Food & drink in Central Florida.

Brooklyn Water Bagel

Bagel shop with flavors such as pumpernickel & asiago, plus sandwiches, omelets & coffee drinks.

El Azteca Mexican Cocina

If you haven't found El Azteca Mexican Cocina yet, you're missing out on one of Bushnell's best-kept secrets — though with a 4.7-star Google rating and a loyal following, the secret is getting out fast. Tucked into Bushnell Plaza off SR 48, this family-run spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine that goes well beyond the typical Tex-Mex playbook. The enchiladas are rich and saucy, the fajitas come out sizzling, and the tamales taste like someone's abuela made them that morning. Don't skip the sangria — regulars call it spectacular, and they're not exaggerating. What sets El Azteca apart isn't just the food, though. It's the warmth. Reviewers consistently rave about the staff — attentive, genuine, the kind of service that makes you feel like family from the first visit. The dining room is clean and inviting, the kind of place you'd bring your parents or take the kids on a Tuesday night just as easily as a Friday date night. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the fresh, thin tortillas alone are worth the trip. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch combo, ordering takeout through Toast or DoorDash, or settling in for a full dinner with margaritas, El Azteca delivers every time. It's the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes you glad you live here — and if you're visiting the area, it's reason enough to get off the interstate.

Rocco's Pizza & Cafe

Italian restaurant in Crystal River serving pizza, pasta, fresh seafood, and chicken alongside a made-to-order sushi bar, with house-made desserts like cannoli and tiramisu.

AK Pho & Boba Tea

Whale's Tale Fish House

A Mount Dora locals' favorite that specializes in seafood done simply and well. The Maryland crab soup is a standout, and the no-fuss atmosphere keeps people coming back week after week.

BTW's Crafted Concoctions

Creative cocktail bar, new American kitchen, and coffee shop in downtown Tavares known for seasonal pop-up transformations and inventive craft concoctions.

Renee's French Bakery

French bakery at Brownwood Paddock Square offering handcrafted pastries, fresh-baked bread, quiches, and rich espresso.

Fridas Tacos and Tequila

Mamma Rita's Pizzeria

Havana Country Club Restaurant

Country club restaurant in The Villages with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of American classics. A neighborhood favorite for lunch after a round of golf.

BJ's Bakery

Idrink Boba & Sandwiches

Desperados Saloon

Desperados Saloon is a lively bar and entertainment venue offering competition-level billiards, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Gator's Dockside Eustis

Family-friendly sports-bar chain offering American fare, including signature grilled chicken wings.

Whispering Oaks Winery

Local winery near The Villages featuring live music events and wine tastings.

Depot on Magnolia

Drafts Sports Bar & Grill

Classic sports bar at Lake Sumter Landing with dozens of TVs, pub grub, and cold draft beer. A top spot for watching games.

C & D Coliseum

Neighborhood sports bar and nightclub in Ocala with eight TVs for watching sports, pool, darts, Jenga, karaoke three nights a week, and an attached liquor store.

Harvest Restaurant & Bar

HARVEST in The Villages, FL offers a fresh menu inspired by culinary traditions, blending classic and modern techniques for a creative dining experience.

El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe

Marguerita Grill

Mexican & American fare in a relaxed setting with sports TV, fishbowl Margaritas & patio seating.

Icy King

Smoothies, wraps, ice cream and shaved ice

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Trinity

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

La Cuisine Academy Restaurant

Restaurant in Ocala.

Foxtail Coffee Co - Downtown Mount Dora

Specialty coffee in a beautifully restored 1923 brick building across from Donnelly Park. Original brick walls and tin ceiling meet modern espresso craft — a downtown must-stop for coffee lovers.

The Bavarian Haus

Casual eatery with a homey vibe & outdoor patio seating serving traditional German food & beer.

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

Familiar seafood choices served in a casual setting with a spacious waterfront bar & deck.

District Bar & Kitchen

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

Pisces Rising

Fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Creative preparations and a lakefront setting that's hard to beat in this part of Florida.

Fat Chef Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

Authentic Jamaican food

Portillo's Clermont

Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.

Milano Italian Grille

Italian restaurant in Ocala serving classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood in a comfortable setting. A reliable pick for a sit-down Italian dinner.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

Upscale-casual eatery offering American fare from sandwiches to steaks, plus a full bar.

Buddys Tavern

Neighborhood tavern on US-301 in Bushnell offering drinks and a casual local bar atmosphere.

Ivy on the Square

Southern-inspired cuisine is the specialty of this elegant restaurant in a circa-1890 building.

Guavate Puerto Rican Eatery & Bistro

Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

Flippers Pizza - Wildwood

Casual pizza chain serving brick-oven pies & other Italian eats, plus beer & wine.

Yummis Frozen Yogurt and Cafe

The Office at the Crossroads

Bar and social gathering spot in the Spring Hill area.

Dulce G Bella Sweets

Ocean Buffet

Asian buffet restaurant in Ocala with a wide spread of Chinese, Japanese, and seafood options including sushi, crab legs, and hibachi. All-you-can-eat at a fair price.

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.

Don Pepe Mexican Restaurant

Popular family-owned Mexican restaurant in a charming converted house in Dunnellon, serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with generous portions and beer and wine.

Sweet Alps Ice Cream Inverness

Swiss-owned ice cream shop in downtown Inverness crafting homemade flavors inspired by the Swiss Alps, including vegan and dairy-free options, plus ice-cream-stuffed donuts, smoothies, and acai bowls.

The Museum Cafe

Cuban cafe and printing museum on Yulee Drive near the Sugar Mill Ruins, serving hand-crafted Cuban sandwiches on authentic Ybor City bread, black beans and rice, and cafe con leche.