Food & drink in Central Florida.

Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails

Downtown Tavares finally got the upscale steakhouse it deserved. Ironworks brings aged steaks and craft cocktails to Ruby Street with a vibe that's polished but not stuffy. Limited hours mean you plan your visit -- and that's part of the appeal.

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.

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

Reveille Cafe The Villages

Comfortable daytime diner serving coffee & brunch favorites, including pancakes & omelets.

Yum Yum Wings and Things

VKI Japanese Steakhouse

Tableside hibachi, sushi & Japanese kitchen entrees served in a sophisticated, warm-colored space.

Florida Cracker Shamrock's

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

St. Johns Tavern

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

Magnolia Breeze Restaurant

The Bavarian Haus

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

Stirrups Restaurant

Los Magueyes Inverness

Regional Mexican restaurant chain location on Highway 41 near Inverness, serving fresh-made dishes including carne asada tacos, birria tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and molcajete.

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.

Flippers Pizza - Wildwood

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

Root & Branch Bistro + Bar

A labor of love from proprietors Jason and Casey Baruch, Root & Branch has won multiple Taste of South Lake awards for good reason. The fried green tomatoes are legendary, and the upscale-but-casual vibe hits that sweet spot for a special night out.

Don Ceviche Peru Mexico restaurant

Old Time Diner

1950s-themed diner in Leesburg serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live entertainment featuring the village cowboy on Tuesday evenings.

Jeremiah's

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

Bamboo Bistro

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

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.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Popular breakfast and brunch chain serving oversized pancakes, Belgian waffles, omelets, and fresh-squeezed juices. The wait on weekends is real, but the food makes it worth it.

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.

CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.

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.

Swampy's Bar & Grille

Nestled right on the Rainbow River, Swampy's has been a Dunnellon favorite for over a decade. The Cajun-inspired menu pairs perfectly with the riverfront setting, and it's the kind of place where you linger longer than you planned.

Elevation 89

Unique dining experience at the Ocala Airport with gorgeous runway views and spectacular sunsets. Named for the airport's 89-foot elevation. American cuisine in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Froggers Grill and Bar

Casual American grill on Lake Park Court in Mount Dora serving burgers, wings, and pub fare with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. A solid neighborhood spot for a low-key dinner.

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.

El Mezcal Mexican restaurant

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

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.

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Crystal River

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

Moschello's Pizza

Signature & straightforward NY-style pizza, plus pasta, ribs & subs in a casual strip-mall setting.

Crump's Landing

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

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.

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.

Four Smokes BBQ

PizzAmore

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

Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana

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.

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

Crafted - Fine Dine Steakhouse

Darrell's Diner

Hibachi Express

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

Churrascaria with a salad bar & all-you-can-eat roasted meats served tableside by gaucho waiters.

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.

The Salted Fry

100% gluten-free European-style frite shop in downtown Mount Dora serving Belgian-style fries, fresh-made dipping sauces, panini sandwiches, and their own bourbon-cooked ketchup.

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill

Waterfront dining on Lake Weir featuring Chef Dave Del Rio's Florisiana cuisine — a fusion of Southern, Cajun, and Creole flavors. The views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe has been drawing folks out here since 1924.