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.

Oak & Stone

Craft beer and artisan pizza restaurant at Eastport Town Center featuring a self-serve tap wall with 50+ rotating beers using touchless RFID technology, plus oven-baked wings and create-your-own pizzas.

Peach Valley Café

Breakfast and brunch spot on US-441 serving homemade eats with fresh ingredients — from classic eggs and pancakes to sandwiches and soups. Pet-friendly patio and open until 2:30pm daily.

Yamas

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

Waterfront Grille

El Toreo

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

Live Fire Chefs

Lake Harris Hideaway

Biker-owned, kid-friendly hangout featuring American eats plus a full bar & lakeside setting.

ROYAL ORCHID THAI Cuisine

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

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.

Lugo's Grill

Authentic Cuban restaurant in Dunnellon known for fresh plantains, Cuban sandwiches, and hearty rice and beans in a cozy, old-school atmosphere. Cash only.

Kim's Cafe II

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

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

Small, easygoing taproom with a broad selection of Florida-brewed craft beers, plus an outdoor area.

Dark & Light Cafe

Specialty coffee shop on Donnelly Street in Mount Dora with carefully crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Cozy and inviting for a caffeine-fueled afternoon.

Bamboo Bistro

Comfortable Pan-Asian joint with roomy booth seating supplying fusion fare, like sushi & pho.

Taste Of Lebanon

La Jibarita de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant

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.

Diner on the Square

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.

Napolinos

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

Spill the Beans Co.

Local cafe and coffee roaster in Leesburg offering house-roasted lattes, mochas, frappes, Lotus energy drinks, and fresh cooked-to-order food, where regulars are known by name.

Harvest Restaurant & Bar

HARVEST in The Villages, FL offers a fresh menu inspired by culinary traditions, blending classic and modern techniques for a creative dining experience.

Sakura Restaurant

Dan's Clam Stand

Heaping baskets of fried seafood are found at this easygoing clam shack with picnic tables.

Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant

The Lodge Ocala Pub & Eatery

NY Chinese Restaurant

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

Todd and Shelly's Farm Fresh Restaurant

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.

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.

A Taste of New Orleans

Cajun and Creole restaurant in Brooksville bringing the flavors of the Big Easy to Florida's Adventure Coast. Gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and all the Louisiana staples.

18 South Restaurant and Saloon

Ivy on the Square

Southern-inspired cuisine is the specialty of this elegant restaurant in a circa-1890 building.

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.

1890 Tea House

An Everyday Retreat in Downtown Ocala

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

All-you-can-eat interactive dining where you cook your own Korean BBQ and hot pot right at the table. A fun, social experience with endless proteins, veggies, and broths — great for groups and adventurous eaters.

Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar

Family-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Orochi Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen restaurant

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.

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

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

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.

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

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

The Pub

Tap House Social

Sports-forward restaurant and bar in The Villages with scratch-made smash burgers, fish and chips, and a deep craft beer list. Plenty of TVs for game day and a lively vibe on weekends.

Sushi Feast AYCE