Best Eats/Drinks Central Florida – Lakeland, Winter Haven, Orlando
Depending on what blog you read, or which local you speak to will determine what you consider CENTRAL Florida. To talk about the most friggin ‘ delish food in this area, I am going to be talking specifically about the Central Florida locations that we visit frequently, which are Lakeland (pretty friggin central!), Winter Haven (we live here!) and Orlando (the home of The Mouse), and where to find the most awesome foods, drinks, and brunch-fabulous locations in this area.
SERIOUSLY.
If it is on this list, it has been vetted by us multiple times and should not be missed!
Lakeland
The Joinery – This place is fairly new, but such a cool concept, where everyone can eat/drink what they want, in a fun-industrial setting. This is simply put, a mall for foodies. There are multiple options available which include Mexican, Sushi, Burgers, Ramen, Pizza, etc. They also have a bar, plenty of seating and great views. We love this for mid-way points to meet up with family for a good lunch, and some of the best ramen in the area, where we can have a table with no rush, and everyone can have exactly what they want.
Upsides:
No rushing – your table is yours until you are finished
They have a full-service bar
Downsides:
Not a traditional restaurant – you are your own server here
Parking! Grrrr! They need more of it!
Frescos – This place is 100 our Lakeland ‘go-to’ for brunch! We LOVE it here soooo much, and, if you are in Lakeland on Saturdays, there’s a good chance you will find us brunching here. It has a hip, citified-vibe, but the service, food and drink options are really hard to beat. And, you can call ahead to get on a seating list which you should do! They stay busy, ya’ll! And that Apple Bourbon Monkey Bread with Bottomless Mimosa Therapy which includes your flavor-choice of: Traditional, Blood Orange (my go-to), White Peach, Cranberry, Pineapple or Seasonal Flavors), are so very worth the calories! Share that monkey bread with the table so that you can distribute some of them!
Upsides:
Service is outstanding
Different/Unique Food/Drink options
Call ahead seating
Downsides:
If you do not call ahead, you will be waiting
Nineteen61 – This restaurant was a happy accident. While we were house-hunting – Lakeland was on the list of considerations, we wound up at Nineteen61. Typically -we found out later – you need reservations. Hence, the happy accident: we walked in, got lucky, and got a table. And it was a GOOD table too! Not one of those crap tables in the middle of the room!
This place is upscale Latin, American cuisine with fantastic food options and the best wine selection I have seen at a restaurant in a long, long time. When you see Orin Swift bottles (big fan, huge!) you know that you are in good wine company.
The food is AMAZING, service is IMPECCABLE, and the lovely wine pours (and pairs) easily. Well worth the visit.
Upsides:
Diverse, unique flavors
FANTASTIC Wine options
Service
Downsides
Expensive
Need reservation
Winter Haven
Lucilles – We considered Lucilles our ‘kitchen’ during the time that we were remodeling our own kitchen. We have eaten here many, many times! The food is fresh, the ambience is eclectic-funky, comfortable-fun – with fire tables for outdoor eating and a big orange fireplace (fireplace? Is it a fireplace? That’s not fire, but super cool) inside, that will have you staring at it trying to figure it out.
Food is also consistently good. You will probably see the owner here delivering plates himself and chatting with customers, which is a nice touch. Travel Tipsy: Get the Banana Split!
Upsides:
Customer service! They are consistently amazing!
Food is consistently good
Downsides:
Limited fire tables available. Makes them hard to get
Maritime – This place is fairly new, and a real gem! It is located in The Bohen Yard (similar to the Joinery, it is like a mall for food options), in Winter Haven Fl, and man, oh man….is this place soooo gooood! And, if you are an oyster lover, they have great options, AND, you can order smaller amounts of oysters, like 2 or 3 – perfect if you are dining with non-oyster eaters! This place is so very good. On the pricey side, and worth every dang dime.
Upsides:
Oysters
Other food options available at Bohen Yard
Drink window if not eating here, but you want a bar drink
Downsides:
Expensive – WORTH IT
Slow
Manny’s –
A local fave that will remind you of an elevated Applebees, or TGI Fridays on steroids. This place is great for large groups. The prices are reasonable, the food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is fun. Their fried mushrooms are some of the best that I have ever had. This place gets packed on the weekends ya’ll! Grab yourself some free popcorn and wait, it is worth it.
Upsides:
Reasonable prices
Great Happy Hour
Rolls and Tableside Salad come with most meals
Downsides:
You will have to wait for a table
Orlando
If you need to feed people…I mean REALLY feed people, with good food, Hash House is your jam. These portions are STUPID huge! I am not kidding! Pay attention when I am typing, if you do not do splitsies, you are going to regret it. I have never seen portions like this, AND the food is bomb ya’ll!
Upsides:
Great food
Close to Disney
Huge portions
Downsides:
Gets busy
Huge portions (we have to split – too much food)
Ya’ll! When I say I love this place, I have to tell you, I stinking stonking love this eclectic, authentically-different, hippie-vibe restaurant. This is my FAVORITE brunch place in the whole world. Not only is the brunch menu unique, but, if everyone at the table elects to get Shareable Small Plates, you can literally try everything on the menu. But wait, there’s more! The restaurant itself has its own unique type of entertainment while brunching. They have artists, painting throughout the restaurant, oftentimes there is a fortune teller, body contortionist, belly dancers etc., moving through the restaurant to entertain. I love strolling through, and of course getting my future told while I am there. I adore this restaurant.
Upsides:
Such a different experience!!
Shareable brunch
Downsides:
You will have to wait for a table
Hard to move around (really busy)
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
This is a wonderful Italian option in Orlando, with some of the best lasagna that I have ever tasted. We have never tried the steak here, however the pasta options are magnificent. There is seating here for smaller intimate parties or larger groups.
Upsides:
Wonderful food
Good wine list
Downsides:
You will have to wait for a table
Staying in Winter Haven Fl., or Lakeland Fl? Here are my recommendations:
Winter Haven:
For a good hotel, you can’t go wrong with Marriott properties, and this Courtyard by Marriott on Cypress Gardens does not disappoint.
If you want a more intimate, lake lifestyle feel, this area is BEAUTIFUL ya’ll, opt for one of the home rentals on one of our many, many lakes.
This one is on Lake Eloise, has a hot tub, fire pit, etc. I mean, just LOOK at this place!!
Currently rated at $214 a night this place is a STEAL!!!
For Lakeland we recommend Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland. You will see me suggest Marriott and Hilton often. They are tried and trusted brands, and definitely our ‘go-to’s’
For Orlando stays check out the JW Marriott Orlando, HELLLOOOO again Marriott! OMG! This PLACE ya’ll I mean, HOW can you go wrong with a pool like that! Give me a pina colada and watch me float!
Let me know if you check any of these places out and what you think about these restaurants! I am always curious if people enjoy has much as we do. And tell me what I missed!
