Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Orange Blossom Hills Golf & Country Club

18-hole public golf course surrounded by rolling terrain and mature oaks. Affordable green fees and a friendly clubhouse.

Bayside Seafood Grille

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

The Crab Plant

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

NE Seafood Shack

Real New England seafood in Leesburg -- lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried clams done by people who actually know the difference. The chef comes out to greet customers, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

EDO Sushi

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

Oakwood Express Smokehouse

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

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

Fusion fare such as sushi burritos & donuts, create-your-own bento boxes & poke bowls plus beer.

Moschello's Pizza

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

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.

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.

The Bavarian Haus

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

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

Crump's Landing

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

Double Take Pizza

Roughstocks grill

Grill restaurant attached to Two Rivers Local Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue in Dunnellon, serving food to bar patrons and dine-in guests.

Ivy on the Square

Southern-inspired cuisine is the specialty of this elegant restaurant in a circa-1890 building.

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

Upscale dining room serving steaks, seafood, and Spanish-influenced cuisine in an elegant hacienda setting with lake views.

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.

Yellow Pony Pub & Garden

An upscale pub and garden at the World Equestrian Center featuring craft cocktails, bourbon, and elevated pub fare with an outdoor terrace overlooking the equestrian grounds.

Coney Island Bushnell

Hot dog stand and casual eatery in Bushnell serving Coney Island-style dogs, burgers, and quick bites. Simple, classic, and satisfying.

The Fire Japanese Steak House

Japanese steakhouse in Leesburg featuring hibachi grills with teppanyaki chefs cooking tableside, plus sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, family-owned and operated.

Hong Kong Restaurants

Chinese restaurant in Bushnell offering Cantonese dishes, dim sum, noodle soups, and American-Chinese favorites including General Tso's chicken, with dine-in and takeout.

Big Lee's BBQ

Featured on the Food Network and praised by Guy Fieri, Big Lee's delivers pitmaster-level barbecue that has put Ocala on the national food map. The brisket is the star.

Island Fin Poke

Hawaiian-style poke restaurant at Brownwood serving fresh, sustainably sourced sushi and cooked proteins in customizable bowls with over 25 toppings, plus beer, wine, and Dole Whip.

NY Chinese Restaurant

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

Design Sushi

A Taste of New Orleans

Cajun and Creole restaurant in Brooksville bringing the flavors of the Big Easy to Florida's Adventure Coast. Gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and all the Louisiana staples.

Havana Country Club Restaurant

Country club restaurant in The Villages with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of American classics. A neighborhood favorite for lunch after a round of golf.

Dan's Clam Stand

Heaping baskets of fried seafood are found at this easygoing clam shack with picnic tables.

VKI Japanese Steakhouse

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

Orochi Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen restaurant

Old Mill Tavern

Rustic, lodge-style place with string lights & sports decor, offering beer, American grub & karaoke.

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.

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.

Shadrach's Fiery Furnace

Family-owned wood-fired pizza restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, started as a mobile pizza oven touring art shows and festivals since 2011, now serving Neapolitan-style pies from an authentic oven.

Cantina's Mexican Kitchen

Big Bass Grill

Indulge in delicious seafood dishes and more with a tiki-style lakefront view at Big Bass Grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Santiagos Restaurant

Restaurant at Cagan Crossing

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

Papa J's Diner

One of the longest-running breakfast and lunch diners in Inverness since 1986, serving all-day breakfast with Southern-style cooking, generous portions, and competitive prices.

Lupitas

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

All-you-can-eat interactive dining where you cook your own Korean BBQ and hot pot right at the table. A fun, social experience with endless proteins, veggies, and broths — great for groups and adventurous eaters.

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.

Hibachi Express

Amerikanos Grille

Mediterranean and American cuisine at Spanish Springs with both indoor and outdoor seating plus an outdoor bar. The gyros and lamb dishes stand out, and the location right on the square means you're steps from the nightly entertainment.

Magnolia Breeze Restaurant