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Shortlisted: 8 Restaurants In Lake Mary, FL That Locals Love!

The very idyllic suburban city of Lake Mary in Florida is one of the most peaceful little places to be at. If you’re in the city, you’ll probably find lots of fun stuff to do, but one of the best things about Lake Mary is its dining scene.

The downtown area is lined with top-class restaurants, where you’ll find not only amazing food but also aesthetically pleasing environments!

Since we know this charming city well, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Lake Mary for superb food and exquisite dining experiences.

Experience Lake Mary’s hospitable service and dishes made by talented chefs at our selected eateries. Bon appetit!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

Our Top Eight Picks For The Best Restaurants In Lake Mary, FL

1. F&D Kitchen and Bar

Friendly restaurant serving a variety of farm-to-table dishes with one of the best outdoor areas in Lake Mary.

An understated gem and one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL, the cutting-edge F&D Kitchen and Bar serves elevated farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails in an environment similar to a five-star place.

This spacious brick-walled restaurant has a very cozy and romantic vibe to it, as various seating options are available under soft lighting and beautiful chandeliers. And the outdoor seating arrangement? It’s probably one of the best in the area, complete with hanging lights, a sturdy shade, and pretty seats overlooking a lush green area. Very picture-perfect!

The food here is prepared under a strict locavore policy, with only the freshest of local ingredients reaching the tables (they’ve even listed down on a board all the farms they source their stuff from).

Favorites from the smaller plates include the creative buffalo sauce-covered cauliflower served with their amazing blue cheese dip, and the honey-fried chicken served over johnny cakes with a bourbon maple syrup. Yum!

For a more substantial meal, try the grilled Scottish salmon with fennel and oranges in a tarragon emulsion, or the crave-worthy lobster and shrimp pappardelle with chipotle butter and blistered tomatoes. You can’t go wrong with either of those options! 

Brunch is bottomless here, which means you can order as many rounds of mimosas and eat your weight in their lemon ricotta pancakes and the spicy hollandaise Tasso ham egg benedict. You can even have bottomless dinners here, along with some of the best libations anywhere in the city!

Get a reservation (as wait time can be pretty long) for any day of the week, from 4 pm onwards between Monday to Friday, 11 am onwards on Saturdays, and 10 am onwards on Sundays. 

Address: 1541 International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/GourmetPhotography

2. The Vineyard Wine Company

Classy wine lounge serving elegant dishes and wine by the glass.

Featuring artfully arranged delectables with a wine list that whisks you to far-flung lands, The Vineyard Wine Company offers an unbeatable dining experience in an elegant ambiance.

Clink your wine glasses together in their relaxed lounge that has pillars with vines wrapping around them, soft lighting, and brick walls – all of which make this place feel super posh yet inviting. There are quaint and pretty alcoves here that offer private dining, along with a spacious bar for a more relaxed and casual meal. And with the live music they offer, this family-owned place checks out as a romantic must! 

Lunch offers handhelds that aren’t just your average sandwiches – they’re made with top-quality ingredients worth every buck you shell out. Their Bacon Gouda Meatloaf sandwich sounds deceptively simple – meatloaf, bacon, gouda, and veggies on brioche – but in fact, this meatloaf is made with painstaking care and tastes divine!

If you’re in the mood for BBQ, get their BBQ chicken wrap that has applewood smoked bacon, a rich brussel sprout and onion slaw, and Tillamook cheddar. Yum!

Whilst for dinner, try elegant plates of pan-seared duck in an Amarena cherry reduction with orzo, or the garlicky Maine lobster and asparagus risotto served with white truffle oil. When we say the food here is downright divine, we mean it! Don’t forget to get something from the awe-inspiring selection of wine, either by glass or bottles from the cellar.

On Sundays, they host brunch, featuring daring creations such as the Brazilian Omelet with pineapple and hollandaise sauce, along with classics like chicken and waffles and simple eggs and toast.

Drop by any day between Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am onwards, and Sundays from 10.30 am to 3 pm, and we guarantee you’ll leave beyond impressed! 

Address: 1140 Townpark Ave #1260, Lake Mary, FL

3. Lonnie’s Fusion Cuisine

World-cuisine and Italian favorites served up in a cozy restaurant with views of Central Park.

Owner/head chef Lonnie’s love for cooking has led to this place becoming one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL, where locals go for both casual lunches and romantic dinners.

And although Lonnie’s serves up world cuisine, this place has an undeniable Italian flair to it. Sit inside the rustic dining room, which is surprisingly small yet cozy, with brick walls and decor that makes you feel like you’re in an old beer cellar.

