A taste of the world 🌎

Just ask the Cafe Zuppina staff for a GF recommendation. | Photo by Tina Sargeant Photography

If you’re like us, you’re always on the hunt for new and exciting international dishes. Fortunately, Lakeland is the perfect place to experience the world via international cuisine. Try one of these 33 restaurants and markets for your next meal — no passport required.

Latin America + Caribbean

Zarza Latin Food & Grill, 4648 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Try a dish fresh from the grill that blends the culinary styles of Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, and Ecuador.

La Calentana, 1725 W. Memorial Blvd. | This hole-in-the-wall taco stand offers fresh food and creative drinks like Micheladas, and the storefront offers favorites from flan to peppers and spices.

A hand holding a colorful cake pop in front of the Mass Market sign in Lakeland, FL — Pop into local establishments to pick up DOU Bakehouse’s treats.

Europe

DOU Bakehouse, locations vary | This patisserie bakes specialty French macarons, cakes, cookies, and more. Pro tip: Find their baked goods and chocolate bars at Cafe Zuppina and Pressed.

1916 Irish Pub, 2900 Buckingham Ave. | Play a round of golf before grabbing a pint of beer and a classic Irish meal like corned beef hash.

Middle East + Africa

Cafe Zuppina, 4417 S. Florida Ave. | Try unique Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern menu options for lunch or dinner. Pro tip: Grab and go with coffee, pastries, and boxed meals from The Market next door.

Street Cafe, 1023 E. County Rd. 540A | This spot offers freshly made Egyptian foods like shawarma, kofta, and shakshuka.

A platter of colorful sushi from New Moon Sushi — Get your chopsticks ready because we’re on a roll.

Asia

New Moon Sushi, 4231 S. Florida Ave. | Order up traditional Japanese menu options like sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, soups, and katsu.

Saigon Bistro, 1554 Town Center Dr. W. | This restaurant’s menu offers an array of Vietnamese dishes and beverages. Choose from options like rice noodle salads, egg noodle soups, rice plates, and sweet milk teas.

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of every international eatery in Lakeland. Check out our full list of 25 more restaurants and markets below, and let us know which ones we should add.

25 MORE INTERNATIONAL EATERIES

EVENTS

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Monday, Dec. 5

New Yoga | Monday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
Ciro’s Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour | Monday, Dec. 5-Friday, Dec. 30 | 10:30 a.m. | Downtown Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Bring your sweet tooth to try muffins, cupcakes, and more desserts from Winter Haven’s local bakers.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Active Living Every Day | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 2-3 p.m. | United Methodist Temple, 2700 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Learn how to enjoy and add physical activity to your day in this workshop — for individuals 60 years of age or older.
Ballet Magnificat! Most Incredible Christmas | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 6-7 p.m. | Lakeland Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | See this Broadway-style contemporary ballet about a contest to find the most extraordinary thing about the Christmas season.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Munch & Learn: Holiday Décor from the Landscape (in-person & online) | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 12-1 p.m. | Lakeland Electric, 501 E Lemon St, Lakeland | Free | Join this class to learn tips for indoor and outdoor holiday decorating with plants and natural materials.
Disney Trivia w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Compete in the most magical trivia on Earth to see who is the biggest Disney fanatic.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Handmade Holiday | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | $45 | Craft yourself a merry little Christmas by completing holiday projects while sipping themed cocktails.
Harrison School for the Arts Music of the Season Concerts | Thursday, Dec. 8-Friday, Dec. 9 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $16-$18 | This concert features the Harrison School for the Arts choral and orchestra departments performing classic holiday songs.

Friday, Dec. 9

Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 9, Friday, Dec. 16, Friday, Dec. 23 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, Lakeland | Free | Stroll downtown with Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
Festive Flix, Christmas Edition | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch “The Grinch” lakeside — refreshments will be available for purchase.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

SEASONAL

Get in the holiday spirit with this family-friendly concert 🎄

Listen to seasonal sounds and enjoy festive activities at this holiday concert. | Photo provided by Lakeside Village

Feeling the holiday spirit? Yule definitely want to check this out. Celebrate the season with an outdoor concert hosted by the Lakeside Village.

‘Tis the Season: Holiday Concert — happening Sat. Dec. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at The Lawn — promises all the festive feels + fun for the whole family.

