my son ordered from the kids meals and it was a $0.50 box of Kraft mac and cheese plain. 6. The place had two tables full on a Friday night 7. The manager is hard up for money that thy cant comp a bad meal or dish 8. The bad dishes cant be sent back because the kitchen closes after 10 Pm and it takes an hour and half to make a dish 9. They don't serve hot bread.
(1)
Ed T.
On par for the best restaurant meal we have had in the keys. Warm goat cheese and cherry starter was so tasty, could be a dessert. The crab cakes were delicious with enough crab and a spicy remoulade and crunchy jicama slaw made for a nice variance in texture. Mojito was the best I tasted while in the keys. The grilled double bone-in pork chop was tender and flavorful. The risotto with scallops was fantastic. The scallops had a nice sear and the risotto was a creamy carbalicious treat. The key lime pie with chocolate crust and white chocolate genache was fantastic way to end the meal. 18% gratuity was included which is the norm in the keys. The ambience was great and Stacy was very attentive while not over-bearing, she understood the menu and had obviously tasted each item. If you are sick of Mahi sandwiches and french fries this place is an "upscale" alternative to the paper plates you been eating off of while in the keys.
(5)
Sarah S.
We stayed at this resort and booked the restaurant for the night we arrived since we knew we wouldn't want to be hunting for dinner. We were definitely impressed with dinner and ended up having dinner here our last night (of 7) as well after trying out various restaurants in the area. The menu isn't huge, but has good variety and options. We were impressed with everything we ate. The atmosphere is very nice - we sat outside on the porch both times, but a bit tight. You can definitely hear what your neighbors are talking about! All in all, it is definitely somewhere we'd go again, whether we stayed at the resort or not.
(4)
Tristan J.
If you're looking for a great meal in Marathon you're probably going to end up here (there's not much else apart from tiki bars). It was lovely actually and the server was willing to make whatever we wanted even if it was off-menu (my partner has a few allergies). I would 5 star it but having just come from Key West where we had eaten at some pretty amazing restaurants I just didn't feel it was quite as good as them. One thing, last seating is 8:45 and the kitchen stops taking orders at 9pm. Pretty early for us as when we're on holiday we like to eat later. You can obviously stay after that time and order dessert and stuff but the place empties pretty quickly. Our server was just lovely. Often in the US I find the service far too 'IN YOUR FACE' but the lady who served us here was just charming.
(4)
Myra M.
We were looking for a nice white table cloth restaurant and so happy that we found the Butterfly Cafe! The atmosphere, service and food were on point. Located in a white cracker style building, the restaurant was intimate and had great views from almost every table. We were happy to hear Cheryl's recommendations (our server) since there were so many options on the menu. I'm not a huge fish fan but was won over by the grouper. My date had the fillet, which was cooked perfectly. Two entrees, two glasses of wine, tax and tip (18%) added up to around $100. We will be back the next time we visit.
(4)
Christina S.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Marathon. Butterfly Cafe never dissapoints! Beautiful restaurant and excellent food and staff!
(5)
Renee S.
Bad service .. We waited more than an hour for the food ... Everything was cold... Expensive as well
Expect to spend at minimum $100. The two of us went here for a nice dinner after reading great reviews but weren't expecting the prices to be quite as high. We ordered tomato and mozzarella salad as an appetizer, two entrees, a dessert and no alcoholic beverages at all and paid $120. Be aware that gratuity is added to your check at 18%. This place has an island country club atmosphere going on and definitely a little pretentious. We sat on the patio which was very nice. Food and service were impeccable.
(4)
Gail C.
Excellent food & ambience. Don't miss eating here and experience a wonderful treat for your taste buds.
(5)
Sarah M.
