
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
A classic waterfront spot in Marathon, famous for its fresh seafood, unique sushi, and the chance to see manatees.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic waterfront spot in Marathon, famous for its fresh seafood, unique sushi, and the chance to see manatees.
"Come for the sushi and waterfront views, stay for the manatee encounters!"
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead for outdoor seating on the water, especially during peak hours.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy discounted prices on select items and drinks daily from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Sushi, American
Price
$$$
Phone
(305) 743-6247
Address
1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Website
castawayfloridakeys.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Encounter Manatees by the Water
Dine waterfront and spot manatees swimming nearby! A charming bonus to a delicious meal.

Unique Lionfish Sushi
Taste the invasive lionfish, expertly prepared in creative sushi rolls. A culinary adventure!

Vibrant Waterfront Ambiance
Enjoy a beautiful waterside setting with a lively atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead for outdoor seating on the water, especially during peak hours.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy discounted prices on select items and drinks daily from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Ask for Off-Menu Items
Inquire about unique options like Lionfish if you're looking for something different.
Request Top Servers
Ask for servers like Jess or Brian for excellent service and recommendations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead for outdoor seating on the water, especially during peak hours.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy discounted prices on select items and drinks daily from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Ask for Off-Menu Items
Inquire about unique options like Lionfish if you're looking for something different.
Request Top Servers
Ask for servers like Jess or Brian for excellent service and recommendations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers a vibrant waterfront dining experience with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and creative sushi rolls. While many praise the delicious food, unique dishes like lionfish sushi, and the charming atmosphere with manatee sightings, some find the prices to be on the higher side. Service is generally good, with specific staff members receiving high commendations.
"Absolutely delicious! We made last min reservations and were able to get a table outside on the water.
We are big sushi fans and were impressed with the options and quality of the sushi rolls. It was one of our more expensive meals while visiting the keys, but well worth it. We ordered the "Spicy Mae roll", the "King of the jungle" roll, Island roll and the "Seven Seas" roll.
Our friend enjoyed the oysters too! I could have ate their two nights in a row!"
Joslyne Hart
"We arrived at around 6pm without reservations and were seated right away. Front desk host was not friendly at all but our server was great and overall service was great. We weren’t happy with one of our sushi rolls and the manager came over and very graciously removed it from our bill. The food was very good, the fish in the sushi rolls was very good quality and fresh. My seafood pasta dish was absolutely delicious. Overall the food was great but honestly overpriced. The ambiance is very casual giving dive bar viives and parking can be challenging."
Lourdes Cambo
"Love this place, such a cool vibe! On the water with a walk around dock which is great for spotting manatee as we saw one while eating. So much character and truly a keys atmosphere! Plus the food was good. We went for happy hour and they have a wide variety of food specials and some discounted drinks too! As of 6.9.25. Happy hour is through the full restaurant and is from 1-4pm."
Tim Olson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Many diners report seeing manatees swimming in the waterway next to the restaurant, especially from the outdoor seating area.
Reservations are recommended, particularly if you wish to secure outdoor seating on the water.
The restaurant is known for featuring invasive lionfish prepared in various ways, including sushi.
Happy hour is offered daily from 1 PM to 4 PM, featuring discounts on select items and drinks.
Yes, the menu includes options like steak and chicken sandwiches for those who prefer non-seafood dishes.
The atmosphere is described as great for families and friends, with a casual vibe and interesting wildlife sightings.
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Shopping itineraries in Island Gift Shop in November (updated in 2024)
Porky's Bayside Restaurant and Marina | Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House | Butterfly Café | Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar | King Seafood- Market & Restaurant | Brutus Seafood Market & Eatery | Subway | Triton Seafood Restaurant Italian Cuisine & Pizza | Mahina | Papa Johns Pizza | Marathon Grill and Ale House | Burger King | Harbor View Cafe | Driftwood Pizza, Pasta, & Subs | Barracuda Grill | Marathon Seafood Mkt & Grill | Panda House Chinese Restaurant And Buffet | The Stuffed Pig | Cracked Conch Cafe | Plaza Grill Restaurant, | KFC | S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill | The Bistro - Eat.
