Tag: Lakeland

Some restaurants simply serve a meal, while others create the kind of experience that makes you want to linger a little longer. Tucked away on Lakeland’s north side, Il Forno brings together classic Italian flavors, freshly prepared dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like gathering around the family table. From the first bite to the last, it’s a place where comfort and tradition come together beautifully. Il Forno’s homemade Sangria is the perfect way to start your meal. I chose the white sangria, which was light, fruity, and refreshing, while guests who prefer a bolder flavor can opt for…

Nestled in the heart of downtown Lakeland, Fresco’s has become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Combining a vibrant atmosphere with a menu full of creative flavors, this longtime staple offers the perfect setting to relax, enjoy great food, and soak in the energy of the city. Brunch at Fresco’s is even better with one of their signature cocktails. For those looking to celebrate the weekend, the bottomless mimosas are a popular choice, adding a fun and refreshing touch to an already enjoyable brunch experience. A great starter to share is the Deviled Eggs, a Southern classic…

If you’re looking for a spot that can satisfy both your sushi cravings and your love of Thai food, Fancy Q Sushi & Thai is worth a visit. This Lakeland favorite serves up fresh rolls, flavorful Thai dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy a great meal. We started with the steamed Gyoza. These dumplings were filled with a savory blend of meat and vegetables, wrapped in a soft, tender dough that let the flavors shine. Served steaming hot with a flavorful soy sauce for dipping. These were light and satisfying. The Krab…

There’s something about a true seafood feast that feels both indulgent and unforgettable — and when the craving hits, there’s one place that immediately comes to mind, Mr. & Mrs, Crab, in Lakeland, Florida. This local favorite serves up fresh catches drenched in perfectly seasoned sauces, piled high and ready to dig into. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this wasn’t just dinner — it was an experience. This spot promises messy hands, full tables, and flavors that would keep me coming back for more. I had to start with a cup of lobster bisque. There’s something…

If you want a southern restaurant with a modern twist, check out Fresco’s in Lakeland, Florida. Grab a seat at the bar and start enjoying some of the great cocktails they have to offer. The Blackberry Basil Cooler is sweet and refreshing. It blends vodka, basil, blackberry syrup, lemon, and orange bitters. An Aperol Spritz is a classic cocktail that Fresco’s does well. It includes Aperol, lemon, simple syrup, Prosecco and a splash of soda for bubbles. If you want something that is not overly sweet, this is the cocktail for you. Their Old-Fashion keeps with tradition, smooth and your…

There is a wonderful Italian restaurant in Lakeland, Florida that is only open for dinner. And it is a small place, so it is impossible to show up without a reservation. It had been many years since I had been there, so I decided to check them out. We had a reservation for a Monday, it made it a little easier to get a table. As soon as you walk in you must check out the chalkboard. This is where they list all their specials for the day. We were one of the first groups to be seated so the…

If you are in downtown Lakeland and looking for a wonderful Spanish influence restaurant then Nineteen Sixty-One is the place to visit. There are many great starters that are perfect for sharing around the table. The Brussel Sprouts were one of those dishes. They were flash fried and tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. Then they were topped with raisin caramel and Manchego cheese. These were the sweetest Brussel sprouts that I have ever had. The maple vinaigrette and raisin caramel were a flawless combination of flavors that mellowed out the bitterness of the Brussel sprouts. The Peruvian Ceviche was…

We went to The Back Nine because we heard their brunch was amazing. They do have a specific brunch menu for Saturdays and Sundays, but you can also order items off their regular menu. Since I was there with a large group of friends, I was excited to see all the different dishes that we were going to order. The staple item that we always order when we come here are the Par Three Fries. These are amazing French fries. Everyone loves sharing them because they come with 3 different types of fries: Curly, Crinkle, and Traditional straight. They are…

If you follow me on social media, I have done many posts about a great restaurant called The Back Nine in Lakeland, Florida. It is owned and run by a husband and wife, whose dream was to open a restaurant. They have a wonderful menu, a full bar, and fun golf simulators in the back where you can have a fun game of golf (or a variety of other games, including zombie dodgeball). They serve an amazing brunch on the weekends, and I wanted to make sure I wrote about it. We were a big group, so we got to…

It has been a few years since I have written about Taco Bus. Since that time they have opened a few more locations across Florida. I went back to the Lakeland location in the downtown area. For readers who might not be familiar, Taco Bus started as a food truck out of an old yellow school bus.  Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives visited them for an episode and they exploded from there. When you walk in you are greeted by a yellow school bus to keep with the tradition. I ordered a few things off the menu since I was pretty…