Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Swan City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Lakeland — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve.
And don’t forget to bookmark it.
March
Fold’s Pizza, 604 E. Main St. | Pizza
This new stall is now open at The Joinery, taking over the former Ava Pizzeria spot. It’s a new concept from the team behind Pizza Odyssey, offering foldable Neapolitan slices. We can’t wait to try the truffle mushroom staff pick.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in March? Drop us a line.
February
Grievous Angel, 801 E. Main St. | Burgers
Jeremy Brumley, owner of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, has branched out from hot chicken to smashburgers in this new honky-tonk bar + restaurant concept named after a Gram Parsons song. Grab a smash burger, a cocktail, an order of beignets, and a seat on the patio to enjoy it all.
The Flamingo Bean Co., 1318 Daughtery Rd. W. | Coffee
Think pink, because this coffee roaster has opened its first cafe in north Lakeland. The menu includes lattes, cold brew, pastries, lunch bites, and more.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 4515 S. Florida Ave. | Sports bar
Where’s the beef? It relocated just a short drive north of the Lake Miriam area. Visit for daily specials, from Wing Wednesdays to Fish ‘n Chips Fridays.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in February? Drop us a line.
Even in a hospital, the new Black & Brew brings the same vibe as the other three cafes.
Photo by @jennanealphotos
January
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Cafe
This local staple celebrated its 20th anniversary with four locations, including its newly opened cafe at Lakeland Regional Health. Find favorite menu items and a familiar vibe daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. inside the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children.
Cafe 51, 1023 CR-540A | American
Find family recipes in the former Charlie’s Mini Donuts space. Expect comfort food prepared by sibling owners Kathy Billings and Tom LaBarbera, who says you can’t skip his Chicken Spedini skewers.
IHOP, 5280 US Hwy. 98 S. | Breakfast
There’s a new place for pancakes in the Highland City area. This diner near Clubhouse Road is now open 24 hours a day with all the shortstacks you can eat.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in January? Drop us a line.
2025 openings
Vampire Penguin, 215 E. Pine St. | Desserts
Enjoy frozen “shaved snow” desserts with book-themed flavors and buy books by independent authors in this downtown cafe with a Victorian Gothic vibe.
Pressed25, 1201 S. Florida Ave. | Coffee + breakfast
Find this mobile cafe serving espresso drinks and gluten-free treats on the back patio of the Marathon gas station in Dixieland.
Lake Miriam Square Publix, 4730 S. Florida Ave. | Supermarket
This newly remodeled store is considered a “prototype” store with food stations you won’t find at other local Publix supermarkets. Visit the different counters for beverages, grab pizza, sushi, ramen, sandwiches, burritos, and acai bowls.
Three Forks, 3071 Bartow Rd. | Mediterranean-American fusion, barbecue + comfort food
Feasts of Persia, Spurzile’s Gourmet, and The Cultivated Pig have teamed up for this new collaborative food brand. Pick up ready-to-eat meals from the Marathon convenience store for a comforting meal on the go.
Lucky Goat Coffee Co., 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 810 | Coffee
This Tallahassee-based cafe chain opened its first Lakeland franchise in the Merchant’s Walk plaza, featuring handcrafted drinks and baked goods by Meraki Bakehouse.
Sausage House Market, 4204 S. Florida Ave., Ste. H | European
Prepare to pig out — this shop specializes in house-made Polish items like sausages, pierogies, and cheese with a top secret recipe.
Sambrazil Market, 2020 S. Combee Rd. | Market + bakery
Get a taste of Brazil at this grocer, which says, “we’re here to make life tastier and easier with authentic products and freshly baked treats.”
Dirty Dawg Pop Shop, 2972 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | Drinks + popcorn
Lakeland Ice Cream Company South opened a new venture with a pup-themed menu of syrup-filled sodas + layered popcorn. The Big Bark with Dr. Pepper and marshmallow fluff is talking dirty to us.
Tanuki Boba Cafe, locations vary | Beverages + breakfast
Goodbye MK Boba, hello Tanuki Boba Cafe. The fan-favorite small biz now has a new name and expanded menu featuring coffee and a few breakfast items, like avocado toast, in addition to boba tea. Find it on wheels at the farmers market or popping up at Catapult’s kitchen window.
Our mouths are watering looking at Crave’s menu of hot dogs and barbecue.
Photo by @cravetheshoppesonderita
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd. | Barbecue
This restaurant returns under new ownership at the same location, featuring creative hot dogs, classic barbecue staples, craft beers on tap, and ax-throwing.
