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Tara Crutchfield

Haven Best of 2022 - Food & Drink



BEST PIZZA

BISTRO PIZZA

326 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 875-4894

FB @bistropizza326

Bistro’s back at it again with another Best Of Haven win! This Ave Bar adjacent pizzeria serves up brick oven, hand-tossed pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Create your own, or keep it classic. Bistro offers varieties, including the Pizza Italia, made with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, and the Pizza Rustica with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ham, bacon, garlic, and olive oil. Pair your pizza with a calzone, stromboli, antipasti, baked pasta, oven-baked sub, or salad. Cheers with a glass of pinot from their wine list or a cocktail from the bar. And don’t forget to ask your server about the “Pizza of the Day.”

2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop

3rd: Pizza Connection


BEST BURGER

ADLER’S

543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven

(863) 875-6615 113

Ambersweet Way, Davenport

(863) 438-4324

FB @Adlers.TCB

IG @adlerstcb

Adler’s smashed their competition AGAIN – just like their juicy Midwest, high-fat content ground beef patties. And what a delicious victory it is! They’ve been takin’ care of burgers at their Avenue B (for Burger) Winter Haven location since last August, where they serve up little numbers like the Classic with LTOP, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, and mustard on an artisan bun. Others on Adler’s badass burger roster include the Italian, Bad Hombre, Twitty, Bourbon BBQ, and specials (if you follow their socials and play your cards right). Order it with a side of hand-cut fries and a craft soda from the fountain or beer on tap. If you haven’t been yet, GO. And tell them Haven sent you.

2nd: Andy’s Igloo

3rd: Five Guys


BEST TACOS

TACOS MY FRIEND

3899 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven

(863) 837-7416

FB @tacosmyfriend

IG @tacos_my_friend

Taco ‘bout authentic and tasty tacos! Tacos My Friend is more than a casual acquaintance to the Best Of Haven winners list – they’re more like besties, dominating the taco category year over year. It’s hard to top their succulent carne asada, cradled by warm tortillas topped with onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of salsa verde. If steak doesn’t suit you, they have plenty of meat options, including pollo, pastor, chorizo, lengua, tripas, and cabeza. Their full menu boasts sopes, tamales, tostadas, and more. Not to be cheesy, but this place is pretty spec-taco-lar.

2nd: Angel’s Kitchen

3rd: Azteca D’ Oro


BEST WINGS

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S

300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 293-9464

FB @MyBeefs

Ummm, Beefs? More like Chicken’ O’ Brady’s, amI-right? Their sauce and dry rub game is strong with flavors like Beef’s Signature Buffalo, Nashville Hot, Boom Boom, Sweet Thai Chili, Honey BBQ, and Atomic. Beef’ O’ Brady’s Award-Winning Jumbo Wings are always made fresh to order and tossed in one of their dry rubs or famous sauces. They come traditional or boneless and can be made into a combo or a basket. Beefs, you are the wind beneath Winter Haven’s (chicken) wings.

2nd: Apple Lounge & Grill

3rd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille


BEST CUBAN SANDWICH

SOUP’R CUBANS SANDWICH SHOP

1502 42nd St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 967-6277

FB: Soup’R Cubans

Winter Haven’s tried and true ‘Soup’er Hero has done it again! “Over 20 years and still pressin’!” Since 2000, Soup’R Cubans Sandwich Shop has perfected its pressed Cuban craft. They load up their Cubans with ham, pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a mustard and mayo mix on fresh Cuban bread. You can get your hot pressed sammie as a 7-inch Regular or 10-inch Super. Enjoy this award-winning sandwich with a sub, salad, or six daily soups.

2nd: Publix

3rd: Richard’s Fine Coffees


BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1797

FB @ArabellasRistorante

There cannoli be one Best Italian Restaurant in Winter Haven! Since opening in 2004, Arabellas has become synonymous with standout Italian cuisine downtown. Open for lunch and dinner, folks flock to Times Square for a bite to eat. For a romantic dinner for two, pair the Carre Di Agnello Scottadito, roasted rack of lamb served in a red wine rosemary sauce, and Filetto al Porto, Angus filet mignon topped with gorgonzola cheese in a port wine glass with a glass or bottle from their extensive wine list or a cocktail from Ave Bar next door. “Arabellas is rated 5-stars in food, service, and atmosphere. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience each time we have the opportunity to serve you.”