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Whether your desire is dining inside with ambience, or outside by the water…Havana Jack’s will suit your tropical vacation mood and feel like a real treat. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, they offer a sure-to-make-you Happy Hour from 4-6 pm at their tiki bar that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and accompanied by a wide variety of tasteful entertainment; visit their liquor store with an awesome array of beer, wine and spirits--all reasonably-priced, or their cigar bar!. Havana Jack’s is always hopping with a cool Caribbean vibe and a welcoming spirit.
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At Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar, you’ll discover a dining experience unlike any other. They offer the quintessential setting for an unforgettable night out, and is an absolute must-visit for anyone craving delicious food with a side of stunning views. Located along the stunningly beautiful waters of Marathon, this waterfront culinary destination will bring all your seafood cravings to life with its delicious menu featuring fresh, local ingredients – all while giving diners front-row seats to a mesmerizing ocean setting.
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Diners can tempt their taste buds with lionfish, a specialty at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar, located on the waterfront at 1406 Ocean View Ave. Restaurant owner John Mirabella led the charge to feature invasive lionfish on restaurant menus to help remove them from the delicate reef ecosystem, where they are aggressive predators of native Keys fish species. Luckily lionfish are also tasty table fare — so consuming them not only satisfies culinary curiosity, but it also helps sustain local fish populations.
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Famous for fresh seafood and finding creative ways to serve up lionfish — Florida’s invasive yet tasty fish, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar is a must-visit. It’s garnered enough attention for its unique flair to be featured on The Food Network and in National Geographic Magazine. While you’ll find plenty of unique, delicious dishes at Castaway, including its famous lobster enchiladas, the star of the menu is by far the Lionfish, which the owner, Captain John, catches himself.
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a local favorite tucked away among seafood markets and old-Keys shanties off the Overseas Highway. The restaurant is known for serving the innovative lionfish prepared in various styles, including 'wrecker' style with capers, garlic, butter and diced tomato, as ceviche, or atop sushi rolls. Owner John Mirabella, an avid diver and spearfisherman, personally catches fresh fish including wahoo, grouper, and cobia for the restaurant's menu.
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About halfway between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon is a relatively underrated destination that’s worth a break for dinner and drinks. Case in point: Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar, a vast restaurant that’s been around since 1951, but has undergone some serious menu expansion since new owners took the helm in 1999. Nowadays, the restaurant and bar is known as one of the foremost destinations in the Keys for beer-lovers, with 52 craft options on draft.
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Owned by ex-Navy man John Mirabella, the restaurant prides itself on catching and preparing invasive lionfish. An active waterman, Mirabella can be seen spearfishing for lionfish in videos on the restaurant’s televisions. Initially, all the lionfish were sourced locally, some of it by Mirabella himself; now, due to demand, Mirabella sources from other destinations struggling with lionfish, like the Caribbean.
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The happy hour at Castaway Restaurant starts early and has an extensive offering, making it the perfect spot for a lunchtime happy hour, or to do some day drinking if you enjoy that sort of thing. The Castaway happy hour is full of sushi and seafood options, including special rolls, tuna nachos, fish dip, beers on tap, and cocktails like the Rum Punch. Both indoor and outdoor bar seating is available.
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar is another must-visit spot, offering a mix of casual dining and fresh seafood. Located in the heart of Marathon, Castaway has a large dock where you can tie up your boat and enjoy a variety of dishes, including their signature sushi rolls and seafood platters. With live music and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind after a day on the water.
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The restaurant focuses on the four S’s: Seafood, Steak, Sushi, and Spirits. Featuring the freshest seafood, 32 beers on tap, amazing sushi, and so many more dishes you don’t want to miss!. Castaway is one of the most popular restaurants in Marathon, so you will want to book a reservation in advance to ensure you can get a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar combines seafood and sushi options, catering to everyone in the family. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the water. They provide a kids’ menu with simple options, and the staff is attentive to the needs of families, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all.
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With fresh local seafood coming right off the boat in the mornings, and its tucked away location, it is definitely a hidden gem. This restaurant has been visited by non other than Guy Fieri on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. They are most known for their `King of the Jungle" roll which features lion fish as the star of the show!
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Established in 1951, Castaway’s Waterfront Restaurant has been the first stop for many generations of fishing crews and captains alike. Featuring 33 beers on tap, Castaway is a local fisherman’s favorite that is sure to delight both fishermen and patrons with great food, abundant spirits and plenty of tails of the one that got away!