This place was amazing!! My brother found it using Trip Advisor, and I can definitely see why it received 4.5 stars from 552 reviews! It is part of a hotel and apparently always very busy at dinner, so definitely make a reservation beforehand. My future sister-in-law and I have eyes bigger than our stomach, so we decided to have a three course meal and share everything. To begin with, we ordered some crab cakes, which were absolutely delicious. They had a really nice sauce that came with it. Next, we had a sandwich (I think it was jerk chicken or some type of fish), which was surprisingly very flavorful and came with fries. This was a couple months ago so now I'm forgetting what the rest of my family ordered, but they were pretty satisfied. For dessert we got one of their chocolate cakes, and even though we were already super full from the meal, it was too good to resist. Our server was extremely nice and attentive, and kept checking in on us. This place was definitely pricier than other restaurants in the area, but the future sister-in-law and I personally enjoyed the dining experience (not too sure about the others). During daylight I feel like it would be really nice to sit on the patio, but we got there after dark and there are ugly plastic covers around the patio so the ambiance wasn't very nice where we were sitting-- the interior and I think other parts of the patio are very cute though.
(5)
Spence R.
Elegant dining, great food, great extras. Wait staff was pleasant. The bread I thought was really good and they give you a lot - no skimping on the bread which is nice. The table was really high class with all the extras - china, nice silverware, folded napkins, nice glasses, candle, etc. It was really good. Food was fresh caught and you can taste it. I liked the shrimp pimadora and my wife liked the grouper meal with potatoes. We walked away with a $150 bill, however. It was probably one of the most expensive restaurants I have ever been to. Even the Melting Pot was cheaper, which is a hard statement to make. Excellent choice if you have the money to blow.
(5)
Jeff J.
Very very good food, plan to spend a bit extra for the quality. Also, great service. To keep payment simple 18% gratuity is already included. If the weather is nice, you will enjoyed the peaceful outdoor option.
Absolutely the best restaurant to eat in Marathon. It's only open for dinner from 6-9 but it's so delicious. We had the Mahi and Filet and they were perfect. Also had a piece of the Key lime and it was pretty good, if you like key lime pie. I personally don't care for it though. I will return.
(5)
Michelle L.
Great food! We had the butterfly salad, crab cakes and the Seafood Bake. All delish! Stacy was our waitress and she was terrific ! I mentioned we were celebrating my husband's birthday and they decorated one of those delicious key lime cake/pies. We were next to a large and noisy party, so that was the only thing wrong with the night. We were looking for a romantic dinner and it was a bit chaotic. Other than that, all good! Great place to eat and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Katie Rae P.
The key lime pie was to die for! It's an unusual take on the original, but I think it was an improvement. The chocolate, whip cream, and strawberries take away some of the tartness, and add an extra unexpected surprise.
(4)
Jim G.
Great setting worth driving the extra mile - comfortable quiet porch seating, dining room is nice as well. Food is fine - menu maybe tilted towards the fryer.
(3)
David C.
We ate here twice while staying at the resort. Food was terrific each night. The grouper is to die for, you have to get it. We had many of the other items on the menu between the four if us and everything was really good with the exception of the uninspired pasta. Appetizers, salads, soups, wine list are all great. Service was incredible one night and average the other night. The vibe is nice and atmosphere is a bit, quiet, a little fancy and more intimate which is a nice change of pace in the Keys. Only thing that keeps this from being five stars is the value. Expect a big bill because there is no leaving without dropping some serious cash.
(4)
Jason G.
Perfect place for a quite intimate dinner. Great food and service.
(5)
Michael S.
I don't usually give out 5 stars, however, due to the quality, and taste of this food. There you go. The place is nice, romantic, service was impeccable, and for a small menu...terrific. We actually want to go stay at the resort, just because of the food at this restaurant. Well done. If you are in the Middle Keys..go here on a date.
(5)
Jade T.
The name is misleading. It is not really a cafe but an upscale resturant. The sangria was the best I've had because they used fresh juices and fruit. The crab cake wsa amazing. It was loaded with flavor and was more for a ball shape with sauce that is to die for. The sword fish was so fresh and tasty. I loved this place. It was a great and romantic place. The service was okay but the food defintely made up for it.
