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Eat down the street: Edgewood Drive restaurants

Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.

A hand holds a starfruit pastry in front of a paper bag with "Bandidas" written on it.

Take a bite out of the Edgewood dining scene.

Photo by LALtoday

Finding your new favorite restaurant could be as easy as putting the car in drive. Take a restaurant ride with us down East Edgewood Drive, where you’ll find excellent eateries within just 1.2 miles of each other on the east side of Lakeland.

Top rated

When you’re looking for an upscale date night spot or just want to treat yourself to fine dining, make a reservation at Scarpa’s Italian. It’s a local go-to for freshly made pasta + perfectly paired wines — plus, it’s one of the top 10 restaurants in Lakeland according to Yelp.

A pepperoni pizza held in front of the J. Burns' Pizza sign and front facade

The whole family will love sharing a pie at J. Burns’.

Photo by @jburnspizzashop

Old vs. new

The first J. Burns’ Pizza Shop opened in Winter Haven in 1965, and the local chain’s current owners have breathed new life into the brand. Head here for its signature: square slices on thin crust.

Fresh out of the oven and new to the street is Bandidas Bake Shop. The duo behind this spot started out as Catapult members — now they’re serving up breakfast, lunch, and pastries made with seasonal ingredients in their own brick-and-mortar.

An Italian sandwich with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on ciabatta bread sits on a tray on a restaurant counter. A window sits in the background, with plants in small vases on the sill.

Try the Scarpa’s Italian sandwich at Jessie’s — that’s right, good food runs in the family here.

Stellar sandwiches

On the run? Get lunch on a bun. Drive through or stop inside Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe for hot + cold creations inspired by Italian flavors. Grab a spot on the shaded patio during a sunny day to enjoy lunch al fresco.

Readers rave about the authentic Cuban sandwiches at Elena’s Cuban Cafe. Order yours with rice and black beans on the side, or go big with ham croquetas stuffed inside.

Here’s another reader-recommended spot: Decisions Grill & Bar. Grab a seat at the bar to watch a game over pub bites like wings, burgers, and nachos.

For City Editor Connor, not much can compare to the glazed croissants at Hole in One Donutsexcept maybe the apple fritters. Don’t skip this (donut) hole in the wall in the mornings.

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