2nd: Carrabba’s Italian Grill

3rd: Olive Garden


BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT

TSUNAMI SUSHI

5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd #300, Winter Haven

(863) 324-6777 (Second location in Lakeland)

FB @TsunamiSushi2013

IG @tsunamisushiwh

tsunamisushi.net Rollin’ into first place again! There is plenty to choose from on Tsunami’s menu, including sushi rolls, sashimi, makimono, tempura, miso, and more. Their sushi list is full of bright, fresh flavors like the 8 Ball Roll with lobster, scallion, garlic sauce, and cucumber topped with mixed krab topping, almonds, and eel sauce or the Malibu Roll with tempura grouper, asparagus, cream cheese, topped with tuna avocado, scallion, spicy mayo, and tempura crumb mixture. Tsunami’s specialty rolls are sure to make you gyoza crazy! Godzilla or Hot Mamma Roll, anyone?

2nd: Tsukiyomi Sushi Bar & Grill

3rd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar


BEST BBQ RESTAURANT

BLACKBURN’S BBQ

169 5th St, Eagle Lake

(863) 287-9975

FB @BlackburnsBBQ

IG @blackburnsbbq

Blackburn’s BBQ is oak-smoked fall-off-the-bone goodness. They keep their menu stocked with southern staples like pulled pork and rib bone-in sandwiches, dinner plates including brisket, turkey, smoked sausage, meat by the pound, and family meal deals. You’ll also want to pick up a couple of made-from-scratch sides, like sweet coleslaw, southern potato salad, fresh collard greens, or Mimi’s corn casserole. We hear their homemade banana pudding, fresh apple pie, and pecan pie are slap your momma good!

2nd: The Smokin’OX Premium BBQ

3rd: Sonny’s BBQ


BEST DONUTS

THE DONUT MAN

1290 6th St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-4031

FB @thedonutmanWH

Other places donut even compare to the Donut Man! This little bake shop has all the glaze and sprinkles your heart could desire. Their amazing apple fritters, assorted cake donuts, filled donuts and raised donuts have derailed many a diet throughout the years. One customer wrote, “Delicious donuts that always make the trip over to get them well worth it! My personal favorite is the Toasted Coconut with Bavarian Cream. I believe anyone passing through Polk County should stop by at least once to try these baked goods!” Donut Man offers sandwiches, bagels, muffins, croissants, and coffee too. If you’re looking for an oh-so-sweet pick-me-up, Best Of Haven voters says it’s Donut Man all day!

2nd: Baking Donuts Plus

3rd: Dunkin’


BEST SUBMARINE SANDWICH

PUBLIX

FB @publix

IG @publix

We sub snobs just know that Publix does it best. Certainly, no beach trip is complete without a Pub Sub stop. And you’ve got ‘sub’stantial options, baby. How about a Boar’s Head Italian Sub, Publix Ultimate Sub, or Boar’s Head Cajun Turkey & Shrimp Poboy? The tried-and-true is the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli’s famous double-hand-breaded chicken tenders. This sandwich has become a Sunshine State institution that people across the country crave!

2nd: Firehouse Subs

3rd: Jersey Mike’s Subs


BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

AZTECA D’ORO

5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(Multiple locations in Orlando, Lakeland, Winter Garden, and New Smyrna)

(863) 295-9080

FB @Aztecawinterhaven

IG @aztecadorowh

Is there anything better than margs and Mexican food? Azteca D’Oro is praised for authenticity, friendly service, and flavorful fare. Their lunch and dinner menus feature ceviche, nachos, elotes Mexicanos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, tacos, signature dishes, desserts, and more. One customer wrote, “Their food is absolutely delicious. We drive 40 minutes just to eat here at least once a month. They make guacamole right at your table if you order it. Margaritas are delicious!!” It’s feeling like an Azteca Steak Mexicano and sangria kind of night!

2nd: El Olivo Mexican Restaurant

3rd: San Diego’s Mexican Grill


BEST BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

EGG HAVEN

301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 268-8269

FB: Egg Haven

Best Of Haven voters agree that Egg Haven is the butter to their toast, the biscuits to their gravy, the cheese to their omelet! The downtown diner opened in 2013 and serves breakfast all day, along with other greasy spoon fare. Their menu is so egg-stensive that you could get something different every morning and not run out of options for quite a while. They have a drive-thru for breakfast on the go, or you can take it (over) easy inside or out on the covered patio.

2nd: First Watch

3rd: Big Tom’s Diner


BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

HARRY’S OLD PLACE

3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven

(863) 324-0301

FB: Harry’s Old Place

IG @harrysoldplacewh

Winter Haven is over the moon for this underthe-sea eatery! Harry’s Old Place, located on the lapping shores of Lake Ned, has been specializing in fresh seafood since 1992. Known as the place “where the fish is always de-lish,” Harry’s serves a large selection of fresh fish and seafood, steak, chicken, pasta, and cocktails. A happy Harry’s customer raved in part, “Fresh fish & seafood cooked beautifully! We’ve been to Harry’s for lunch and dinner a number of times and are always really happy with our meal. The Smoked Fish dip is a great appetizer for sharing. Be sure to check the chalkboard specials as they change with the catch!”

2nd: Harborside

3rd: Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar


BEST THAI RESTAURANT

THAI HAVEN

309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 291-8085

FB @ThaiHaven

IG @thaihaven_fl

If you haven’t yet, it’s about Pad Thai-me you try the authentic, made-to-order food at Thai Haven. The cozy Central Avenue establishment is family-owned and operated, offering appetizers, soups, salads, curries, specials, noodle dishes, fried rice dishes, and more with spice levels to suit any palate. The lemongrass soup and red curry are perfect for a lighter lunch, and the Basil Bliss and Drunken Noodles are a must-try for dinner.

2nd: Saigon Garden

3rd: Gin Khao Food Truck


BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

MEDITERRANEAN FRESH GRILL

6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(833) 633-4745

FB @MediterraneanFreshGrillWinterHaven

IG @mediterraneanfresh

Chef Chadi Mokbel dazzles guests with beautifully plated Lebanese cuisine like Tabbouleh, kabobs, and shawarma, which somehow tastes even better than it looks. Mediterranean Fresh Grill offers a sizable but curated menu of food that is prepared fresh daily and cooked to order, accommodating dietary needs and choices from vegetarian and vegan to low-carb and gluten-free. Med Fresh Grill notes, “Our menu is inspired by the bold, fresh flavors found in the street foods of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our food contains only high quality, wholesome ingredients like organic fruits and vegetables sourced mainly from local and regional farmers as well as antibiotic-free chicken, lamb, and beef.”

2nd: The Krazy Greek

3rd: Andrea’s Family Restaurant


BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

CHINA GARDEN

6027 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 318-1900

Generous portions, affordable prices, and tasty takeout have China Garden customers raving. They serve up New York-style Chinese cuisine offering all the fan favorites from sweet and sour chicken and crab rangoon to vegetable lo mein and moo shu pork. “Food has been consistently awesome, fresh, and hot. The staff are friendly and attentive. I’ve never had a bad dish from here,” reads one China Garden five-star review. Grab a bottle of wine, some China Garden takeout (you can order online), and rent a movie for a super ramen-tic night in!

2nd: Beijing Restaurant

3rd: Evergreen


BEST RESTAURANT FOR OYSTERS

GARY’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD HOUSE

660 E Alfred St, Lake Alfred

(863) 956-5055

FB: Garys Oyster Bar

If you’ve never been to Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House, you must be living under a rock – or maybe a half shell. It’s the oldest oyster bar in Polk County, serving the area for over 42 years. According to the coziest shuckin’ oyster shack around, “We pride ourselves as a true Florida seafood experience that the entire family will enjoy.” Order a cocktail from their full-service bar and get your hot sauce and crackers ready for some raw oysters on the half shelf or have them steamed. We hear the Char-Grilled Parmesan and Jalapeño Bacon Oysters are worth the trip alone!

2nd: Harborside

3rd: Old Man Frank’s


BEST FOOD TRUCK

TALLULAH’S TABLE BY THE SEA

(863) 289-6255

FB: Tallulah’s Table by the Sea

IG @tallulahstable

Everyone’s favorite mermaid on wheels won Best Food Truck again! Tallulah’s Table by the Sea is available for public and private events and floats some fabulous fare like the grouper Reuben, lobster rolls, and sweet and spicy shrimp tacos. The latter is a food truck favorite topped with Tallulah’s homemade sweet and spicy sauce, mango salsa, and coleslaw. This Polk County food truck travels all over central Florida, serving up deep-sea deliciousness.

