Folks in Lauderdale Lakes are food-obsessed. We’re constantly debating with friends over who makes the best Cuban sandwich in town and giving restaurant recommendations to newcomers for the seafood (OK, the sunshine, too). And there’s a lot to explore in a dining scene that’s expanded beyond classic Floridian fare.
Jamaica Herbal Health Food Store and Juice Bar
$$ | (954) 730-8894 | WEBSITE
Lauderdale Lakes is a very busy area, but even so, it’s nice to find a spot that feels genuinely calming. When that’s the case, make the trip to Jamaica Herbal Health Food Store and Juice Bar, which is home to a lot of helpful products and a welcoming juice bar. This store is open until 7:30 pm and offers everything from oils and teas to sea moss and supplements, along with a huge variety of smoothies.
If you head here for a quick visit, try the almond peanut butter smoothie and browse the skincare line afterward. If you make an afternoon out of the trip and come back for more, the fertility supplements and remedies for cold sores are two of their specialties.
Maxin Oriental Bakery 美心烘焙
$ | (954) 335-1388 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot happening in Lauderdale Lakes, the suburban community that’s about a 20-minute drive from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. In addition to the local shops and family-owned businesses, there’s Maxin Oriental Bakery in the neighborhood plaza. Like much of the surrounding area, it’s got a welcoming vibe: you can relax and browse their display cases or stare at their freshly baked goods in the cozy seating area.
The food is a mix of things like curry buns and paper wrap cakes alongside egg tarts and Hong Kong-style buns, and for treats, you should definitely order the red bean buns or one of their excellent fruit birthday cakes.
Island Palace Restaurant
$ | (954) 735-2233 | WEBSITE
Island Palace Restaurant is a Haitian gem that’s giving the classics some serious competition. There’s a clean, welcoming dining room where the local community gathers to share plates of fried turkey and griot, all cooked fresh with an aroma of spices that transports you straight to Haiti. The diri djon djon is a standout you’ll be talking about for days.
When it comes to authentic Haitian cuisine, you really can’t go wrong—you’ll find your flavorful fried turkey and tender griot alongside always perfectly seasoned diri djon djon. And for the ultimate family meal, get the Island Palace special. It’s enough for a group with generous portions of their most popular dishes that is arguably the greatest taste of Haiti that you can find in Lauderdale Lakes.
Five Star Bakery
$ | (954) 484-7923 | WEBSITE
Tucked in a Lauderdale Lakes plaza is Five Star Bakery, a spot that might look like a simple storefront, but is actually a cherished neighborhood Jamaican bakery with a loyal following. Start with the beef patties, which are always available, and then explore the gizzadas, ginger bulla, sweet bread, and hard dough bread. Don’t miss the sweet potato pudding, which might just be the best in all of South Florida.
The bakery is open late, making it a great spot for a visit, with reasonable prices and quick, courteous service that keeps customers coming back for years.
La Granja
$ | (954) 530-7995 | WEBSITE
Lauderdale Lakes has plenty of casual spots, so a straightforward place like La Granja fits right in. The menu stays consistent, but we’ve had decent chicken fried rice with the generous but expected portion size and a plate that may fall short in terms of flavor. The one thing that seems reliable (for good reason) is the price/product ratio that’s consistently good quality and taste.
The simple and laid-back space with its basic atmosphere makes this restaurant feel like it could exist in any other strip mall. But the staff can seem disconnected, the lack of engagement makes the whole operation feel just okay.
Sandy’s Bakery
$ | (954) 471-7166 | WEBSITE
Every neighborhood has its own take on Caribbean cuisine—jerk chicken in Jamaica, roti in Trinidad—but in Lauderdale Lakes, it’s all about Haitian cooking. And no place does it better than Sandy’s Bakery. This small spot serves authentic dishes all day, and while it’s mainly take-out, their djon djon with Legume and griot platter are worth the trip. Grab your order from the kind staff and look out the window facing the street as you wait for your meal.
Add on some plantains and a salad and you have yourself the perfect lunch special, with a satisfied smile scheduled for dessert. If you’re staying in, find a spot right inside where you’ll be greeted by the aroma of tender meat and seafood from the kitchen right behind the counter.
Bak A Yaad Cuisine
$ | (954) 652-1764 | WEBSITE
You’re coming to Bak A Yaad Cuisine for authentic Jamaican flavors, specifically the tender meats. The move is to grab a lunch special and add on some Mexican dishes and sides (don’t miss the home-cooked rice). Order a generous portion, and find a spot in their wheelchair-accessible dining room to settle in for a satisfying meal.
Spoons Grill & Restaurant
$ | (954) 731-1044 | WEBSITE
When it comes to breakfast in Lauderdale Lakes, it’s hard to beat the morning classics at this family-friendly spot. You’ll get generous plates like fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup, crispy bacon cooked just right, and omelets stuffed with fresh veggies and cheese. The space and experience are pretty welcoming, with cozy booths and a cheerful dining room.
But it’s the kind of place where you’ll chat with the friendly servers about the daily specials and watch families with kids enjoying their meals together. Speaking of families, the kid-friendly amenities are a plus, as Spoons Grill has a casual vibe that makes everyone feel right at home, with ample parking and wheelchair accessibility adding to the convenience.