(5)
cyd s.
looking for a really nice dinner while hanging out in marathon Florida Keys? started w/ a smart cocktail - table service only, for an appetizer we went w. the tuna tartar, Dinner one had the steak (awesome Cowboy steak - we had to send it back for medium rare - but easy enough to do a bit more) & the grouper. and ended w/ a ridiculously chocolate cookie crusted frozen key lime sorbet with white chocolate mouse - OMG!
(4)
N J.
Best meal in the keys by far. We were there in late August just before a huge storm rolled in for the night so the wind was wonderful and kept the mosquitos at bay. We sat out on the porch which overlooks the pool and its a lovely area...very Southern feeling. As for the food. I started off with their signature Butterfly salad...let me tell you that this is the most amazing salad I have ever had. Everything about it was wonderful and interesting. A must have. If you like scallops as much as I do, they are amazing. They are served in a risotto and it was just amazing! For dessert I had the Key Lime pie, which is definitely the best key lime pie in the keys (and it won the award for 2011). It is very interesting...not that overly tart dessert that everyone down there is overly obsessed with. We finished with delicious coffee...our waitress was wonderful (unfortunately I don't remember her name). But she understood each dish and appears to be a great cook at home so she really described each dish and they all lived up to her description. If you are a looking for a high-end meal in the Keys you definitely need to give this place a try. You will end up spending the same amount and a lot of the other places and the food won't be nearly as good. What the keys lack in the way of great restaurants, Butterfly Cafe does more than its share to improve the perception!
(5)
Julie H.
It was my first time ever in the Keys and my boyfriend and I opted out of going to Key West because of the bad weather forecast. I love everything about Marathon! On our last night here, we wanted to go somewhere special, somewhere with great seafood. My goodness we went to the right place!! Butterfly Cafe is basically tucked in a cute little resort, but they welcome everybody, so you don't have to stay at the resort to dine here. For the appetizer we got this amazing tuna tataki dish. For the main entree we went with the coconut shrimp and Mahi Mahi. Just a warning, don't be surprised if you burn a hole through your wallet :)
(4)
Nicole V.
This place was fabulous! It definitely stands out from all the other restaurants I have found in the Keys, most of which are small mom and pop shops in small island-style buildings. If you are looking for a classier affair this is the only place I have found so far. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and the ambiance was perfect. It felt like a southern plantation fine dining experience. Will definitely return!
(5)
Kat C.
Staying at the resort where this is, food is great and our waitress was amazing! Don't miss out on their desserts!!
(5)
Jeff S.
The grouper was fantastic, as well as the pomodoro. Our server was awesome, and from Ohio! It's a little pricey, but the food is stellar. I would highly recommend this place. It's secluded, quaint, and delicious. A must visit when in Marathon.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Andy R.
Best fine dining between Miami and Key West. Excellent atmosphere. Truly an intimate, beautiful place. Great service. Very very good food. As far as the Keys go, this is "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" Highly recommended.
(5)Sasha B.
Service is very good. Must try the Napoleon Tuna appetizer... So so good! Filet mignonette was also delicious; the onion marmalade is superb. Downfall was the penne pomodoro with shrimp. So very bland, tasted like what a broke college student would make. However the shrimp they used were fresh and huge. Key lime pie is pretty good.
(4)William W.
After a mediocre dinner elsewhere we stopped in here for desserts and coffee. The Key Lime Pie was top shelf & the atmosphere was comfortable and elegant. I had a decaf cappuccino--first for me in a long time b/c I don't do evening caffeine anymore--and it was soooo yummy. We walked the grounds and decided we wished we were staying there. At $50 for 3 fancy coffees and 2 desserts, it was a splurge, but the quality matched.
(4)Alex C.