The open kitchen behind the bar offers a view of the chef whipping up specials, filling the room with aromas bound to make your stomach growl. Although the spacing inside is limited, their patio has lots of tables under large umbrellas surrounded by trees and overlooking the gorgeous Central Park. Five stars for the location and ambiance alone, if you ask us!

As for the food, it’s nothing short of exquisite. The lunch menu, albeit short, has some stellar dishes like the ahi tuna wrap that has a miso glaze and sriracha mayo in it, or the chicken salad sandwich that has craisins and walnuts with ranch in it. Creative? Pretty much. And tasty? Absolutely!

Dinner here is as fancy as it gets. We suggest splurging on fusion dishes like the Scottish salmon, served on Thai rice pilaf and some sesame and soy sauce, or the blackened ribeye topped with a mushroom demi glaze.

Both menus also have vegetarian options such as the spicy hummus wrap or the very popular vegetable medley. Don’t forget to check out the daily seafood specials or the reasonably priced beer/wine menu!

Lonnie’s is open from Monday to Friday from 11 am onwards and on Saturdays from 2 pm onwards for lunch and dinner. We suggest getting a reservation as the place is packed almost every night!

Address: 124 N 4th St STE 1700, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

4. Viet-Nomz 

Renowned Vietnamese food in a laid-back setting, alongside several vegetarian-friendly options.

Bringing the simple, fresh, and bright flavors of Vietnam to Florida, Viet-Nomz is easily one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL, despite being relatively new in the area.

Known for its delicious bowls of pho, this place offers a modern twist to traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary and bright setting. You’ll likely love sitting in their dining room that’s full of hanging plants and light-colored wood furniture with modern-looking lights to further enhance the ambiance. Upbeat music and a fast-casual atmosphere make this place perfect for quick eats and a hangout with friends.

The menu mainly revolves around pho, which is hands down the best pho in the area, and tastes absolutely pho-nomenal! You can either build your bowl or get one of the bowls with the chef’s choice of ingredients.

Their ‘What the Pho’ bowl is a classic Vietnamese chicken pho broth, topped with beef slices and beef balls. We give it five stars for its creative name and its authentic flavor.

Hop over to the herb bar here too, where you can add fresh veggies and sauces of your choice to your meals. Don’t forget to try other Asian delicacies like Banh Mi, served on a french hoagie with the protein of your choice, or the Vietnamese street tacos that have their signature spicy sauce in it.

Oh and, this place is also pretty vegetarian-friendly, as you can choose a vegetarian broth and some mouth-watering crispy tofu for any entree, including their vegan noodle bowl. 

Viet-Nomz is open every day from 11 am onwards for lunch and dinner, so consider dropping by for a delicious Vietnamese meal in a fun atmosphere! 

Address: 4044 W Lake Mary Blvd Ste 108, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/SeventyFour

5. Liam Fitzpatrick’s Irish Restaurant

Classic Irish restaurant serving tasty and affordable food, great drinks, and with live music on the weekends.

If you’re looking for a place to kick back, have some fun and munch on a good ol’ shepherd’s pie, head to Liam Fitzpatrick’s Irish Restaurant – one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL.

This place has a definitive warm and friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music on weekends and trivia on other days as you sip on some expertly made drinks and chow down hearty Irish fare. Their spacious dining room with dark wood accents, warm lighting, and a full-service bar is the perfect setting to enjoy some good beer with friends, as is the fenced outdoor patio with charming hanging lights. 

As for the menu, they’ve kept it short and easy, but there’s not a weak link among the items they offer. Start with some of their sweet and hot apple and brie flatbread or the garlic potato soup with bacon bits in it.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, move on to either the fantastic burgers and sandwiches or the irresistible Irish entrees. Definitely try the creamy and savory shepherd’s pie that has the perfect seasoning and is served with a light and refreshing salad to balance the richness of the pie.

Also worth trying is the Irish mac and cheese, or the beer-battered fish and chips that never fails to delight hungry patrons. Wash it all down with some of their Irish beers, and you’re all set. 

They also do weekend brunches, with affordable (and very tasty) orange mimosas, Irish whiskey, and some downright delicious deviled eggs and chorizo omelets that can get you drooling for more!

This place is open every day, from 10.30 am onwards on weekends, 3 pm on Mondays, and 11 am for the rest of the week. Oh and, from Wednesday to Saturday, they remain open as late as 2 am, in case you got some late-night cravings. 

Address: 951 Market Promenade Ave Suite 1115, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Daviles

6. Terramia Brick Oven Pizza & Trattoria

High-end Italian food served in a comfortable atmosphere, with an impressive wine list and some al-fresco dining options.

