Spanish Gardens Cafe is Permanently Closed

According to Yelp the Spanish Gardens Café is permanently closed. Chef Jose has retired. The restaurant has changed ownership and is now known as Tapa Vino.
Content is from the site's archived pages as well as from other sources.

For those of us who enjoyed the marvelous food, we will sorely miss you. Those Yelp reviews says it all. Enjoy a nostalgic look back.

Spanish Gardens Cafe
80925 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, Florida

305-664-3999
Reservations are Strongly Suggested

LOOK FOR THE BLACK BULL!!

The Tapas Experience

We are often asked, what are Tapas?" There are many different definitions and explanations. To us Tapas are not a particular food or style of food, but rather a way of eating. A lifestyle of sharing not just meals but our hopes, our dreams, our loves...all with the freshest food and wines chosen with care.

Here at Spanish Gardens Cafe we take our part in this very seriously. we want you to experience the joy of naturally fresh foods traditionally prepared and served with Spanish wine in a comfortable atmosphere where...

When you visit our restaurant, please feel free to ask any questions about our wonderful Spanish Wines. We will share our passion with you so that you too may experience the classic wines of Spain. We chose wines from different regions of Iberia, made with native grapes and bottled in the state where they are produced. The wines we find are imbued with tradition, which over time becomes an art.

...Mother Nature is our Chef

ABOUT: chef-owner Jose Palomino

In a version of the transplant story so common in the Keys, chef-owner Jose Palomino was born in Spain and trained in the culinary arts there before moving to this area to work as a fishing captain. His comprehension of Spanish cooking and his connection to local fishing combine into this restaurant’s identity. With a founding philosophy of “no more than four ingredients per plate,” chef Palomino makes sure each one is premium. He imports cheeses, olive oils and spices from Europe but applies them to seasonal seafood and natural Florida beef. Whether the hog snapper pan-seared and served Niçoise style or Florida wild shrimp in garlic sauce and Vera paprika, or wild boar tenderloin with wild mushrooms and piquillo peppers, Spanish Gardens harmonizes distant worlds. Ask about the current wine selections: Palomino has the contacts in Spain to access limited vintages and unusual varietals. There are wines here that you won’t find anywhere else in America.

Summer Hours

Hours:

Dinner Thursday.- Sunday 5pm. - 9pm.
Lunch Only Saturday and Sunday 12 noon

“To all men and women who work the fields, fish the sea and tend the herds, Enabling the rest of us to enjoy the gifts Mother Nature provides”
~ Teresa Berrenechea

Jamon Iberico de Bellota
The Pride of Spain (Jamon serano,Chorizo & Manchego small 18 large 24
Salpicon de Marisco (ceviche) Spanish style Lobster,shrimp,scallops & octopus 22
Peppadew Peppers stuffed w/ Goat cheese 15
Boquerones (White Anchovies) w/ garlic parsley &oil 15

Fresh Leeks over kaitaifi w/shallots and groun almonds 16 Fingerling Potatoes, wild mushrooms & Piquillo Peppers 16
Shitake Mushrooms w/ jamon serrano a touch of garlic 18 Harricot Verts (French Green Beans) spanish style 16

Classic Seafood Paella (for two) 60
Lobster & Key West Shrimp Navarra Style 45
Fresh Fish (pan seared) Nicoise Style 28

TAPAS

Florida wild Shrimp w/ garlic Sauce 25
Mussels sauteed in olive oil w/ shallots,garlic,paprika 25
Seared Squid (Rojo,verde y Negro) 28
Pulpo a la Gallega (Spicy Octopus) 27
Conch Cakes (Keys Tradition) 26

Poussin Rouge saffron garlic sauce w/ wild mushrooms 36
Spanish Chorizo Sausage w/fingerling potatoes & piquillo 24
Beef Tenderloin Tails (sauteed in Cast iron & Mediterranean Herbs) 27
Meatballs (Spicey tomatoe sauce w/grated Manchego) 24

Black Angus Fillet Medallions * 39
Wild Boar Tenderloin* 39
Lamb Shank* 42
* Served w/fingerling potatoes,wild Mushrooms & Piquillo Peppers

Wine & Market

Classic Whites:

Ossian Verdejo
As Sortes Godelo

Classic Reds:

Style Granache
Dehesa la Granja
Balba's Barrica
Torre Pingon
El Coto de Imaz
Protos tinto Fino
La Atalaya
Baron De Ley
Romeo Predicador
Tinto Pesquera
Juan Gil
Marqueses de Grinion (CAB)
Atteca Armas
Muga Selection
Pesquera Reserva
Laurel Priorat

Specialties:

Cepas
Gaudium
Torre Muga
Ramirez the Ganuza
Alion Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Principal Grand Reserve
Alenza Grand Reserva
Flor de Pingus
Vega Sicilia Valbuena
Janus Gran Reserve

YELP REVIEWS

An aside: These Yelp reviews for Spanish Gardens Cafe say it all. I particularly looked forward to visiting Spanish Gardens Cafe because I knew I could get a great meal. The seafood ceviche appetizer was almost enough for a simple lunch. I brought my wife with one of my trips so we could share the classic seafood paella which is for two. And then there are the desserts! Well, now that the restaurant is closed I have yet to discover a new favorite Spanish restaurant. Kudos to Chef Jose. I will definitely miss your cullinary brilliance.

