Restaurants

Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.
We hear readers’ hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we’re compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
What were the top things you ate, drank, and did in 2025? We’re sharing editor and reader picks for you to try in the new year.
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by local bakers.
Find a parking spot and walk to each of your favorite restaurants in the Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing plaza on South Florida Avenue.
Deciding where to eat is hard — these local food halls are making it easier with plenty of options all in the same place.
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
More from LALtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Wellness
Get your steps in and find a sense of sisterhood with this group that meets weekly for walks along Lakeland’s most picturesque trails.
Get a rare look inside some of Lakeland’s most historic homes on this walking tour of the Lake Morton neighborhood.
We’re diving into the average cost to rent in Lakeland compared to nearby cities.
Show off your Swan City smarts in a new game where you’ll guess the location of different swans in Lakeland. Be the quickest to guess correctly for a newsletter feature.
If you’re feeling eager to clean out those closets, garages, and storage sheds, consider donating your gently used items to these community organizations making a difference in our city.
This new shop offers popular book releases, antique home goods, and the cutest shop dog who’s ready to cuddle up and read with you.
Take a bite out of the local citrus industry’s history with a self-guided tour of labels found around Polk County.
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature experienced players from Lakeland and Winter Haven. Here’s when to catch their games.
We’re climbing out of the dugout and onto the diamond as we uncover the history of this iconic sports complex.