Food & drink in Central Florida.

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

Beirut Bites

Quick-service Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs — fresh, flavorful, and a welcome change of pace from the usual downtown options.

Bully Brewing

A family-owned microbrewery in Leesburg with a laid-back taproom where the focus is entirely on the beer. Small-batch brews, a rotating tap list, and the kind of atmosphere where you end up chatting with the people at the next table.

Sweeties' Cafe & Tea House

Charming cafe in historic Dunnellon serving fresh wraps, homemade soups, and high tea with tiered service and themed tea parties, housed in the annex of the historic Grumble House.

CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.

Whistle Stop Baker

The Freezer Tiki Bar

Started as a literal bait freezer attached to a seafood market, now it's one of the most beloved dive bars on the Nature Coast. Cash only, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the kind of Old Florida atmosphere you can't manufacture. Bring cash.

Takis Greek-Italian Restaurant

Smallcakes

Night Owl Bakery, LLC

Amor & Agave Mexican Cuisine

Mexican restaurant in Bushnell serving tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and margaritas in a colorful, festive setting. A reliable spot for Tex-Mex cravings.

It's Just Wings

NE Seafood Shack

Real New England seafood in Leesburg -- lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried clams done by people who actually know the difference. The chef comes out to greet customers, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

Twisted Biscuit Diner

Popular Tavares diner serving traditional Southern comfort food with a twist, built around flavored, made-from-scratch biscuits, open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM for breakfast and lunch.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wildwood Vineyard and Events (Winery)

Wildwood Vineyard is a beautiful event space where you can host weddings and special events, offering a lovely atmosphere and delicious wine.

Grace Cafe

Cozy cafe in Bushnell serving coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch options. A welcoming community spot with a friendly, small-town feel.

El Rinconcito Mexican Grill & Cantina

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill

A family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine

Catrina Cocina Mexicana

Emma's Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor

The Crab Plant

The freshest seafood straight off the boats in Crystal River. As close to the source as you can get.

Blondies

Outdoor bar on Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages featuring daily live entertainment, signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines by the glass. Hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and Saturday brunch specials.

Wallace's at the Greenhouse

A chef-owned scratch kitchen in Homosassa where the love of fresh, local ingredients shows in every dish. The setting inside a converted greenhouse is unique, and the menu changes with what's available. Worth planning around their limited schedule.

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe

Leesburg's original wine bar since 2007 on Main Street, offering an eclectic selection of wines you won't find elsewhere, with a bring-your-own-food policy welcoming takeout from nearby downtown restaurants.

Dulces Mary

Sol De Mexico

Family-run Mexican cantina decked out with South American furniture & artworks, open since 2009.

Brown Dog Coffeehouse

Broad Street Brewing Co.

Broad Street Brewing is a community-focused microbrewery in Brooksville, FL that offers live music, creative workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Darrell's Diner

McCracken’s Irish Pub

Irish pub on Main Street in downtown Leesburg serving Irish-inspired dishes, cocktails, and draft beers including Guinness, with daily happy hour from 2-6 PM.

King Cookie Ocala

This mall-based chain selling cookies & brownies offers some specialty flavors, plus cookie cakes.

Chelsea Coffee Company

Popular coffee shop on the Silver Springs corridor with 4.5 stars and hundreds of reviews. A well-established Ocala coffee spot.

Dahlers Southern Treats

District Bar & Kitchen

Ocala's 2025 Restaurant of the Year. Elevated bar classics, handcrafted cocktails, and live music in a high-energy downtown atmosphere.

Sawgrass Tavern

Celtic-inspired restaurant at Sawgrass Grove in The Villages featuring shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, plus a spacious indoor-outdoor bar and patio seating.

Graffiti Seafood & More

Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More

New York-style pizza and Italian favorites in Tavares with late-night hours that make it the go-to after everything else closes. The pies are legit, the garlic knots are addictive, and the casual vibe keeps the neighborhood coming back.

Storming Crab

18 South Coffee

Taco Norteno

Friendly Grounds Cafe

The Barrel Bar & Grille

Neighborhood bar and grille in Homosassa serving pub fare and cold drinks.

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

Fusion fare such as sushi burritos & donuts, create-your-own bento boxes & poke bowls plus beer.

Bamboo Bistro

Comfortable Pan-Asian joint with roomy booth seating supplying fusion fare, like sushi & pho.

Prime + Ember

Upscale signature steakhouse at Eastport Town Center featuring prime cuts, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails, with a rooftop bar overlooking Central Lake and live music.

THE FLAME