Little Limon, the star of my latest date evening, is nestled within the model new Three Waters Resort in Islamorada. Don’t let the phrase “resort” throw you off. Locals are usually not solely warmly invited but in addition get pleasure from a 15% low cost on each meals and drinks.
For straightforward entry, locals can park on the marina on the property’s south aspect, which is simply what we did. We arrived about an hour earlier than sundown, a timing tip that may make all of the distinction when eating oceanfront. If there’s one factor I all the time inform people, it’s this: the ocean aspect will get a wide ranging present because the bayside’s colours mirror throughout the water after sundown. And tonight, Little Limon didn’t disappoint, bathing us in these wealthy, glowing hues that make dinnertime really feel like a slice of paradise.
We kicked off the night with pre-dinner drinks on the new tiki bar, absorbing the reside music earlier than heading upstairs to Little Limon’s oceanfront balcony. The fantastic thing about the night was virtually past phrases with the view, the colours and the breeze coming collectively in a means that felt downright magical. The service was swift, and I used to be served ice-cold water whereas I took the time to look over a powerful assortment of uncommon mezcals.
After a fast mezcal tasting, my fiancee Mark chosen Dos Hombres mezcal on the rocks, a improbable tequila model created by Breaking Dangerous stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. I went for a tequila martini, which is a variation of the traditional vodka martini, substituting Dos Hombres as an alternative. It was virtually scary how clean this martini was. I knew to tempo myself instantly.


The menu affords a terrific collection of crudos and ceviches, with my favourite being the native snapper crudo. It featured tender items of snapper topped with coconut lime foam, teardrop peppers, chili crisp and radish. One element the menu doesn’t point out for the snapper, however completely tied every little thing collectively, was the fragile shavings of sea salt flakes. Subsequent up within the tasting was the lobster tostada, and it actually knocked it out of the park. I’d advocate getting one per individual as a result of it’s robust to share, and actually, you gained’t need to. Maine lobster is paired completely with a mixture of cabbage, chipotle crème, mango and pico de gallo, all sitting on prime of the crispiest tostada, residing its greatest life.
The spicy tuna tacos are a preferred appetizer across the Keys, however these ranked within the prime three for me. The tuna is marinated in a citrus-based sauce that pairs completely with the creamy avocado. Probably the most uncommon dish was the masa chorizo corn canine, sliced sushi model and topped with a tremendous mixture of sauces and garnishes. After which the grouper sliders arrived. I couldn’t assist however chuckle: Was this an inside joke I wasn’t in on? They’re referred to as sliders, however they had been big.
Whereas I really like our acquainted, cozy spots for date nights, typically you simply must shake issues up with one thing contemporary and thrilling. Little Limon hit the mark completely. The environment was alive, with the tiki bar’s reside music filling the air on one aspect and the mild waves on the seaside on the opposite. The bar was filled with locals and vacationers, all having fun with their means via the menu. It felt like a terrific escape from the same old eating places. I can’t advocate it sufficient. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing completely different on your subsequent date evening, Little Limon ought to positively be in your radar.