Gardenia's Bistro / GB’s Lounge — Restaurant in Islamorada

In a sea of tired diners and tourist trap restaurants along the Overseas Highway, Gardenia’s Bistro was a breath of fresh, modern, eco-friendly air that completely exceeded my expectations. Tucked inside Island Home Garden Center in Tavernier, this family-owned cafe is everything Key Largo dining should be but rarely is.

I came for brunch and ordered their famous “Breaky” sandwich - and wow, what an instant classic! The combination of fresh avocado, perfectly seasoned ingredients, and absolutely delicious artisanal bread made this one of the most satisfying breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had. Every bite felt thoughtfully crafted with genuine care and premium ingredients. The portion was generous and the flavors were clean and vibrant - exactly what you want when you’re seeking something healthier than the typical Keys fried fare.

But what truly sets Gardenia’s apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Owner Megan is passionate about their zero-plastic policy, telling me “I will wash every dish 100 times over in a day rather than use plastic.” This isn’t just eco-marketing speak - they walk the walk with composting, up-cycled furniture throughout, and locally sourced organic ingredients. While I deeply appreciate their eco-conscious approach, I was annoyed trying to suck my smoothie and milkshake through their bamboo straws - they just don’t work well for thicker drinks. I’d recommend they look into compostable avocado-based straws instead, which would maintain their plastic-free ethos while actually being functional. Despite this minor frustration, it’s refreshing to find a restaurant where environmental consciousness is genuinely core to their identity.

The atmosphere is absolutely magical. Dining under a beautiful canopy of trees surrounded by lush tropical plants (all available for purchase!) felt like discovering a secret garden. The boho-chic aesthetic with handmade chandeliers, up-cycled wrought-iron furniture, and winding brick paths creates such a unique ambiance. The free-range chickens wandering around added delightful entertainment, and the open-air setting felt perfectly suited to the Keys climate.

What impressed me most was how this mother-daughter team has created something genuinely special for health-conscious diners and anyone seeking an authentic local experience. Their menu focuses on wholesome, organic options - fresh-pressed smoothies, quinoa bowls, house-made breads and cookies - all without fructose, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. This is the antithesis of generic tourist restaurants.

The self-service ordering keeps things casual and efficient, and the staff radiates genuine warmth. Coffee was expertly roasted, service was friendly, and every detail felt intentional. They’re even planning yoga classes and community workshops, making this more than just a restaurant - it’s a wellness-focused community gathering space.

If you’re tired of overpriced, underwhelming tourist food and want to support a local business that truly cares about quality, sustainability, and community, Gardenia’s Bistro is an absolute must-visit. It’s worth the drive to experience dining done right in the Keys. I’ll definitely be back - this is exactly the kind of conscious, modern approach to restaurant dining that I wish we saw more...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gardenia’s Bistro in islamorada and it was an absolutely delightful experience. My wife surprised me with the most dreamy dinner date of my life.

From the moment we walked over to our outside table, I was captivated by the music, lighting and the secret garden vibe. The romantic and cozy ambiance was like something out of a dream. The warm and intimate setting set the perfect mood for a memorable evening.

The service was truly top-notch. Our server, Hanna was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

The owner, Megan went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our dining experience was exceptional. Their genuine warmth and professionalism added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

We started the meal off with a truly scrumptious cheeseboard and of course, amazing wine. The combination of tastes and presentation was simply outstanding.

For the main course, we had filet mignon, roasted chicken with fresh veggies, the meal was simply delicious with a delicate balance of flavors.

Since we had such an amazing light meal , we saved plenty of room for a luxurious lemon dessert that was incredible.

I cannot recommend the Gardenia’s Bistro highly enough. When you want an intimate evening that you’ll...

READ THIS REVIEW: because it about the greatness. 100/10 recommendations. First off Sandy and her staff are amazing. Secondly, the food is beyond comparison for other beasts rows in the full extent of the keys. The setting is inside of a nursery that has tropical plants artwork, and everything you could want in a perfect afternoon. The menu items are incredible. We ate our entire body weight and food and absolutely loved all the local sourcing quality items. There were dietary restriction menu options available Anything was customizable and just again the flavors were incredible. Everything that you want in a relaxing Sunday afternoon, completely healthy, lunch brunch or just coffee spot surrounded by music, delightful people, chickens, and some of the most beautiful flowers around.. this is amazing venue sets the tone and we live down the road and can’t get enough. Stop for the incredible baked goods the muffins that are put into the oven and served with a delicious whipped butter are amazing to go with the actual glass and linen napkins you served with for your coffee smoothie or any other beverage. They support first responders and truly understand what a garden...