Chef Pats Seafood and Grill
$ | (954) 908-1313 | WEBSITE
Chef Pats Seafood and Grill is one of those spots that makes people take Lauderdale Lakes’ dining scene seriously, especially for breakfast and lunch. Like pretty much every beloved local joint, this neighborhood grill serves fresh ingredients at unbeatable prices in a menu that stays reliably good. You’ll eat things like a French toast breakfast sandwich that could be mistaken for dessert and a hearty 2 + 2 + 2 platter cooked to order.
For your main course, make sure that at least one of the seafood dishes is on your table—perhaps the excellent seafood platter—as Chef Pats prepares it fresh whether steamed or fried, with the conch salad seasoned to perfection.
World Famous
$ | (954) 999-5444 | WEBSITE
World Famous is there for you when you’re craving an egg roll in the afternoon or garlic fries at any random hour. The food truck is indeed popular, and usually has a line of people waiting for unique and freshly made egg rolls. The line does move fast, especially when you’re chatting with other customers about what you’re finally going to order when you make it to the window.
Highlights include the Italian sausage and hibachi egg rolls—our favorite on a recent visit was the Philly cheese steak with its melty goodness and savory flavors. For a refreshing drink, the strawberry lemonade is worth the visit alone.
Gou Lou Cheong BBQ Restaurant
$ | (954) 739-7377 | WEBSITE
The Lauderdale Lakes food scene keeps getting better, and that’s excellent news for barbecue lovers. The standout spot is Gou Lou Cheong, which has built a reputation for authentic Chinese barbecue with flavors that transport you straight to the source. The crispy pork is essential, always perfectly crisp with tender meat underneath.
There’s a small counter where you can watch the skilled staff slicing all the meats with precision, and a simple dining area with just a few stools for those who want to eat immediately. If you’re planning to visit during peak hours, consider calling ahead since the most popular cuts sometimes sell out quickly.
Noodle House Vietnamese Restaurant
$ | (954) 485-6079 | WEBSITE
Noodle House is destined to become a Fort Lauderdale staple. The unassuming spot on its quiet street feels like a family-run neighborhood joint with the warmth of a beloved local haunt, and tables fill up quickly during peak hours. When you come for lunch or dinner, the pho here is a must-order. It’s brimming with rich broth, fresh herbs, and tender meat for a deeply satisfying and aromatic bowl.
They always have fresh and clean ingredients—we tried the spring rolls on our most recent visit that tasted bright and crisp—and the dry egg noodles (#34) are as standout of a dish as you’ll ever have. They come prepared with a savory sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles, and served with generous portions that leave you completely content.
Singh’s Roti Delight
$ | (954) 735-4686 | WEBSITE
Singh’s Roti Delight opened in the Oakland Shopping Center, and since then, it’s become one of Lauderdale Lakes’ best and most authentic Trinidadian spots. The vibrant menu, displayed on colorful boards near the counter, focuses on Caribbean classics with things like doubles with tamarind & cucumber chutney and several varieties of roti, including stewed lamb and vegetarian options.
While you’ll want to arrive before the Friday night rush to catch the live Soca performances, this West Indies-inspired restaurant is a great casual dinner destination, and a must if sharing curry chicken with lo mein is your true comfort food.
Silver Pond
$$ | (954) 486-8885 | WEBSITE
Silver Pond might just be the quintessential Chinese spot in Lauderdale Lakes. This restaurant is situated in a cozy space that feels tucked away from the bustle of the city. The menu of authentic Chinese dishes is consistent, but you can always expect standout items, like their excellent Peking duck with crispy skin, and you should honestly just order everything.
The intimate dining room only has a handful of tables, but there’s not a bad seat in the house, and anywhere you sit will be a good place to share some crispy Hong Kong chicken and hot and sour soup. Silver Pond is a pretty unique restaurant that’ll have you reminiscing for months (especially since any other Chinese meal you have will probably pale in comparison).
Montego Bay Grille & Cafe
$ | (954) 731-9224 | WEBSITE
Montego Bay Grille & Cafe has been a local favorite for years, serving up authentic Jamaican flavors in a relaxed plaza setting that’s easy to spot with its vibrant island murals that transport you straight to the Caribbean. The curried goat is what you need, but don’t skip the jerk chicken either, along with the oxtail: a dish that keeps regulars coming back for more.
The lunch specials won’t break the bank at around $12-15, and the friendly staff makes everyone feel right at home in the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With convenient parking and wheelchair access, it’s no wonder visitors plan to return again and again.
hong kong bbq
$ | (954) 739-7377 | WEBSITE
Sure, a quick lunch or dinner on the go can often just be fuel to get you through the day—we’re talking about you, soggy fast-food burger and limp takeout fries. But if you want to enjoy that meal with flavors you’ll crave for weeks, stop by Hong Kong BBQ in Lauderdale Lakes. Grab your order from their small, takeout-only counter for some succulent roast duck, crispy-skinned pork, or tender chicken, all prepared fresh that morning.
Hong Kong BBQ also offers generous portions at reasonable prices, so it’s a great place to pick up a whole duck for a family gathering alongside some roast pork, or have a box of chicken before your evening plans at home.