20 Best Restaurants in Lakeville, MN
This article was written by local contributor Palmer Rogers & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Growing up and living in Lakeville, Minnesota, I've had the pleasure of exploring the diverse dining scene our friendly town has to offer.
From family-owned establishments to well-known chain restaurants, Lakeville has something for everyone's palate, whether it's classic American comfort food or exotic international flavors.
As a true food enthusiast, I'm excited to share my favorite spots around the city, so fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a gastronomical tour of the best restaurants in Lakeville, Minnesota!
Sakura Sushi & Hibachi Grill
I decided to try out a new sushi restaurant called Sakura Sushi & Hibachi Grill!
The boba tea was refreshing, and the sushi tasted incredibly fresh.
The food was delicious and reasonably priced, which is rare to find in town.
I'm looking forward to visiting Sakura Sushi & Hibachi Grill again soon and highly recommend it to fellow sushi lovers.
The Better Half
I've been living in this area for quite some time now and I recently discovered The Better Half, a cozy little restaurant that has quickly become my favorite spot.
It's a great place for a date night or just a casual meal with friends and family.
Our latest visit began with the Smoked Lemon Pepper and Basil wings as an appetizer, which was a delightful change from the usual saucy wings we've had at other places.
The dry rub added a unique and enjoyable flavor to the wings.
For our main course, my partner chose the Parmesan Crusted Walleye, which was so delicious it even inspired us to try some new recipes at home!
I had the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Risotto, which was packed with rich flavors in every bite.
Porterhouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant
When I want to treat myself and my loved ones to a fantastic dining experience, I look no further than Porterhouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant.
This upscale steak house truly knows how to deliver on both flavor and atmosphere.
Every time I visit, I'm consistently impressed by their top-notch service and the incredible dishes they serve.
On my last visit, I started with their French onion soup, which I can confidently say is the best I've ever had.
I also couldn't resist trying their lemon drop martini, which did not disappoint.
For the main course, I went with my usual choice: the flavorful and tender steak.
My wife chose the fish, which she absolutely adored.
Buckboard Restaurant
One of my favorite places to have breakfast in town is the Buckboard Restaurant.
This casual family-style American restaurant has some of the most amazing breakfast dishes you'll ever taste.
It's a low-key setting, perfect for a weekend morning with family or friends.
The portion sizes are generous, and their menu offers a variety of simple yet flavorful American fare.
I've tried their pancakes, which are absolutely addicting, and their skillets are definitely something to rave about.
The prices are reasonable, and I just love starting my day with their basic cup of coffee.
Lakeville Brewing Company
Lakeville Brewing Company offers a fantastic selection of craft beers, with around 22-23 different options to choose from.
The atmosphere is always lively, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a warm summer evening.
The food menu at Lakeville Brewing Company is quite diverse, featuring delicious options like burgers, tacos, pasta, and even some dishes for the kids.
I must admit, I didn't quite enjoy the cauliflower and Walleye, but the Pineapple Chicken burger was a hit!
If you're into seafood, many of my friends have raved about the parmesan walleye, with its tasty green beans on the side.
One thing you absolutely must try when visiting this brewpub is their homemade potato chips.
They're hands down the best I've ever tasted, and the homemade dips like French onion just take them to a whole new level.
Taqueria Los Compadres
As a resident of Minnesota, I was pleasantly surprised to find such authentic Mexican dishes at Taqueria Los Compadres.
The menu is incredibly diverse and offers food options that taste just like home-cooked meals from the southern mid-country.
I love how they make their own fresh corn tortillas and sopes.
Moreover, their sauces are on point and not toned down for Midwestern palates, which I appreciate since I'm a big fan of spices.
The first time I visited Taqueria Los Compadres, I ordered Quesadillas of fajitas, which they call "asada" on their menu.
I must say, it really felt like I was eating a dish straight from Houston, Texas, where I used to live.
The quality of their food is definitely worth the wait, as they cook everything mostly at the moment, ensuring a fresh and delicious meal.
Gary's Supper Club
I have been living in Lakeville for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that I've tried almost all the food places in the area.