Terramia is a quintessential Italian trattoria, where you can have modern, upscale Italian fare in an intimate atmosphere that’s comfortable yet elegant.

Their open kitchen concept adds a lot of character to this place, allowing you to sit at the bar and muse over talented chefs preparing your meal. The rest of the tables are in a small yet cozy space, where you’ll often find the wait staff conversing in Italian, making you feel like you’re dining right in Naples! Tables are also available outside on the shaded and fenced-in sidewalk seating for any al fresco diners.

Classy, high-end Italian fare with a modern twist is what this place is all about. Begin with a taste of their brick-oven pizzas that have perfectly crispy crusts and are topped with the freshest of ingredients.

There’s plenty to choose from on the rest of the menu too – paninis, pasta (their Lasagna Bolognese is a fan favorite rustic dish!), elegant plates of seafood, beef, chicken, and more.

Their Pollo Terra Mia is worth trying, and is made with imported shrimp and chicken drenched in a creamy brandy sauce and sundried tomatoes, while the Pappardelle Ai Frutti Di Mare has everything from mussels to clams swimming in a Diavolo sauce over pappardelle. Simply divine!

Get something from their extensive wine list and finish off with the chocolate-covered, puffy, and creamy profiteroles. What a perfect way to end an evening.

Drop by any day between Monday to Saturday from 11 am onwards, and don’t be surprised if the owner himself comes over to greet you and welcomes you into this warm and welcoming space! 

Address: 7025 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Rawpixel

7. Greek Village

Quaint local restaurant serving authentic Greek cuisine and popular specials on Fridays.

Ivi Duni has been dishing out authentic Greek eats at his low-key restaurant for years now, and Lake Mary folks keep coming back for more of his exciting and impeccably executed food.

Greek Village may be a small, unassuming restaurant, but it’s mighty big on flavor and good service (so no wonder it has won multiple awards!).

It has a very comfy and unfussy atmosphere, where you can sit back and chill in the quaint and homey dining room. There’s some outdoor seating available on the sidewalk too, shaded by large umbrellas.

Pretty much everything on the fine-tuned menu here is authentically Greek. Their shrimp skewers that are made on an open flame grill are a citrusy and refreshing delight, covered with olive oil and some flavorful yet light salsa – definitely get them!

And if you’re familiar with Greek cuisine, you’d know that gyros are an absolute must-try, especially when you’re at Greek Village which has the most tender and flavorful gyro meat you’ll ever have.

No matter what you get, don’t skimp on the lemon and olive oil roasted greek potato side or the crave-worthy Tzatziki – a popular sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. 

New specials are served on Friday nights when locals flock to this place and every table is full of happy customers exclaiming ‘opa!’ as aromatic food is laid out in front of them.

This local favorite is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am onwards (noon on Saturdays) for lunch till 8 pm for early dinners. Consider getting a reservation on weekends! 

Address: 3697 Lake Emma Rd, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/los_angela

8. Don Julio Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar

Fun Mexican restaurant and bar with plenty of outdoor seating and perfect for big groups.

A family legacy carried forward by Florencio Rodriguez, Don Julio whips up authentic Mexican cuisine and is one of the very few places serving ceviche in Lake Mary.

Sit inside their bright dining area, where the atmosphere is fun and the staff are always ready to help out in any way. It’s a family-friendly space, with artfully painted walls and a beautifully lit up bar, while the patio has plenty of seating under pretty lights, fenced in by lush green bushes. 

To match the bright atmosphere, the food here is equally refreshing and bursting with bold flavors. Once you’re done munching on the chips and fresh molcajete salsa served as soon as you’re seated, turn towards their vast menu. Pretty much everything they offer is downright delicious, including the very popular Asada tacos and the shredded chicken enchiladas that are served with some of the best guac you’ll ever taste!

Bigger plates include everything from perfectly grilled Mexican steaks to fajitas, along with the Pulpo (fire-grilled octopus) and the Al Pastor (a 24-hour marinated roasted pork cut served with pineapples – yum!). Go all out with the shrimp ceviche swimming in a citrusy sauce with veggies, tajin, avocado, and jalapenos, and don’t forget to order their creative margaritas made with some amazing tequila. 

Open every day from 11 am onwards, this is the place to be if what you’re looking for is quick eats or having a fish tank worth of drinks with your friends! This is easily one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL!

Address: 4275 W Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary, FL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

The Best Restaurants In Lake Mary, FL: Our Final Thoughts 

Lake Mary’s streets are dotted with countless amazing restaurants.

So if you’re in the city and are a bit overwhelmed by the numerous choices, just visit one of these eight best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL, that we’ve picked out for you. You won’t be disappointed!

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