Restaurants near La Quinta Inn & Suites Lakeland East

Despite a less than satisfactory experience at the 2025 Valentine's Day event, we decided to try Bay Street Bistro again (emailed the restaurant directly about Valentine's Day, never received a reply). There was one group of six already there who were a little on the loud side. We and another couple were the only others there. It's a small restaurant so the noise level of the one table spoiled the ambiance for us. Fresh rolls with seasoned butter started the meal. Our appetizer was escargot served with two pieces of phyllo pastry and a lot of cream with fresh whole garlic cloves. Next, we enjoyed a Caeser salad and the poached pear salad which was supposed to be served w/ bruschetta. Since it wasn't, I asked the server about it. She brought out a small dish of chopped tomato, olive oil, and seasoning. No toast even though the bruschetta appetizer shown on the menu is served on toast points. This was the first time I had ever seen bruschetta served w/o toast points. Our server must have thought it unusual because she offered to bring two more rolls to the table. My impression was that the chef was annoyed that I asked about the missing bruschetta and dumped the bruschetta topping into a small dish: "You want bruschetta - here's your bruschetta." We both ordered the Mediterranean salmon. It was served with lots of whole garlic cloves, fresh vegetables, and risotto. It was very good but also very rich from the butter. After enjoying more rich food than I normally eat, I was unable to finish the salmon and took most of it home. That left room for the rum cake with strawberries and whipped cream for us to split. It was also good. Our first two experiences here were the best. Since then, not so much. Because of that and the fact that we don't tolerate rich food very well, we will not return to Bay Street Bistro. I have a feeling this restaurant doesn't handle criticism very well so they will probably appreciate that.

Did was excellent!! Service was excellent! We l love coming here and truly think it's exceptional in every way.

We had a great Father’s Day celebration. Brunch was superb as was the service. Thank you

Some of the worst service I’ve had in recent times. I shouldn’t have to beg for refills. Asked twice for tartar sauce and never received. Restaurant was not busy. Restaurant was clean and the food was great though.

Such a fun place. Cute and atmosphere was great. Relaxed and the food was delish.