Rachel A.
5.0 star rating 11/7/2015
My husband and I are foodies from Chicago and we both loved this place. It's small, so I'd recommend making a reservation. We were sat promptly at our reserved time and the friendly waiter warned us that they were super busy and implied the food may take longer than normal. In fact, service timing was perfect - more timely than when we ate at Morada Bay the night before. There is complimentary fresh bread with delicious garlic oil dipping sauce and I highly recommend a pitcher of the red sangria. We ordered the seafood ceviche app (which was huge) and so good - chock full of fresh seafood, some capers, cornichons, and fresh herbs. Entree was the seafood paella for 2, also a huge portion (easily could've served 3) and full of seafood and saffrony goodness.

We were super full but hey, it's vacation, so we split the key lime pie, which typically I'm not a fan of (I like my dessert calories to go toward chocolate) but it was soooo worth it. It was like a hybrid of lemon meringue and crime brûlée, served in a low wide ramekin, topped with peaks of bronzed meringue on top.

One tip - I typically think of tapas as small plates, where we'd maybe order 8 or so to split and taste -- these are entree sized (and priced accordingly). I will still highly recommend but just be aware that the reason the tapas section is priced is because these are giant portions. I don't think you'd want to pay for or be able to eat many of these.

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Holly L.
5.0 star rating 11/15/2014
1 check-in
We had an incredible meal here to celebrate my mom's birthday. Two of us are vegetarians and two of us eat fish. I called ahead to make sure there were options for us all- there were so many. We ended up ordering three salads, which we all split, one fresh catch (which our guys split and loved), a special plate of Manchego cheese (which they customized without the meat for us). We also had two vegetable dishes- delicious fingerling potatoes with perfectly spiced mushrooms. We also got the green beans (the special spice was smoked paprika, which added a wonderful depth to the dish). We polished off another loaf of bread and wiped the green bean plate clean with the bread- the sauce was so good!

Our friendly and attentive server, Bernardo, made sure we had tons of delicious, fresh bread- and everything else we needed. He also recommended the perfect red wine to accompany our meal (glad we splurged on it because it was the best wine I've had in years). Thank you also to Lynny who took my call to make reservations and made sure my mom felt really special during her birthday meal. A really wonderful, memorable meal- we'll be back and will definitely recommend this little Spanish cafe!

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Christina G.
Beverly Hills, MI
5.0 star rating 1/21/2015
5 star key lime pie and cappuccino. Small restaurant with nice atmosphere. We stopped in for desert and it was wonderful!!! The rest of the desert menu looked to die for. Would love to go back.

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Olga P.
Tavernier, FL
5.0 star rating 9/20/2014
Chef Jose (from Santander Spain) makes the best authentic Spanish Paella. Gotta try the absolute best Key lime pie in the Keys, so good!

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Mercy C.
Boca Raton, FL
5.0 star rating 1/23/2015
Phenomenal dining experience if you like authentic Spanish cuisine. First of all, great wine list; I lived in Spain many years ago and was in heaven deciding which one to choose.

Now on to the food....we had the combination appetizer with manchego cheese, jamon Serrano, and chorizo---awesome! We also had the Garlic Shrimp and the Pulpo (octopus); both plates were wonderful. For dessert, we had the homemade dark chocolate dipped stuffed figs (almond paste). I had never had this before, and I was sooo glad I ordered it. Even the final decaf espresso I had was exceptional. This place is a definite must if you are in the keys and appreciate authentic Spanish cuisine.

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Jeff H.
Westlake, OH
5.0 star rating 5/2/2014
This is a hidden gem, a phenomenal place to eat and relax. My girlfriend and I stopped in on a whim on our ride back to Key Largo... used Yelp to find a place nearby, and we happened to be just a minute away, it had good ratings, and so we stopped in. Glad we did!

The host was hilarious... he asked if we had ever eaten there before, and we said no. He leaned in to whisper to us 'the food here is amazing, but the service is terrible!'... he seated us, and then proceeded to be our server the whole night ha ha :) And did a wonderful job. Just everything here is great. The food (we had a Mediterranean Salad and some paella), the bread, olive oil, devour, etc. It was weird though... we were the only tourists in there! All the other folks who came in knew the employees and owner.

