Food & drink in Central Florida.

The Thirsty Cobbler

Ocala's first speakeasy. Password-required entry, handcrafted cocktails around $12, vintage Prohibition-era decor, and intimate seating for about 20. No food served. Opens at 6pm nightly.

Katya Vineyards

Family-owned winery since 2010 with a downtown tasting room. Winner of Best Florida Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition.

Grateful Bowl

Acai bowls and healthy food cafe

Lickity Split Ice Cream

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.

A Taste of New Orleans

Cajun and Creole restaurant in Brooksville bringing the flavors of the Big Easy to Florida's Adventure Coast. Gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and all the Louisiana staples.

18 South Coffee

Big Hammock Brewery & Bites

A downtown Ocala brewery with a twist -- literally. Twelve taps featuring their own brews alongside guest craft beers, paired with an Asian-fusion menu of ramen bowls, bao buns, and hot pretzels. The combination shouldn't work this well, but it does.

Cantina's Mexican Kitchen

New York Desserts

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.

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.

Bagel Bros Cafe

Local bagel shop in Clermont serving fresh-baked bagels, deli sandwiches, and breakfast bites. A solid morning stop for a bagel with schmear and a cup of coffee.

The Healthy Nut Cafe

Mary's Kountry Kitchen

The kind of breakfast spot where the portions are enormous, the coffee stays full, and the regulars know the staff by name. Mary's has been feeding Tavares for years with no-frills comfort food that hits exactly right at 7am.

El patrón Grill & Bar

Countryside Diner

Finca Pinar

Restaurant and catering business in Dunnellon offering fresh, farm-inspired cuisine.

Garvino's

Wine bar, cigar lounge, and gift shop at Lake Sumter Landing featuring 24 wines by the glass, a walk-in humidor with 350+ cigar varieties, and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday.

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.

Vintage on 5th

Upscale dining in a historic Crystal River building. Refined atmosphere and a menu that rewards a leisurely evening.

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.

Luma Mediterranean Kitchen

LUMA is a fast-casual Mediterranean kitchen serving bold, bright flavors inspired by the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean.

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.

THAT Place

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

Fusion fare such as sushi burritos & donuts, create-your-own bento boxes & poke bowls plus beer.

El Mezcal Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant in Homosassa on Suncoast Boulevard serving traditional dishes in a family-friendly setting.

4120 Bombay Cafe

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

Nature Coast Bar and Grill

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

The Anchor on Sunset Harbor

Laid-back waterfront bar and grill on Sunset Harbor with burgers, wings, and crawfish boils. Live music, karaoke, and trivia nights — plus a back patio that's hard to beat on a warm evening.

The Canna Bakery Shop

Cannabis-infused bakery and edibles shop in Inverness offering baked goods and specialty items.

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.

Red Rooster Cookie Jar LLC

Barrels and Boards, LLC

Charcuterie and craft dining experience

Whale's Tale Fish House

A Mount Dora locals' favorite that specializes in seafood done simply and well. The Maryland crab soup is a standout, and the no-fuss atmosphere keeps people coming back week after week.

Turners Kitchen + Bar

A chef-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Leesburg, occupying a building that once housed Turner's Bakery in the 1940s. The menu is creative without being fussy, and the quality is a pleasant surprise for a small-town spot.

Steve's Package & Lounge

Long-running dive bar and package store on South 14th Street in Leesburg with karaoke, darts, drink specials, and a drive-through package window, open for over 33 years.

Florida Cracker Shamrock's

Florida Cracker restaurant serving wings, burgers, and American fare in a casual setting in Floral City.

Historic Downtown Clermont

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

Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse

Rustic Italian charm meets modern piano bar atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and craft cocktails make this the go-to date night spot at Spanish Springs.

Cedar River Seafood

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

The Mount Dora Bistro

French-inspired neighborhood bistro in downtown Mount Dora offering classic bistro fare, curated dining experiences, afternoon tea service, and a spectacular French wine list in a warm, refined setting.

Lupitas

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.

Chelsea Coffee Company

Popular coffee shop on the Silver Springs corridor with 4.5 stars and hundreds of reviews. A well-established Ocala coffee spot.

Artman Country Smokehouse

Barbecue smokehouse in Summerfield, FL, serving Southern smoked meats.

Wolf Branch Brewing - Mount Dora

A Lake County craft brewery with locations in Mount Dora, Leesburg, and Eustis. The Mount Dora taproom sits right downtown and pours some of the best craft beers in the region alongside comfort food that pairs perfectly.