Okay - so we're staying at the Tranquility Bay Resort so it's a few steps from our apartment and since it's our last evening of our vacation, we decided to splurge for a nice hopefully memorable meal. And, I didn't have to drive so I can get really loaded. The atmosphere is very classy, but down-home at the same time. Linen was nice and the tables spaced far enough to be really comfortable. Service is really friendly, like being in your aunt's house where you know she's really gonna take good care of you. - totally opposite of what you'd feel in a NYC Steakhouse. Then there's the food - excellently prepared in every way. I started with the house specialty drink Butterfly Martini, i think it's called - with a really cute orange/cherry ornament (see pics), which tasted really good. Wine selection is good, with a wide range of prices and variety. Smoked Fish dip and Lump crab cakes were very tasty, good portions. My daughter had the Hand Harvested Baja Scallops ~ Piquillo Pepper Cream, (lifted directly from the menu), which was fresh, perfectly prepared, my wife had the Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa, I had the Grouper with Panko crust - which everyone on the table thought was the best main course, my son had the Yellowtail Snapper, which he liked and my little one had Filet Mignon (really?) - which was good quality. Washed it down with a good bottle of Chardonnay. Dessert was, of course, Key Lime pie which everyone agreed was the best. All in all, $325 well spent.
(5)Todd B.
Excellent meal. The yellowtail snapper in a browned butter sauce was amazing. The fish was cooked to perfection. My dinner guests also had wonderful reviews on their dishes. Key Lime Pie wins for dessert. The frozen custard, chocolate crust plus tart key lime was a perfect balance. Excellent service and ambience. Make a reservation to sit on the back wrap around porch. It looks wonderful
(4)Annie M.
Excellent! Perfect Keys experience!
(5)Steve H.
Such a hidden gem. Would not have spotted in from the road. Hidden away in Tranquility Bay, this is the place to go for a nice quiet relaxing dinner. The staff are very friendly and professional and the food is excellent. I would recommend this as the go to place in all the Keys!!
(5)Andrew G.
My wife and I went on a family vacation to Duck Key, and we decided to come here one night for dinner. Some key points: -REALLY nice location and ambiance. The old porch with outside seating near the lush greens is a really awesome backdrop. -Upscale feel; waiters and waitresses were REALLY pleasant (+1), tables done nicely. -Agree with the person below, the bread was fantastic. Specifically, the Asiago. Absolutely delicious. Warm and a bit stiff, hit the spot. -The cocktails were also good. I got the Old Fashioned, and they actually had SOMETHING OTHER than Maker's Mark bourbon. I had mine with Knob Creek, and it was made well. -Food was DELICIOUS in every aspect. ***You may be asking why I didn't give Butterfly Cafe a 5? They have cats. That were begging for food at our feet/table. One JUMPED ON our table. HUGE no-no. People may be allergic, not cat people, or just don't want animals near a place like this. I honestly didn't mind that much (I'm an animal person), but I can see how others would! It was a stark contrast to the vibe of the place in general, and it definitely took the class level and appeal down a bit. The staff gave us a free dessert to make up for it, but the memory was one no one really wanted to remember!
(4)Lesley L.
Have eaten at Butterfly Cafe twice. My recent experience was just as excellent as the first. Since it had been 4 years since we had been in Marathon, I think that speaks for consistency. This visit all three of us chose a fish dish and expressed openly how delicious our meals were prepared. I had their "famous" Panko crusted Grouper. I'm a native Floridian and believe me, I have eaten my fair share of grouper dishes at some of the finest restaurants. This dish is top top drawer. Perfectly prepared with all the right balances of favors. The wine list is adequate but not deep. The atmosphere is lovely with a Key West Style wrap around veranda for outdoor seating. Service was excellent. They seem to handle large parties quite well. I observed them serving a party of 12. Their dishes all arrived at the same time and the staff did not appear to be overwhelmed at any time. I highly recommend this restaurant if someone is looking for a nice dinner out where the other patrons are dressed nicely (no flip flops and t shirts which is the norm in the Keys) and are interested in an upscale, tropical dining experience.
(4)Abhi V.
Had the HogFish stuffed with crab and it was great. This place has a really nice ambience and the server Kate was extraordinary! A great place for a nice meal.
