Sora Eatery — Restaurant in Lakeland

We finally made it to try Sora Eatery for lunch today. We love the rice balls they sell at the downtown Lakeland farmer's market on Saturdays, and we're excited to get to sample an expanded menu. Overall, everything was great, and the family that owns the restaurant was extremely gracious and appreciative of all the customers.

When we first walked in we were a little confused because the signs indicated that we should order at the counter. I was under the impression it was a sit-down restaurant, but we did as we were told and stood at the bar while the girl working there did some other things. I finally asked if we were supposed to order there, and she confirmed that we were and took out order. It was pretty clunky because the console was nowhere near where we ordered, so she then walked over to it and yelled over to us questions, confirming our order. There were also self-service kiosks, which would have probably been easier, but we didn't really know. We then went to sit down in one of the very comfortable booths overlooking the airport. This is when the owners first noticed and said hi. They did tell me we could also sit down and order at the table, as opposed to the counter.

Our food started coming out, and we enjoyed everything we ordered. I got a burger with kimchi and an egg, as well as bacon cheddar tots. I thought the bacon and cheddar would be on top of the tots, but they were actually mixed in with the potato in each tot. They were good. The burger was also good. We also go through Tokyo Drift burger, which was also good, and and order of wings, which were cooked perfectly. After seeing it delivered to another table, I also ordered the special, which was bap bun tacos .. basically bao buns lightly toasted, and set up like tacos. The order came with 2 chicken and 1 pork belly. Both were very good, but I especially liked the chicken.

As we ate we enjoyed watching an Avelo flight prepare for departure, and a couple other planes take off and land.

Overall it was a great experience thanks to the friendly owners, good food, and interesting atmosphere/view. The only negative for me was ordering at the counter. I could tell they are trying to be a hybrid sit down restaurant while also catering to people who want to grab something quickly to take on a flight (like having a counter with self-serve condiments, etc...), and I'm sure they will continue to work out the kinks as time goes on. We will definitely be back, and look forward to supporting this...

Great burgers (OG Smash and Kimchi KO) and good Paprika Fries (a little salty, but still good).

Unfortunately, there was an issue with our order. After bringing the drink (rootbeer), they asked if we had ordered food. We told them what we ordered. They left, came back, and asked us IF WE HAD ACTUALLY PAID - which we HAD! Thankfully, we had a printed receipt! We waited even longer (the people at the table next to us commented that we were REALLY patient).

When they finally brought the food, they mumbled "sorry it took so long," barely making eye contact. THAT was the crucial problem. After tresting us as though WE were the problem, they needed to MINIMALLY provide a sincere apology - and honestly, they should also have either comped us a dessert or given us a discount coupon for the next time ... SOMETHING to account for both the long wait and for what felt a bit like a lack of respect.

I hope others have a better experience. For a $30 lunch, I am not sure we will ever eat there again- or recommend it to friends. Too bad, since I reallyed like the fusion...

The food and views are incredible! If you are in town for Sun n Fun, you need to go! If you’re local, it’s a must go as well! You’ll enjoy the planes coming and going for hours with mostly unobstructed views with incredible Asian food. This is a great spot for a meal pre or post flight for travelers as well.

My coworkers and I had 2 kinds of fries, one of the bowls, and burgers. All of which were delicious. We were a chatty group, until the food came out - delicious. We also split a few different drinks to try something new as well. I personally was not a fan of the rosé, but it did not detract my experience as some wines for me are hit or miss.

The menu is priced really well for the quality/amount of food. After talking to one of their owners, they mentioned they wanted to keep the pricing reasonable for the entire city and locals.

Lakeland, you have an incredible gem in your backyard! I can’t wait...