Seafood with a view comes at a premium, and the market price on the catch of the day often overshadows the rest of the dinner menu. If you are looking for the Rusty Pelican Menu with Prices before you book a table, you already know this spot is about the bayfront skyline as much as the food. The good news is that you do not have to guess what you will spend on appetizers, mains, or brunch items.
This guide breaks down the current menu structure, realistic price ranges, and which dishes give you the best value for your dollar. We have also included the weekday specials that locals actually use, because the regular menu is only half the story.
Rusty Pelican Menu With Prices
Before we get into the specific categories, you should understand that the Rusty Pelican operates on a “market price” system for most of its premium seafood. That means the number on the menu changes daily based on the catch and the wholesale cost. However, the rest of the menu—the pastas, the steaks, the salads, and the brunch items—has fixed pricing that stays stable for months.
Here is what you can expect to pay when you visit the Key Biscayne location. These figures are based on the most recent menu updates and local dining reports. Always confirm with your server before ordering, because prices shift slightly with the season.
Appetizers And Small Plates
You do not have to order a full entree to enjoy the view. The starter menu is generous, and most plates are designed for sharing. The portions are larger than typical bar snacks, so two appetizers plus a salad is a realistic meal for two people.
- Conch Fritters – $16.00 (served with a spicy remoulade)
- Tuna Tartare – $24.00 (avocado, wonton crisps, soy glaze)
- Calamari – $18.00 (flash fried, banana peppers, marinara)
- Burrata Salad – $19.00 (heirloom tomatoes, basil oil, balsamic)
- Lobster Bisque – $14.00 per bowl
- Shrimp Cocktail – $21.00 (five jumbo shrimp, house cocktail sauce)
- Mussels – $17.00 (white wine garlic broth, grilled bread)
The Tuna Tartare is the most popular starter, but the Burrata Salad is the better deal if you want something light. The portion of burrata is generous, and the tomatoes are always ripe. Skip the calamari if you are picky about texture, because the banana peppers make it slightly spicy.
Salads And Soups
If you are watching your budget, the salad section is where you can eat well without hitting the $40 mark. The dinner salads are large enough to be a main course, especially if you add a protein.
- Caesar Salad – $14.00 (add chicken +$8, add shrimp +$12)
- Key West Salad – $18.00 (mixed greens, hearts of palm, avocado, mango)
- House Salad – $9.00 (small, simple, good for a side)
- French Onion Soup – $12.00 (gruyere crust, rich broth)
The Key West Salad is a standout because of the mango and the hearts of palm. It is sweet, tangy, and filling. If you add the grilled shrimp, you get a protein-heavy meal for around $30, which is reasonable for this neighborhood.
Raw Bar And Oysters
The raw bar is where the market price really comes into play. Oysters are sold by the piece or by the dozen, and the price depends on the variety and the season. East coast oysters are usually cheaper than west coast ones.
- Oysters on the Half Shell – $4.00 to $5.00 per piece
- Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail – $21.00
- Lobster Tail (cold) – Market Price (usually $38–$48)
- Stone Crab Claws – Market Price (seasonal, usually $45–$65 per pound)
If you are here during stone crab season (October to May), the claws are worth the splurge. They are sweet and cold, served with the standard mustard sauce. Just be aware that a full pound of claws is a lot of food—you might share it between two people.
Mains And Entrees
This is the core of the menu, and it is where the prices climb. The Rusty Pelican is not a cheap dinner, but the quality of the fish and the preparation justify some of the cost. Here are the standard entrees with their fixed prices.
- Grilled Salmon – $34.00 (herb butter, seasonal vegetables)
- Pan Seared Snapper – $38.00 (lemon caper sauce)
- Filet Mignon – $52.00 (8 oz, mashed potatoes, red wine reduction)
- Lobster Ravioli – $36.00 (saffron cream sauce, chives)
- Seafood Paella – $45.00 (for one, but easily feeds two)
- Chicken Marsala – $28.00 (the cheapest non-seafood main)
- Ribeye Steak – $58.00 (16 oz, charred, compound butter)
The Seafood Paella is the best value on the menu if you are hungry. It comes loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo, and the portion is massive. Two people can split it and still have leftovers. The Chicken Marsala is the budget option, but it is not the reason you come here.
Market Price Seafood
When you see “Market Price” on the menu, you need to ask your server for the daily number. The price is usually written on a separate card or communicated verbally. Here is what you should expect to pay for the premium catches.
