Food & drink in Central Florida.

Thai Ruby

Authentic Thai cuisine at Lake Sumter Landing that goes well beyond the usual pad thai. The curries are properly spiced, the Tom Kha is aromatic and rich, and the location makes it easy to combine dinner with a stroll around the square.

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill

A family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.

Claire's Creperie

Small crepe shop in the Mount Dora Marketplace serving sweet, savory, and breakfast crepes made from scratch, with gluten-free and keto options available.

Depot on Magnolia

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.

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.

Double Take Pizza

AK Pho & Boba Tea

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

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.

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.

Ski Beach Bar and Grill

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Harris in Leesburg offering American favorites and fresh seafood with stunning lake views, plus a Sunday brunch buffet.

Vintage on 5th

Upscale dining in a historic Crystal River building. Refined atmosphere and a menu that rewards a leisurely evening.

The Meltdown

The Freezer Tiki Bar

Started as a literal bait freezer attached to a seafood market, now it's one of the most beloved dive bars on the Nature Coast. Cash only, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the kind of Old Florida atmosphere you can't manufacture. Bring cash.

Lou & Flo's Cajun Creations

Cajun and Creole food spot bringing Louisiana-style cooking to Dunnellon.

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.

Darrell’s Diner

Family diner in Bushnell open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, serving all-day breakfast, comfort food specials, and homemade desserts in a friendly atmosphere.

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.

Flippers Pizza - Lady Lake

Casual pizza chain serving brick-oven pies & other Italian eats, plus beer & wine.

Jeremiah's

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

Yum Yum Wings and Things

City Fire

Upscale-casual American grill at Lake Sumter Landing featuring wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and a vibrant patio overlooking the square.

Peck's Old Port Cove

Old Florida at its finest — waterfront deck, outdoor bar, and a menu loaded with fresh local seafood. The crab cakes are outstanding and the setting feels like a place that time forgot.

Guavate Puerto Rican Eatery & Bistro

The Pub

It's Just Wings

Awwal Curry House Restaurant

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.

St. Johns Tavern

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

1921 Mount Dora

Housed in what was once the town doctor's home, 1921 is owned by the Modernism Museum and features rotating art alongside locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine. The setting is as memorable as the food.

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.

Florida Cracker Shamrock's

Florida Cracker restaurant serving wings, burgers, and American fare in a casual setting in Floral City.

Coney Island Bushnell

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

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.

Four Smokes BBQ

NE Seafood Shack

Real New England seafood in Leesburg -- lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried clams done by people who actually know the difference. The chef comes out to greet customers, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

Lake Harris Hideaway

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

Icy King

Smoothies, wraps, ice cream and shaved ice

The Friar Tuck

Rated the number one restaurant in Clermont on TripAdvisor, this cozy English cafe serves authentic British plates -- full English breakfasts, bangers and mash, and proper fish and chips. A genuinely unique find in Central Florida.

Pisces Rising

Fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Creative preparations and a lakefront setting that's hard to beat in this part of Florida.

The Bavarian Haus

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

MrBeast Burger

Countryside Diner

Finca Pinar

Restaurant and catering business in Dunnellon offering fresh, farm-inspired cuisine.

The Troff

Old-school eatery specializing in oysters, seafood & other American fare, plus pitchers of beer.

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

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

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.