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Banana Cafe Reviews List
Banana Cafe
A classical French Cafe, After nearly 20 years, Banana Café is still owned and managed by the original founders and continues to offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner the best of France in a relaxed indoor and outdoor dining overlooking fantastic Duval Street.
We have a beautiful french cafe upstairs who seat up to 25 dinner, and up to 50 for a cocktail party, personnel bar, private outdoor,private bathroom. From regional crepe and onion soup au gratin, to luscious Caribbean salads and country hearty sandwiches, perfect Parisian steak/frites or rare traditional specialties such as coq au vin and bouillabaisse, as well as a vast array of fresh local seafood selected every day to be grilled, sautéed, baked or roasted with a choice of unctuous sauces and accompaniments from the far corner of France: goat-cheese potato roulade, croquette of pomme de terre, Parisian gnocchi, rice pilaf
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We have a beautiful french cafe upstairs who seat up to 25 dinner, and up to 50 for a cocktail party, personnel bar, private outdoor,private bathroom. From regional crepe and onion soup au gratin, to luscious Caribbean salads and country hearty sandwiches, perfect Parisian steak/frites or rare traditional specialties such as coq au vin and bouillabaisse, as well as a vast array of fresh local seafood selected every day to be grilled, sautéed, baked or roasted with a choice of unctuous sauces and accompaniments from the far corner of France: goat-cheese potato roulade, croquette of pomme de terre, Parisian gnocchi, rice pilaf
32 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 32 reviews
5 stars
(16)
4 stars
(12)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(25)
- neighborhood gem(22)
- great for outdoor dining(12)
- special occasion(9)
- romantic(8)
- great for brunch(6)
Banana Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Old friend in a new light
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been going to Banana Cafe for years -- well before the "new" location -- for amazing breakfasts and brunches, but dinner was a new experience for us. It was terrific. The sauces were wonderful, the chicken & fish were perfectly prepared and Adriana served us with warmth and professionalism. In a town with so many good dining choices, BC is among the very best for any meal."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"While in Key West we've had breakfast at Banana Cafe several times, but this was our first dinner trip. Actually, until we checked Key West restaurants on Open Table we didn't know they served dinner; it seemed like a breakfast/lunch type of place. That is clearly misguided on our part, and turned out their dinners are great. One selection was the stuffed porkchop, which was very good, along with generous mashed potatoes and other vegetables. The other entree was grilled scallops with mushroom risotto, also excellent. We were glad to a small refrigerator in our room in order to take leftovers with us. They have a very good wine list, as well. Unfortunately, we saved no room for dessert. Will definitely be a return trip for us."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second time even better
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I visited Banana Café twice during my six day visit to Key West. It is on the quieter, classier south end of Duval, and close to my B&B on Elizabeth Street. The food, like everywhere in Key West, is more expensive than similar places in cities I frequent, but hey, you can't get off the island for dinner, exactly. I had the stuffed pork chop with asparagus and mashed potatoes. It was tasty and filling. The bread at Banana Café is the best I've ever had in the US. They serve it will an interesting dish of butter pats in herb-infused olive oil...the best of both for dipping and spreading. I'll for sure return to Banana Café on my next visit to KW."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food! The seats by the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food! The seats by the open windows make for great people watching too."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really great food and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Really great food and excellent service from Diana.
The catch of the day crepe was fantastic!"