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A Marathon institution since 1951, this waterside haunt serves up steak, seafood, sushi, and more, with 50+ beers on tap and indoor and outdoor seating in a relaxed setting. Selections from the kids' menu come with applesauce, french fries, and honey buns, and include fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, and a California roll.
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For a blend of sushi and classic Keys cuisine, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar stands out. This upscale restaurant features an extensive sushi menu alongside fresh local seafood and steak options. The beautiful sunset views and elegant ambiance make it ideal for special occasions or a romantic dinner.
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The Castaway Restaurant was founded in 1951 and is the oldest restaurant on the island. It is accessible by dinghy which can be a delight for all those wanting to arrive by boat. Indoor air-conditioned seating keeps you cool on those hot sunny days, but there is still an option of the outdoor courtyard.
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Castaway styles itself as upscale and expects you to make a reservation. We didn’t, and we ended up in the back of the cavernous, mostly empty restaurant next to a boisterous band of local fishermen and women in a booth with no view. The seafood is fresh, though, and much of it is sourced locally.
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Lionfish at Castaway Restaurant Marathon Florida Keys by Lionfish Patrol. Castaway, one of the Keys’ oldest eateries, has been there for many years and is still a local favorite. It is a hidden gem, with fresh local seafood arriving right off the boat in the mornings and its tucked-away position.
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One of the local favorite bars and restaurants in Marathon, FL, offering a wide variety of dishes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu includes southern seafood, sushi, steaks, and cuisines with Asian influences. They also provide a great selection of beer on their full bar.
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One of the local favorite bars and restaurants in Marathon, FL, offers a wide variety of dishes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu includes southern seafood, sushi, steaks, and cuisines with Asian influences. They also provide a great selection of beer on their full bar.
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1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon | Japanese, American, Bar, Seafood, Sushi | $7 – $44. Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & sushi bar is a contemporary fusion restaurant in Marathon Florida. It’s the ideal place for a night out with a full bar, 52 beers on tap, and a retro vibe.
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Another of the best restaurants in Marathon on the water is Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. This old-school establishment has been serving the Florida Keys for over fifty years!. In 1951, The Castaway was known as the place to go for shrimp fried in beer.
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For sushi lovers, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a top choice. This eclectic spot serves up an impressive selection of sushi, alongside classic seafood dishes. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a hit with both locals and tourists.
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Down one of the canals around the corner from Burdine’s is Castaway. To get there by water, you have to already know where it is, since you have to take some twisty turns. The restaurant is known for dishes made from lionfish, which is an invasive species.
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If you’re in the mood for sushi with a view, look no further than Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Enjoy freshly prepared sushi while admiring the Gulf’s beauty from their outdoor patio. It’s a true culinary experience you won’t forget.
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant is known as one of the best restaurants in Marathon, Florida. Incredibly popular with locals and tourists, we recommend booking your dining reservation a day or two in advance. However, walk-ins are always welcome!
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Location: 1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon, FL 33050 Website: Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. This waterfront restaurant has been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and offers a wide range of seafood, steaks, and sushi.
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MM 48, end of 15th St Right1406 Oceanview Ave Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 743-6247Old-school waterside joint offers seafood, sushi & tap beer in roomy quarters with outdoor seating.Open daily, 11am-10pm.www.jonesn4sushi.com
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Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers a diverse menu that includes both traditional seafood dishes and sushi. Situated on a canal, the restaurant provides a serene dining environment with great views.
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I’m going to tell you this is one of our favorite restaurants in Marathon!. Jim and I were in the Keys for a month, and we ate at Castaway a LOT!. Their hogfish is to die for, and their sushi is fantastic!.
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If you’re craving fresh seafood, head to Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Kids will love watching boats while enjoying dishes like coconut shrimp or sushi rolls designed for them.
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1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon, FL 33050Phone: 305-743-6247 Visit Website. A post shared by Jorge Hernandez (@jhernan65). Next up, we have Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
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A cool restaurant not far from Burdines but even more “local”. They have some great breakfast, a really good Happy Hour (4:00-6:00), and the best sushi around.
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Today, the locals know this Marathon chef and his wife Arlene by name and enjoy eating at his island restaurant, Castaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit