Food & drink in Central Florida.

4120 Bombay Cafe

Steak 'n Shake

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

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.

Catrina Cocina Mexicana

Oakwood Express Smokehouse

Local BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.

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.

Citrus Grove Cafe

Yamas

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

Mimi's Cafe

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

The Pub

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.

Pinsa Fire

Sol De Mexico

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

Zuru Ramen & Boba

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

Central Cafe & Bakery

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

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.

El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe

Lupitas

Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill

Casual bar and grill in Homosassa serving home-cooked food including pizza, burgers, fried chicken, and fresh seafood, with live entertainment and outdoor seating.

Cantina Tex Mex Tequila Bar

Crump's Landing

Laid-back waterfront restaurant offering familiar seafood dishes, plus burgers & fried chicken.

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.

Barrels and Boards, LLC

Charcuterie and craft dining experience

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.

Colombian Bakery

The Meltdown

Harry and The Natives

An over-water tiki hut serving American fare with a seafood slant. No reservations, first come first served -- which somehow makes snagging a table feel like a small victory. The waterfront setting alone is worth the trip.

El Toreo

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.

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

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.

Napolinos

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

The Crab Plant

The freshest seafood straight off the boats in Crystal River. As close to the source as you can get.

The Friar's Table

Gastropub-style dining at Brownwood Paddock Square with elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and a warm tavern atmosphere.

La Perla Tapatía Mexican Restaurant

Pardon My Cheesesteak

Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q

Cane Garden Country Club

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

Guru Indian Restaurant

Repeatedly voted Best Indian Restaurant in Central Florida by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Family-owned, award-winning, and the kind of place where the flavors are authentic enough to make you forget you're on Highway 27.

El Patio Bushnell

Authentic Mexican restaurant in Bushnell known for scratch-made fajitas, burritos, street tacos, and barbacoa using fresh ingredients, with a 4.7-star rating.

Orochi Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen restaurant

Harry's Seafood,Bar & Grille

Cajun and Creole-inspired seafood in the heart of downtown Ocala, housed in the historic 1885 Marion Block building. The fried green tomatoes and crab cakes are standouts, and the courtyard patio feels like a little slice of the French Quarter.

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.

Cantina's Mexican Kitchen

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.

THE FLAME

Big Man's Cafe