Foxtail Coffee, 322 Kathleen Rd. | Coffee
This Central Florida staple has opened its first Lakeland location in the Shops at Lake Wire, the retail plaza by the Prospect Lake Wire apartment complex. In addition to coffee + espresso, it offers Kelly’s Ice Cream, breakfast bites, and a few lunch items.
Five Star Seafood, 3601 S. Florida Ave. | Seafood
Drive-thru or walk in for fresh seafood combos, chicken, sandwiches, and pasta.
Lakeland Treats & Trinkets, 270 E. Bay St. | Ice cream
Stop in this travel-inspired parlor for ice cream cones, gelato, sandwiches on croissants, and trinkets for sale gathered from all over the globe.
The Dram House now offers a menu of small bites, including charcuterie + flatbreads, to enjoy with its beverages.
Photo by @dramhouselakeland
The Dram House, 3234 S. Florida Ave. | Cocktail bar
Shop the wide selection of specialty bourbons or opt for a handcrafted cocktail and a seat at the bar.
Mootown Scoops, 723 E. Palmetto St. | Ice cream
Pair your Mister Fish sandwich with a scoop from this parlor right down the block. Get it in a waffle cone, a root beer float, or on a croque glacé (a warm, pressed brioche bun).
FL Master Homemade Donuts, 2930 S. Combee Rd. | Doughnuts
Step up to the counter and take your pick from a packed pastry case. Flavors range from bakery staples to unique mochi donuts, plus apple fritters as big as your head.
Tilaw is bringing new dishes to Depot 303, along with your Pinoy Cravings favorites like pancit + lumpia.
Photo by @tilaw_fl
Depot 303, 303 NW 1st Ave., Mulberry | Food hall
Everyone can try something they like in this food hall with six stalls + a bar. It’s packed with local favorites, like Fat Maggie’s and Pizza Odyssey, plus new flavors to explore.
Hakucho, 207 E. Main St. | Japanese izakaya
Make a reservation to try Japanese pub-style bites + bevs in a bustling atmosphere. Our favorite dishes and drinks so far are the fried chicken karaage, tart mocktail, and just-spicy-enough shishito peppers.
The Wine Garden, 1204 S. Florida Ave. | Wine + charcuterie
This is Lakeland’s newest full-service wine bar, serving up global wine selections + gourmet goods Tuesday-Sunday in Dixieland. Find it right between Bright Ice Scoop Shop and By the Chef Pizza.
Lake Miriam Chinese Kitchen, 4802 S. Florida Ave. | Chinese
Loyal fans were excited to hear this eatery, previously located in the Lake Miriam Publix, now has its own storefront in the same plaza. It’s still serving up favorite dishes like teriyaki chicken and lo mein.
Parlor Doughnuts, 351 E. Bay St. | Doughnuts + coffee
Grab a layered douhnut — we recommend the Swan — and enjoy your baked goods, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches al fresco on the outdoor patio.
Bright Ice Scoop Shop, 1200 S. Florida Ave. | Ice cream + coffee
This shop has 19 signature flavors that are always on the menu, plus seasonal specials. Grab your favorite in a cup, on a waffle cone, blended in a milkshake, or on an ice cream + cookie sandwich.
Fusion&Sabor Kitchen, 4417 S. Florida Ave. | Latin fusion
A cozy counter-service spot has taken over the former Cafe Zuppina space on South Florida Avenue. Stop by to get a taste of the spot’s arepas, empanadas, samosas, and more made with a Latin-fusion flair.
Crave Cookies, 3604 Harden Blvd. | Cookies + dirty sodas
The menu of freshly baked cookies changes every Friday here, so you can always get a craving for something new.
Chicken Salad Chick, 5216 S. Florida Ave. | Salads + sandwiches
Readers rave about this casual eatery where you can choose from 10+ styles of chicken salad. Pro tip: Don’t skip the cookie that comes free with meals.
Rita’s, 3115 US Hwy. 98 N. | Italian ice + custard
This biz has reopened in the same location under new ownership, just in time to cool off with a gelati on warm days.
La Gracia Colombian Bakery & Sandwich Shop, 5100 US Hwy. 98 N., Ste. 15 | Bakery
Pick up coffee and a freshly baked pastry for breakfast, or order an arepa and a sandwich to enjoy for lunch. Either way, enjoy the warm bread.
Taste of India, 3114 S. Florida Ave. | Indian
Stop by for dishes like tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and samosas, which are available for dine-in or takeout.
