Staying up to date on Lakeland’s food and drink scene is a hard job, but someone has to do it. We’re looking back on a year of bevs and bites to narrow it down to the top 10 things we tried in 2024, in no particular order (because how are we to choose?).
Burrata plate | Sabrina’s Delicacies
Creamy, cheesy, customizable — this dish has it all. We paired our burrata with prosciutto and mixed berries, plus a watermelon lemonade.
Drinking chocolate | Andrew Logans Confections
This elevated take on hot chocolate made with Belgian dark chocolate and homemade whipped cream warmed us right up during a chilly farmers market trip. Year round, the salted caramel bonbons also hit the spot.
Pork belly pintxos | Vasco61
These bites are just the right size for sharing — featuring toast from Born & Bread Bakehouse and kimchi from Gigi’s Oriental Market doesn’t hurt, either.
Cafe Creole coffee | Amonie Jo’s Coffee
The signature flavor at this cafe is perfectly sweet and spiced. Try it in a hot coffee like we did, or add it to any drink.
Puffer Fish cocktail | La Gran Muralla
Pro tip: Don’t order this if you don’t want everyone around asking what you’re drinking. This cocktail was a sweet and sour showstopper, topped with an eye-catching liquid nitrogen cloud.
Pad Thai | Stick It Thai
This booth is a regular at the downtown farmers market, making it a go-to for lunch all year long. Find it by Munn Park on North Kentucky Avenue.
Salted caramel espresso martini | Smith’s American Tavern
The bar menu at this recently rebranded restaurant will keep you coming back for seasonal specials. Our favorite of the year is this sweet + smooth bev that even non-coffee drinkers would enjoy after a meal.
Roasted beet salad | Rogue Coffee
This coffee shop opened in the fall with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu — and we tried it all. One of our favorite lunch items was this refreshing salad topped with beets, mandarin oranges, and a light citrus vinaigrette.
Raspberry jam | Graze Craze
Can a jam really take the spotlight on a charcuterie board overflowing with cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread? When it’s as good as this housemade recipe, yes.
Focaccia deep dish pizza | By the Chef Pizza
This crispy pizza was so good, we braved the winds of Hurricane Helene to pick one up at Catapult. We can’t wait for this small biz to open a restaurant of its own very soon.
Of course we couldn’t limit ourselves to just 10. We’re handing out honorable mentions to a few spots outside of Lakeland that are worth the drive.
Raw oysters | Maritime
This full-service restaurant can be found at the new Bowen Yard in Winter Haven. The freshwater oysters were fresh and flavorful. They also came with an adorable bottle of housemade hot sauce.
Sir Henry Cider float | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail
If you visit this eerie experience in Plant City, don’t skip a stop at the snack shack. While we were terrified of the entire place, this apple cider and ice cream float made it worth the screams.
Biscuits | Egg Haven
You just can’t beat a classic. Visit this diner that’s consistently voted the best breakfast in Winter Haven, and make sure to add the fluffy, homemade biscuits to your order.
Motown pizza | Stage 201
The team behind this Plant City pizza spot spent years perfecting the recipe of their pies, which they describe as a mix of Detroit- and Grandma-style. Our go-to is a pepperoni Motown drizzled with hot honey.
