Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

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.

Florida Cracker Cook Shack - BBQ Joint

Southern soul food restaurant in downtown Brooksville smoking BBQ and hot chicken, with signature items including brisket, chipped pork, gator sausage, and Brooksvagas Hot Chicken.

Sol De Mexico

Family-run Mexican cantina decked out with South American furniture & artworks, open since 2009.

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

All-you-can-eat interactive dining where you cook your own Korean BBQ and hot pot right at the table. A fun, social experience with endless proteins, veggies, and broths — great for groups and adventurous eaters.

The Inside Out Grill

Local grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Trinity

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Crazy Gator

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

Darrel's Dinner # 23

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.

Twisted Biscuit Diner

Popular Tavares diner serving traditional Southern comfort food with a twist, built around flavored, made-from-scratch biscuits, open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM for breakfast and lunch.

Ocean Buffet

Asian buffet restaurant in Ocala with a wide spread of Chinese, Japanese, and seafood options including sushi, crab legs, and hibachi. All-you-can-eat at a fair price.

Pico Bistro

Franco's Italian Restaurant

J & T Smokehouse

Smokehouse restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

Prime + Ember

Upscale signature steakhouse at Eastport Town Center featuring prime cuts, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails, with a rooftop bar overlooking Central Lake and live music.

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room

Chicago and firefighter-themed craft brewery in historic downtown Leesburg brewing 10 beers on premise, serving authentic Chicago-style eats including Italian beef, hot dogs, and thin crust pizza, with a live music beer garden.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

Upscale-casual eatery offering American fare from sandwiches to steaks, plus a full bar.

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.

CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.

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.

Kungfu Chef Asian Restaurant

Chop House at Lake Sumter

Elegant place with a terrace serving steaks, meat dishes & cocktails, plus weekend brunch.

Tony's Sushi

Popular mainstay featuring classic sushi rolls, Japanese dishes & hibachi meals in a casual setting.

Copacabana Cuban Cafe

Authentic Cuban restaurant tucked in a downtown Mount Dora alley serving ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and what the Orlando Sentinel voted the best mojito in Central Florida. Live music and generous portions.

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

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.

Grateful Bowl

Acai bowls and healthy food cafe

Darrell's Diner

Mark's Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Upscale steakhouse in downtown Ocala offering prime steaks and seafood with an extensive wine list. Private dining available.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Clermont

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wanda Mofongo House

Say Taco Tequila Bar & Grill

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

Cedar River Seafood

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

Amrit Palace

The best Indian food within 50 miles, and it's not close. The lunch buffet is a steal, the naan comes out of the tandoor perfectly blistered, and the menu is deep enough that regulars are still discovering new favorites after years of visits.

Ay Jalisco

Homey Mexican eatery offering a menu of familiar favorites, plus a full liquor bar.

Central Cafe & Bakery

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

The Pub

The Forge Ocala

Ocala's newest culinary destination featuring six distinct concept restaurants under one roof, including Asian fusion, Mediterranean tapas, a speakeasy, a brewery, and a dessert bar.

Cousin Vinnie's Family Sports Restaurant

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

Gator's Dockside Spring Hill

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

Barrels and Boards, LLC

Charcuterie and craft dining experience

Citrus Grove Cafe

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.

Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant

Beloved family-run Mexican restaurant in Dunnellon since 2010 serving authentic dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an impressive tequila selection in a colorful, lively setting.

The Brick & Barrel Public House

New American restaurant and bar on Main Street in Leesburg with a rustic-modern vibe, craft beer on tap, handmade cocktails, and live music Friday and Saturday evenings.

Super Tacos Truck

Mexican food truck serving tacos and more

Máster Taqueria Y Paleteria