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.
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.
Deep dish
Jet’s Pizza
, Multiple locations
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?
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.
If you can’t take the wheat (gluten-free)
J. Burns’ Pizza Shop
, Multiple locations
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.
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.
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
, Multiple locations
Ding ding ding — you’ve officially met the winner of our 2023 pizza bracket
. This spot has multiple locations, but the downtown storefront on Kentucky Avenue is a Lakeland staple.
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 Lakeside Village) 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.
Sorrento’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
, 2977 Duff Rd.
This family-owned pizzeria was opened by Italian immigrants Matt and Cathy in 2003. It’s known for Italian-style slices.