No matter what the temps say outside, it’s always seafood season in Lakeland. Swim over to these places where you can find fresh seafood right here in Swan City, plus a few that readers think are worth the short drive.
Casual dining
Country Chicken ‘n Fish, 1263 Kathleen Rd.
Nearly 2,000 Google reviews recommend this drive-thru and walk-up shack’s seafood, chicken + homemade pound cake.
Mister Fish, 715 E. Palmetto St.
This carry-out Lakeland staple has been serving up its famous Mister Fish sandwiches since 1968.
Dine-in
Bay Street Bistro, 211 E. Bay St.
Order the escargot before enjoying a variety of seafood options, including fresh-caught wild salmon, Chilean sea bass, and sea scallops.
Bonefish Grill, 225 W. Pipkin Rd.
Pro tip: head to Reader Bruce A.’s suggested spot if you’re dining with a group and order the family bundle special.
Catfish Country, 2400 EF Griffin Rd., Bartow
Reader Allyson A. told us to try the fried catfish and crab claws.
Charm City Seafood, 330 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Rd., Bartow
Try the shrimp tacos + crab cakes to see why it’s Reader Karen D.’s favorite spot.
Crab Daddy’s Surf & Turf, 1046 Martin L. King Jr. Ave.
Lakelanders Daryl + Bridget King recently opened a brick-and-mortar serving up seafood fare after operating as a food truck since 2019.
Crafty Crab, 4266 US Hwy. 98 N.
Fans of a good ol’ fashioned seafood boil can stop by and build their own with crab legs, crawfish, lobster, and more.
Fire Spot, 4250 US Hwy. 98 N.
Put a Korean spin on your seafood at this hot pot place — reference our guide if you’re new to the experience.
Fish City Grill, 1485 Town Center Dr., Ste. D112
Get happy hour deals on food Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. We’ve got our eyes on the $8 shrimp nachos.
Not a seafood fan? You can also get your favorite barbecue staples like brisket and pulled pork at Gaskins.
Photo by @gaskinsbarbecue
Gaskins Barbecue & Lobster, 1614 Town Center Dr.
This seafood + BBQ hybrid is known for its lobster rolls and gluten-free platters.
Harry’s Old Place, 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven
Reader Ashley P. recommends trying the Harry in the Bag — baked grouper with a pecan topping.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, 101 N. Kentucky Ave.
Pro tip: Stop by for lunch and start with the crispy calamari or salmon dip for a delicious afternoon.
Maritime, 302 4th St. SW., Winter Haven
Located in Bowen Yard, Chef Jason Boniface — who also leads the kitchen at Cob & Pen — has created a menu here inspired by classic coastal cuisine, specializing in cold-water oysters + fresh seafood. See what we tried.
Mr. & Mrs. Crab, 3770 Lakeside Village Ct.
Do you take your oysters raw or steamed? Either way, stop by today and create your own seafood boil.
Get your chopsticks ready because we’re on a roll.
Photo by @newmoonsushi
Sushi
Fancy Q Sushi & Thai, 5615 S. Florida Ave.
Serious sushi fans should try the Sashimi Deluxe for 16 pieces of assorted raw fish.
Gosh! Asian Bistro & Sushi, 4742 S. Florida Ave.
Stop by daily and order a lunch bento box, which comes with your choice of entree, half a California roll, and a side salad.
New Moon Sushi, 4231 S. Florida Ave.
We ordered (and loved) the Orlando and Philly rolls, plus a teriyaki salmon box. If you want another suggestion, Instagram user @cashley1 recommends the Hana roll.
Sushi Masa, 5700 S. Florida Ave.
Make sure to wear your stretchy pants — this south Lakeland spot offers all-you-can-eat sushi at both lunch and dinner.
Try the volcano roll with baked crab at Spice Thai & Sushi.
Photo by @lakelandbites
Spice Thai & Sushi, 3895 S. Florida Ave.
Stop by on the weekend for its signature weekend lunch special, including spring rolls, soup, your choice of a Thai dish or two sushi rolls, and a freshly fried donut for dessert.
Thai Oishi, 1535 Town Center Dr.
Boasting both Japanese + Thai cuisine, Thai Oishi is known for its comprehensive menu, right in the heart of Lakeside Village.
Tsunami Sushi, 114 N. Tennessee Ave., Ste. 101
For a truly Lakeland experience, take a stroll in Munn Park after enjoying a fresh bite from owner Vinh Nguyen’s Japanese-style restaurant.
Zukku Sushi, 640 E. Main St.
This stall in The Joinery has transformed from ATO to Zukku, offering up the same sushi burritos + bowls you know and love, with the addition of sushi rolls.
Fish markets
Lakeland Seafood Market, 320 W. Memorial Blvd.
Prefer to be your own chef? Shop dozens of varieties of shrimp, fish, shellfish, and crab.
Publix Super Markets, locations vary
Fun fact: Publix partners with Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to teach customers about seafood sustainability, that way it feels as good as it tastes.
Riverside Express Seafood, 130 E. Memorial Blvd.
This seafood market + restaurant is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., but we recommend getting there early in the day for the freshest catch. Pro tip: Visit Riverside’s new location at 2914 S. Florida Ave. to order fresh seafood dishes in the dining room or drive-thru.
Tropic Star Seafood, 3620 Ventura Dr. E.
This wholesaler recently opened a retail market offering 100+ seafood products, from fresh to frozen.
