Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Gator's Dockside Eustis

Family-friendly sports-bar chain offering American fare, including signature grilled chicken wings.

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.

Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse

Rustic Italian charm meets modern piano bar atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and craft cocktails make this the go-to date night spot at Spanish Springs.

Bayside Seafood Grille

Seafood restaurant in downtown Crystal River featuring fresh local catches and a cozy dining atmosphere.

Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards

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.

Cedar River Seafood

Local seafood chain in Inverness dishing out fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies. Simple, satisfying seafood at honest prices.

The Salty Scallop Pub

Neighborhood pub on US-19 in Crystal River serving bar bites, burgers, and adult beverages with all-day happy hour, plus live entertainment Friday-Saturday and karaoke nights.

Crump's Landing

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

Ice Cream Shed

Square 1 Burgers & Bar

Craft burger joint in The Villages building smash burgers with creative toppings and a solid craft beer selection. The kind of place where the burgers are messy in the best way.

DULCE JESUS MIO BAKERY

Foxtail Coffee Co - Lady Lake

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine

The Office at the Crossroads

Bar and social gathering spot in the Spring Hill area.

LIXX Ice Cream Works

Cousin Vinnie's Family Sports Restaurant

Buffalo-style sports pub known for many wing flavors & fried appetizers plus TVs, trivia & karaoke.

Guavate Puerto Rican Eatery & Bistro

Say Taco Tequila Bar & Grill

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

New York Desserts

Double Take Pizza

Symmetry Coffee Company

One Utopia - Coffee Shop

McCall's Tavern

Live music in a pub atmosphere right on the square at Spanish Springs. Easy to pair with dinner and enjoy the nightly entertainment.

Cantina Tex Mex Tequila Bar

Stirrups Restaurant

Oasis Saloon

Live music venue in Sorrento. "Where yo mama told you not to go."

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.

Graffiti Seafood & More

The Coffee Snob

A dedicated craft coffee roaster in Leesburg with the kind of bean obsession that justifies the name. They roast on-site, the espresso drinks are dialed in, and the shop has become a gathering spot for people who take their morning cup seriously.

Harvest Restaurant & Bar

HARVEST in The Villages, FL offers a fresh menu inspired by culinary traditions, blending classic and modern techniques for a creative dining experience.

Historic Downtown Clermont

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

Haagen-Dazs

Counter-service chain offering scoops of ice cream & sorbet plus sundaes, shakes & smoothies.

Tiki Bar & Grill

Easygoing hangout on Lake Minneloa featuring American eats, brews & scenic outdoor seating.

Masaryk Winery

New Moon Cookie Co.

J & T Smokehouse

Smokehouse restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

Bagelicious Deli & Bakery

Orange Blossom Hills Golf & Country Club

18-hole public golf course surrounded by rolling terrain and mature oaks. Affordable green fees and a friendly clubhouse.

BAMBUU Asian Eatery Clermont

Three Six Bistro

Chef Sean Langan brings modernist, West Coast-inflected cuisine to Ocala in this intimate fine dining bistro. Every dish is scratch-made with high-quality ingredients, and the creativity on the plate is genuinely surprising for a mid-Florida town.

Mystic Ice Cream

Orochi Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen restaurant

cosmo and sprout bakery

Darrell’s Diner

Family diner in Bushnell open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, serving all-day breakfast, comfort food specials, and homemade desserts in a friendly atmosphere.

Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant

Mexican restaurant on Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville serving traditional Mexican cuisine.