(5)Zeina E.
Best restaurant I've had in the Florida Keys. Great atmosphere. Quiet, breezy. Delicious food. my husband and I shared the hamburger and the coconut shrimp. The only reason I gave it a 4/5 stars is that the portions are pretty small. I was not full afterwards Also, waitress served everyone bread & butter and forgot about us. We realized this as after we finished our meal and were headed out. Try the flourless chocolate cake. It's amazing. But very small in size.
(4)Erin B.
We were in Marathon for a family vacation the week after the Fourth of July. After a week of making meals at our rental house we were more than ready to go out to dinner for our last night. After perusing Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews, we came across Butterfly Cafe. We had 7 adults and 2 young children. Our experience was fabulous and everyone thought the food was fantastic. We had the crabcakes, yellowfin tuna, jerk chicken, pork chops, scallops and filet mignon. All were fabulous and everyone kept commenting how delicious their food was. After dinner we took our drinks down to the beach to enjoyed the sunset. All in all it was a great experience and our waitress was very attentive. She was engaging with the children and it was the perfect way to end our vacation. Thank you Yelp for coming through again!
(5)Zinchen N.
FOR THE FEW WITH EXTREME TASTE BUDS If God has blessed you with highly sensitive clusters of bulbous nerve endings on the tongue in the lining of your mouth, I propound that you excite your sense of taste at the Butterfly Cafe. Valentine's Day was our first time there and it was with a fixed menu. Between all our dishes, the food was incredible and this is now one of my top 3 restaurants in the state of Florida. Since taste was the dominant factor (along with presentation), they did not have to surprise you with large portions, as most others do when covering up their average tastes. The Butterfly Cafe's portions were of perfect size. We left completely satisfied and not overly full. The ambiance was special because it was a quiet environment, something you rarely have in any restaurant these days. If it wasn't for their service and key lime pie, I would have given the Butterfly Cafe a 4 1/2 star (which you can't do in YELP - only 4 or 5 star). Their service was above average and extremely efficient, well-paced, and friendly. However, it was like a typically annoying corporate restaurant chain approach - of constantly coming by and asking if everything is alright. Don't restaurant managers know that we don't like to be interrupted while eating and conversing, and that if anything was askew, we would prefer to let them know? Finally, because the food was so astounding, we were shocked to receive the key lime pie frozen - especially when "frozen" was not mentioned on the menu. It's like they were saying, "We don't have time to defrost this, so please just eat it frozen."
(4)Cody B.
Great buffet that offers quality food. So many wonderful options! It offers quality food for the sea lover and great prime rib.
(5)Thomas S.
Great spot for dining on Marathon! Definitely more upscale and expensive than other spots on the island, but well worth the money. Before dinner, I recommend having a drink at the tiki bar (behind the restaurant) while watching the sunset. There's a lovely little man-made beach there. The scallop risotto was incredibly good, as was the pork! Strongly recommend going here if you find yourself on Marathon!
(5)M H.
3.75 stars... Despite its name, It's a restaurant, not a cafe. Food: Quite refined. Terrific creamy scallop risotto. Succelent and generous portion of pork chop. Atmosphere: Upscale beach cottage. Service: Very mixed. Friendly, but missed the mark on a few occassions - despite being more staff than diners, there was a verrry slow start...the they sent us back to our rooms to get ID for wine (we're 30ish). In summary, I suspect this is one of the most civilized dining experiences in this mixy part of the Keys. Worth a go.
(4)Trenton E.
best meal we had on our trips. try the grouper wow. great service, excellent food, and amazing drinks. didn't like the fact that they added gratuity to our bill only had a party of 4, oh well but I would have tipped more then 18%.
(5)David J.
