Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Lakeland’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of more than a dozen places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Create your own or try a fan-favorite pie at Pizza Odyssey.
Photo by @pizzaodyssey.lkld
Think outside the pizza box
Lakeland Stadium Pizza and Italian Grill, 1035 E. County Rd. 540A
This family-owned spot has been serving hand-tossed pies, wings, and salads since 2010 — there are a dozen specialty pizzas on the menu.
MJ’s Pizza & Wings, 1747 E. Edgewood Dr.
There are 18 different ways to try your pie at this local spot — in addition to pizza flavors, check out the extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, wings, and desserts.
Pizza Odyssey, 811 E. Palmetto St.
This spot (formerly known as Pizza Daddy’s) inside the Lake Morton Deli offers a wide array of custom pies, as well as wings + subs. City Editor Connor’s new go-to includes a pesto base with chicken.
Deep dish
Jet’s Pizza, locations vary
This Detroit-style pizza is a fan favorite. Pro tip: Text your order to get 15% off menu-priced pizza.
Primo’s Pizzeria, 1031 S. Combee Rd.
Looking for Chicago-style pies? Primo’s Pizzeria is a local favorite for deep dish bites — you can get full pizzas or single slices. Did we mention online orders get a 5% discount?
KC’s Artisan Pizza was highly-recommended by readers during our pizza bracket.
Photo by @lakelandbites
Not to sound cheesy (vegan/dairy-free)
Ava, 640 E. Main St.
Enjoy a Neapolitan-style slice of pizza with views of Lake Mirror at The Joinery. You can sub a gluten-free cauliflower crust or vegan cheese + sausage into any of the menu items.
KC’s Artisan Pizza and Wine Bar, 6645 S. Florida Ave.
Check out the menu of vegan and vegetarian pies — we recommend the vegan white pizza for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Mellow Mushroom, 3555 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
This trippy eatery can make any pizza gluten-free or vegan. When you get thirsty, don’t worry — there are 30+ drafts, plus cocktails, mocktails, and more on the menu.
A small pizza is the perfect size for a lunch break.
Photo by @jburnspizzashop
If you can’t take the wheat (gluten-free)
J. Burns’ Pizza Shop, locations vary
We’re not just saying this is a local favorite. This biz was the runner-up in our 2023 pizza bracket, and the top comment sent in by voters was their love for J. Burns’ gluten-free pies.
Palace Pizza Highland City, 5227 US Hwy. 98 S.
Order a 12-inch pizza with your favorite gluten-free toppings, or opt for pasta dishes like chicken parmigiana.
That 716 Pizza Joint, 1950 S. Combee Rd.
Build your own cauliflower crust pizza at this local spot that also serves wings, salads, sandwiches, calzones, and more.
“Must eat at Palace once a month minimum.” — @thecrab_53
Photo by LALtoday
Italian origins
Ciao Bella Pizza & Pasta, 5369 N. Socrum Loop Rd.
Italian and Sicilian-style (read: thick, square-cut) pizzas are the name of the game at this north Lakeland establishment.
Il Forno Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 3615 S. Florida Ave.
If you’re looking for a dinner spot with all the right vibes, look no further. A side of garlic knots is perfect with any pizza or pasta dish.
Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.
Ding ding ding — you’ve officially met the winner of our 2023 pizza bracket. Famous for its fresh slices and garlic knots, this downtown storefront is a Lakeland staple.
We’re saying cheese just looking at this photo.
Photo by @pizzeriavaldiano
Pizzeria Valdiano, 1610 Town Center Dr.
Head to Lakeside Village for your next slice from this family-owned eatery. Pro tip: Take a slice (or any food purchased in the shopping center) into your next movie showing at CMX Lakeside Village.
Romeo’s Pizza & Pasta, 2346 Griffin Rd.
If you’re looking for a large, square-cut pie, order the grandmom pizza — it features a classic combo of plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
