There are numerous restaurants in Lakeland Florida. These restaurants range from fine dining to casual eating. The diverse range of restaurants has something for everyone.
Lakeland is a fun town to visit, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The affordable cost of living and abundance of outdoor activities make it an ideal spot to settle down, raise a family or just enjoy life.
The city’s mild climate also makes Lakeland a popular destination for year-round fun, with visitors flocking here for events like the annual Sugar Mill Festival and the December Nights Festival at Lake Hollingsworth.
Whether you’re looking for a place for a family lunch, a quick bite to eat, or somewhere you can bring your date, there will be something for you to try.
Lakeland has the typical chain restaurants that you would expect to find in larger towns but it is its local cafes, delis, and bistros that really define the culinary scene of Lakeland, Florida.
There are so many restaurants that it can be hard to choose which one you want to eat at.
Here are some restaurants in Lakeland Florida I recommend if you get the food bug.
1. Café Zuppina
Guests can enjoy Turkish heritage, music, food, and traditions at this Mediterranean restaurant on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, Florida. Café Zuppina has served healthy food to Lakeland locals for more than ten years.
The owners endeavor to bring their Turkish culture to the city and expose guests to fascinating culture and cuisine.
The menu features delicious dishes that reflect Turkey’s culinary traditions and are made from a selection of fresh ingredients.
In 2019, they opened a shop next to the restaurant that offers fresh pastries and coffee.
You can dine in or order take-out. Operating hours are eleven am to seven pm on Monday through Saturday.
The restaurant has excellent service, and the atmosphere is homely, perfect for a quiet meal with friends and family.
With generous portions and a variety of tasty dishes, Café Zuppina serves authentic Turkish food and aims to bring cultural blend to the heart of Lakeland.
2. The Red Top Pit Spot
Located in Lakeland, about ten miles north of I-4 on Highway 98, the Red Top Pit Stop is a roadside restaurant famous for its burgers, barbeque, and breakfast.
They offer outdoor picnic tables with dog-friendly seating on the weekends.
They serve various dishes like the Redneck nachos with pulled pork, cheese and barbeque sauce, beef brisket, baby back ribs, and county fried steak.
The breakfast menu includes pancakes, burritos, brisket, and omelets. Their menu has fourteen burger options and famous mac and cheese that remind you of a home-cooked meal.
The service is fantastic, and the atmosphere is excellent. The restaurant is open every day from 7 am to 4 pm. They offer beer and wine if you want a drink with your meal.
Although they do not offer delivery, they have take-out services for customers who want their meals to go.
There is also a parking lot available. This is a good spot for a family meal.
3. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Established in 1987, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is an intersection of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors infused with a modern twist to create truly delicious dishes.
The restaurant is located on North Kentucky Avenue and has both good food and a good atmosphere.
This New Orleans-inspired spot is the perfect place to dine if you are a fan of Cajole-Creole cuisine.
Popular dishes include jambalaya, blackened Redfish, New Orleans ribeye, and shrimp ‘n grits. Their elaborate menu has a certain dish for every taste bud, including seafood.
The restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well. Harry’s signature Harry’s Hurricane cocktail brings authentic New Orleans directly to Lakeland, Florida.
Harry’s famous Oreo Beignets will knock your socks off for sweet tooths.
The staff is very friendly and hospitable. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille offer both dine-in and take-out services.
They also have outdoor seating in the form of a lovely patio. Happy hour is offered every day from 2 pm to 7 pm and includes special pricing on draft beer, wine, and premium cocktails.
Both walk-ins and reservations are welcome. Harry’s is one of Lakeland’s sweetest spots to dine.
4. Grillsmith Lakeland
Situated on Town Center Drive in Lakeland, Grillsmith is open on Monday through Thursday from eleven am to nine thirty pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
This restaurant serves comfort food paired with modern wines, whiskeys, and cocktails.
As you get inside, you are greeted by attractive staff and a refined-casual style décor.
The restaurant is perfect for hosting small party corporate meetings and social groups.
At the restaurant bar, guests will find flat-screen TVs they can watch as they sip on their favorite drinks. Grillsmith offers both dine-in and take-out services.
They serve various dishes like the famous Grillsmith Burger, steaks and eggs, the brunch Smith Scramble, voodoo shrimp, and wings.
The menu options include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can make reservations for large parties.
Walk-ins are also welcome.
They give out brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Grillsmith also has an impressive and passionate catering team.
They offer catering services for events, private parties, corporate meetings, and more.
5. Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant is a part of a Texas-based chain of restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine and is located on Lakeside Village Boulevard in Lakeside, Florida.
Abuelo’s brings guests a decadent dining experience by combining the flavors of coastal and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Here, guests can enjoy generous portions and experience genuine Mexican traditions through delicious food.
The restaurant’s hacienda setting, decor, and art immerse the guests in Mexican culture.
The restaurant offers a contact-free delivery service through the Grubhub app.
They also offer take-out services. The restaurant has happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm and again from 9 pm until close.
You can make reservations by calling.
The menu includes hand-crafted margarita cocktails, salads, chicken, steak, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, Manjari, Laredos, enchiladas, and fajitas.
The great atmosphere, tasty food, good presentation, and service make the dining experience worthwhile.
6. Fred’s Market restaurant
Fred’s Market Restaurant is found on Harden Boulevard in Lakeland, Florida.
This family-friendly restaurant offers homestyle Southern food using fresh ingredients that have been carefully selected to make a pure and hearty meal.
The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere is full of warmth and fun, making it the perfect spot for a meal with family or friends.
Fred’s has a weekday breakfast menu, a weekend breakfast menu, a lunch menu, and a dinner menu.
The morning selections are Southern staple favorites like sausages, eggs, biscuits, bacon, and hash browns.
They serve amazing dishes like soups, salads, cornbread, chicken, and catfish for lunch.
Dinner options include a daily special entrée of spaghetti, chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and smoked ribs, among many other options.
Catering and take-out services are also available. Fred’s has ample parking space, even enough for a 38 feet motor coach, a truck, or trailer.
They also offer a kid’s discount.
Guests can make reservations for large parties by calling ahead. Fred’s also offers free dinner on guests’ birthdays with proof to make your day even more special.
In Conclusion
Lakeland is going the extra mile to win business and keep you coming back; they know that if they take care of you while you dine, they will get your business again and again.
It’s no surprise that Bon Appetit ranked Lakeland’s dining as one of Florida’s Best.
The town seems to be a place where fast food lovers dine.
So bring your friends and be sure to check out these awesome restaurants in Lakeland Florida – you’re going to love the food, drink, and service.