My wife took me to this place for my birthday and the following happened which is why this is the first place I have ever rater like this. 1. The Salad which we ordered was canceled because "they could not make it" our waiter told us 30 min after she took our order. 2. The award winning Grouper was destroyed. It was very dry,had a 1/4 inch of batter on it, and was way over cooked and the Groper is served over instant potatoes. 3. The kitchen had one cook and the manager drinking in the front of the place and never check on any of the tables. 4. It took over an hour and half to bring our order out after we ordered. 5. my son ordered from the kids meals and it was a $0.50 box of Kraft mac and cheese plain. 6. The place had two tables full on a Friday night 7. The manager is hard up for money that thy cant comp a bad meal or dish 8. The bad dishes cant be sent back because the kitchen closes after 10 Pm and it takes an hour and half to make a dish 9. They don't serve hot bread.
(1)Ed T.
On par for the best restaurant meal we have had in the keys. Warm goat cheese and cherry starter was so tasty, could be a dessert. The crab cakes were delicious with enough crab and a spicy remoulade and crunchy jicama slaw made for a nice variance in texture. Mojito was the best I tasted while in the keys. The grilled double bone-in pork chop was tender and flavorful. The risotto with scallops was fantastic. The scallops had a nice sear and the risotto was a creamy carbalicious treat. The key lime pie with chocolate crust and white chocolate genache was fantastic way to end the meal. 18% gratuity was included which is the norm in the keys. The ambience was great and Stacy was very attentive while not over-bearing, she understood the menu and had obviously tasted each item. If you are sick of Mahi sandwiches and french fries this place is an "upscale" alternative to the paper plates you been eating off of while in the keys.
(5)Sarah S.
We stayed at this resort and booked the restaurant for the night we arrived since we knew we wouldn't want to be hunting for dinner. We were definitely impressed with dinner and ended up having dinner here our last night (of 7) as well after trying out various restaurants in the area. The menu isn't huge, but has good variety and options. We were impressed with everything we ate. The atmosphere is very nice - we sat outside on the porch both times, but a bit tight. You can definitely hear what your neighbors are talking about! All in all, it is definitely somewhere we'd go again, whether we stayed at the resort or not.
(4)Tristan J.
If you're looking for a great meal in Marathon you're probably going to end up here (there's not much else apart from tiki bars). It was lovely actually and the server was willing to make whatever we wanted even if it was off-menu (my partner has a few allergies). I would 5 star it but having just come from Key West where we had eaten at some pretty amazing restaurants I just didn't feel it was quite as good as them. One thing, last seating is 8:45 and the kitchen stops taking orders at 9pm. Pretty early for us as when we're on holiday we like to eat later. You can obviously stay after that time and order dessert and stuff but the place empties pretty quickly. Our server was just lovely. Often in the US I find the service far too 'IN YOUR FACE' but the lady who served us here was just charming.
(4)Myra M.
We were looking for a nice white table cloth restaurant and so happy that we found the Butterfly Cafe! The atmosphere, service and food were on point. Located in a white cracker style building, the restaurant was intimate and had great views from almost every table. We were happy to hear Cheryl's recommendations (our server) since there were so many options on the menu. I'm not a huge fish fan but was won over by the grouper. My date had the fillet, which was cooked perfectly. Two entrees, two glasses of wine, tax and tip (18%) added up to around $100. We will be back the next time we visit.
(4)Christina S.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Marathon. Butterfly Cafe never dissapoints! Beautiful restaurant and excellent food and staff!
(5)Renee S.
Bad service .. We waited more than an hour for the food ... Everything was cold... Expensive as well
(1)Steve S.
Excellent experience. Had the conch soup, crab cakes. (Both very good with the crab cakes being perfect). For the entrée we had the grouper fish. It was one of the best I've had. Finished it with the Key Lime pie. It was different in that it had a dark chocolate crust. With one drink, splitting the entrée and the automatic 18% tip, the tab came to $112.00. So, an expensive meal, but for a special occasion it was worth it.
(4)Candice N.