It's a big pricey so if you're a cash-conscious traveler looking for burgers, it might not be your spot. But if you want some good food, funny and efficient service, and a nice view, this is your spot.

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David T.
Crofton, MD
5.0 star rating 7/24/2015
1 check-in
Hands down the best meal I had in Islamorada! We started with the Seafood ceviche, octopus, shrimp and scallops, then the Sunshine Salad, finishing off with the Spicy Octopus. The flavors were awesome! Service was excellent throughout dinner and Chef Jose' even came out to check on the guests. Can't wait to come back here and saddened that they are not closer to home. Highly recommend calling ahead for reservations.

More Background On SpanishGardensCafe.com

SpanishGardensCafe.com served as the official website and digital archive for Spanish Gardens Café, a highly regarded Spanish tapas and seafood restaurant that operated in the Florida Keys for many years before closing permanently. More than a simple promotional page, the website functioned as an extension of the restaurant’s philosophy, culinary ethos, and cultural mission. It preserved not only menus and contact information, but also a worldview centered on traditional Spanish cuisine, artisanal sourcing, and a deeply personal approach to hospitality.

During its active years, SpanishGardensCafe.com acted as a reference point for locals, seasonal residents, and culinary tourists traveling through the Keys. Even after the restaurant’s closure, archived versions of the site continue to offer insight into a distinctive dining experience that left a lasting impression on the regional food scene.

Ownership and Founding Vision

Spanish Gardens Café was founded and operated by chef-owner José Palomino, a Spain-born culinary professional whose background strongly shaped both the restaurant and its website. Palomino trained in Spain before relocating to Florida, where he combined classical Iberian culinary principles with the seafood traditions and agricultural realities of the Keys.

SpanishGardensCafe.com consistently emphasized the restaurant’s owner-operated identity. Rather than presenting itself as a generic Mediterranean restaurant, the site highlighted Palomino’s personal involvement in sourcing, menu creation, and wine selection. This emphasis reinforced authenticity and differentiated Spanish Gardens Café from more commercialized dining establishments in the region.

The website’s narrative framed the restaurant as a labor of passion rather than a purely commercial venture. This tone resonated strongly with diners who valued craftsmanship, restraint, and culinary integrity.

Location, Setting, and Geographic Context

Spanish Gardens Café was located at 80925 Overseas Highway in Marathon, Florida, along the central stretch of the Florida Keys. This placement positioned the restaurant within driving distance of both Key Largo and Islamorada, making it accessible to travelers moving through the island chain while still serving a strong local clientele.

SpanishGardensCafe.com frequently referenced the surrounding environment, both implicitly and explicitly. The Keys’ fishing culture, marine biodiversity, and slower pace of life were woven into the restaurant’s identity. Seasonal seafood availability, local catches, and the rhythms of coastal living influenced menu design and daily offerings.

The site also subtly acknowledged the restaurant’s physical modesty. Spanish Gardens Café was described as intimate rather than expansive, reinforcing the idea that the experience prioritized quality, conversation, and attention to detail over volume or spectacle.

Culinary Philosophy and Core Principles

At the heart of Spanish Gardens Café—and prominently featured throughout SpanishGardensCafe.com—was a culinary philosophy rooted in simplicity and respect for ingredients. The restaurant famously adhered to a guiding principle of limiting dishes to a small number of components, allowing each ingredient to stand on its own.

The website articulated tapas not merely as small plates, but as a way of eating and sharing. This framing aligned Spanish Gardens Café with traditional Spanish dining culture, emphasizing communal experience over individual consumption. Meals were presented as opportunities to connect, linger, and engage with food as part of a broader social ritual.

SpanishGardensCafe.com also stressed the importance of natural sourcing. Imported Spanish cheeses, olive oils, spices, and cured meats were paired with locally sourced seafood and regional produce. The site repeatedly reinforced the idea that Mother Nature—not trend-driven culinary fashion—was the true guiding force behind the kitchen.

Menu Structure and Notable Dishes

The website provided extensive detail about the restaurant’s menu, which evolved seasonally while maintaining a consistent core identity. Spanish Gardens Café offered a wide range of tapas, seafood dishes, and carefully prepared meat entrées.

Key menu categories included salads inspired by Mediterranean flavors, classic Spanish pinchos, vegetable-forward tapas, seafood specialties, and signature paellas designed for sharing. The website often highlighted dishes such as seafood ceviche prepared in Spanish style, Florida wild shrimp with garlic sauce, octopus dishes rooted in Galician tradition, and paella featuring saffron-infused rice and mixed seafood.

SpanishGardensCafe.com also emphasized portion sizes, noting that many tapas were intentionally generous. This transparency helped set expectations and reinforced the restaurant’s commitment to abundance rather than minimalism for its own sake.