The catch of the day crepe was fantastic!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A good test of a restaurant'a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A good test of a restaurant'a service is how a single woman is treated, and Bsnana Cafe made me feel very welcome. I was dining late and did not feel rushed at all. The nion soup is excellent, and the fresh tuna nicoise very good. Nice wine list by the glass. This is a spot to return to often. It's on the quiet, stylish end of Duval,perfect for locals and tourists alike. Many nice shops and galleries to browse on the way."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The best baguettes ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This wonderful neighborhood cafe has been an institution for breakfast and lunch crepes in Key West for many years. It has added dinner service. The cafe itself is limited in terms of what it can do to transform the venue daily, but the owners make a definite and successful effort. They have created a nice evening atmosphere by using candles crisp white table clothes and linens, and a bistro uniformed waitstaff. The chef serves a delicious French bistro evening menu. The food becomes the main attraction at night. The French onion soup is divine, and served with a large crouton and plenty of cheese. It can be an entree when paired with any of the other delicious appetizers. The baguettes are marvelous!!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing, but Fixable
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Earlier, I wrote a glowing review for Banana Cafe when we had a stellar dinner there. Two days later we went for breakfast and it was disappointing. First, the speakers were blaring 1970s rock (my era, by the way), but enough with Steve Miller already! I asked if they could put on some French music and our server beamed, "This is Pandora!" (So what?! Turn it off!) While our ears were being assaulted, we ate breakfast, and it was pretty good, I think, except for the plastic Smuckers jelly pouches and plastic capsules of butter for our divine croissant. Really? Meh. They need to tighten up the breakfast experience."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fine dining with laid-back vibe
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food--prepared to enhance rather than drown the fine ingredients. My own dish--yellowtail snapper with gnocchi and green beans--was superb. Very nice salad as well of marinated fennel with shaved onion. Nice atmosphere--the weather cooperated, and we ate on the upstairs deck. Portions did not overwhelm but were just right. Great vibe. Not a tourist trap; not glitzy, slick, or pretentious; but fine. Attentive service but not obtrusive. If the noise was moderate that's because my own party of seven made a good deal of it. I hope to return to Key West and I would absolutely eat here again in a heartbeat."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ann and I love The Banana
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ann and I love The Banana Cafe. We have a lot of visitors in Key West and we almost always take them to The Banana on the 1st or 2nd night because it is a perfect first impression of Key West food and service. We love Adrianna and the rest of the staff."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We will be back.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent variety of food. We had 7 in our group and everyone had an excellent meal. We will definitely return! Great service and very friendly waitress."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful French Cuisine
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was a beautiful and delightful restaurant. It is a real hidden gem on Duval Street. The food was excellent, the service friendly and ambiance lovely! This restaurant really stands out as excellent in all areas! A wonderufl find!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 13 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem in Key West
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely outstanding experience, amazing food, wonderful service, very nice ambiance."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a great meal, everyone
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great meal, everyone enjoyed their selection. Key Lime Pie was the best I had in Key West."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 15 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Attentive wait staff. Willing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Attentive wait staff. Willing to spit dishes for late evening dining. OpenTable worked very well to find a table on short notice!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 16 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Fine dining it wasn't
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a party of 6 here on a Sunday night. Could be just a misfit, but for a restaurant that advertises as fine dining, the food was closer to Key West bar food. Ordered the mussels for a starter and they were unremarkable including the brothe. Also had the seafood bouillibaisse and rather than being steaming it was lukewarm, the baguette was not toasted but just sat in the middle and as a result was cold and doughy, two others ordered the Bistro Ribeye- the meat was average and did not resemble any cut of ribeye I had seen before. Another diner ordered the duck breast- advised the waitress she wanted it well and it came out on the rare side of medium rare and had to be sent back. All in all a disappointing outing. Unlikely to return"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
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Review 17 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was great,staff was excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was great,staff was excellent"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place. Located on the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place. Located on the end of Duval Street it has a classic Keys atmosphere with and upscale tilt. Asparagus salad was a surprise and a delight. Good service."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2004
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Review 19 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Try the lobster ravioli and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Try the lobster ravioli and seafood crepes!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 20 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food and service was excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service was excellent. I found the noise level a little high as the tables were so close together. We were a twosome surrounded by larger groups."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Banana Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect Valentine's Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"A perfect Valentine's Day hideaway ... with friends at nearby tables. A great evening ... and great food ... as always!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Banana Cafe
Based on the average of (11) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate