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
