When we asked readers “When you think of a “classic” local restaurant in Lakeland, what comes to mind?” we were pleasantly surprised at the volume of mouth-watering responses we received.
To make your dinner (or lunch, brunch, dessert, etc.) decision less daunting, we narrowed down the list to 17 restaurants that encompass history, classic dishes, (like pizza and okra), and a strong, local pull.
From Fat Jacks to Reececliff, here are recommendations from locals to get that go-to taste of home.
Bay Street Bistro, 211 E. Bay St.
Type of food: Upscale seafood
Price range: $$$
Open for: Dinner
Order this: Beef Wellington – Filet mignon with dijon, mushroom duxelle, and prosciutto, wrapped in a puff pastry and served with a red wine reduction.
Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, 205 E. Main St.
Type of food: Cafe
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: “Smoked turkey sandwich” – recommended by @gracefullycaptured + “Strawberry toast” – recommended by @davenanna.
Need to know: Make sure to check out the menu at the restaurant’s other Lake Morton location for specialized options.
Café Zuppina, 4417 Florida Ave. S.
Type of food: Mediterranean
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: “Those brussel sprouts.” – recommended by @theisidoresisters.
Need to know: Swing by The Market to stock up on easy grab and go meals or stay for dessert and Turkish coffee.
Charlie’s Family Restaurant, 2614 Lakeland Hills Blvd. #8
Type of food: All-American
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Fiesta Ranchero – Eggs, sausage, onion, bell and Jalapeño peppers, Swiss + American cheese, all topped with ranchero and sour cream.
Curry Mango, 6625 Florida Ave S.
Type of food: Indian
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: You can’t go wrong with the classic Butter Chicken served over basmati or yellow rice. Also, be sure to order a side of naan bread.
Fat Jacks Deli & Pub, 2940 Florida Ave. S.
Type of food: Deli and pub
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: The Reuben – Boar’s Head corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all served on grilled rye.
Need to know: “Fat Jacks is always crowded; but they serve you quickly, and the breakfast is great and affordable. Not everyone in Lakeland knows about it, but it’s a great place, and the customer service is great.” – Local, Amelia I.
Frescos, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Type of food: Pub
Price range: $$
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: “The Whiskey Wednesday Burger” – featuring egg, Swiss cheese, tomato, bacon jam, and arugula.
Gosh Asian Bistro & Sushi, 4742 Florida Ave. S.
Type of food: Sushi
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Buddha Delight Roll – Sushi roll with tempura chips, cream cheese, asparagus, avocado, carrots, cucumbers, and scallions.
Jimbo’s Pit Bar BQ, 1215 E. Memorial Blvd.
Type of food: Barbecue restaurant
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch +andDinner
Order this: The pulled pork sandwich with fresh hush puppies — and you gotta try the custom barbecue sauce.
Mister Fish, 715 E. Palmetto St.
Type of food: Seafood
Price range: $
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Large Famous Mister Fish Sandwich – Fish, buns, ketchup, onion, mustard, pickle. Pro Tip: Make sure to add hush puppies.
Need to know: “Mr. Fish is more of a food stand, but still a local classic.” – Local, Allison Hart
Oksumi Ramen, 4790 Florida Ave S.
Type of food: Ramen
Price range: $
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Tonkotsu Shio Ramen bowl — add fresh cilantro.
Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.
Type of food: Pizza
Price range: $
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Try the Margarita pizza, topped with fresh tomatoes and basil + the delicious garlic knots dipped in garlic butter.
Reececliff Family Diner, 940 Florida Ave. S.
Type of food: All-American
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Don’t sleep on the selection of pie flavors for dessert.
Scarpa’s Italian, 1833 E. Edgewood Dr.
Type of food: Italian
Price range: $$
Open for: Dinner
Order this: Delmonico steak with herb butter, purple Peruvian mashed potatoes, and squash soufflé.
S & L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd.
Type of food: Hamburger
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast and Lunch
Order this: Definitely one of the regular burgers, but don’t sleep on the okra or sweet tea.
Need to know: The restaurant only takes cash so hit the ATM before heading over.
The Purple Onion Deli & Grill, 316 N. Kentucky Ave.
Type of food: Specialty sandwiches, burgers and tater tots
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast and Lunch
Order this: French onion soup – served with grilled Cuban bread + crackers.
The Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St.
Type of food: American Fine Dining
Price range: $$$
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Vegetable Medley with Creole Mustard Beurre Blanco.
West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant, 2215 S Combee Rd.
Type of food: Cuban Cuisine
Price range: $$
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Order this: Try the Pollo a La Plancha (grilled chicken) with sweet maduros + congris rice.
