Lakelanders’ Choice 2023 | Taste
Lakelanders are foodies at heart and many of them are sharing their favorite eats and drinks on social posts all day and night. Find out which spots locals put on the podium of restaurant lore, who the top chefs are and where to grab a drink for a fun night out.
BEST FINE DINING
1st Place Winner
Nineteen61
The downtown establishment has become one of Central Florida's most celebrated culinary delights, serving up Spanish cuisine with a Latin American twist. Its executive lunch menu and
expanded catering means there is more to love than ever before.
215 E. Main St.
Nineteen61.com
2nd Place Scarpa's Italian
3rd Place Bay Street Bistro
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
1st Place Winner
New Moon Sushi
The sheer variety of traditional and modern Japanese dishes coupled with caring customer service make this a local favorite. Its sushi is a star, but its unique offerings like dynamic bento box lunches, a smattering of flavorful rolls and a fun cocktail menu are memorable as well.
4231 Florida Ave. S.
NewMoonSushi.com
2nd Place Saigon Bistro
3rd Place Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi
BEST TACO SPOT
1st Place Winner
Tapatio's
This throwback Mexican cantina with festive decor and bright murals serves up a massive menu of fresh and authentic dishes, just as it has for nearly 30 years. After enjoying the warm tortilla chips, patrons can chow down on the following types of tacos: beef tongue, pork, steak or Mexican sausage—and for those who can decide which to eat, there's always the Tapatio's 12 pack!
734 E. Memorial Blvd. | 6645 Florida Ave. S Suite #11
TapatiosMemorial.com | TapatiosToGo.com
2nd Place Mega Mercado
3rd Place The Taco Bus
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
1st Place Winner
Born & Bread
If you've never waited in an hour long line for a "life changing" cruffin or treated yourself to a local hand-crafted specialty like the Nana’s Squash Croisstata, then what are you doing? Jenn Smurr created a craze with her European style bread and pastries in 2015, and she and her team haven't let off the gas since, including this year when the owner welcomed twins into her family.
1113 Florida Ave S.
BornandBreadBakehouse.com
2nd Place Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
3rd Place Black & Brew
BEST FOOD TRUCK
1st Place Winner
Fat Maggie's
This food truck thrives by making dishes that are so appetizing that you can't look twice without giving in. You can always expect oozing cheese, tender and sometimes caramelized meats, dynamite sauces and food fried to perfection.
Follow Fat Maggie's on social to see upcoming stops
@FatMaggies
2nd Place Jimmy's Famous Seafood Express
3rd Place Feasts of Persia
BEST ICE CREAM
1st Place Winner
Mayday Ice Cream
Apparently different and attention to detail matter to Lakelanders, even when it comes to classic desserts. Homemade waffle cones and sprinkles, artisan seasonal flavors like brown butter chocolate chip and legit boozy sorbets and treats can't be beat.
640 E. Main St.
maydayicecream.com
2nd Place Andy’s Frozen Custard
3rd Place Brusters
BEST PIZZA
1st Place Winner
Palace Pizza Downtown
Earlier this year, owner Gio Moreillo let readers of The Lakelander in on a little secret: the only thing he's change he's made in 25+ years is the mozzarella—and that was 14 years ago. This classic downtown spot makes a star of the tomato and fresh dough, whether you're talking pizza, pasta or garlic knots.
114 S. Kentucky Ave.
palacepizzadowntown.com
2nd Place J Burns
3rd Place Il Forno Italian Restaurant
BEST BEER SELECTION
1st Place Winner
Swan Brewing
The downtown brewery has established itself as a quintessential hangout spot with live music, food trucks, BOGO Thursday nights and nearly 30 beers on tap at all times. They are constantly changing it up with brews of all body types and flavor profiles like a good mad scientist should.
115 W. Pine St.
swanbrewing.com
2nd Place The Joinery
3rd Place Brass Tap
BEST HEAD CHEF
1st Place Winner
Marcos Fernandez, Nineteen61
The spirited Cuban American chef is as intriguing and beloved as his Latin food that has made him Lakeland and Florida famous. He's a risk taker and
innovator who is always looking to create more
mouthwatering options, and also pays careful attention to the brand he is building for his current ventures and whatever might be next.
215 E. Main St.
Nineteen61.com
2nd Place Andrew Kippley, Scarpa's Italian
3rd Place Tina Calhoon, Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
BEST BAR & GRILL
1st Place Winner
Cob & Pen
The iconic 96 year old Tudor house has proven its more than just a fun spot—it is home to some of Lakeland's tastiest food. It offers up scrumptious, elevated bar fare, flavor-packed brunch options and beer and cocktails that keep palettes happy and conversations flowing.
1221 Florida Ave. S
cobandpenlakeland.com
2nd Place Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits
3rd Place Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill
BEST COFFEE
1st Place Winner
Black & Brew
The popularity of this 17-year old Lakeland staple is evident by how it has blossomed to three locations where locals indulge in fresh flavored bites, rich coffee drinks, fun teas and delightful baked goods. Ownership is quick to support community endeavors and is known for its perpetual generosity.
205 E Main St. | 100 Lake Morton Dr. | 4209 Florida Ave. S.
BlackandBrew.com
2nd Place Mitchell's Coffee House
3rd Place Concord Coffee
BEST BARTENDER
1st Place Winner
Frankie Ambrose of Frankly Bartending
Frankie Ambrose grew up here, and mentions the tutelage he received from Henry Tucker in the catering industry as instrumental in helping him building a successful private liquor catering company. He prides himself in knowing what locals like and how to serve their distinct needs.
2nd Place Lauren Barnhill of Mojo Federal
3rd Place Emerson Bamaca of Bar 61