My favorite, without a doubt, is Gary's Supper Club.
This unpretentious bar and grill never fails to impress me with its classic American dishes, its variety of beers, and its mixed drinks.
My work team and I often visit Gary's for department lunches, and everyone always leaves satisfied.
The flavors are truly amazing, and you can easily tell that all the meals are made with love and from scratch.
On one occasion, I brought my family along; my partner and son were blown away by the taste and quality of the food.
B-52 Burgers and Brew Lakeville
I decided to try out B-52 Burgers and Brew Lakeville with my partner after hearing some great things about their other location.
As we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We decided to start with an appetizer, and the Tex-Mex Rolls caught our eye.
To our delight, it turned out to be one of the best appetizers we've ever had!
For the main course, I ordered the Juicy Lucy, and my partner went for the Chicken Alfredo.
Both dishes were flavorful and satisfying.
Northern Taphouse - Lakeville
One evening, I decided to give Northern Taphouse a try, and I am so glad I did!
I started my meal with their Fried Pickles appetizer, which was surprisingly delicious.
My kids loved it too!
For my main course, I ordered the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
Although the crust was a bit burnt, the sandwich still had a decent taste.
I really love Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, so I didn't let the burnt crust stop me from enjoying my meal.
My partner had a burger with giant tater tots, which were unexpectedly stuffed with goodness.
The kids enjoyed their cheeseburger and pizza, and of course, they were thrilled with the dessert that came with their meals.
I also appreciated the great selection of beers they had on tap, catering to all flavor profiles.
Barley + Vine Kitchen & Bar
One of my favorite spots in town has to be Barley + Vine Kitchen & Bar.
It's not just another American restaurant; the unique dishes, gourmet burgers, and extensive selection of wine and craft beer truly set it apart.
The stylish, contemporary dining room creates the perfect ambiance for a relaxed evening out with friends or a romantic date night.
Since I moved to the area, I have been a regular at Barley + Vine's Sunday Brunch.
The truffle fries are a must-try, and I can never resist pairing them with a glass of Chateau St. Michelle Rose.
The smooth and mild taste of the wine complements the meal perfectly, leaving me with just the right amount of buzz to thoroughly enjoy the company around me.
What I love most about this place is that they often have live jazz music playing on the weekends, which only adds to the overall experience.
Tak Shing Chinese Restaurant
Just last week, I decided to try out Tak Shing Chinese Restaurant for dinner with my family.
We were all craving some good Chinese food, and I had heard positive things about this place.
Located in a strip mall, this eatery is known for its Sichuan and Hunan specialties served in a comfortable setting.
I should mention that I have tried many Chinese restaurants in the area, and I must say the flavors at Tak Shing were truly impressive.
The Kung Pao Chicken had the perfect level of spiciness and a generous amount of chicken, contrary to what I had read in some reviews.
The combination meals were a hit with my family, and the prices were very reasonable.
Other Restaurants Nearby
Satay 2 Go (Apple Valley)
Satay 2 Go has always been one of my favorite spots to grab a quick, delicious meal.
Their menu offers a great variety of Southeast Asian dishes, like red-bean buns, Japanese pizza, rice noodles, and of course, their amazing satay.
The restaurant itself is small and cozy, with limited seating, but it's perfect for takeout.
I particularly love their homemade Laksa and Mee Goreng, and I never miss a chance to pick up some of their freshly baked Chinese bakery items like red bean buns and BBQ pork buns.
Mac Kitchen Asian Cuisine (Apple Valley)
The food at Mac Kitchen Asian Cuisine is always fresh, and the vegetables are crisp.
I remember trying their chicken with vegetable lunch special for the first time, and I was impressed by how reasonably priced it was for the quality and quantity they provided.
I particularly love their egg rolls, which are not your traditional style egg rolls, but they taste amazing with their unique twist.
On my second visit, I ordered the sesame chicken, which was just as delicious as the first dish I tried.
Taste of Thaiyai (Apple Valley)
I must say, I've been living just around the corner from Taste of Thaiyai for years and never gave it a try until recently.
