Food & drink in Central Florida.

BAMBUU Asian Eatery Clermont

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.

Sweet Joy Creations

Emma's Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor

Crafted - Fine Dine Steakhouse

Milano Italian Grille

Italian restaurant in Ocala serving classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood in a comfortable setting. A reliable pick for a sit-down Italian dinner.

County Line Smokehouse & Spirits

Weirsdale's go-to for slow-smoked BBQ, born from a 50-year-old bar and a rediscovered brick smokehouse out back. Ribs are the signature, and there's live music, pool tables, and a full bar to round out the night.

Miz Kathi's Southern Sweetery

Mr. Wang's Chinese Restaurant

Old-timey fixture dishing up plentiful plates of traditional Chinese food in a casual atmosphere.

Tea House 650

Cozy tea room in Heritage Village offering 70+ loose-leaf teas including organic and fair trade varieties, alongside paninis, fresh-baked scones, and a curated gift selection.

Catfish Johnny's

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

The Mount Dora Bistro

French-inspired neighborhood bistro in downtown Mount Dora offering classic bistro fare, curated dining experiences, afternoon tea service, and a spectacular French wine list in a warm, refined setting.

Portillo's Clermont

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

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.

Legends Bar And Grill

Neighborhood bar and grill in Fruitland Park known for hand-tossed New York and Chicago-style pizza, oversized chicken wings with homemade sauces, pool tables, karaoke, and live music.

The Inside Out Grill

Local grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Prime 3

Upscale steak and wine restaurant in downtown Leesburg

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.

Ruby Street Grille

Tavares' go-to for lakeside live entertainment and cold drinks. Ruby Street Grille keeps the patio packed with regular live music, a solid pub menu, and views of Lake Dora. It's more bar-with-great-food than restaurant-with-a-bar.

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.

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.

Barons Creek Vineyards Tasting Room Ocala

King Cookie Ocala

This mall-based chain selling cookies & brownies offers some specialty flavors, plus cookie cakes.

Gator Cove

Waterfront bar and grill on the canal in Homosassa serving American fare including burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and gator tail, with outdoor seating and live entertainment.

The Black Sheep on Broadway

Locally owned, woman-led restaurant and bar in downtown Ocala, open since 2019. Features live music on weekends, weekday happy hours, and a full menu of American pub fare in the heart of the historic district.

Diner on the Square

Prime + Ember

Upscale signature steakhouse at Eastport Town Center featuring prime cuts, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails, with a rooftop bar overlooking Central Lake and live music.

Tidal Brewing Company

An establishment where visitors 21 and over can enjoy craft beer and a lively atmosphere.

Cheeser's Palace Cafe and Catering

Specialty cheese cafe and catering in downtown Clermont

Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop - Ocala, FL

Pine Street Pub

Downtown Inverness Irish-style pub established in 2013 with 21 craft beers on tap including Guinness, daily specials like shepherd's pie, and live music on the outdoor deck most Fridays.

Allyson A Bake Shop

Small-batch bakery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora turning out fresh pastries, cakes, and baked goods. A sweet stop while strolling through downtown.

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.

Storming Crab

M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse BBQ

A hole-in-the-wall in the best possible way. Smoked low and slow with old hickory wood, the brisket and ribs here are legit competition-quality barbecue. Limited hours mean you need to plan around their schedule, but that's what good BBQ demands.

Market Kitchen & Bar

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.

Dahlers Southern Treats

Napolinos

Casual stop serving pizza, pasta & seafood, meat & chicken entrees in a relaxed space.

Dockside Ice Cream Shoppe

Ice cream shop near the Crystal River waterfront serving scoops, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Botanico Tacos & Tequila

Modern Mexican restaurant with roots in the vibrant flavors of Vera Cruz, offering creative tapas, tequila pairings, and an outdoor dining area with swings for kids and adults.

Cravella

Divilma

El Patio Bushnell

Authentic Mexican restaurant in Bushnell known for scratch-made fajitas, burritos, street tacos, and barbacoa using fresh ingredients, with a 4.7-star rating.

Countryside Diner

Brick City Southern Kitchen

Downtown Ocala's award-winning Southern kitchen and whiskey bar from the Mojo BBQ family. Low-and-slow smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and one of America's Top 100 Bourbon Bars with 300+ whiskeys. The pitmasters fire up at 3 AM.

Idrink Boba & Sandwiches

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.