The Middle Keys dining scene welcomed a stylish new addition as Lalo’s bar and restaurant celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a night of island hospitality on Jan. 21. Though the doors have been open for a few months to allow the restaurant’s team to find its rhythm, the evening’s festivities put the fully-reimagined eatery on full display.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., the air was filled with live music and the clinking of glasses as locals and visitors gathered to toast a new chapter for owners Eduardo Sanchez, his wife Yarima Yera and head chef Giovanni Cardona. For many in attendance, the faces were familiar – Sanchez spent a decade managing the beloved Lazy Days South on the opposite end of Marathon.
The name of the new venture is a nod to that history. During his tenure at his previous post, Sanchez was one of three men sharing the same name, and to avoid confusion in the heat of a busy shift, coworkers dubbed him “Lalo.” The nickname stuck and, a decade later, it’s showcased in neon, representing a dream realized for the local family.
“I’m so excited for this new venture,” said Sanchez. “The spot was available, so we jumped on it. It’s something my wife and I have always wanted to do, and now with an amazing sushi chef like Giovanni on our team, it’s going to be incredible.”
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the culinary artistry, as the eatery seeks to present itself as a premier destination for sushi enthusiasts through its focus on exceptional presentation. Trays of meticulously crafted rolls were served in traditional wooden sushi boats, creating a visual feast befitting the fresh, salty flavors of the sea.
The kitchen displayed its flair for the dramatic by serving several menu items in martini glasses, rivaling its cocktails with intoxicating visuals.
To elevate the island aesthetic, Cardona said he treats every dish like a tropical garden, using orchids, hibiscus and frangipani blossoms to decorate the plates.
“When a guest sees a boat approaching their table, their eyes light up before they even take the first bite,” Cardona said while preparing a signature Florida Keys roll. “We believe that you eat with your eyes first, so we treat every plate like a canvas.”
Beyond the sushi bar, the menu caters to a wide variety of palates with a diverse range of cooked options that ensure no one in a large party goes hungry. Guests sampled everything from chicken wings and savory fried rice to golden gyoza and tempura appetizers. The kitchen staff worked tirelessly to keep up with the grand-opening crowd – a necessity to handle a high-end dinner service as well as a casual afternoon meal.
“This isn’t just a business for us; it is our heart and our home,” said Yera. “After 10 years of managing others, being able to open Lalo’s with my husband and chef Giovanni is a dream. We wanted to create a space where the community feels like they are sitting in our own dining room.”
The grand opening also showcased the restaurant’s popular happy hour offerings, a great option for locals looking to unwind after a day on the water. The bar serves up $8 signature cocktails including Lalo’s rum punch, mojitos and margaritas alongside a $7 food menu featuring crab salad towers and spicy tuna rolls.
As the live music played into the humid Florida night, the atmosphere remained relaxed yet refined – the kind of place where patrons can feel equally comfortable in a cocktail dress or flip-flops. With its location in the heart of Marathon and a commitment to quality that shines through every hand-rolled piece of sushi, Lalo’s Bar & Restaurant is positioned as a top new go-to gathering spot in the Middle Keys.Find Lalo’s at 11399 Overseas Hwy #1 in Marathon. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. More information is available at 786-401-9877, on Instagram @Lalosrestaurantmarathon or at lalosbarrestaurant.my.canva.site.
