Food & drink in Central Florida.

Big Lee's BBQ

Featured on the Food Network and praised by Guy Fieri, Big Lee's delivers pitmaster-level barbecue that has put Ocala on the national food map. The brisket is the star.

Drew's American Grill

Drew's American Grill offers a variety of delicious American cuisine and daily specials for guests.

Mimi's Cafe

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

Yellow Pony Pub & Garden

An upscale pub and garden at the World Equestrian Center featuring craft cocktails, bourbon, and elevated pub fare with an outdoor terrace overlooking the equestrian grounds.

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.

Ice Cream Shed

El Patio Bushnell

Authentic Mexican restaurant in Bushnell known for scratch-made fajitas, burritos, street tacos, and barbacoa using fresh ingredients, with a 4.7-star rating.

Salt Shack on the Lake

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Minneola offering island vibes, wild-caught seafood, and a sandy beach area perfect for families, with live music Thursday through Sunday.

Flippers Pizza - Lady Lake

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

Cedar River Seafood

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

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.

Pardon My Cheesesteak

Reveille Cafe The Villages

Comfortable daytime diner serving coffee & brunch favorites, including pancakes & omelets.

Taco Maniaa

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.

My Quate

Ivy on the Square

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

Dan's Clam Stand

Heaping baskets of fried seafood are found at this easygoing clam shack with picnic tables.

Fat Boys BBQ

BBQ restaurant and bar in Ocala, FL, serving wood-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken with online ordering available.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Family-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.

Tiki Bar & Grill

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

4120 Bombay Cafe

Central Cafe & Bakery

Charming cafe and bakery serving fresh-baked goods, breakfast, and lunch in Inverness.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

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

Nena’s Wings & Things

Countryside Diner

Stirrups Restaurant

Stavro's and Sons Pizza

Simple standby for classic Italian, Greek & Mediterranean cooking served in warm, homey environs.

Catrina Cocina Mexicana

Don Ceviche Peru Mexico restaurant

Sushi Feast AYCE

Cedar River Seafood Crystal River

Local seafood chain serving fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies in a casual, no-frills setting. Solid portions at fair prices — a dependable seafood spot.

Oak & Stone

Craft beer and artisan pizza restaurant at Eastport Town Center featuring a self-serve tap wall with 50+ rotating beers using touchless RFID technology, plus oven-baked wings and create-your-own pizzas.

18 South Restaurant and Saloon

Michael Anthony's Pizza

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Wanda Mofongo House

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

Red Crab Juicy Seafood

NE Seafood Shack

Real New England seafood in Leesburg -- lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried clams done by people who actually know the difference. The chef comes out to greet customers, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

Harry and The Natives

An over-water tiki hut serving American fare with a seafood slant. No reservations, first come first served -- which somehow makes snagging a table feel like a small victory. The waterfront setting alone is worth the trip.

Bori Burger Café and More

Cuban-inspired cafe in Leesburg known for its Cuban sandwiches, steak sandwiches, beef empanadas, and generous portions at affordable prices.

Mr. Wang's Chinese Restaurant

Old-timey fixture dishing up plentiful plates of traditional Chinese food in a casual atmosphere.

Ramshackle Cafe

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

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

Uncorked

The Biscuit Barn

Highly rated Crystal River breakfast and lunch spot known for huge Southern-style biscuits with iron-skillet sausage gravy, steak and eggs, and classic lunch fare like reubens and burgers.

Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q

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.