Food & drink in Central Florida.

Ivy on the Square

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

Sail Inn

Bar on Broad Street in the Brooksville area.

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.

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.

Redsauce

Classic Italian favorites in the heart of Lake Sumter Landing with award-winning wines and a lively atmosphere. The housemade pastas and red sauce recipes are the kind of comfort food that keeps this place packed year-round.

Taco 'N Madre

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

Backwater Fins

Waterfront restaurant at the end of Ozello Trail serving fresh seafood and cold drinks with stunning Gulf views.

Super Tacos Truck

Mexican food truck serving tacos and more

Prima Italian Steakhouse

A modern Italian Steakhouse, featuring hand-cut steaks, Italian classics, & fresh seafood.

Howie's Family Restaurant

Home-style family restaurant in Bushnell serving Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and all-you-can-eat fish, open for breakfast and lunch with Friday fish fry dinners.

Ally J's Ice Cream

Ice cream parlor in downtown Inverness serving hand-scooped flavors, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Red Crab Juicy Seafood

The Florida Porch Cafe

Charming tea-room-style cafe on Main Street in Leesburg serving quiche, salads, sandwiches, and wraps made from quality ingredients, with a quaint antique gift shop in the back.

Fifth Avenue Streatery

Full-service restaurant in Mount Dora serving Southern fusion and down-home cooking made from scratch, featuring open-air dining, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated dog menu.

China Lee Buffet

All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet on Silver Springs Boulevard with a rotating selection of classic Chinese-American dishes, sushi, and desserts. A budget-friendly option for big appetites.

Braised Onion

Family-owned and full of personality, Braised Onion serves comfort food done right — legendary crispy onion fritters, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie in a vibrant, art-filled space.

Dragon Flower Winery

Family-owned winery near Lake Weir producing handcrafted wines. Sample flights, by-the-glass, or by-the-bottle. Open Thursdays through Sundays.

Big Bass Grill

Indulge in delicious seafood dishes and more with a tiki-style lakefront view at Big Bass Grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Sweet Cups Chef Cheesecake & Cookies

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.

The Littlest Bake Shop

El Ranchito The Villages

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

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.

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Ice Cream - Magnolia Plaza

The Crab Plant

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

Anti-Monopoly Drug Store

Cakes By Carie

Deep South Family BBQ

Deep South Family BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Hernando County, known for their smoked meats and homemade side recipes, providing an authentic Southern BBQ experience since 1998.

Clawdaddy's Bar & Grill

Informal restaurant providing steaks, seafood, a salad bar, all-you-can-eat specials & live music.

Red Crab - Juicy Seafood (Eustis)

Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant in Eustis, FL, offers mouthwatering seafood served fresh and bursting with flavor, featuring Cajun-inspired dishes and customizable seafood boils.

Steak 'n Shake

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

Flippers Pizza - Lady Lake

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

WingHouse Bar & Grill

Sports bar known for chicken wings, games on TV & scantily clad servers, plus event nights.

The Lodge Ocala Pub & Eatery

Nena’s Wings & Things

Bubba's Crab & Seafood

Casual seafood restaurant in Leesburg serving crab legs, shrimp, fish and chips, and other ocean favorites. A straightforward spot for a seafood fix without the fuss.

Ednas' On The Green

The Equestrian Manor

The newest dining venue at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, offering upscale buffet-style brunch and special event dining in an elegant equestrian setting.

Cravella

La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry

Authentic Italian gelato and pastry shop rated 4.9 stars. Homemade gelato, pastries, and espresso drinks.

Campo Azul Mexican Kitchen

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.

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.

Frank's Place

Neighborhood bar in downtown Leesburg with a large pool hall, full liquor bar, karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays, an outdoor live music pavilion, and pub-style food.

El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe

Peachwave

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

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

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