Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

Rutabagas Natural Food Market & Café

Family-owned natural food store and cafe in Inverness offering organic produce, vitamins, supplements, and a cafe menu of smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, and soups for special diets.

Hibachi Express

El Toreo

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.

The Friar's Table

Gastropub-style dining at Brownwood Paddock Square with elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and a warm tavern atmosphere.

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.

Taco Maniaa

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.

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.

La Palma Mexican Grill

Casual, informal spot serving Mexican standards from tacos to burritos plus beers & tequila drinks.

Stavros and Sons Fruitland Park

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

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.

Cane Garden Country Club

Casual option with golf-course views providing seafood & other light fare along with American mains.

Say Taco Tequila Bar & Grill

Homestyle eatery with a terrace whipping up hearty nachos & tacos alongside margaritas & beer.

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.

Go For Donuts

Local donut shop in Dunnellon baking fresh donuts, fritters, and pastries every morning. Get there early for the best selection — they sell out for a reason.

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.

Citrus Grove Cafe

Metro Diner

Comfort-food chain known for massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, pot roast, and meatloaf. Breakfast is served all day, and the vibe is pure Southern diner warmth.

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.

Copacabana Cuban Cafe

Authentic Cuban restaurant tucked in a downtown Mount Dora alley serving ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and what the Orlando Sentinel voted the best mojito in Central Florida. Live music and generous portions.

The Museum Cafe

Cuban cafe and printing museum on Yulee Drive near the Sugar Mill Ruins, serving hand-crafted Cuban sandwiches on authentic Ybor City bread, black beans and rice, and cafe con leche.

Guavate Puerto Rican Eatery & Bistro

The Pub

Tabla Indian Restaurant Clermont

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.

Soulful Flavor

Soul food restaurant in Leesburg

China Lee Buffet

All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet on Silver Springs Boulevard with a rotating selection of classic Chinese-American dishes, sushi, and desserts. A budget-friendly option for big appetites.

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

Small, easygoing taproom with a broad selection of Florida-brewed craft beers, plus an outdoor area.

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.

Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse

Rustic Italian charm meets modern piano bar atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and craft cocktails make this the go-to date night spot at Spanish Springs.

18 South Restaurant and Saloon

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.

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.

Jr's Smashburgers

Smashburger restaurant in Homosassa serving fresh, made-to-order burgers and American fare.

Dan's Clam Stand

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

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.

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

Waterfront farm-to-table dining on Lake Eustis with a menu built around local craft beers and Central Florida cuisine. The blackened grouper Reuben and hand-dipped coconut shrimp are signature dishes. The lake views don't hurt either.

Suncreek Cafe

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Brownwood

Informal local chain serving hand-cut steaks, seafood & Southern BBQ in a roadhouse-themed setting.

Zuru Ramen & Boba

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.

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.

Stirrups Restaurant

Angelotti's Pizza

Local pizza joint in Inverness serving hand-tossed pies, calzones, subs, and pasta. A dependable neighborhood spot for a quick slice or a family pizza night.

The Freezer Tiki Bar

Started as a literal bait freezer attached to a seafood market, now it's one of the most beloved dive bars on the Nature Coast. Cash only, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the kind of Old Florida atmosphere you can't manufacture. Bring cash.