Food & drink in Central Florida.

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

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

Hibachi Express

Metro Diner

Comfort-food chain known for massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, pot roast, and meatloaf. Breakfast is served all day, and the vibe is pure Southern diner warmth.

Golden Spoon Diner

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.

Cane Garden Country Club

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

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

Beirut Bites

Quick-service Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs — fresh, flavorful, and a welcome change of pace from the usual downtown options.

The Equestrian Manor

The newest dining venue at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, offering upscale buffet-style brunch and special event dining in an elegant equestrian setting.

Brooklyn Deli Too

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

PizzAmore

Family-friendly parlor serving specialty pizzas, hot entrees, plus beer & wine in a casual space.

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.

The Fire Japanese Steak House

Japanese steakhouse in Leesburg featuring hibachi grills with teppanyaki chefs cooking tableside, plus sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, family-owned and operated.

Cody's on 4th

Casual cafe on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora serving coffee, sandwiches, and light bites in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. A solid stop for a quick lunch while exploring downtown.

Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

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

Gruff's Tap & Grille

Local pub and grille in Dunnellon with craft beers on tap, burgers, wings, and a relaxed vibe. A solid neighborhood hangout for a casual meal and a cold one.

Johnny Rockets

Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.

Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant

Beloved family-run Mexican restaurant in Dunnellon since 2010 serving authentic dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an impressive tequila selection in a colorful, lively setting.

Ocala Downtown Diner

Burgers, steaks & shakes served in a relaxed eatery that has classic diner decor.

Miz Kathi's Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery

Southern comfort food and jaw-dropping cakes in downtown Wildwood. Miz Kathi's serves it up right -- hearty portions, scratch-made everything, and the kind of homestyle cooking that makes you wish you'd worn stretchy pants.

Yamas

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

Fenney Grill

A Villages neighborhood grill that punches above the typical golf-community restaurant. Good breakfast, solid lunch and dinner, and live music nights that draw a loyal crowd. Unpretentious and consistent.

El Mezcal Mexican restaurant

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

Mark's Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Upscale steakhouse in downtown Ocala offering prime steaks and seafood with an extensive wine list. Private dining available.

Napolinos

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

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.

Franco's Italian Restaurant

CEDAR GRILL CLERMONT

Mediterranean grill restaurant

Big Bass Grill

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

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.

Copp Brewery & Winery

Crystal River brewery, winery, and full-service restaurant producing handcrafted beer and wine on-site since 2006, featuring a wood-fire oven and The Prohibition Grill.

The Crazy Gator

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

Santiagos Restaurant

Restaurant at Cagan Crossing

Jeremiah's

Casual American fare served in a warm, relaxed setting with a bar & bustling patio.

Don Ceviche Peru Mexico restaurant

Yellow Pony Pub & Garden

An upscale pub and garden at the World Equestrian Center featuring craft cocktails, bourbon, and elevated pub fare with an outdoor terrace overlooking the equestrian grounds.

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.

BAMBUU Asian Eatery Clermont

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Brownwood

Informal local chain serving hand-cut steaks, seafood & Southern BBQ in a roadhouse-themed setting.

Sipping Grounds

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

The Inside Out Grill

Local grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Lakis Restaurant

Popular Greek & Italian dishes served in a casual space with murals of quaint Aegean scenes.

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.

The Goblin Market

A local institution since 1996, The Goblin Market features intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a gorgeous courtyard patio. Creative seasonal New American cuisine in one of the prettiest settings in Central Florida.

The Museum Cafe

Cuban cafe and printing museum on Yulee Drive near the Sugar Mill Ruins, serving hand-crafted Cuban sandwiches on authentic Ybor City bread, black beans and rice, and cafe con leche.

Turners Kitchen + Bar

A chef-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Leesburg, occupying a building that once housed Turner's Bakery in the 1940s. The menu is creative without being fussy, and the quality is a pleasant surprise for a small-town spot.