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

Central Florida Restaurants

Come try the best Restaurants in Florida.

Try something delicious at these restaurants in Central Florida. You’ll soon find out superb eats are a specialty in Florida’s Sweetest Spot. Don’t forget our coffee shops or local breweries either!

Room for dessert? Smack dab in the heart of Central Florida, about half way between Orlando and Tampa, you’ll find a tasty treat in the award winning grapefruit pie served at Lang Sun Country Grove’s Taste of Florida Café.

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Ready to get your taste of The Real 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.

 

BBQ Capital of Florida™

Roll up your sleeves, grab a wet wipe, and dig into the kind of smoky, saucy, fall-off-the-bone barbecue that earned Polk County the title of the BBQ Capital of Florida™. Discover some of the state’s best pitmasters at local favorites like Peeples Bar-B-Q and Smokin’ Jim’s House of Barbeque in Auburndale, Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q in Lakeland, and Carter’s Bar-B-Que in Mulberry. They’re just a few of the mouthwatering stops waiting to be explored.

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.

Plan A Trip

Eat & Drink






The Terrace Grille

Terrace Grille

The Terrace Grille is a fine dining restaurant inside the Terrace Hotel in downtown Lakeland.…

Address: 329 E Main St
Lakeland, FL 33801

Phone: 863-603-5420

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Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro

Black & Brew Coffee House

Downtown Lakeland quick bites cafe and coffee shop offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options including…

Address: 205 E. Main St
Lakeland, FL 33801

Phone: 863-682-1210

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Cob & Pen

adults gathered around table at Cob & Pen in Lakeland, FL drinking beer and sharing small bite plates of deviled eggs, dip, french fries and wings

Cob & Pen in Lakeland is a local favorite featuring craft beer, boutique wine and…

Address: 1221 S Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone: 863-937-8126

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Richard’s Fine Coffees

Counter of baked goods at Richard's Fine Coffees in downtown Winter Haven FL

Located adjacent to the Winter Haven Public Library in Winter Haven, Richard’s Coffee Shop is…

Address: 330 Avenue A NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-291-3082

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Front Page Brewing Co.

Front Page Brewing Co crowlers lined up under taps

Front Page Brewing Co. is a craft brewery in historic downtown Bartow. Located in the…

Address: 190 S Florida Ave
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: 863-537-7249

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Scarpa’s Italian

3 people eating Italian dishes, water and wine glasses at Scarpa's Italian in Lakeland, FL

This fine dining experience in Lakeland has been recognized by Emeril Lagasse. Scarpa's Italian features…

Address: 1833 E Edgewood Dr
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone: 863-937-8940

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Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House

exterior of Gary's Oyster Bar. Entrance, sign and a parked truck

Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood House has been serving quality oysters and seafood for more…

Address: 660 E Alfred St
Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Phone: 863-956-5055

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Unfiltered Coffee

Unfiltered Coffee

Unfiltered Coffee in downtown Bartow is a coffee shop, bookstore, retail store and venue for…

Address: 160 Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: 813-481-1234

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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...

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  • 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...

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  • 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!...

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  • 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...

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  • Barbecue Festivals in Central Florida
    Barbecue Festivals in Central Florida

    A new year signals the return of barbecue festivals in the BBQ Capital of Florida™. You’ll find several opportunities to...

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