25 Essential Lakeland Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Lakeland.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
Florida
Colorful American bistro with globally influenced dishes, a vast beer list & live music.
Scarpa's Italian Restaurant
Florida
Vibrant family-owned restaurant featuring elevated Italian entrees in a sophisticated atmosphere.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
Florida
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Lakeland's most persuasive chicken restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 85.0.
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
Lakeland, Florida
Texas-based chain restaurant serving Mexican food & margaritas in a hacienda-style setting.
IHOP
Lakeland, Florida
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
Jimbos Pit Bar BQ
Lakeland, Florida
Enduring BBQ joint offering plates, sandwiches, sides & pies, plus a walk-up & drive-thru window.
Cozy Oaks Restaurant
Lakeland, Florida
Breakfast favorites, hearty sandwiches & classic American mains served in easygoing surrounds.
Family Grill
Lakeland, Florida
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Nineteen61
Lakeland, Florida
Intimate, upscale restaurant with a patio offering Latin American cuisine with a modern twist.
New Moon Sushi
Lakeland, Florida
Sushi, maki rolls & hot Japanese entrees served in a relaxed strip-mall eatery with a patio.
Sushi Masa Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails.
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
Lakeland, Florida
Hip spot fixing up New Orleans-inspired fare, from jambalaya to signature cocktails.
Fat Jacks Deli & Pub
Lakeland, Florida
Bustling mainstay for overstuffed sandwiches, burgers & other diner classics, plus beer, since 1963.
IHOP
Lakeland, Florida
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
The Chop Shop
Lakeland, Florida
Lively diner doling out burgers, draft & bottled beers, & other eats in a casual, retro setting.
Texas Cattle Company
Lakeland, Florida
Western-themed steakhouse featuring wood-cooked aged prime beef, plus free steak on birthdays.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Lakeland, Florida
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Lakeland, Florida
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Burger 21 - Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Counter-serve chain dishing up creative burgers, fries & shakes in a modern space with a sauce bar.
Bonefish Grill
Lakeland, Florida
Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks & cocktails.
By The Chef Pizza
Lakeland, Florida
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop
Lakeland, Florida
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Lakeland, Florida
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Terrace Grille Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
The Terrace Hotel's fine American dining offers classic fare & a grand space with antique fixtures.
Bob Evans
Lakeland, Florida
Casual chain started on an Ohio farm & known for hearty family-style meals & a country vibe.