Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine

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.

Waterfront Social

Indoor/outdoor gathering spot on Kings Bay in Crystal River serving southern coastal dishes from scratch, with a tiki bar offering 180-degree bay views and sunset cocktails.

The Crooked Spoon Gastropub

A chef-driven gastropub offering traditional and modern dishes with a craft beer selection that takes the pub concept seriously. Happy hour daily from 4-7pm is one of the better deals in South Lake County.

Island Fin Poke

Hawaiian-style poke restaurant at Brownwood serving fresh, sustainably sourced sushi and cooked proteins in customizable bowls with over 25 toppings, plus beer, wine, and Dole Whip.

Peach Valley Café

Breakfast and brunch spot on US-441 serving homemade eats with fresh ingredients — from classic eggs and pancakes to sandwiches and soups. Pet-friendly patio and open until 2:30pm daily.

Soulful Flavor

Soul food restaurant in Leesburg

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

Pardon My Cheesesteak

Portillo's Clermont

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

Papa J's Diner

One of the longest-running breakfast and lunch diners in Inverness since 1986, serving all-day breakfast with Southern-style cooking, generous portions, and competitive prices.

Los Magueyes Crystal River

Mexican restaurant chain location in Crystal River serving fresh-made traditional dishes including tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and specialty cocktails.

Panadería La Joya

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8087

VFW Post 8087 in Mt Dora, FL, offers a community space for veterans and their families.

Darrel's Dinner # 23

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.

Whiskey Kitchen Mount Dora

Scratch-made American cuisine restaurant in downtown Mount Dora open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with a pet-friendly outdoor patio featuring live music every Friday and Saturday.

Taco Maniaa

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

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

Barons Creek Vineyards Tasting Room Ocala

El Toreo

Gio's Deli

Italian deli and market near The Villages in Oxford serving homemade pizza, fresh sandwiches, and scratch-made Italian specialties, with imported goods available for purchase.

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Brownwood

Informal local chain serving hand-cut steaks, seafood & Southern BBQ in a roadhouse-themed setting.

1890 Tea House

An Everyday Retreat in Downtown Ocala

The Lazy Maid Crêperie

Highly rated French creperie in downtown Brooksville serving both sweet and savory crepes in a charming setting with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and lunch.

Suncreek Brewery

Clermont's first craft brewery, established in 2018 on the Legacy Loop Trail near Lake Minneola, sharing a complex with coal-fired pizza and mac-and-cheese restaurant partners.

The Pub

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.

The Forge Ocala

Ocala's newest culinary destination featuring six distinct concept restaurants under one roof, including Asian fusion, Mediterranean tapas, a speakeasy, a brewery, and a dessert bar.

The Thirsty Cobbler

Ocala's first speakeasy. Password-required entry, handcrafted cocktails around $12, vintage Prohibition-era decor, and intimate seating for about 20. No food served. Opens at 6pm nightly.

Jose Pacheco, Squash Frescas y Smoothies

Johnny Rockets

Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.

EDO Sushi

Modern Japanese steakhouse offering sushi, noodle dishes & entertaining hibachi chefs.

Fox Crossing Tavern

Regular live acts in a friendly neighborhood-bar setting near The Villages.

Candelaria Eatery & Cafe

Authentic Colombian flavors in a cozy cafe setting just outside The Villages. The arepas and empanadas are the real deal, and the coffee is strong enough to remind you why Colombia is famous for it.

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Clermont

Community-focused coffee shop and restaurant in Clermont serving hand-roasted specialty coffee and creative waffle-based dishes, named Best Coffee of South Lake 2025.

Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop

Nostalgic candy shop on Main Street

Paige's Root Beer

Nostalgic diner on Pennsylvania Avenue known for award-winning burgers, homemade root beer floats, and classic American comfort food, recognized as Best Burger in the County.

Go For Donuts

Local donut shop in Dunnellon baking fresh donuts, fritters, and pastries every morning. Get there early for the best selection — they sell out for a reason.

Crump's Landing

Laid-back waterfront restaurant offering familiar seafood dishes, plus burgers & fried chicken.

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

Small, easygoing taproom with a broad selection of Florida-brewed craft beers, plus an outdoor area.

TwinkleBerry

Daniel's Cheesesteak Express

Philly cheesesteak restaurant in downtown Clermont

San Jose's Original Mexican Restaurant

Original Mexican restaurant

Twistee Treat Ocala

Dessert chain serving soft serve ice cream, malts & more from a stand shaped like an ice cream cone.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill

Local bar and live music venue on the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers in Dunnellon, featuring a spacious outdoor patio, karaoke nights, pool, darts, and food from the attached RoughStock Grill.

Hibachi Express