Expect to spend at minimum $100. The two of us went here for a nice dinner after reading great reviews but weren't expecting the prices to be quite as high. We ordered tomato and mozzarella salad as an appetizer, two entrees, a dessert and no alcoholic beverages at all and paid $120. Be aware that gratuity is added to your check at 18%. This place has an island country club atmosphere going on and definitely a little pretentious. We sat on the patio which was very nice. Food and service were impeccable.
(4)Gail C.
Excellent food & ambience. Don't miss eating here and experience a wonderful treat for your taste buds.
(5)Sarah M.
This place was amazing!! My brother found it using Trip Advisor, and I can definitely see why it received 4.5 stars from 552 reviews! It is part of a hotel and apparently always very busy at dinner, so definitely make a reservation beforehand. My future sister-in-law and I have eyes bigger than our stomach, so we decided to have a three course meal and share everything. To begin with, we ordered some crab cakes, which were absolutely delicious. They had a really nice sauce that came with it. Next, we had a sandwich (I think it was jerk chicken or some type of fish), which was surprisingly very flavorful and came with fries. This was a couple months ago so now I'm forgetting what the rest of my family ordered, but they were pretty satisfied. For dessert we got one of their chocolate cakes, and even though we were already super full from the meal, it was too good to resist. Our server was extremely nice and attentive, and kept checking in on us. This place was definitely pricier than other restaurants in the area, but the future sister-in-law and I personally enjoyed the dining experience (not too sure about the others). During daylight I feel like it would be really nice to sit on the patio, but we got there after dark and there are ugly plastic covers around the patio so the ambiance wasn't very nice where we were sitting-- the interior and I think other parts of the patio are very cute though.
(5)Spence R.
Elegant dining, great food, great extras. Wait staff was pleasant. The bread I thought was really good and they give you a lot - no skimping on the bread which is nice. The table was really high class with all the extras - china, nice silverware, folded napkins, nice glasses, candle, etc. It was really good. Food was fresh caught and you can taste it. I liked the shrimp pimadora and my wife liked the grouper meal with potatoes. We walked away with a $150 bill, however. It was probably one of the most expensive restaurants I have ever been to. Even the Melting Pot was cheaper, which is a hard statement to make. Excellent choice if you have the money to blow.
(5)Jeff J.
Very very good food, plan to spend a bit extra for the quality. Also, great service. To keep payment simple 18% gratuity is already included. If the weather is nice, you will enjoyed the peaceful outdoor option.
(4)Erika M.
We had a superb experience at the Butterfly cafe. There wasn't a single person in our party of 8 whose expectations weren't met. Our waitress was very pleasant. Our food came quickly too. I ordered their Mahi Mahi which was extremely fresh and was served with mashed potatoes underneath. The vegetables that accompanied it were cooked al dente to perfection. I also ordered a pineapple martini and it was the best martini I've had to date. Our table split a cheese plate and some chocolate cake and creme brûlée. It was all wonderful! You will surely enjoy whatever you have at the Butterfly cafe.
(5)Jenna W.
Absolutely the best restaurant to eat in Marathon. It's only open for dinner from 6-9 but it's so delicious. We had the Mahi and Filet and they were perfect. Also had a piece of the Key lime and it was pretty good, if you like key lime pie. I personally don't care for it though. I will return.
(5)Michelle L.
Great food! We had the butterfly salad, crab cakes and the Seafood Bake. All delish! Stacy was our waitress and she was terrific ! I mentioned we were celebrating my husband's birthday and they decorated one of those delicious key lime cake/pies. We were next to a large and noisy party, so that was the only thing wrong with the night. We were looking for a romantic dinner and it was a bit chaotic. Other than that, all good! Great place to eat and we will definitely be back!
(4)Katie Rae P.
The key lime pie was to die for! It's an unusual take on the original, but I think it was an improvement. The chocolate, whip cream, and strawberries take away some of the tartness, and add an extra unexpected surprise.
(4)Jim G.
Great setting worth driving the extra mile - comfortable quiet porch seating, dining room is nice as well. Food is fine - menu maybe tilted towards the fryer.
(3)David C.