I wish I had discovered this gem sooner!
This family-run Thai restaurant has an extensive and delicious menu, perfect for both dining in and taking out.
From my first visit, I fell in love with the quality of the food and the generous portions.
The Tom Yum soup was incredibly flavorful, and their spring rolls, along with the wings, were some of the best I've ever had.
I also tried their beef curry and shrimp salad, both of which were amazing.
But what really sets Taste of Thaiyai apart is the attention to detail in their food.
The dipping sauce that came with the spring rolls, for instance, was simply delightful – a mix of flavors and textures that you don't usually find in most Thai restaurants.
Simplee Pho (Apple Valley)
I have a special place in my heart for Simplee Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant that offers a variety of Pho noodle soups, spring rolls, and other delicious Vietnamese fares.
Every time I visit Simplee Pho, I can't help but order their spring rolls, which are simply amazing.
The peanut sauce that comes with them is thick, creamy, and oh-so-tasty!
If it's a bit too rich for your liking, I suggest adding a little lemon to cut through the thickness and add some acidity to the spring roll.
As for the Pho, I love the rich flavors of the broth.
Hawaii Poke Bowl (Apple Valley)
I've been going to Hawaii Poke Bowl for quite some time now, and every visit has been an absolute delight.
I often opt for the “build your own” option, and I can confidently say that I've become a regular customer.
One thing that never ceases to impress me is the consistency of their quality.
I just wish it was closer to my home so I could eat there even more often!
The first time I tried this place, the service was exceptional.
The warm rice underneath the cold toppings creates a perfect harmony in the bowl, and the flavors are simply wonderful.
Pho Valley (Apple Valley)
I've been to Pho Valley a couple of times now, and I must say that I've had mixed experiences.
The first time I went with my girlfriend, and we had a fantastic time.
The P.23 Spicy soup I ordered was a delightful blend of flavors and the kapoon noodles added a nice touch.
My partner's B. 26 dish had a generous serving of meat, which was great for me since I'm a meat lover.
Osaka Seafood Steakhouse (Apple Valley)
My friends and I decided to try out Osaka Seafood Steakhouse last weekend.
There, we opted for the hibachi experience, and it was truly a blast!
Our chef was not only skilled in cooking the delicious seafood and steak dishes but also put on an entertaining live performance that had us laughing and clapping throughout the meal.
The portion sizes were generous, and we left with leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Farmington Steak House (Farmington)
I've been going to Farmington Steak House since I was a kid, and I still love it every time I go back.
It has this wonderfully cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
When you step in, you'll find yourself in an old-school cafeteria-style line, picking out your order from the wall-posted menu.
The prices are unbelievably low, especially considering the quality of the food.
Once you've placed your order with the grill master, you can grab a pre-made side salad from the cooler and head over to the cashier.
By the time you've paid (cash or check only, by the way), your mouthwatering steak is ready for you.
I've tried a variety of their steaks over the years, and each one is always cooked to perfection.
Aside from the steaks, they also offer other classic American dishes such as burgers and fish sandwiches, so there's something for everyone.I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do.
Weng's Kitchen (Farmington)
As someone who lives in the area, I can confidently say that Weng's Kitchen is the place to go for delicious Chinese food.
Their extensive menu offers an amazing variety of standard Chinese dishes that will satisfy any craving.
The atmosphere is comfortable and down-to-earth, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal.
Some of my favorites include Chicken wings, Chicken with green beans, beef Lo Mien, and Hong Kong-style pork chops.
Even though I found the breading on the salted and pepper seafood a bit tough and the hot & sour soup too thick, I am eager to try more items from their menu.
Weng's Kitchen's Egg rolls are simply fantastic, and their sweet and sour pork is incredibly tender and flavorful.
I've lived in Farmington for a long time, and I can't believe I hadn't tried this place sooner.
Final Thoughts
Living in Lakeville has truly been a culinary delight.
Every time I step out to satisfy my cravings, I am met with an array of delicious options that never disappoint.
So, whether you're a fellow local or just passing through, I highly recommend taking the time to indulge in Lakeville's incredible restaurant scene.
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