Dining in Central Florida

With weather like ours, you'll definitely want to take advantage of great alfresco dining!

Enjoy some finer dining locations for special occasions or a date night.

Do you care for a spot of English tea? After enjoying a meal in one of our tea rooms you won't be able to resist drinking your tea with your pinky finger in the air!

You can't go to the south without enjoying BBQ! Polk County has authentic southern BBQ that requires a stack of napkins!

Previous Next

Fine and Fun Dining

What are you hungry for?

Dining in Central Florida’s Polk County is more than just eating… it’s an experience.

Among the many things to do in Central Florida, Polk Country also provides travelers an ideal location for those looking to indulge in exceptional dining experiences while in the area. Feast on slow-roasted barbecue at a restaurant decorated with antique farm tools, head to a rustic fish camp for an old-fashioned fish fry or indulge in a six-course meal served in a historic dining room. Fish is a local favorite here, but you’ll also find food from around the globe.

Where to Eat on a Central Florida Vacation

Breakfast Ideas

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it while on your vacation. Check out places like Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Richard’s Fine Coffees and Reececliff. All located in Polk County, these places provide both an excellent cross section of regional flavors as well as a great way to start to your day.

Noontime Meals

For those looking for a refined noontime meal, try the Tearoom at the Stanford Inn. Located in Bartow, this bed and breakfast serves diners an assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts set in an original turn of the century Victorian home. For a spicier lunchtime treat, journey over to Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant in Lakeland. Enjoy authentic south of the border foods in this casual and inviting establishment. Lang’s Taste of Florida Café or the Lavender & Lace Tearoom, both located in Lake Alfred, are also great places to satiate those midday hunger pangs. Lang’s Taste of Florida Café is also known for their well-known dessert called Grapefruit Pie – if you’re a dessert lover, this specialty is not to be missed!

A Dining Experience

Visitors seeking a succulent evening dining experience will also find they have a diverse and delicious array of options on their Central Florida vacation. Norby’s Steaks and Seafood in Lake Wales boasts some of the best steaks in the area. For seafood lovers, Gary’s Oyster Bar and Seafood House in Lake Alfred, known as the longest running oyster bar in Polk County, offers patrons both raw and perfectly cooked meals. >The Terrace Grill in Lakeland’s historic Terrace Hotel offers fine dining with 1920’s charm. For fare with a more European flair, La Porta Rosa at Mario’s in Lakeland serves up quality Mediterranean cuisines in a fine dining atmosphere.