Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Máster Taqueria Y Paleteria

Gator Cove

Waterfront bar and grill on the canal in Homosassa serving American fare including burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and gator tail, with outdoor seating and live entertainment.

Gruff's Tap & Grille

Local pub and grille in Dunnellon with craft beers on tap, burgers, wings, and a relaxed vibe. A solid neighborhood hangout for a casual meal and a cold one.

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.

Prime 3

Upscale steak and wine restaurant in downtown Leesburg

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.

Coney Island Bushnell

Hot dog stand and casual eatery in Bushnell serving Coney Island-style dogs, burgers, and quick bites. Simple, classic, and satisfying.

Lupitas

Latinos Y Mas

Outstanding Latin cuisine in Ocala. A local favorite for authentic flavors and generous portions.

Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill

Waterfront dining on Lake Weir featuring Chef Dave Del Rio's Florisiana cuisine — a fusion of Southern, Cajun, and Creole flavors. The views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe has been drawing folks out here since 1924.

Fujiyama Japanese Steak House

Family-owned Japanese steakhouse in Bushnell offering hibachi dinners, sushi rolls, and traditional entrees, with reservations, takeout, and delivery available.

No 1 Chinese Food

Havana Country Club Restaurant

Country club restaurant in The Villages with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of American classics. A neighborhood favorite for lunch after a round of golf.

Shadrach's Fiery Furnace

Family-owned wood-fired pizza restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, started as a mobile pizza oven touring art shows and festivals since 2011, now serving Neapolitan-style pies from an authentic oven.

Big Bass Grill

Indulge in delicious seafood dishes and more with a tiki-style lakefront view at Big Bass Grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Paige's Root Beer

Nostalgic diner on Pennsylvania Avenue known for award-winning burgers, homemade root beer floats, and classic American comfort food, recognized as Best Burger in the County.

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

Churrascaria with a salad bar & all-you-can-eat roasted meats served tableside by gaucho waiters.

Old Mill Tavern

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

San Jose's Original Mexican Restaurant

Original Mexican restaurant

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.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

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

La Jibarita de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant

Southern Hills Plantation Club

Southern Hills Plantation Club is a private golf and country club nestled in the rolling terrain of Brooksville, Florida, offering a premier membership experience with a championship golf course and top-notch amenities.

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill

A family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.

El Ranchito The Villages

Frenchy's

Wood-fired pizza spot inside The Market at Sawgrass Grove serving authentic sourdough crust pizzas cooked in a specialty oven for grab-and-go dining.

ROYAL ORCHID THAI Cuisine

Various Thai favorites, plus beer & wine, are served in a traditional, wood-paneled setting.

Johnny Rockets

Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.

M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse BBQ

A hole-in-the-wall in the best possible way. Smoked low and slow with old hickory wood, the brisket and ribs here are legit competition-quality barbecue. Limited hours mean you need to plan around their schedule, but that's what good BBQ demands.

Hurricane Dockside Grill-Tavares

Tropical-themed chain offering spiced-to-order wings with an array of sauces, pub grub & a full bar.

Hibachi Express

Design Sushi

My Quate

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

Waterfront farm-to-table dining on Lake Eustis with a menu built around local craft beers and Central Florida cuisine. The blackened grouper Reuben and hand-dipped coconut shrimp are signature dishes. The lake views don't hurt either.

Candelaria Eatery & Cafe

Authentic Colombian flavors in a cozy cafe setting just outside The Villages. The arepas and empanadas are the real deal, and the coffee is strong enough to remind you why Colombia is famous for it.

Yum Yum Wings and Things

Florida Cracker Shamrock's

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

Grace Cafe

Cozy cafe in Bushnell serving coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch options. A welcoming community spot with a friendly, small-town feel.

Red Crab - Juicy Seafood (Eustis)

Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant in Eustis, FL, offers mouthwatering seafood served fresh and bursting with flavor, featuring Cajun-inspired dishes and customizable seafood boils.

El Toreo

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.

McCracken’s Irish Pub

Irish pub on Main Street in downtown Leesburg serving Irish-inspired dishes, cocktails, and draft beers including Guinness, with daily happy hour from 2-6 PM.

Chop Block Grill

Urban casual dining restaurant in downtown Brooksville featuring prime aged steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, and a full liquor bar in an inviting atmosphere.

Luigi's Italian Restaurant

Casual Italian eatery serving a traditional menu in an airy simple space with booths & tables.

Buffet City

Asian buffet including sushi, hibachi & some American items, plus colorful lighting & modest decor.

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.