2nd: Gin Khao Food Truck

3rd: Taco Riendo


BEST DINER

ANDY’S IGLOO

703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-0019

FB: ANDY’S IGLOO

Can I get some fries with that shake? Andy’s is the place for old-school diner bites, from burgers and crinkle-cut fries to hot dogs and BBQ. The iconic Winter Haven eatery also serves chicken and seafood baskets, salads, dinner options, and classic sandwiches like tuna salad, roast beef, and a triple deck club. Andy’s Igloo opened in 1951 and has been a Highway 17 staple ever since. Order an ice cream float to wash it down before you go (they were voted Best Ice Cream, too)!

2nd: 1st Street Diner

3rd: Egg Haven


BEST FINE DINING

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1797

FB @ArabellasRistorante

At Arabellas, no detail is spared to create a second-to-none guest experience, making it a Downtown Winter Haven fine dining destination. From the ambient lighting to the pianist and premier service, guests rave about everything from the food to the overall experience. Voted Best Italian Restaurant and Best Romantic Restaurant, Arabellas is sure to please for any occasion. One customer wrote in part, “Wonderful food, service, wine, and ambiance! Great for a special occasion if you want multi courses, but reasonably affordable if you just order entrees and drinks.”

2nd: Nutwood

3rd: The Fire Restaurant


BEST PATIO DINING

NUTWOOD

132 Ave B SW, Winter Haven

(863) 229-7770

FB @NUTWOODWH

IG @nutwoodwh

Bask in a starlit dinner beneath twinkling string lights or a balmy mid-morning Sunday brunch prepared by Michelin Star Chef Steven Rojas. The brick-lined patio space is shaded by a sprawling oak tree and bordered with lush greenery. The atmosphere, only second to the cuisine, is a marriage of sophistication and tranquility in the heart of Central Florida. Foodies travel from across the Sunshine State just to have a meal at Nutwood.

2nd: TIE – The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille The Fire Restaurant

3rd: Harborside


BEST WATERFRONT DINING

HARBORSIDE

2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

(863) 293-7070

FB @HarborsideFL

IG @harborsiderestaurant

A Central Florida seafood mainstay, Harborside is lauded for its panoramic Lake Shipp views. Harborside is a repeat winner in the Waterfront Dining category, with guests citing delicious surf and turf, cocktails, and unmatched lakeside sunsets. It remains a destination for fresh seafood, steaks, and casual American fare. “What a wonderful surprise. Very nicely decorated to a seaside motif. Lakeside views from anywhere you sit, including outdoor patio seating. A great menu with reasonable prices,” reads an excerpt from one five-star Harborside review.

2nd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille

3rd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar


BEST BAR

AVE BAR

340 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 297-1797

FB: Ave Bar by Arabellas

This cozy downtown cocktail spot is situated between two other Best Of Haven winners, Arabellas Ristorante and Bistro Pizza. A small plate menu and menus from both sister establishments are provided, making it the perfect spot to imbibe and grab a bite. Ave Bar aptly describes its atmosphere as “sophisticated and fun,” the ideal backdrop to sip a craft cocktail, whiskey on the rocks, or glass of wine. One customer described Ave Bar as a “Great place to meet friends.”

2nd: Barrel 239

3rd: Grove Roots Brewing Company


BEST COCKTAILS

THE SOCIAL COCKTAIL LOUNGE

356 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 229-7453

FB @thesocialwh

IG @the.socialwh

Don’t let the Social Cocktail Lounge’s ‘Old Fashioned’ 1920s motif fool you – they can whip up a mean modern cocktail too! This 3rd Street piano bar and speakeasy lounge offers craft cocktails, classic drinks, beer, and wine. It’s a chill establishment to be ‘social’ with friends and catch live entertainment. One customer writes in part, “Fun spot in downtown Winter Haven! Cozy seating, a great bar, and an outside patio with a window pass-through giving easy access to the friendly bartenders.”

