Food & drink in Central Florida.

La Perla Tapatía Mexican Restaurant

Big Hammock Brewery & Bites

A downtown Ocala brewery with a twist -- literally. Twelve taps featuring their own brews alongside guest craft beers, paired with an Asian-fusion menu of ramen bowls, bao buns, and hot pretzels. The combination shouldn't work this well, but it does.

The Cove Pub & Grub

Lakeside pub and grill on the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes with outdoor seating, wings, burgers, and cold drinks.

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.

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.

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

Upscale dining room serving steaks, seafood, and Spanish-influenced cuisine in an elegant hacienda setting with lake views.

The Whistle Stop

Whistle Stop Baker

The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant

Southern-style seafood with stunning river views and a non-pretentious tiki atmosphere. The extensive outdoor seating area overlooks the Withlacoochee River, and the menu leans into fresh prawns, fish, and local specialties at fair prices.

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.

THE FLAME

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.

Hamrick Family Vineyards

Leesburg's original speakeasy and emporium serving craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails in downtown Leesburg, with a vineyard in Howey-in-the-Hills and a full production winery in the works.

EDO Sushi

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

Castaways Bar & Grill

Casual waterfront bar and grill in Crystal River with cold drinks, pub food, and a laid-back outdoor vibe. A popular post-dive or post-kayak hangout.

Maw's Mountain Moonshine

Family-owned craft distillery in Mount Dora featuring hand-crafted moonshine made from Appalachian Mountain family recipes passed down through generations, with tastings and a retail shop.

Stagger Inn

Downtown bar with a cozy interior and sidewalk seating on Donnelly Street. Known for craft cocktails, local beers, and a laid-back evening atmosphere.

Anti-Monopoly Drug Store

Foxtail Coffee Co and Kelly’s Ice Cream

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.

Amore Italian Ristorante

Darrell's Diner

Lupitas

Latin Flavors Bar & Grill

TooJay's Deli

Florida-born New York-style deli and bakery with massive sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. A go-to for comfort food and takeout platters.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.

Metro Diner

Comfort-food chain known for massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, pot roast, and meatloaf. Breakfast is served all day, and the vibe is pure Southern diner warmth.

Antojitos 352

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.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

Local BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sauced Hogs BBQ Bar & Grill

Barbecue restaurant and bar in Hernando near Crystal River serving smoked meats and classic BBQ sides. Features weekly karaoke on Thursdays, live music on weekends, and trivia nights in a casual, family-friendly setting.

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.

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 Black Sheep on Broadway

Locally owned, woman-led restaurant and bar in downtown Ocala, open since 2019. Features live music on weekends, weekday happy hours, and a full menu of American pub fare in the heart of the historic district.

Kungfu Chef Asian Restaurant

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Florida's largest premium winery with tours, tastings, and events

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 Yardery

Open-air restaurant and bar on Baker Street featuring Mount Dora's only rooftop bar, backyard classics with a twist, lawn games, and live music weekends in a family and dog-friendly setting.

Mezza Luna at the Villages

Italian restaurant in The Villages serving classic pasta dishes, brick-oven pizza, and seafood in a cozy setting. Date-night worthy with a solid wine list.

Say Taco Tequila Bar & Grill

Homestyle eatery with a terrace whipping up hearty nachos & tacos alongside margaritas & beer.

CustomCookies365

Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar

The Dunnellon Grill

Local grill and casual dining spot in Dunnellon serving American favorites.

Brooklyn Deli Too

New York-style deli serving authentic deli sandwiches, subs, and classic fare.

On the Green Cafe

Ally J's Ice Cream

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

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.

Symmetry Coffee Company