Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Daniel's Cheesesteak Express

Philly cheesesteak restaurant in downtown Clermont

Inverness Coffee House and Hemptation Station

Cozy coffee house in Inverness serving coffee, acai bowls, crepes, soups, Lotus energy drinks, and soft-serve ice cream in a welcoming atmosphere with chill music.

Shamrock Lounge & Package

Neighborhood dive bar and package store in Leesburg open daily till 2 AM with pool tables, darts, jukebox, live music, karaoke nights, and happy hour from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Magical Meat Boutique British Pub

British pub in Mount Dora serving elevated pub fare with a meat-forward menu — think bangers and mash, meat pies, and hearty burgers alongside proper pints. A quirky, fun addition to the Mount Dora dining scene.

Renee's French Bakery

French bakery at Brownwood Paddock Square offering handcrafted pastries, fresh-baked bread, quiches, and rich espresso.

The Bell Clermont

Nonnies Freezer

Glenview Country Club

Country club restaurant in The Villages offering dining with views of the manicured greens. A comfortable spot for a post-round meal or casual dinner.

Foxtail Coffee Co. - Tavares

Foxtail Coffee Co. in Winter Park offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding or getting work done, with exceptional coffee sourced ethically from around the world.

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.

Willy's Original at Sawgrass Grove

At Willy’s Original, we take smash burgers to the next level! Our burgers are made with fresh, high-quality beef, smashed to perfection on a sizzling hot griddle for that irresistible crispy edge and juicy center. Served on a toasted bun with premium toppings and house-made sauces, every bite is packed with bold flavor. It’s no wonder we’re known for the best burgers in Florida — come taste the difference for yourself!

Evans Prairie - Country Club Restaurant

Country club dining at Evans Prairie in The Villages, offering a relaxed meal with golf course views. Open to residents and their guests for lunch and dinner.

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

Unpretentious, group-friendly destination for classic Italian fare, like pasta, pizza & subs.

Lickity Split Ice Cream

Botanico Tacos & Tequila

Modern Mexican restaurant with roots in the vibrant flavors of Vera Cruz, offering creative tapas, tequila pairings, and an outdoor dining area with swings for kids and adults.

Black Prong Whiskey Bar & Grill

Whiskey bar and grill in Ocala.

The Crazy Gator

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

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

Familiar seafood choices served in a casual setting with a spacious waterfront bar & deck.

Tas-t-o's Donuts

The Crooked Fork

Dunnellon Coffee Co

Local coffee shop in Dunnellon serving craft espresso drinks, fresh pastries, and light bites. A cozy community gathering spot with a warm, welcoming vibe.

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.

One Thirteen Coffeehouse

Locally owned coffeehouse in downtown Eustis serving handcrafted coffee drinks alongside homemade pastries, sandwiches, and desserts in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Flippers Pizza - Wildwood

Casual pizza chain serving brick-oven pies & other Italian eats, plus beer & wine.

Steak 'n Shake

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

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

Night Owl Bakery, LLC

The Coffee Corral

Coffee shop in Floral City serving specialty coffees and light bites in a relaxed setting.

NY Chinese Restaurant

Chinese take-out spot in a shopping plaza offering fast service & basics like General Tso's chicken.

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.

18 South Coffee

Foxtail Coffee - Downtown Eustis

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Sumter

Casual steakhouse chain known for hand-cut steaks, baby back ribs, and free peanuts at every table. The vibe is laid-back and family-friendly with generous portions and a full bar.

The Crazy Apron, LLC

Redsauce

Classic Italian favorites in the heart of Lake Sumter Landing with award-winning wines and a lively atmosphere. The housemade pastas and red sauce recipes are the kind of comfort food that keeps this place packed year-round.

The Argonaut Bar and Lounge

The Argonaut is a submarine inspired bar and lounge serving wine, craft beer, tiki drinks, specialty cocktails, and tapas style food offerings.

SideBar Tavern

Friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar on Courthouse Square in downtown Inverness offering local craft beer, wine, and a casual dining menu.

FONDA DULCE JESUS MIO OCALA

Authentic Latin American restaurant and nightlife spot in Ocala serving traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere. A vibrant spot for Latin food, music, and dancing.

Ally J's Ice Cream

Ice cream parlor in downtown Inverness serving hand-scooped flavors, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Honor Grounds Cafe - Coffee Shop

Mission-driven coffee shop in Wildwood serving Arabica coffee blends, with a portion of every purchase supporting veteran non-profits and suicide prevention programs.

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.

Wallace's at the Greenhouse

A chef-owned scratch kitchen in Homosassa where the love of fresh, local ingredients shows in every dish. The setting inside a converted greenhouse is unique, and the menu changes with what's available. Worth planning around their limited schedule.

El Mezcal Mexican restaurant

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

Moody's Brewing

CAVA

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

Beef 'O' Brady's

Family-friendly sports bar chain serving wings, burgers, and pub fare with plenty of TVs for game day. The kind of place where you can bring the kids and still catch the game.