Come dressed in your best holiday sweater and bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy:

Live holiday music by The Vocalitas 🎙️
A special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. 🎅
Free hot cocoa and coffee ☕
Holiday crafts

Bonus: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Experience the only “snow” you’ll see in Florida this season as snow swirls around the iconic Christmas Tree at the top of the hour from 6-9 p.m. (while supplies last). ❄️ *

ADD TO CALENDAR

NEWS NOTES

Weather

79º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Traffic

City commissioners unanimously voted for city staff to write a resolution to make the South Florida Avenue road diet permanent, with two travel lanes, a center turning lane, and 12-ft shared sidewalks. If approved, full construction could be complete by the summer of 2029. 🚗 (The Ledger)

Coming Soon

Signage for the new bodega Market is now up downtown at 106 N. Tennessee Ave. This 1,500-sqft convenience store will offer food, toiletries, medications, and other essentials — making the area even more walkable for residents.

Concert

The final four music acts headlining the 2023 Plant City Strawberry Festival have been announced: Ludacris, The Jacksons, Walker Hayes, and Chris Young. Tickets for all 24 concerts go on sale Thursday, Dec. 8. 🍓

Outdoor

Nature lovers, rejoice. Circle B Bar Reserve’s Alligator Alley trail is now open following weeks of closure due to debris from Hurricane Nicole. Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy this trail when the reserve opens at 4399 Winter Lake Rd. daily from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 🐊 (The Ledger)

Number

50,000. That’s how many people flocked to downtown Lakeland last Thursday to watch the Lakeland Christmas Parade, featuring around 100 floats and marching bands. In case you missed it, you can see photos and a video recording of the parade here. (LkldNow)

Biz

If you’re looking to sell your goods, Dixieland Relics and The Shop Across the Street are seeking vendors for their upcoming Christmas Market on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, send a text or call them here. Interested in shopping? See our list of local holiday markets.

Holiday

Get the perfect photo for your Christmas cards at Ax-Caliber’s Santa’s Brunch on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. Meet Santa for a picture and feast on a brunch buffet — plus bottomless mimosas. Book your brunch here. 🎅
Can’t get enough of the holiday spirit? Add these festive events to your agenda, including a Christmas village, outdoor movie, pub crawl, and more happening around Polk County this week. (The Ledger)

Finance

About to swipe your card for yet another piece of holiday decor? Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase to figure out if it’s a smart buy. 💸 *

Community

This is sure to make your heart flutter. Meet the butterflies living in the Butterfly House at Bonnet Springs Park. — a sanctuary for mankind’s favorite insect. The best part: Guests can interact with butterflies in their scenic natural habitat. 🦋 *

Eat

Have vegan or vegetarians on your guest list? Learn to make tasty plant-based dishes for your holiday dinner party at this hands-on cooking class Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. On the menu: garlic mushrooms, chickpea terrine, and more — yum. 🍽️ *

Biz

Need a change of scenery for remote work? Catapult has multiple workspace membership options. Perks include invites to collaborative community events, access to conference rooms to host team meetings, unlimited coffee, bottomless snacks + more. Learn more and apply.*

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SHOP

Giving you even more local gifts 🎁

Wooden origami swan ornament hanging on a Christmas tree

Have a piece of Lakeland hanging on your Christmas tree. | Photo via Etsy

Three little words local makers would love to hear this season: Add to cart. Make a Lakelander’s day by shopping these locally-owned Etsy stores.

12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar ($32) | Celebrate the days leading up to Christmas by opening a new soap, wax melt, sugar scrub, and more each day. | Always Rich Creations

Personalized snowflake family ornament ($25) | Customize this rustic ceramic ornament with your family’s names, or use a friend’s family for a thoughtful gift. | Lil Stinker Design — Star Seller ⭐

Wooden origami swan ornament ($36) | Make your tree even more swan-derful with this ornament handmade out of solid walnut wood. | Robert Berganza Furniture

14 MORE LOCAL GIFTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Doesn’t it feel like the Christmas season has officially started now that the Lakeland Christmas Parade happened last week? My favorite part was definitely watching a couple say “I do” while riding on a float — and I got to be right there for their first married kiss. If you missed it, see our recap here.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We gave you gifts for the 12 days of Christmas, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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