Food & drink in Central Florida.

Brick City Southern Kitchen

Downtown Ocala's award-winning Southern kitchen and whiskey bar from the Mojo BBQ family. Low-and-slow smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and one of America's Top 100 Bourbon Bars with 300+ whiskeys. The pitmasters fire up at 3 AM.

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Mount Dora

Family-run Mexican restaurant on US-441 in Mount Dora dishing out generous portions of enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and margaritas. Reliable Tex-Mex in a festive, colorful setting.

Savages Bar and Grill

Casual bar and grill in Brooksville serving American classics including burgers and wings, with outdoor seating.

Darrell's Diner

Stirrups Restaurant

Energy Lab Cafe

Colombian Bakery

Scoops on 5th

Old-fashioned ice cream shop in downtown Mount Dora serving 36 flavors of Hershey's ice cream, chocolate-dipped cones, fresh-baked cookies, specialty coffees, and their famous one-pound eclair.

Twistee Treat Ocala

Dessert chain serving soft serve ice cream, malts & more from a stand shaped like an ice cream cone.

Clermont Oyster Bar

Raw bar and seafood restaurant in Clermont serving oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fried seafood baskets in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Super Tacos Truck

Mexican food truck serving tacos and more

Mystic Ice Cream

All-natural ice cream shop in downtown Mount Dora with 30+ rotating flavors including alcohol-infused varieties like Kahlua Fudge Brownie and Bailey's, all made on premises with natural ingredients.

The Friar's Table

Gastropub-style dining at Brownwood Paddock Square with elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and a warm tavern atmosphere.

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant

1890 tea room

Historic Downtown Clermont

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

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.

China Lee Buffet

All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet on Silver Springs Boulevard with a rotating selection of classic Chinese-American dishes, sushi, and desserts. A budget-friendly option for big appetites.

CFS Coffee

Colombian-inspired coffee shop at Spanish Springs Town Square serving authentic coffee from the Cocora Valley alongside empanadas, pancakes, and breakfast bowls in a cozy atmosphere.

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.

Fox Crossing Tavern

Regular live acts in a friendly neighborhood-bar setting near The Villages.

Red Rooster Cookie Jar LLC

El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe

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

Guru Indian Restaurant

Repeatedly voted Best Indian Restaurant in Central Florida by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Family-owned, award-winning, and the kind of place where the flavors are authentic enough to make you forget you're on Highway 27.

RJ Gator's Florida Sea Grill & Bar

Florida-themed bar and grill at Lake Sumter Landing with seafood, burgers, and tropical cocktails. The outdoor seating puts you right in the middle of the nightly entertainment scene.

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.

Cookie Queen Factory

Whispering Oaks Winery

Local winery near The Villages featuring live music events and wine tastings.

Fridas Tacos and Tequila

The Standard CLCL -- Coffee Shop

Cedar River Seafood

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

Sauced Hogs BBQ Bar & Grill

Barbecue restaurant and bar in Hernando near Crystal River serving smoked meats and classic BBQ sides. Features weekly karaoke on Thursdays, live music on weekends, and trivia nights in a casual, family-friendly setting.

Maramay

The Florida Porch Cafe

Charming tea-room-style cafe on Main Street in Leesburg serving quiche, salads, sandwiches, and wraps made from quality ingredients, with a quaint antique gift shop in the back.

Sweet Alps Ice Cream Inverness

Swiss-owned ice cream shop in downtown Inverness crafting homemade flavors inspired by the Swiss Alps, including vegan and dairy-free options, plus ice-cream-stuffed donuts, smoothies, and acai bowls.

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.

Go For Donuts

Local donut shop in Dunnellon baking fresh donuts, fritters, and pastries every morning. Get there early for the best selection — they sell out for a reason.

Mont Royal Bagel

Campo Azul Mexican Kitchen

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.

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.

Emma's Patisserie

Beans and Greens Coffee House

Cozy coffee house in Crystal River serving craft coffee drinks, smoothies, and light bites. A local favorite for a chill morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill

Casual bar and grill in Homosassa serving home-cooked food including pizza, burgers, fried chicken, and fresh seafood, with live entertainment and outdoor seating.

Diner on the Square

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.

Manatee Campground Marina Pub

Waterfront pub at a campground and marina on the Homosassa River, offering drinks and casual fare in a laid-back outdoor setting.