Desserts, though less extensively documented than savory offerings, were repeatedly praised in customer commentary preserved alongside the site’s content, with key lime pie emerging as a standout item remembered long after the restaurant’s closure.

Wine Program and Iberian Focus

One of the most distinctive aspects of Spanish Gardens Café, and a major focus of its website, was its wine program. SpanishGardensCafe.com positioned wine not as an accessory but as a central component of the dining experience.

The restaurant specialized in Spanish wines sourced directly from various regions of Iberia, with an emphasis on native grape varieties and traditional production methods. The site noted that many wines were difficult to find elsewhere in the United States, underscoring Palomino’s personal connections and curatorial approach.

The wine list included both classic and rare selections, appealing to knowledgeable enthusiasts while remaining approachable for diners new to Spanish wine. SpanishGardensCafe.com encouraged guests to ask questions and framed wine education as part of the hospitality experience rather than an intimidating exercise.

Popularity and Reputation

During its operational years, Spanish Gardens Café developed a strong reputation among both locals and visitors. SpanishGardensCafe.com amplified this reputation by showcasing testimonials, reviews, and descriptive narratives that captured the emotional resonance of dining there.

The restaurant was widely regarded as a destination for authentic Spanish cuisine in the Keys, standing apart from more casual seafood grills and tourist-oriented establishments. Its popularity was driven less by marketing scale and more by word-of-mouth recommendations, repeat visits, and special-occasion dining.

Archived reviews consistently highlighted the quality of ingredients, depth of flavor, attentive service, and the personal presence of the chef. The website preserved these sentiments, effectively functioning as a digital memory bank for a loyal customer base.

Audience and Clientele

Spanish Gardens Café attracted a diverse but self-selecting audience. Its clientele included local residents, seasonal homeowners, culinary travelers, and visitors with prior exposure to Spanish cuisine. The restaurant’s pricing, portion sizes, and pacing signaled that it was designed for diners seeking a considered, immersive experience rather than quick service.

SpanishGardensCafe.com addressed this audience directly, emphasizing reservations, relaxed dining timelines, and the importance of engagement with staff. The site implicitly filtered out diners seeking fast or inexpensive meals, reinforcing alignment between the restaurant’s values and its guests’ expectations.

Reviews and Public Reception

Public reception to Spanish Gardens Café was overwhelmingly positive, with reviews frequently describing meals as memorable and emotionally resonant. SpanishGardensCafe.com curated excerpts that reflected not just satisfaction, but gratitude and nostalgia.

Reviewers often remarked on the balance between authenticity and accessibility, noting that the food honored Spanish traditions without feeling rigid or exclusionary. Service was described as warm, personal, and unpretentious, reinforcing the sense that Spanish Gardens Café functioned as a community gathering place as much as a restaurant.

The consistency of praise across years suggests that the restaurant maintained its standards over time rather than relying on early acclaim.

Press and Media Coverage

While Spanish Gardens Café did not pursue aggressive media exposure, it was periodically featured in regional dining guides, travel commentary, and local press focused on the Florida Keys’ culinary landscape. SpanishGardensCafe.com referenced this attention indirectly by emphasizing recognition rather than reproducing full articles.

The restaurant’s restrained approach to publicity aligned with its overall philosophy. Media attention functioned as validation rather than aspiration, reinforcing credibility without altering the restaurant’s direction.

Cultural and Social Significance

Beyond its role as a dining establishment, Spanish Gardens Café occupied a meaningful cultural niche. It served as a bridge between Iberian culinary heritage and the coastal culture of South Florida. SpanishGardensCafe.com articulated this role by highlighting shared values: respect for land and sea, seasonal awareness, and communal enjoyment.

The restaurant also contributed to the Keys’ evolving food identity, demonstrating that the region could support refined, globally informed cuisine alongside traditional seafood offerings. Its closure marked the end of a particular chapter in the local dining ecosystem.

Closure, Legacy, and Website Preservation

Spanish Gardens Café eventually closed following changes in ownership and the retirement of its founding chef. SpanishGardensCafe.com transitioned from an active promotional site into an archival resource documenting what the restaurant had been.

This preservation is significant. The website now serves as a digital artifact, capturing menus, philosophies, and voices that would otherwise be lost. For former patrons, it offers a nostalgic reference point. For researchers and culinary historians, it provides insight into a regional restaurant that successfully balanced authenticity, locality, and personal expression.

Lasting Impact

SpanishGardensCafe.com stands today as more than a defunct restaurant website. It represents a complete culinary worldview preserved in digital form. Its value lies not in current functionality, but in its ability to communicate how one chef, one location, and one philosophy converged to create a lasting dining experience.

In this sense, the site belongs alongside other preserved restaurant domains that document local food history, regional identity, and the human stories behind independent hospitality.

SpanishGardensCafe.com