2nd: Ave Bar

3rd: Barrel 239


BEST WINE MENU

OBSCURE WINE COMPANY

276 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 268-6555

FB: Obscure Wine Company

IG @obscurewine

With Obscure Wine Company’s vast wine offerings by the bottle and the glass, you can “Drink for yourself!” A newcomer to Winter Haven turned downtown darling, Obscure was a dark horse in both the Best Wine Menu and Best Wine Bar categories. Owner and sommelier Wellie Bethea “hopes to share her love of the beautiful wine regions and the hard-working people that make the gorgeous wines we get to enjoy. Telling their personal stories of back-breaking work and devoted passion, one glass at a time.” We’ll catch you at Wine Down Wednesday!

2nd: Arabellas Ristorante

3rd: Nutwood


BEST WINE BAR

OBSCURE WINE COMPANY

276 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 268-6555

FB: Obscure Wine Company

IG @obscurewine

Obscure Wine Company is a woman-owned Central Avenue wine bar and shop offering a sprawling menu of wines from around the world by the bottle and the glass. Owner and sommelier Wellie Bethea provides her services to assist patrons in finding the perfect wine for their palate or meal pairing. Obscure offers a three-tier wine club along with wine courses from beginner to master class. Pair your pinot with something from the lite fare menu like an Art[isan] Palate chefcurated charcuterie board or Croque Monsieur made with ham and gruyere cradled by brioche bread and topped and toasted with bechamel and parmesan cheese. The lite fare menu even includes suggested wine pairings with each dish.

2nd: Grape Expectations Wine Bar

3rd: Ave Bar


BEST BEER LIST

GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO.

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 291-0700

FB @groverootsbrewing

IG @groverootsbrewing

Grove Roots Brewing Co. is a comfy downtown hangout with a community-centered feel steeped in citrus history and tradition. The brewery prides itself in being a place “where hops meet heritage,” both true in its atmosphere and beer. Along with their flagship beers – Slanted Ladders, Wakes of Grain, Rind & Shine, and 6AM Pickers – the Grove Roots team is constantly concocting a selection of seasonal and special-release brews. Try a Tropical Dilemma (winner for Best Polk County Beer last year) for a crisp, refreshing sour on one of those sweltering Central Florida summer days, or enjoy a hint of honey with their Honey on the Double DIPA. Meet some friends or bring the whole family to chill, cheers, and try whatever food truck is on-site.

2nd: Union Taproom

3rd: Jessie’s Lounge


BEST POLK COUNTY BEER

6AM PICKERS

GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO.

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 291-0700

FB @groverootsbrewing

IG @groverootsbrewing

One of Grove Roots Brewing Co.’s flagship beers, 6AM Pickers, is a breakfast coffee stout on draft year-round. The perfect ice-cold coffee, chocolate pick-me-up, the brewery describes this 7.2% ABV stout as, “Inspired by the pickers who greet the day from the grove, this rich and roasty stout delivers incredible depth of flavor dominated by coffee, oats, and cocoa nibs.”

2nd: Slanted Ladders | Grove Roots Brewing Co.

3rd: Rind & Shine | Grove Roots Brewing Co.


BEST COFFEE SHOP

HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS

140 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 251-9619

FB @HavenCoffeeRoaster

IG @thehavencoffeeroasters

Congratulations, Haven Coffee Roasters for two years on the Best Of Haven winner list! The cozy atmosphere, friendly baristas, and darn good coffee have earned Winter Haven’s only coffee roaster a spot in the community’s heart (and their morning routine). This family-operated, faith-based coffeehouse regularly hosts live music. Have you tried Haven’s seasonal flavors yet? Words cannot espresso how good they are!

2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees

3rd: N+1 Coffee


BEST U-PICK FARM

WHITEHEAD’S BLUEBERRY FARM

1024 Macon Rd, Winter Haven

(863) 860-4575

FB @whiteheadsblueberryfarm

IG @whiteheadfarm

Whitehead’s hedges out the competition yet again as the berry best U-Pick farm! What started as a plant nursery in 1979 became a blueberry farm in 2000. Next blueberry season (which typically runs from the first Wednesday in April through mid-May), grab your friends and a few baskets for a day of berry picking at Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm. This 33-acre family-owned farm boasts over 30,000 blueberry plants across 15 acres.

