Not a single Central Florida restaurant has earned a spot on 2026 USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year list. We have to believe that’s an unfortunate oversight.
The closest to Polk County is a Bradenton restaurant, Tide Tables, a waterfront seafood restaurant located in the historic commercial fishing village of Cortez that borders north Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway.
There’s plenty of Polk restaurants that are deserving of a nod and larger recognition, consistently delivering good food, fun and unique atmospheres and top-notch customers service. The locals know where they are, as they regularly draw a crowd and become among the most recommended for celebrations and special anniversaries…