Food & drink in Central Florida.

Pepe's Cantina Clermont

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.

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.

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.

Bayside Seafood Grille

Seafood restaurant in downtown Crystal River featuring fresh local catches and a cozy dining atmosphere.

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.

Braised Onion

Family-owned and full of personality, Braised Onion serves comfort food done right — legendary crispy onion fritters, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie in a vibrant, art-filled space.

St. Johns Tavern

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

Finca Pinar

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

The Lazy Maid Crêperie

Highly rated French creperie in downtown Brooksville serving both sweet and savory crepes in a charming setting with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and lunch.

The Angler's Club

Private members-only fine dining restaurant at Lake Sumter Landing with a lodge atmosphere, stone fireplace, and a seasonal menu featuring seared venison and coffee-crusted bison.

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.

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.

Don Pepe Mexican Restaurant

Popular family-owned Mexican restaurant in a charming converted house in Dunnellon, serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with generous portions and beer and wine.

Oak & Stone

Craft beer and artisan pizza restaurant at Eastport Town Center featuring a self-serve tap wall with 50+ rotating beers using touchless RFID technology, plus oven-baked wings and create-your-own pizzas.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

Upscale-casual eatery offering American fare from sandwiches to steaks, plus a full bar.

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Deli Llama, Cafe.- Espresso & Sandwiches

Creative cafe in downtown Mount Dora serving crafted pressed sandwiches with house-made meats and espresso by day, transforming into The Llama Lounge evenings with small bites, beer, wine, and sake cocktails.

Pardon My Cheesesteak

The Oak House at Water Oak Golf Course

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.

Fat Boys BBQ

BBQ restaurant and bar in Ocala, FL, serving wood-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken with online ordering available.

The Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club

Country club restaurant at Nancy Lopez in The Villages serving American classics with golf course views. A relaxed dining experience for residents and their guests.

PizzAmore

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

Catfish Johnny's

A local institution for fried catfish, hush puppies, and Southern-style seafood. No-frills atmosphere with big portions.

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

Mimi's Cafe

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

Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill

Waterfront dining at Lake Sumter Landing with solid food, gorgeous views, and live music. The kind of place where lunch turns into an afternoon.

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.

Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant

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.

Portillo's Clermont

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

Bamboo Bistro

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

Pico Bistro

Daniel's Cheesesteak Express

Philly cheesesteak restaurant in downtown Clermont

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Crystal River

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

BAMBUU Asian Eatery Clermont

Frenchy's

Wood-fired pizza spot inside The Market at Sawgrass Grove serving authentic sourdough crust pizzas cooked in a specialty oven for grab-and-go dining.

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.

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

NY Chinese Restaurant

Chinese take-out spot in a shopping plaza offering fast service & basics like General Tso's chicken.

Salt Shack on the Lake

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Minneola offering island vibes, wild-caught seafood, and a sandy beach area perfect for families, with live music Thursday through Sunday.

Flippers Pizza - Wildwood

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

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.

Vincent's Italian Restaurant

Simple Italian eatery serving a classic menu including garlic rolls & a range of pasta dishes.

Stavros and Sons Fruitland Park

Informal Italian eatery serving pizza, pasta, calzones & sandwiches, plus beer & wine.