Food & drink in Central Florida.

Bull Smokehouse

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails

Downtown Tavares finally got the upscale steakhouse it deserved. Ironworks brings aged steaks and craft cocktails to Ruby Street with a vibe that's polished but not stuffy. Limited hours mean you plan your visit -- and that's part of the appeal.

Leo's Grill & Barbecue

American and Brazilian barbecue restaurant at The Citrus Tower in Clermont specializing in slow-cooked meats smoked over hickory and oak wood, including brisket, picanha, and homemade beef pastrami.

Fiesta Grande Brownwood

Family-owned Mexican grill at Brownwood serving authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine since 2006, with a full bar, daily luncheon specials, and a festive atmosphere.

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.

My Quate

Historic Downtown Clermont

This charming downtown area features historic houses & buildings, retail shops & restaurants.

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.

Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards

Back Porch Pizza Bar

Scratch-made Neapolitan-style pizza and craft cocktails served in a converted 1919 carriage house in downtown Mount Dora. The poke bowls are a surprising hit, and the intimate space is full of character.

Takis Greek-Italian Restaurant

Clermont Oyster Bar

Raw bar and seafood restaurant in Clermont serving oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fried seafood baskets in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

The Train Station

Family-friendly game room, bar, and cafe in a restored historic Atlantic Coast Line train depot in downtown Inverness, featuring duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, craft beer, and soft serve.

Johnny Rockets

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

New Moon Cookie Co.

Fat Boys BBQ

BBQ restaurant and bar in Ocala, FL, serving wood-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken with online ordering available.

Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar

Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar offers a unique twist on an American bar and grill with global-inspired cuisine in a lively atmosphere adjacent to Brownwood Paddock Square.

Coastal Del Mar

Seafood with flair at Spanish Springs. A popular spot for dinner right on the square with live music steps away.

Jose Pacheco, Squash Frescas y Smoothies

Haggard Coffee & Oddities

Unique coffee shop, museum, and art space in downtown Brooksville filled with oddities, curios, and conversation starters, with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating.

Dulces Mary

Brooklyn Water Bagel

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

Rutabagas Cafe

Cafe inside Rutabagas Natural Food Market in Inverness serving organic smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, soups, and salads catering to gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

D J & Gina's Lounge

Local neighborhood bar in Summerfield with a laid-back atmosphere, cold drinks, and a jukebox. The kind of place where everybody knows your name.

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.

Peachwave

Self-serve chain offering an array of frozen yogurt & gelato flavors & toppings.

Magnolia's Oyster Bar

Compact, unpretentious locale specializing in raw or cooked oysters & other seafood classics.

Vincent's Italian Restaurant

Simple Italian eatery serving a classic menu including garlic rolls & a range of pasta dishes.

Coney Island Drive Inn Eustis

Barons Creek Vineyards Tasting Room Ocala

O'Malley's Alley

A longtime Ocala favorite for live music in a classic pub setting. Reliable lineup of local and regional acts.

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.

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.

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.

Wolf Branch Brewing - Leesburg

Family-owned, veteran-operated brewpub on Main Street in Leesburg offering house-brewed craft beers and a menu of sandwiches including their signature Cuban.

Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop

Nostalgic candy shop on Main Street

Best of British Pub

Informal spot offering all-day breakfast, toasties & pies, plus traditional afternoon tea.

Kim's Cafe II

Neighborhood cafe in Homosassa serving breakfast, lunch, and comfort food.

The Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club

Country club restaurant at Nancy Lopez in The Villages serving American classics with golf course views. A relaxed dining experience for residents and their guests.

Scooter's Coffee

Drive-thru chain serving espresso & other coffee drinks, plus a variety of smoothies & pastries.

Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop - Ocala, FL

Charlie Horse Bar & Grill

Neighborhood bar and grill on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala serving American fare with daily specials. Known for karaoke nights, DJ Bingo, and a lively local crowd with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

Waterfront farm-to-table dining on Lake Eustis with a menu built around local craft beers and Central Florida cuisine. The blackened grouper Reuben and hand-dipped coconut shrimp are signature dishes. The lake views don't hurt either.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

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

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.

Red Rooster Cookie Jar LLC

Tea House 650

Cozy tea room in Heritage Village offering 70+ loose-leaf teas including organic and fair trade varieties, alongside paninis, fresh-baked scones, and a curated gift selection.

Moschello's Pizza

Signature & straightforward NY-style pizza, plus pasta, ribs & subs in a casual strip-mall setting.