We ate here twice while staying at the resort. Food was terrific each night. The grouper is to die for, you have to get it. We had many of the other items on the menu between the four if us and everything was really good with the exception of the uninspired pasta. Appetizers, salads, soups, wine list are all great. Service was incredible one night and average the other night. The vibe is nice and atmosphere is a bit, quiet, a little fancy and more intimate which is a nice change of pace in the Keys. Only thing that keeps this from being five stars is the value. Expect a big bill because there is no leaving without dropping some serious cash.
(4)Jason G.
Perfect place for a quite intimate dinner. Great food and service.
(5)Michael S.
I don't usually give out 5 stars, however, due to the quality, and taste of this food. There you go. The place is nice, romantic, service was impeccable, and for a small menu...terrific. We actually want to go stay at the resort, just because of the food at this restaurant. Well done. If you are in the Middle Keys..go here on a date.
(5)Jade T.
The name is misleading. It is not really a cafe but an upscale resturant. The sangria was the best I've had because they used fresh juices and fruit. The crab cake wsa amazing. It was loaded with flavor and was more for a ball shape with sauce that is to die for. The sword fish was so fresh and tasty. I loved this place. It was a great and romantic place. The service was okay but the food defintely made up for it.
(5)cyd s.
looking for a really nice dinner while hanging out in marathon Florida Keys? started w/ a smart cocktail - table service only, for an appetizer we went w. the tuna tartar, Dinner one had the steak (awesome Cowboy steak - we had to send it back for medium rare - but easy enough to do a bit more) & the grouper. and ended w/ a ridiculously chocolate cookie crusted frozen key lime sorbet with white chocolate mouse - OMG!
(4)N J.
Best meal in the keys by far. We were there in late August just before a huge storm rolled in for the night so the wind was wonderful and kept the mosquitos at bay. We sat out on the porch which overlooks the pool and its a lovely area...very Southern feeling. As for the food. I started off with their signature Butterfly salad...let me tell you that this is the most amazing salad I have ever had. Everything about it was wonderful and interesting. A must have. If you like scallops as much as I do, they are amazing. They are served in a risotto and it was just amazing! For dessert I had the Key Lime pie, which is definitely the best key lime pie in the keys (and it won the award for 2011). It is very interesting...not that overly tart dessert that everyone down there is overly obsessed with. We finished with delicious coffee...our waitress was wonderful (unfortunately I don't remember her name). But she understood each dish and appears to be a great cook at home so she really described each dish and they all lived up to her description. If you are a looking for a high-end meal in the Keys you definitely need to give this place a try. You will end up spending the same amount and a lot of the other places and the food won't be nearly as good. What the keys lack in the way of great restaurants, Butterfly Cafe does more than its share to improve the perception!
(5)Julie H.
It was my first time ever in the Keys and my boyfriend and I opted out of going to Key West because of the bad weather forecast. I love everything about Marathon! On our last night here, we wanted to go somewhere special, somewhere with great seafood. My goodness we went to the right place!! Butterfly Cafe is basically tucked in a cute little resort, but they welcome everybody, so you don't have to stay at the resort to dine here. For the appetizer we got this amazing tuna tataki dish. For the main entree we went with the coconut shrimp and Mahi Mahi. Just a warning, don't be surprised if you burn a hole through your wallet :)
(4)Nicole V.
This place was fabulous! It definitely stands out from all the other restaurants I have found in the Keys, most of which are small mom and pop shops in small island-style buildings. If you are looking for a classier affair this is the only place I have found so far. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and the ambiance was perfect. It felt like a southern plantation fine dining experience. Will definitely return!
(5)Kat C.
Staying at the resort where this is, food is great and our waitress was amazing! Don't miss out on their desserts!!
(5)Jeff S.
The grouper was fantastic, as well as the pomodoro. Our server was awesome, and from Ohio! It's a little pricey, but the food is stellar. I would highly recommend this place. It's secluded, quaint, and delicious. A must visit when in Marathon.
(5)