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.

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.

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

TooJay’s Deli • Bakery • Restaurant

Casual eatery serving up sandwiches, burgers & hearty comfort dishes, plus baked goods & desserts.

Wanda Mofongo House

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.

Graffiti Seafood & More

Pinsa Fire

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.

Awwal Curry House Restaurant

Deep South Family BBQ

Deep South Family BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Hernando County, known for their smoked meats and homemade side recipes, providing an authentic Southern BBQ experience since 1998.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

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

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

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

Storming Crab

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.

THE FLAME

Prime 3

Upscale steak and wine restaurant in downtown Leesburg

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.

Huarike Peruvian Cuisine

Bravo Pizza!!

Pizza parlor serving New York-style slices, calzones, pizza, Stromboli, baked ziti and other Italian eats.

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.

Grateful Bowl

Acai bowls and healthy food cafe

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.

Taco 'N Madre

This petite Mexican eatery whips up tacos, burritos & other traditional fare in a casual setting.

Luigi's Pizza of Brooksville

Pizzas, pasta dishes & other comfort eats are menu staples at this simple eatery with a casual vibe.

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.

Fifth Avenue Streatery

Full-service restaurant in Mount Dora serving Southern fusion and down-home cooking made from scratch, featuring open-air dining, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated dog menu.

Flippers Pizza - Lady Lake

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

Glenview Country Club

Country club restaurant in The Villages offering dining with views of the manicured greens. A comfortable spot for a post-round meal or casual dinner.

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.

Oakwood Express Smokehouse

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

Mimi's Cafe

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

PizzAmore

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

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

Unpretentious, group-friendly destination for classic Italian fare, like pasta, pizza & subs.

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.

Latin Flavors Bar & Grill

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.

Bluefin Grill & Bar

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

The Dunnellon Grill

Local grill and casual dining spot in Dunnellon serving American favorites.

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.

City Fire

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

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.

Gator's Dockside Spring Hill

Family-friendly sports-bar chain offering American fare, including signature grilled chicken wings.

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.

Yum Yum Wings and Things

J & T Smokehouse

Smokehouse restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Gallery

Mexican eatery featuring a broad menu in vibrantly colored surrounds decorated with art.