Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

The Gathering Cafe Downtown Ocala

Beloved downtown Ocala coffee house and breakfast cafe with a cozy atmosphere, killer espresso drinks, and fresh-made cinnamon rolls and quiche. Open weekday mornings and worth the visit.

Wolf Branch Brewing - Leesburg

Family-owned, veteran-operated brewpub on Main Street in Leesburg offering house-brewed craft beers and a menu of sandwiches including their signature Cuban.

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.

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.

Wanda Mofongo House

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

Mark's Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Upscale steakhouse in downtown Ocala offering prime steaks and seafood with an extensive wine list. Private dining available.

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.

Mystic Ice Cream

All-natural ice cream shop in downtown Mount Dora with 30+ rotating flavors including alcohol-infused varieties like Kahlua Fudge Brownie and Bailey's, all made on premises with natural ingredients.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

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

La Palma Mexican Grill

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

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

Familiar seafood choices served in a casual setting with a spacious waterfront bar & deck.

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.

Blushin' Bubbles

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.

Leo's Grill & Barbecue

American and Brazilian barbecue restaurant at The Citrus Tower in Clermont specializing in slow-cooked meats smoked over hickory and oak wood, including brisket, picanha, and homemade beef pastrami.

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.

Symmetry Coffee Company

Russell Stover Chocolates

Long-running retail chain offering handcrafted chocolates, candies & gift baskets.

Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

Wildwood Vineyard and Events (Winery)

Wildwood Vineyard is a beautiful event space where you can host weddings and special events, offering a lovely atmosphere and delicious wine.

Taco 'N Madre

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

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.

Ak47 Delicious Destructions

Restaurant in Mount Dora on Holly Drive.

Grace Cafe

Cozy cafe in Bushnell serving coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch options. A welcoming community spot with a friendly, small-town feel.

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.

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.

Dip-A-Dee-Donuts

Donut shop in Leesburg serving fresh-made donuts, pastries, and coffee for a quick morning treat.

Twistee Treat Homosassa

Dessert chain serving soft serve ice cream, malts & more from a stand shaped like an ice cream cone.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill

Local bar and live music venue on the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers in Dunnellon, featuring a spacious outdoor patio, karaoke nights, pool, darts, and food from the attached RoughStock Grill.

The Goblin Market

A local institution since 1996, The Goblin Market features intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a gorgeous courtyard patio. Creative seasonal New American cuisine in one of the prettiest settings in Central Florida.

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Crystal River

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

The Crazy Gator

Relaxed lakeside tavern with patio seating dishing up signature wings, steaks & housemade desserts.

Big Man's Cafe

Hiatus Brewing Company

A full-service brewpub on Ocala's west side with delicious on-site crafted beer and a restaurant menu to match. Regular live music and community events make this more than just a place to drink -- it's a neighborhood gathering spot.

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.

The Brick & Barrel Public House

New American restaurant and bar on Main Street in Leesburg with a rustic-modern vibe, craft beer on tap, handmade cocktails, and live music Friday and Saturday evenings.

My Quate

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.

Bravo Pizza!!

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

No 1 Chinese Food

City Fire American Oven & Bar

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

787 House Of Sugar

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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.

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.

Storming Crab

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

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