Food & drink in Central Florida.

The Crooked Spoon Gastropub

A chef-driven gastropub offering traditional and modern dishes with a craft beer selection that takes the pub concept seriously. Happy hour daily from 4-7pm is one of the better deals in South Lake County.

Kungfu Chef Asian Restaurant

Nautilus Coffee Company

An adventure-themed artisanal coffee shop in downtown Tavares decorated with nautical trinkets and gizmos. The drinks are crafted with care, the atmosphere invites lingering, and it's the kind of local coffee shop that gives a town its personality.

Black Prong Whiskey Bar & Grill

Whiskey bar and grill in Ocala.

Gurch Coffee Co.

Local coffee shop in downtown Clermont

Fortune Tea House

Tea house near Mount Dora offering a variety of specialty teas in a relaxed setting.

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.

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.

Moody's Brewing

The Bell Clermont

Buddys Tavern

Neighborhood tavern on US-301 in Bushnell offering drinks and a casual local bar atmosphere.

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.

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.

The Warehouse Social Club operated by the Military Fire Police Support Association

Community social club in downtown Leesburg operated by the Military Fire Police Support Association, hosting events, gatherings, and entertainment for members and guests.

cosmo and sprout bakery

La Perla Tapatía Mexican Restaurant

Darrell's Diner

Dark & Light Cafe

Specialty coffee shop on Donnelly Street in Mount Dora with carefully crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Cozy and inviting for a caffeine-fueled afternoon.

Harry's Seafood,Bar & Grille

Cajun and Creole-inspired seafood in the heart of downtown Ocala, housed in the historic 1885 Marion Block building. The fried green tomatoes and crab cakes are standouts, and the courtyard patio feels like a little slice of the French Quarter.

Ednas' On The Green

Cakes By Carie

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.

The Standard CLCL -- Coffee Shop

Paige's Root Beer

Nostalgic diner on Pennsylvania Avenue known for award-winning burgers, homemade root beer floats, and classic American comfort food, recognized as Best Burger in the County.

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.

Infinite Ale Works

Ocala's oldest craft brewery, founded in 2014 and specializing in Belgian-inspired beers. Dozens of taps, a full restaurant menu, and a loyal following of locals and travelers who appreciate a well-crafted ale. The taproom atmosphere is warm and unpretentious.

Hibachi Express

The Friar Tuck

Rated the number one restaurant in Clermont on TripAdvisor, this cozy English cafe serves authentic British plates -- full English breakfasts, bangers and mash, and proper fish and chips. A genuinely unique find in Central Florida.

The Brave Burger

Cali Coffee

Symmetry Coffee Company

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.

Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar

Family-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.

Gator's Dockside Spring Hill

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

1921 Mount Dora

Housed in what was once the town doctor's home, 1921 is owned by the Modernism Museum and features rotating art alongside locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine. The setting is as memorable as the food.

Ramshackle Cafe

Burgers, fish 'n' chips & other American comfort food in a cozy, kitsch-filled setting with a patio.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe

Boutique dessert shop in Sawgrass Market serving handmade ice cream, cakes, pies, cookies, and Italian ice with rotating flavors.

The Crazy Gator

Relaxed lakeside tavern with patio seating dishing up signature wings, steaks & housemade desserts.

Bull Smokehouse

Flippers Pizza - Wildwood

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

Miz Kathi's Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery

Southern comfort food and jaw-dropping cakes in downtown Wildwood. Miz Kathi's serves it up right -- hearty portions, scratch-made everything, and the kind of homestyle cooking that makes you wish you'd worn stretchy pants.

Peachwave

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

Horse & Hounds Restaurant

A dog-friendly American and British pub fare restaurant with over 15 outdoor tables. Known for generous portions of fish and chips, burgers, and steaks in a welcoming atmosphere.

Pinsa Fire

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

Kelly's Half Shell Pub

Irish pub and seafood spot known for oysters, fresh catches, and a lively atmosphere. A Crystal River favorite for casual waterfront dining.

Old Time Diner

1950s-themed diner in Leesburg serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live entertainment featuring the village cowboy on Tuesday evenings.

Abound

Coffee shop and cafe in Crystal River serving specialty coffee drinks and fresh bites in a welcoming space. A new go-to for the Crystal River coffee crowd.