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

Discover Places to

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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Superb eats are a specialty in Florida’s Sweetest Spot. 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 and Café Zuppina 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 favorites include Born & Bread Bakehouse (Cruffins) and The Market at Café Zuppina 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

Restaurant Type

Restaurant Location

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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Andy’s Igloo & Drive-In Restaurant

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant Winter Haven, FL

Andy's Igloo & Drive-In Restaurant is a kid-friendly, local favorite near downtown Winter Haven.

Address: 703 3rd St SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: 863-293-0019

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Ave Bar by Arabellas

man and woman with cocktails sitting at bar inside Ave Bar in Winter Haven, FL

Ave Bar by Arabellas is adjacent to the fine dining restaurant in downtown Winter Haven.…

Address: 340 W Central Ave
Winter Haven, FL 33880

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Cookie Jar Bakeshop & Eatery

Woman handing purchased baked goods to customer over pastry filled bakery counter at Cookie Jar Bake Shop in Bartow, FL

Cookie Jar Bakeshop & Eatery in downtown Bartow serves freshly baked pastries, macarons, cheesecake, cookies,…

Address: 305 E Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: 863-519-3333

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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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Grove Roots Brewing Co.

kids playing outside Grove Roots Brewing Company in WInter Haven, FL

Grove Roots Brewing Co. produce artisanal ales inspired by the local Florida culture and influenced…

Address: 302 3rd St SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: 863-291-0700

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Ford’s Garage

hamburger and basket of french fries on a plate at Ford's Garage in Lakeland, FL

Ford's Garage, a small Florida chain, is a gourmet burger can craft beer bar. In…

Address: 879 Lakeland Park Center Dr
Lakeland, FL 33809

Phone: 863-337-3673

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SottoTerra at Streamsong Resort

Lodge SottaTerra Restaurant

SottoTerra combines the romance of Italy with impeccable cuisine to create a one-of-a-kind feast. Reservations…

Address: 1000 Streamsong Dr.
Bowling Green, FL 33834

Phone: 888-294-6324

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Hillcrest Coffee

Staff bringing coffee to customers sitting at table inside Hillcrest Coffee in Lakeland, FL

Hillcrest Coffee is a warm and inviting coffee shop in Lakeland. Inside the 1925 bungalow…

Address: 119 Hillcrest St
Lakeland, FL 33815

Phone: 863-398-9155

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LEARN & DISCOVER

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant Winter Haven, FL

Dining at Hidden Gems in Central Florida

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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 Central Florida. You’ll find several opportunities to experience mouthwatering barbecue...

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