Photos Courtesy Of Luff’s Fish House; Historic Photo Courtesy Of Boca Raton Historical Society
Historical image of the Luff House being built in the 1920s
Key Lime Pie
As Boca Raton marks its centennial and continues to evolve into a city of sleek high-rises and luxury living, a slice of its early history lives on at Luff’s Fish House. The story begins with Theodore Luff, who fell in love with the breezy charm of the Florida Keys during a visit in the 1920s. So much so, he built a bungalow inspired by the island spirit (complete with limestone porches and chimney) just off East Palmetto Park Road for him and his wife Harriet. That same bungalow now houses one of Boca’s most beloved seafood spots: a laid-back eatery that doubles as a love letter to Old Florida.
Before becoming a seafood restaurant, the building wore many hats — serving as the first home of the Boca Raton Historical Society and housing a variety of local businesses until it was eventually threatened with demolition. That’s when Boca Raton restaurateur Arturo Gismondi (of fine dining establishments La Nouvelle Maison and Trattoria Romana, as well as Biergarten Boca Raton), stepped in. The historic bungalow underwent an extensive facelift, preserving the original chimney and windowpanes, and reopened as Luff’s Fish House in 2017.
Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp
Between the swaying palm trees, the relaxing patio, whitewashed beams and coastal blue tones, Luff’s Fish House does a fine job of capturing the vacation vibe of the Keys.
It is so casual that it’s first-come, first-served (no reservations accepted), which makes the bar’s playful cocktail list with names like “I’m Feeling Beachy,” “Sail La Vie” and “Sunshine State of Mind,” the perfect way to ease into island time while you wait for a table.
Starters are so plentiful, it’s easy to make a meal out of them. Standouts include Oysters, Crab-Guacamole, Lobster Quesadilla and Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp. There is also a Smoked Fish-Hummus Dip and Tuna Nachos served with wontons, crunchy vegetables, orange and ginger dressing with soy glaze. Those wanting something other than seafood can order the Soft & Crispy BBQ Brisket Taco with white cheddar sauce, avocado and slaw or the Sriracha-Honey Wings with cashews, cilantro and lime.
Portions are generous, so pacing is key — and with such an extensive menu, it’s clear diners can visit multiple times and try something new. Sandwich lovers won’t want to miss the Lobster Baconnaise (with bacon, iceberg and tomato), Mahi Reuben with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and pickle or the Key West Pink Shrimp Po-Boy, a Louisiana favorite done just right.
Oysters On The Halfshell
Freshly Grilled Fish
For heartier entrées, it’s easy to understand why the Coconut Curry Grouper, served with jasmine rice, wok vegetables and fresh herbs, is a bestseller. The tender fish soaks up the rich, fragrant sauce delivering a balanced blend of sweetness, heat and brightness with every bite. Another popular item is the Seared Diver Scallops, which arrive atop Crab Fried Rice sprinkled with cilantro and cashews. The Penne & Crab Cake combines pasta in vodka tomato sauce crowned with a jumbo lump crabcake. There’s even a BYOC (Bring Your Own Catch) option for diners who want their fresh catch grilled to order — just ask your server about available sauces (we tried two: a lemon-caper beurre blanc and a mango chutney). All grilled fish entrées come with three sides: Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Zucchini and Butter Carrots, though these can be swapped with other options like Sweet Tater Tots with Maple Syrup Drizzle Marshmallow or Corn off the Cob with Queso Fresco and Citrus-Basil Aioli. The restaurant may be seafood-centric, but meat lovers are far from forgotten. Filet Mignon Au Poivre, BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Country Fried Pork Chop grace the menu.
There’s only one way to end a meal at Luff’s Fish House and that is with their legendary Key Lime Pie. A towering slice reminiscent of a New York deli cheesecake, it arrives crowned with fluffy meringue and filled with a sweet lemony custard. (The whole pie is also available for purchase, by the way.) For chocolate fans (yours truly), the Milk Chocolate Cheesecake offers the perfect balance of decadence and creaminess.
Dining at Luff’s Fish House feels like a throwback to a simpler time — not just because of its friendly, casual ambiance, but also thanks to its refreshingly affordable prices. With timely service, a wide-ranging menu and deep historical roots, it’s not hard to imagine Luff’s Fish House will still be around when Boca celebrates its next centennial.
Luff’s Fish House is located at 390 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-609-2660 or visit luffsfishhouse.com.