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.

Central Cafe & Bakery

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

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.

American With A Latin Twist

Cafe in Bushnell blending American and Latin flavors, serving coffee, breakfast items, and lunch in a casual setting.

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 J's Diner

One of the longest-running breakfast and lunch diners in Inverness since 1986, serving all-day breakfast with Southern-style cooking, generous portions, and competitive prices.

Prime 3

Upscale steak and wine restaurant in downtown Leesburg

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.

Gio's Deli

Italian deli and market near The Villages in Oxford serving homemade pizza, fresh sandwiches, and scratch-made Italian specialties, with imported goods available for purchase.

Uncorked

Mimi's Cafe

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

Casa Agave Mexican Grill

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.

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.

Lupitas

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!

Depot on Magnolia

Waterfront Social

Indoor/outdoor gathering spot on Kings Bay in Crystal River serving southern coastal dishes from scratch, with a tiki bar offering 180-degree bay views and sunset cocktails.

Bori Burger Café and More

Cuban-inspired cafe in Leesburg known for its Cuban sandwiches, steak sandwiches, beef empanadas, and generous portions at affordable prices.

Taco Norteno

Sakura Restaurant

Mamma Rita's Pizzeria

Fat Boys BBQ

BBQ restaurant and bar in Ocala, FL, serving wood-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken with online ordering available.

Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant - Wildwood

Informal strip-mall setting for traditional Mexican comfort foods with margaritas & piña coladas.

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.

The View at Clermont National

Restaurant and bar at Clermont National Golf Club offering panoramic views stretching to Disney, with New York-style pizza, fresh bowls, a driving range, and weekend live music.

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.

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.

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.

Suncreek Cafe

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

4120 Bombay Cafe

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.

Grateful Bowl

Acai bowls and healthy food cafe

The Angler's Club

Private members-only fine dining restaurant at Lake Sumter Landing with a lodge atmosphere, stone fireplace, and a seasonal menu featuring seared venison and coffee-crusted bison.

Gator's Dockside Brownwood

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

Breakfast Station

No-frills breakfast spot in Leesburg serving classic morning staples — eggs, pancakes, bacon, and biscuits and gravy. The kind of place where the coffee is always flowing and the portions are honest.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Cuisine

Mexican and Cuban cuisine restaurant

Brooksville Country Club

Brooksville Country Club is a premier golf destination in Florida, recognized for its beautiful course and exceptional amenities.

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Crystal River

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

The Yardery

Open-air restaurant and bar on Baker Street featuring Mount Dora's only rooftop bar, backyard classics with a twist, lawn games, and live music weekends in a family and dog-friendly setting.

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

Upscale dining room serving steaks, seafood, and Spanish-influenced cuisine in an elegant hacienda setting with lake views.

Graffiti Seafood & More

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.

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.

Calypso

Caribbean-inspired restaurant at The Waterfront Inn on Lake Sumter Landing, serving island-flavored dishes and rum-infused cocktails with indoor-outdoor dining, live music, and lakeside breezes.

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.