Market on Kentucky, 126 S. Kentucky Ave. | Market
Local entrepreneurs can sell their goods in this 1,200-sqft community market. Create your own charcuterie box, grab an iced coffee, order a pastry from Meraki Bakehouse, and stock up on snacks for the week.
Sora Eatery, 3900 Don Emerson Dr. | Asian-American fusion
Find a variety of breakfast and lunch options on the menu. Most items have an Asian-fusion flair to them, in addition to classic bites, baked goods, and grab + go options.
PALS Candy Shop, 121 S. Kentucky Ave. | Bulk candy
Fill up a bag with 70+ types of candy you can buy by the ounce, or cool off with an ice-cold slushy.
Don’t be surprised if these wings turn you into a Buffalo Bills fan.
Photo by @wingnutzflorida
Coming soon
Wingnutz, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln. | Wings + pizza | Opening April 2026
This New York-based eatery will transform what used to be Good Thyme into a dining destination for buffalo wings, but you can also expect sandwiches, salads, and tacos on the menu. Bonus: It’s approved by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, so it has to be good, right?
Island Breeze Tiki Bar, 201 E. Main St. | Tiki bar | Opening spring 2026
Soon, you won’t need to make a beach trip to enjoy your favorite tropical drinks. Island Breeze will bring blended tropical beverages and an updated facade to the location formerly home to Dart World Gaming Arena.
Prima 135, 113 S. Tennessee Ave. | Steakhouse | Opening summer 2026
Restaurateur Bill Freeman, former CEO of Shula’s Restaurant Group, is planning a swanky steakhouse in the former Florida National Bank building downtown. The owners plan to include a glass-walled kitchen and bank vault wine cellar while restoring the building to its original art deco design.
Grain & Berry, 322 Kathleen Rd. | Acai bowls, smoothies, salads | Opening TBA
Meet the next tenant coming to The Shops at Lake Wire. The “superfood cafe,” known for smoothies and acai bowls, will join Foxtail Coffee and the future Well Society Pilates studio near the Prospect Lake Wire apartments.
We’ll raise a signature Golden Eagle coffee to these upcoming restaurants.
Photo by INDYtoday
CAVA, 4200 Hwy. 98 N. | Build-your-own bowls | Opening TBA
You better bowl-ieve it — this Mediterranean fast casual restaurant is planning a location near the Lakeland Square Mall.
Dutch Bros Coffee, 4200 Hwy. 98 N. | Beverages | Opening TBA
This drive-thru, known for sweet coffee concoctions and energy drinks, will open right next to CAVA. Until then, you can visit its nearest location in Winter Haven.
The Velvet Swan, 125 S. Kentucky Ave. | Cocktail bar | Opening TBA
CJ Vapes & Lounge owner Jeremiah Joaquim will close his former business to open a Victorian-themed cocktail bar former Dissent Brewing space. Joaquim says he aims to create a sophisticated and upscale lounge environment.
Ethos Coffee Roasters, 6100 S. Florida Ave. | Coffee | Opening TBA
This local roastery is going from tall to venti after starting construction on what it calls “the coffee shop of our dreams.” It’s now being built near the corner of South Florida Avenue and County Road 540A. Until it’s open, buy your beans from Ethos’ farmers market booth.
Savage Tacos, Rose Street | Tacos | Opening 2026
This food truck is getting a permanent home, with plans to open a small brick-and-mortar east of downtown. Until then, keep up with its food truck pop-ups on Facebook.
Ellianos Coffee, 2890 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | Coffee | Opening TBA
Soon, you’ll be able to drive-thru for coffee from this chain that serves beverages + quick bites at locations across the South.
Lakeland Diner, 6960 S. Florida Ave. | Greek + American diner | Opening early 2026
Swan City has a new spot for home-style meals. The Greek family-owned restaurant will take over the former Wooden Spoon and Egg Factory location and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Buffalo Wild Wings GO, 3628 Harden Blvd. | Wings | Opening TBA
A new to-go eatery is waiting in the wings at the Oakbridge Centre plaza in south Lakeland, offering your favorite menu items from the sports bar via carry-out and delivery.
Chen’s Duck and Dumplings, 5125 S. Florida Ave. | Chinese | Opening April 1
This spot will soon open in the former Hong Hot Pot & BBQ location. Expect Beijing-style Peking duck and handmade dumplings galore.
Still hungry for more? Dig deeper through our food news.