- Whole Snapper (fried or grilled) – $45 to $55
- Branzino – $42 to $48
- Alaskan King Crab Legs – $75 to $95 per pound
- Maine Lobster (1.5 lbs) – $65 to $85
- Yellowtail Snapper – $38 to $45
Do not be shy about asking for the exact price before you order. The servers are used to the question, and they will give you a straight answer. The whole snapper is a popular choice for the table because it is visually impressive and the fish is always cooked perfectly.
Brunch Menu
Sunday brunch at the Rusty Pelican is a separate experience. It is a buffet-style spread with a live DJ and a bottomless mimosa option. The pricing is different from the regular menu, so you need to plan for it.
- Sunday Brunch Buffet – $75 per adult (includes seafood, carving station, desserts)
- Bottomless Mimosas – $25 extra
- Kids Brunch (under 12) – $35
The brunch buffet is expensive, but it includes crab legs, oysters, a raw bar, and a full carving station. If you are a big seafood eater, you can easily get your money’s worth. If you only want a light breakfast, this is not the spot for you.
Desserts And Coffee
Desserts are simple and reasonably priced compared to the rest of the menu. You do not come here for the sweets, but they are a nice way to end the meal.
- Key Lime Pie – $12.00
- Chocolate Lava Cake – $14.00
- Cheesecake – $12.00
- Creme Brulee – $13.00
The Key Lime Pie is the classic choice. It is tart, cold, and has a graham cracker crust that holds up well. The Lava Cake is rich, so share it unless you have a serious sweet tooth.
Drinks And Cocktails
The bar program is strong, and the cocktails are priced like a high-end Miami lounge. You are paying for the view, but the pours are generous.
- Signature Cocktails – $16 to $19
- Glass of Wine – $12 to $18
- Beer – $8 to $10
- Mocktails – $10
The “Pelican Punch” is the signature drink, and it is strong. One is usually enough. If you want to keep the bill down, stick to a glass of wine or a simple gin and tonic.
Tips For Saving Money
You do not have to spend $100 per person to enjoy the Rusty Pelican. Here are a few practical strategies that regulars use to keep the bill reasonable.
- Go during happy hour (Monday to Friday, 4 PM to 7 PM) for discounted drinks and half-price appetizers at the bar.
- Order the Seafood Paella and split it between two people. It is the best cost-per-ounce on the menu.
- Skip the bottled water and order tap. It sounds silly, but bottled water adds $8 to your bill.
- Skip the appetizer and order a salad as your starter. The Key West Salad is filling enough.
- Check the daily specials board. Sometimes there is a fish that is cheaper than the standard menu items.
Happy hour is the real secret. The bar area has the same view as the dining room, and the discounted appetizers are substantial. You can get the calamari and a cocktail for under $30, which is a steal for this location.
What To Wear And When To Go
The dress code is “smart casual.” You do not need a jacket, but you should not wear flip-flops or beach swimwear. Men usually wear collared shirts and slacks, and women wear sundresses or nice jeans. The restaurant is strict about this at dinner, so do not try to push the dress code.
The best time to go is about 30 minutes before sunset. That way, you can watch the sky change colors over the Miami skyline while you eat your appetizer. The restaurant gets busy around 7 PM, so make a reservation if you want a table by the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rusty Pelican Expensive?
Yes, it is on the higher end. Expect to pay around $80 to $120 per person if you order an appetizer, a main, and a drink. If you stick to the bar menu or happy hour, you can keep it under $50.
Does The Rusty Pelican Have A Dress Code?
Yes, smart casual is required. No beachwear, tank tops for men, or athletic shorts. Collared shirts and nice jeans are fine for men. Dresses or nice pants are appropriate for women.
Can You See The Miami Skyline From The Restaurant?
Yes, the restaurant is on the water in Key Biscayne, and it has a direct view of the downtown Miami skyline. The sunset views are the most popular, so book a window table if you can.
Are There Vegetarian Options On The Menu?
There are a few, but not many. The Burrata Salad, the House Salad, and the French Onion Soup are vegetarian. The pasta dishes can sometimes be made without seafood, but you should ask your server.
Do You Need A Reservation?
Yes, especially on weekends and for brunch. The restaurant is popular with tourists and locals, so walk-ins often wait 45 minutes or more. Call ahead or book online through their website.
The Rusty Pelican is a special occasion restaurant, and the prices reflect that. But if you know what to order and when to go, you can have a memorable meal without blowing your entire budget. The view is unbeatable, the seafood is fresh, and the service is professional. Just ask for the market price before you commit to the lobster, and you will leave with a smile on your face and a wallet that is not completely empty.