Saigon Bistro ($$) Located at Lakeside Village, 1554 Town Center Dr. W

Owned by some personal friends of mine, the Huynh family, this local eatery has its inspirations from Vietnam. Started by Kim Huynh and Hung Huynh, this restaurant has flourished because of the passion that this family has poured into their food. The boba tea is far and above the best in Lakeland, and pairs well with the beef fried rice, pho soup, or chicken mixed with rice and green beans. Whatever you are looking for, this restaurant has something to offer. Tough work and a wide selection of well-prepared and carefully crafted foods have earned this restaurant a stout reputation throughout Lakeland. These qualities, as well as its accommodating dining atmosphere, will continue to earn it the recognition that it deserves.

Café Zuppina ($$$) Location: 4417 Florida Ave S

Listed and featured by the Lakelander, Cafe Zuppina has been praised for its unconventional cooking methods that are inspired from Turkish cuisine. This restaurant features a variety of menu options that are not your average cuisine. It has also been noted for its organic ingredients that are sure to leave you feeling happier and healthier. Should you want a cozy dining experience that is offers something new and pleasant, you are sure to find something at this unique place.

Scarpa’s ($$$$) Location:1833 E Edgewood

Scarpa’s is another restaurant recognized by the Lakelander Magazine has been featured by Emeril Lagasse on "Emeril's" too. The menu has been carefully and creatively designed by the head chef himself, Mr. Scarpa. After growing up in an Italian restaurant his father owned and attending culinary school, Mr. Scarpa has gained enough experience for five chefs. The food is high quality Italian that is best paired with one of the wide selection of wines offered by the restaurant. The Italy wine by Locations paris quite well with the ravioili or lasagna if you are ever stumped while deciding between all the great menu options. Be sure to say hey to Mr. Scarpa and his lovley wife, however, if you forget they are sure to come and make sure that your dining experience is lacking in nothing.

Divicious Sandwich Shop ($) Location:128 E MAIN ST

I do not know what divicious means but it seems appropriate as it rhymes with delicious. This sandwich shop is often overlooked as it sits catawampus from the Black & Brew, right across from Munn Park in the downtown sqaure. A friendly Cuban lady is the proud owner of this make it yourself sandwich shop and is sure to greet you warmly when you order your food. If you are not in the mood to be creative and make your own sandwich, this shop offers a large array of subs and sandwiches that you can order by name from the menu. The cafe con leche, a type of Cuban coffee, is paired best with one of their flaky cuban sandwiches. No matter what you choose, the best part about this deli is its consistency. You are always sure to get what you order in a fast, high quality, and friendly manner which has won many Lakelanders over to be loyal customers.

Lakeland Brewing Company Location ($$$): 640 E Main St.

Micro-breweries are on the rise in America as more beer drinkers are shifting from the time common light beers, for a more refined hoppier taste. Lakeland Brewing Company (LBC), is specializes in offering high-quality drinks and some insanely scrumptious appetizers like their grilled-cheese sandwich that is topped with bacon and maple syrup. Located in the downtown area across from Lake Mirror, this beer joint has the feeling of an open air shop. Typically on tap, there are six core beers made by the brewery itself, a seasonal beer that and a couple guest beers that are featured from another brewery. The Portico, a beer made for introducing guests to the world of craft beers, is one of the brewery's most popular selections. While the Acer Nook is an award winning beer that has its inspiration from a traditional Heifenwizen, but is twisted to compliment the Florida lifestyle. Even if you are not into beers, this place has some fantastic choices of wine. This venue compliments the products it serves with a fresh clean atmosphere that is perfect for a converstation with some good buddies, impressing a lovely date, or just for catching up your old man.

The Poor Porker ($) Location: 801 E Main S

Started off with only $300 and a strong passion that far outweighed any amount of money, the Poor Porker is another restaurant that has been recognized by the Lakelander magazine and the general local population for its light and crispy beignets. this place was formed as a venture from two local individuals that started offering their creation at the downtown farmer's market on Saturdays. Much like their rustic yet accomadating restaurant design, their beignets are an anomaly that has helped to shape Lakeland into the beautiful city that it is today. With a variety of seating arrangements and many different menu options, this eatery is an untraditional yet pleasant place to grab a small bite to eat.