All Reviews
Beth Skinner
a month ago★★★★★ The Hideaway Café is truly a hidden gem! From the very first time we walked through the door, we were welcomed like family. The atmosphere inside the café is warm and inviting, and you can immediately tell this place is something special. The food is absolutely incredible—every dish is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care and passion. You can taste the quality in every bite. Chef Freda is amazing, and it really shows in the kitchen. Her talent and love for what she does come through in every meal. What really makes this place stand out is Chef Freda herself. She made us feel like part of the family from the very first time we walked in, and that kind of genuine hospitality is rare to find. Because of her and the wonderful food, we will absolutely be coming back. The café experience was wonderful. The hotel property itself could use a little attention and updating, but the café and Chef Freda more than make the visit worthwhile. Thank you, Chef Freda, for the amazing food and for making us feel so welcome every time we visit! We will be back soon for another amazing meal! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ann Jett
2 months agoThis hidden gem in Grassy Key is must if you're looking for a wonderful dining experience! This is not your typical Keys menu. Chef Freida has mastered amazing dishes. The duck is done perfectly, juicy and tender. The hog fish is a must! Prepared Francais, it's light and delicious. As first time diners we were treated to a delightful dessert! A beautiful lemon cake with creme fraise and raspberries. A light and delicious alternative to the usual Key Lime pie. Don't be discouraged by the motel in front, The Hideaway is worth the trip from anywhere! We'll definitely be back!
Heavyn Garcia
2 months agoBest breakfast ever. French toast is over the roof and you can tell they make their food with love. The service is amazing, miss Frieda the owner was by far the sweetest person ever, she made sure everything was right and tasted amazing!! Highly recommend!
Louise Seeley
3 months agoAmazing surprise. I had booked the Rainbow Bend somewhat based on description of dining option. On way there I checked to see if open, only to find they were closed on Wednesdays. Bummed, but figured out other place to eat. Upon arrival lovely person behind desk suggested they might be open, as chefs car was in driveway. We wondered over, and alas OPEN. Amazing meal - really top notch. Onion soup, grilled lamb - amazing mint sauce. Fish in parchment and filet. Wow. And desert top notch. Fantastic wines. I did not even know there was a white chateanuneuf-du-pap, yet there it was. Highly recommended. Just make sure they are open. I indicated I was unsure of noise level that is because it was noisy. But there was a party of 17 next to us (which is why I think the place was open on a Wednesday) so really cannot complain). I would imagine usually much quieter.
T C
4 months agoTruly an unforgettable experience! Chef Freda’s talent goes beyond being an incredible cook and menu curator. She is a welcoming and attentive host, which is the cherry on top of the most intimate setting in her quaint little Hideaway. This wonderful restaurant has become a must visit for me every time I visit the Keys. If I’m being honest, it’s the #1 reason I make a point to stay in Marathon one night on my way to Key West! The Escargot a la Edison is just exquisite, and the salad was perfectly dressed. My personal favorite was remarkably fresh Catch Du Jour with homemade pasta. You gotta get the pasta! Everything on the menu is so fresh and flavorful and seasoned to perfection. The portions are perfect for sharing too! Pro tip: dine al fresco at the patio corner table during sunset for the most picturesque and romantic experience in all the Keys!
Dennis Wilson
4 months agoFound this gem through a search for fine dining in the Keys. We have been going to the Keys for the last 5-6 years and staying at Isla Bella resort in Marathon. Great place. Found the Hideaway Cafe and it is truly a hidden gem. We went to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and it was a slow night for them, so we had the distinct pleasure of meeting and being served by Owner/Chef Freda. Perfect atmosphere out on the low-lit porch, wonderful bottle of wine, shrimp bisque, Grilled rack of lamb, seafood wellington. It was amazing, some of the best food we've ever had in the Keys and the atmosphere was very romantic! Perfect evening! Thank you Chef Freda for a wonderful experience!
Joe Pezzulich
6 months agoWe really enjoyed our breakfast here. The service is outstanding. The view is on the water, and the mimosas were excellent. It was a great way to start the day.
Lisa
11 months agoThis restaurant is a true hidden gem—you’d never know it was there, but once you find it, the food alone makes it worth the visit. Everything we tried was delicious, and I’d absolutely come back for the flavors alone. The views of the water are stunning, and the breeze on the deck is unbeatable. That said, the place is in need of some serious TLC. The windows overlooking that beautiful view were dirty, and the building itself could use a deep cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. It’s not fancy, which is fine, but when a place looks unclean, it makes you wonder about the kitchen. I wouldn’t recommend it for a date night or a business lunch—the atmosphere just isn’t there. But if you’re looking for a casual bite with great food and don’t mind a bit of grime, this spot delivers. Hopefully, the owners will invest in some upkeep, because the potential here is huge.