Food & drink in Central Florida.

The Grill at Pepper Creek

Casual eatery inside Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park with indoor seating overlooking Pepper Creek, serving pizzas, sandwiches, and salads — no park admission required to dine.

La Casa Di Norma

Italian restaurant in Crystal River crafting unforgettable dining experiences with homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and classic Italian flavors using the freshest local ingredients.

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.

Honor Grounds Cafe - Coffee Shop

Mission-driven coffee shop in Wildwood serving Arabica coffee blends, with a portion of every purchase supporting veteran non-profits and suicide prevention programs.

The Nest At Papilio

Speakeasy-themed garden bar inside Papilio's botanical hall in downtown Mount Dora, offering 12 taps, 100+ beers, wine-based cocktails, and happy hour surrounded by lush tropical plants.

Prime 3

Upscale steak and wine restaurant in downtown Leesburg

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.

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.

Terry's Place

Laid-back hangout offering huge portions of American grill fare plus a bar with sports on TV.

Design Sushi

Midtown Station Food Hub

Multi-vendor food hall in downtown Ocala overlooking Tuscawilla Park, with six independent businesses sharing one roof. Tenants include Infinite Ale Works (brewery), Sipping Grounds Coffee, Shake Shack, La Pin Sausages, plus rotating counter-service and a full bar program. Hours vary by vendor, but the hub itself stays lively from morning coffee through late dinner — built for the gather-and-graze pattern more than a sit-down meal.

Back 40 Wine Co

Diner on the Square

Taco 'N Madre

This petite Mexican eatery whips up tacos, burritos & other traditional fare in a casual setting.

Lupitas

18 South Coffee

Sweet Cups Chef Cheesecake & Cookies

Tipsy Tarpon

Casual waterfront seafood spot on the Crystal River with open-air covered seating, a tin-roof tiki bar, live music, and menu favorites like redfish tacos and steamed shrimp.

Red Rooster Cookie Jar LLC

Ski Beach Bar and Grill

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Harris in Leesburg offering American favorites and fresh seafood with stunning lake views, plus a Sunday brunch buffet.

Franco's Italian Restaurant

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.

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.

Dulce G Bella Sweets

Sail Inn

Bar on Broad Street in the Brooksville area.

Roughstocks grill

Grill restaurant attached to Two Rivers Local Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue in Dunnellon, serving food to bar patrons and dine-in guests.

Graffiti Seafood & More

Catfish Johnny's

A local institution for fried catfish, hush puppies, and Southern-style seafood. No-frills atmosphere with big portions.

Calabria Ristorante & NY Style Pizza

Italian restaurant with New York-style pizza

Old Mill Tavern

Rustic, lodge-style place with string lights & sports decor, offering beer, American grub & karaoke.

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.

Thai Ruby

Authentic Thai cuisine at Lake Sumter Landing that goes well beyond the usual pad thai. The curries are properly spiced, the Tom Kha is aromatic and rich, and the location makes it easy to combine dinner with a stroll around the square.

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.

St. Johns Tavern

Classic pub fare is served alongside beer & cocktails in this warm, wood-&-brick locale.

Darrell's Diner

Miss Tilly's Lollipops

Rookies Family Grille & Bar

Lively, family-run sports bar & American grill offering lots of TVs, a kids' menu, patio & karaoke.

Odd Cuples Cafe

A Bushnell hidden gem that feels like eating at a friend's house -- board games available, small-town warmth, and the kind of scratch-made food that chains will never replicate. Support this small business while you still can.

Waffles & Cream

Creative dessert shop in downtown Mount Dora serving fresh Liege waffle bites, mini donuts, scoop and soft-serve ice cream including dairy-free Dole options.

Cane Garden Country Club

Casual option with golf-course views providing seafood & other light fare along with American mains.

Moody's Brewing

Emma's Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor

Root & Branch Bistro + Bar

A labor of love from proprietors Jason and Casey Baruch, Root & Branch has won multiple Taste of South Lake awards for good reason. The fried green tomatoes are legendary, and the upscale-but-casual vibe hits that sweet spot for a special night out.

Scoops on 5th

Old-fashioned ice cream shop in downtown Mount Dora serving 36 flavors of Hershey's ice cream, chocolate-dipped cones, fresh-baked cookies, specialty coffees, and their famous one-pound eclair.

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.

Serendipity Brews

Artisan coffee shop and craft beer bar in downtown Mount Dora with 14 draft beers, 150+ packaged options, retro decor, and regular live music adding to the town's nightlife.

Cali Coffee

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

Unpretentious, group-friendly destination for classic Italian fare, like pasta, pizza & subs.