Food & drink in Central Florida.

Cookie Queen Factory

Yamas

Mediterranean shared plates with a waterfront setting at Hotel Eastport. Aromatic spices, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and a casual but elevated atmosphere.

Braised Onion

Family-owned and full of personality, Braised Onion serves comfort food done right — legendary crispy onion fritters, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie in a vibrant, art-filled space.

Oxford Downs

Entertainment complex near The Villages featuring a poker room, off-track betting, and Central Florida's largest tiki bar with live music Friday-Sunday, karaoke, and a full American food menu.

NY Chinese Restaurant

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

Big Bass Grill

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

Rutabagas Cafe

Cafe inside Rutabagas Natural Food Market in Inverness serving organic smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, soups, and salads catering to gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

Gator's Dockside Brownwood

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

Renee's French Bakery

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

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

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.

Red Crab Juicy Seafood

The Bavarian Haus

Casual eatery with a homey vibe & outdoor patio seating serving traditional German food & beer.

The Bell Clermont

Cedar River Seafood Crystal River

Local seafood chain serving fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies in a casual, no-frills setting. Solid portions at fair prices — a dependable seafood spot.

BJ's Bakery

Napolinos

Casual stop serving pizza, pasta & seafood, meat & chicken entrees in a relaxed space.

Big Man's Cafe

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.

Bravo Pizza!!

Pizza parlor serving New York-style slices, calzones, pizza, Stromboli, baked ziti and other Italian eats.

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.

Sushi Feast AYCE

Brown Dog Coffeehouse

The Barrel Bar & Grille

Neighborhood bar and grille in Homosassa serving pub fare and cold drinks.

Kalua Beach Bar

A lakefront bar with Hawaiian-inspired food, Lake Dora views, and live music on weekends. The vibe is Jimmy Buffett meets lake town Florida -- laid back, sandy-footed, and exactly where you want to be on a Friday night.

King Cookie Ocala

This mall-based chain selling cookies & brownies offers some specialty flavors, plus cookie cakes.

Pups Pub Clermont

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill

Casual Mexican restaurant in The Villages serving tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas. A solid spot for a quick Tex-Mex fix with friendly service.

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

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

The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch cafe famous for fluffy biscuits with cranberry apple butter. Popular dishes include the Flying Biscuit Breakfast and the Hangover Hash.

KC Wine Bistro

Family-owned wine and coffee bistro in downtown Crystal River serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, shawarmas, and gourmet burgers alongside select wines, craft beers, and live music.

Magnolia Wine Garden

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.

The Juniper General Store

La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry

Authentic Italian gelato and pastry shop rated 4.9 stars. Homemade gelato, pastries, and espresso drinks.

Santiagos Restaurant

Restaurant at Cagan Crossing

Blondies

Outdoor bar on Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages featuring daily live entertainment, signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines by the glass. Hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and Saturday brunch specials.

Central Cafe & Bakery

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

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Crystal River

Folksy chain serving American comfort food in a roadhouse-themed space decorated with Americana.

Salt Shack on the Lake

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Minneola offering island vibes, wild-caught seafood, and a sandy beach area perfect for families, with live music Thursday through Sunday.

The Crooked Fork

Coney Island Bushnell

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

Old Mill Tavern

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

Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards

The Salted Fry

100% gluten-free European-style frite shop in downtown Mount Dora serving Belgian-style fries, fresh-made dipping sauces, panini sandwiches, and their own bourbon-cooked ketchup.

Mallie Kylas Cafe

Charming cafe in a historic Brooksville home serving comfort food lunches, fresh salads, and renowned homemade desserts for over 25 years, connected to a gift shop and florist.

Bagel Bros Cafe

The Station