Food & drink in Central Florida.

Paige's Root Beer

Nostalgic diner on Pennsylvania Avenue known for award-winning burgers, homemade root beer floats, and classic American comfort food, recognized as Best Burger in the County.

Portillo's Clermont

Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.

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.

Kungfu Chef Asian Restaurant

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.

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.

Lollygaggers Sports Pub & Grill - Wildwood

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.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Cuisine

Mexican and Cuban cuisine restaurant

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.

PizzAmore

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

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

Family-friendly hub for steamed & raw shellfish, wings & beers served in a no-frills setting.

La Jibarita de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

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

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

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

It's Just Wings

The Meltdown

Fat Chef Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

Authentic Jamaican food

Calypso

Caribbean-inspired restaurant at The Waterfront Inn on Lake Sumter Landing, serving island-flavored dishes and rum-infused cocktails with indoor-outdoor dining, live music, and lakeside breezes.

Bluefin Grill & Bar

Steak, seafood & cocktails offered in a modern, nautical-themed dining room with sea-blue decor.

Caffe Connection

At Caffe Connections, we make the connection with our customers through food and fresh coffees.

Finca Pinar

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

Bamboo Bistro

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

BVL Oyster Bar (BOB's)

Located in Brooksville, Florida, the BVL Oyster Bar is an eclectic roadside relic just off Highway 98 offering no-frills grub and good times.

Mary's Kountry Kitchen

The kind of breakfast spot where the portions are enormous, the coffee stays full, and the regulars know the staff by name. Mary's has been feeding Tavares for years with no-frills comfort food that hits exactly right at 7am.

Lou & Flo's Cajun Creations

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

ROYAL ORCHID THAI Cuisine

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

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.

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.

Steak 'n Shake

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

Big Cypress Lakefront Pizzeria

Experience handmade Italian perfection by the water, where rustic charm meets vibrant style at BIG CYPRESS LAKEFRONT PIZZERIA.

Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More

New York-style pizza and Italian favorites in Tavares with late-night hours that make it the go-to after everything else closes. The pies are legit, the garlic knots are addictive, and the casual vibe keeps the neighborhood coming back.

Prima Italian Steakhouse

A modern Italian Steakhouse, featuring hand-cut steaks, Italian classics, & fresh seafood.

Sol De Mexico

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

Awwal Curry House Restaurant

Ocean Buffet

Asian buffet restaurant in Ocala with a wide spread of Chinese, Japanese, and seafood options including sushi, crab legs, and hibachi. All-you-can-eat at a fair price.

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.

Mac’d Out

El Toreo

CAVA

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

EDO Sushi

Modern Japanese steakhouse offering sushi, noodle dishes & entertaining hibachi chefs.

The Brick & Barrel Public House

New American restaurant and bar on Main Street in Leesburg with a rustic-modern vibe, craft beer on tap, handmade cocktails, and live music Friday and Saturday evenings.

Coney Island Drive Inn Eustis

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.

Ocala Downtown Diner

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

Tiki Bar & Grill

Easygoing hangout on Lake Minneloa featuring American eats, brews & scenic outdoor seating.

Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant

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.