Food & drink in Central Florida.

Pisces Rising

Fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Creative preparations and a lakefront setting that's hard to beat in this part of Florida.

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Michael Anthony's Pizza

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Dominiks Pizza and Grill

Local pizza and grill spot in Bushnell serving hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, and Italian-American favorites. A neighborhood staple for a casual family dinner.

Donut King of Leesburg

Donut shop on South 14th Street in Leesburg offering fresh donuts and bakery items.

Ramshackle Cafe

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

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.

The Standard CLCL -- Brownwood Coffee Shop

Multi-roaster coffee lounge and Christian library at Brownwood serving premium coffees sourced from small farms worldwide, with outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere.

Swampy's Bar & Grille

Nestled right on the Rainbow River, Swampy's has been a Dunnellon favorite for over a decade. The Cajun-inspired menu pairs perfectly with the riverfront setting, and it's the kind of place where you linger longer than you planned.

Golden Spoon Diner

Double Take Pizza

The Museum Cafe

Cuban cafe and printing museum on Yulee Drive near the Sugar Mill Ruins, serving hand-crafted Cuban sandwiches on authentic Ybor City bread, black beans and rice, and cafe con leche.

Emma's Patisserie

Blondies

Outdoor bar on Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages featuring daily live entertainment, signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines by the glass. Hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and Saturday brunch specials.

The Salted Fry

100% gluten-free European-style frite shop in downtown Mount Dora serving Belgian-style fries, fresh-made dipping sauces, panini sandwiches, and their own bourbon-cooked ketchup.

Crown Restaurant & Lounge

Pico Bistro

Brothers Pizza

Family-friendly pizza restaurant with hand-tossed pies, pasta, and Italian favorites.

Old Mill Tavern

Rustic, lodge-style place with string lights & sports decor, offering beer, American grub & karaoke.

Citrus Grove Cafe

Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse

Family-friendly Japanese place for sushi & hibachi fare with chefs cooking on tabletop grills.

Mimi's Cafe

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

Nature Coast Bar and Grill

Casual bar and grill on Yulee Drive in Homosassa serving American pub fare and drinks.

The View at Clermont National

Restaurant and bar at Clermont National Golf Club offering panoramic views stretching to Disney, with New York-style pizza, fresh bowls, a driving range, and weekend live music.

Pinesmoke Bee Co.

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.

Smallcakes

The Lodge Ocala Pub & Eatery

Smacota

O'Shucks Oyster Bar and Grill

Seafood and American restaurant known for oysters on the half shell and fish and chips.

Cookie Queen Factory

El Ranchito The Villages

Los Magueyes Inverness

Regional Mexican restaurant chain location on Highway 41 near Inverness, serving fresh-made dishes including carne asada tacos, birria tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and molcajete.

Tiki Bar & Grill

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

Tas-t-o's Donuts

Luigi's Pizza of Brooksville

Pizzas, pasta dishes & other comfort eats are menu staples at this simple eatery with a casual vibe.

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Countryside Diner

Dirty South Saloon

Leesburg's honky-tonk and biker bar featuring live bands, karaoke, line dancing, pool, darts, and themed events in a smoke-free indoor space with a spacious outdoor area.

My Quate

Haggard Coffee & Oddities

Unique coffee shop, museum, and art space in downtown Brooksville filled with oddities, curios, and conversation starters, with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating.

Cody's on 4th

Casual cafe on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora serving coffee, sandwiches, and light bites in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. A solid stop for a quick lunch while exploring downtown.

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.

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.

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.

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

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.

Ruby Street Grille

Tavares' go-to for lakeside live entertainment and cold drinks. Ruby Street Grille keeps the patio packed with regular live music, a solid pub menu, and views of Lake Dora. It's more bar-with-great-food than restaurant-with-a-bar.