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.

Howie's Family Restaurant

Home-style family restaurant in Bushnell serving Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and all-you-can-eat fish, open for breakfast and lunch with Friday fish fry dinners.

Kim's Cafe II

Neighborhood cafe in Homosassa serving breakfast, lunch, and comfort food.

Golden Spoon Diner

Three Six Bistro

Chef Sean Langan brings modernist, West Coast-inflected cuisine to Ocala in this intimate fine dining bistro. Every dish is scratch-made with high-quality ingredients, and the creativity on the plate is genuinely surprising for a mid-Florida town.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Family-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.

Casa Agave Mexican Grill

The Crooked Spoon Gastropub

A chef-driven gastropub offering traditional and modern dishes with a craft beer selection that takes the pub concept seriously. Happy hour daily from 4-7pm is one of the better deals in South Lake County.

Hong Kong Restaurants

Chinese restaurant in Bushnell offering Cantonese dishes, dim sum, noodle soups, and American-Chinese favorites including General Tso's chicken, with dine-in and takeout.

Diner on the Square

Angelotti's Pizza

Local pizza joint in Inverness serving hand-tossed pies, calzones, subs, and pasta. A dependable neighborhood spot for a quick slice or a family pizza night.

Little Fin

Fast-casual seafood spot inside The Market at Sawgrass Grove specializing in sauteed (not fried) dishes including walleye, fish and chips, oyster po'boys, and bang bang shrimp.

Latinos Y Mas

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

Colombian Bakery

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.

Ramshackle Cafe

Burgers, fish 'n' chips & other American comfort food in a cozy, kitsch-filled setting with a patio.

Grateful Bowl

Acai bowls and healthy food cafe

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.

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

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

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.

Brooklyn Deli Too

New York-style deli serving authentic deli sandwiches, subs, and classic fare.

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.

Soulful Flavor

Soul food restaurant in Leesburg

Tequila Cantina Mexican Kitchen

Taste Of Lebanon

Todd and Shelly's Farm Fresh Restaurant

Hen House Cafe

Family-friendly breakfast and lunch cafe in downtown Inverness open seven days a week, known for locally sourced vegetables, house-baked bread, and fresh daily soups.

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.

Teamont Boba

Bubble tea and boba drinks cafe

Sol De Mexico

Family-run Mexican cantina decked out with South American furniture & artworks, open since 2009.

St. Johns Tavern

Classic pub fare is served alongside beer & cocktails in this warm, wood-&-brick locale.

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.

Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana

Bull Smokehouse

Luigi's Pizza of Brooksville

Pizzas, pasta dishes & other comfort eats are menu staples at this simple eatery with a casual vibe.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Cuisine

Mexican and Cuban cuisine restaurant

Sipping Grounds

Handcrafted coffee, fresh pastries, and all-day breakfast and lunch in the midtown area of Ocala.

Pinsa Fire

Barrels and Boards, LLC

Charcuterie and craft dining experience

El Ranchito The Villages

Cane Garden Country Club

Casual option with golf-course views providing seafood & other light fare along with American mains.

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.

Fujiyama Japanese Steak House

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

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.

Fifth Avenue Streatery

Full-service restaurant in Mount Dora serving Southern fusion and down-home cooking made from scratch, featuring open-air dining, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated dog menu.

Huarike Peruvian Cuisine

Yamas

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

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.