2nd: Ridge Island Groves

3rd: Lonesome Oak Blueberry Farms


BEST NEW RESTAURANT

LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE

205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 875-5005

FB @lucillescafe

IG @lucillescafewh

The people have spoken, and Lucille’s is officially Winter Haven’s favorite new from-scratch cafe. The restaurant has a funky, fun mid-century vibe that pays homage to local history, with photos of decades-worth of water skiers dotting the walls in honor of the city’s distinction as the Water Ski Capital of the World. Lucille’s serves up comfort food made “with love, the way mom and grandma have always done!” On the menu, you’ll find salads, sandwiches, and Southern comfort dishes like chicken pot pie and Lucille’s Homemade Meatloaf. Cheers with an adult beverage from their drink menu chocked full of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. This 3rd Street must-stop recently announced weekend brunch, and we hear the PB&J French Toast is out of this world!

2nd: The Smokin’OX Premium BBQ

3rd: Victor & Mika’s Bakery


BEST CATERING COMPANY

THE CATERING COMPANY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

2090 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven

(863) 207-7057

FB @thecateringcompanyofcentralfl

IG @cateringco.ofcentralflorida

Using fresh, local ingredients, the Catering Company of Central Florida aims to “provide flavor-forward dishes, custom to each event menu to fit any budget,” for their clients. One glowing review reads, “As someone who organizes several events, the Catering Company of Central Florida never ceases to amaze me! With every experience, they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. Their food is unbelievably delicious, and the customer service is top notch too! They are one of my absolute favorite caterers, and I highly recommend them for your next event!” No matter the scope of your event, the Catering Company can meet your needs – twenty people or 200, brunch, corporate lunch, charcuterie, rehearsal dinner – you name it, they can do it!

2nd: Blackburn’s BBQ

3rd: Catering Oasis


BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1797

FB @ArabellasRistorante

Grab your date and head downtown for dinner at Winter Haven’s most romantic restaurant. Arabellas is also a fan favorite in the Fine Dining and Italian Restaurant categories. The ambiance is nothing short of dreamy, with dim lighting and piano playing softly in the background as guests enjoy their meal with a glass of wine or cocktail from Ave Bar. “We went for our one-year wedding anniversary last night, and wow, what an experience! We had an absolute blast, from the live pianist to the amazing food and service. We will be making this a tradition, and we will be back!” reads a review from one satisfied diner.

2nd: Nutwood

3rd: The Fire Restaurant


BEST VEGAN FOOD

VICTOR & MIKA’S BAKERY

371 Ave D NW, Winter Haven

(863) 734-9148

FB: Victor & Mika’s Bakery

IG @victormikabakery

A repeat winner in the Best Vegan Food category, Victor & Mika’s Bakery is renowned for its delicious, high-quality, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free foods. V&M opened its first brick-andmortar eatery in Winter Haven last fall, where they offer hearty, savory options and baked goods. “We pride ourselves on specifically addressing the needs of those who are still sometimes overlooked: people with food intolerances such as dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy, those seeking healthy food alternatives, and also those with allergies who end up missing out on the tasty treats that their peers can enjoy.”

2nd: Mediterranean Fresh Grill

3rd: Thai Haven


BEST BAKERY

HONEYCOMB BREAD BAKERS

140 6th St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 662-5513

FB @honeycombbread

IG @honeycombbread

From farmers market mainstay to Best Bakery in town! Honeycomb’s little golden bee has become synonymous with piping fresh artisan bread and delectable pastries. Owner Benjamin Vickers “first lit the hearth” in February of 2018 and opened his Winter Haven storefront last year in a thoughtfully renovated 1960s gas station. Honeycomb has become a choice breakfast and lunch destination offering a selection of coffee and tea and soughtafter sustenance like baked brie and apple butter, bagel and schmear, salads, and sandwiches on their fresh baked bread.

2nd: Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop

3rd: Sugar and Slice


BEST ICE CREAM

ANDY’S IGLOO

703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-0019

FB: ANDY’S IGLOO

Andy’s Igloo totally creamed the competition again this year! Both Andy’s neon sign and its Americana diner atmosphere are an iconic beacon of a bygone era. In addition to delicious diner fare, Andy’s is ice cream parlor perfection. They offer homemade sherberts, milkshakes, freezes, floats, hand-dipped ice cream, and Royal Treats like their Banana Split, Spin-The-Wheel, Banana Bonanza, and Parfait (and all their toppings and sherberts are made in-house). Best Of Haven voters agree that a trip to Andy’s is the cherry atop any hot day.

2nd: Dairy Queen

3rd: Cabana Boy Ice Cream



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