Group of friends dining at Red Door in Lakeland, apart of our A-Z dining guide

Discover Places to

Eat & Drink

Central Florida Restaurants

Ready to get your taste of The Read Florida Magic? So what’ll it be? Napkin-obliterating BBQ? Classic high-end steakhouse fare? From upscale elegance to down-home grub, Central Florida’s food scene is sure to please everyone from the culinary curious to the chicken-fingers-only crowd. Try something delicious at these restaurants in Central Florida.

Local Favorites

From kid-friendly restaurants and barbecue restaurants recognized by Garden & Gun Magazine, to Gastropubs and TripAdvisor’s #1 restaurant in Lakeland, here are a few of our local favorites: Andy’s Drive-in Restaurant & Igloo, Harborside, Lucille’s American Café and Arabellas Ristorante in Winter Haven, Nineteen61, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, LoveBird – Almost Famous Chicken in Lakeland, and Peebles Bar-B-Q in Auburndale.

Sweets & Coffee

Cookies, cakes, pies, and CRUFFINS are just a few of the goodies you can find at the various artisan bakeries located in Polk County. Our local favorite includes Born & Bread Bakehouse (Cruffins) in Lakeland. Coffee lovers need to visit Concord Coffee, Hillcrest Coffee, Pressed Books & Coffee and Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland, and Haven Coffee Roasters or Honeycomb Bread Bakers in Winter Haven.

LEARN & DISCOVER

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant Winter Haven, FL

Dining at Hidden Gems in Central Florida

Whether you’re at home or on vacation, the age old questions of “What do you want to eat?” and “I...

See Details

Group of friends dining at Red Door in Lakeland, apart of our A-Z dining guide

A-Z Guide to Dining in Central Florida

Central Florida is home to some of the most unique variety of dining options. From delicious cruffins to some of...

See Details

Photo of scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes at The Terrace Grille in Lakeland, FL

Top Brunch Spots in Central Florida

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most important meal of the week!...

See Details

Harborside Restaurant is a great option for waterfront dining in Central Florida, located on Winter Haven's Lake Shipp

Waterfront Dining in Central Florida

If you’re looking for waterfront dining in Central Florida, consider visiting Winter Haven. This “Chain of Lakes” city, has lakes...

See Details

Barbecue Festivals in Central Florida

Barbecue Festivals in Central Florida

A new year signals the return of barbecue festivals in Central Florida. You’ll find several opportunities to experience mouthwatering barbecue...

See Details