Longtime residents may remember the area we now call Lakewood Ranch as little more than a sprawling cow pasture. But these days, the massive, master-planned community east of I-75 is booming, with oodles of homes and plenty of commercial infrastructure to support its 35,000-plus residents. As the neighborhood has come into its own, so has its dining scene, beckoning savvy restaurateurs with the promise of tens of thousands of hungry residents and visitors. Simply put, there has never been a better time to eat out east.

Thai Spice & Sushi, for example, is a longtime staple that comes re- commended again and again, and for good reason. Located in the San Marco shopping plaza, this O.G. sushi spot has been delighting guests for more than 10 years with fresh fish prepared in a myriad of rolls, plus loads of Thai favorites like curries, noodles and a super-fresh larb gai made with ground chicken, fragrant herbs and spicy lime chili sauce.

In that same plaza, Via La Casa pulls double duty as a coffee shop and wine bar that also features local art and home décor available for purchase. If you’re looking to jump-start your day, grab a cappuccino from the coffee bar, or unwind after work with a glass of bubbles and enjoy the laid-back mood of this special spot.

To explore even more, head north to State Road 70, where much of the action is. Amid huge grocery stores like Costco and The Fresh Market and lots of chain restaurants, it can be tough to find the local treasures. Dig a little bit and you’ll come across Fuego Comida & Tequila, a Mexican restaurant with elevated food and a chill date-night feel. The tortillas are made fresh with imported masa, and Fuego Comida amps up the creativity with dishes like crab-stuffed bone marrow and lobster “cigars,” alongside staples like fajitas and tacos.

The State Road 70 area is also home to many restaurants that have a sibling in Sarasota. Speaks Clam Bar, which has another location on St. Armands Circle, churns out classic Italian American fare like rigatoni alla vodka and chicken saltimbocca. At Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, which has a twin in downtown Sarasota, nearby residents feast on chicken tatsu-age (fried bits of marinated chicken) and tuna towers (tuna, avocado, kani and rice).

While exploring Lakewood Ranch, don’t miss out on its official “downtown” area, which offers both dining and shopping options galore. Longtime favorite Grove attracts a healthy showing for its happy hour, available from 3 to 7 p.m., at which guests can choose from a $6 small plate menu that includes smoked brisket potato skins, mini grouper cakes and housemade meatballs. When paired with a $10 craft cocktail, like the “Kiss of a Rose” (made with vodka infused with hibiscus and rose hips, plus elderflower liqueur and Aperol), it’s an excellent and affordable way to decompress with friends after a long workday.

Lakewood Ranch’s newest burgeoning community is Waterside Place, located off of Fruitville Road. This highly walkable planned neighborhood has secured itself as a must-stop, thanks to its robust dining options and Sunday morning farmers market. While it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite dining destination in a place that boasts Italian, Korean, New American, seafood and more, we love starting a Sunday morning at Forked at Waterside, where you can get s’mores French toast, breakfast tamales or red velvet pancakes, then push through your desire for a mid-morning nap before hitting the nearby market. 

At times, we’re all guilty of succumbing to our neighborhood bubble, foregoing an adventure for our favorite reliable takeout joint around the corner. For those lucky enough to live in Lakewood Ranch, that bubble gets a little bigger every day. And for those of us a little farther away, shake up your routine and take a drive out east for some unforgettable fare.