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.

Pardon My Cheesesteak

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

The Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club

Country club restaurant at Nancy Lopez in The Villages serving American classics with golf course views. A relaxed dining experience for residents and their guests.

The Friar Tuck

Rated the number one restaurant in Clermont on TripAdvisor, this cozy English cafe serves authentic British plates -- full English breakfasts, bangers and mash, and proper fish and chips. A genuinely unique find in Central Florida.

Awwal Curry House Restaurant

Nature Coast Bar and Grill

Casual bar and grill on Yulee Drive in Homosassa serving American pub fare and drinks.

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.

The Lodge Ocala Pub & Eatery

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.

El Ranchito The Villages

Southern Hills Plantation Club

Southern Hills Plantation Club is a private golf and country club nestled in the rolling terrain of Brooksville, Florida, offering a premier membership experience with a championship golf course and top-notch amenities.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Popular breakfast and brunch chain serving oversized pancakes, Belgian waffles, omelets, and fresh-squeezed juices. The wait on weekends is real, but the food makes it worth it.

Big Cypress Lakefront Pizzeria

Experience handmade Italian perfection by the water, where rustic charm meets vibrant style at BIG CYPRESS LAKEFRONT PIZZERIA.

Brick & Iron Cafe

A health-conscious cafe in downtown Ocala specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, and grab-and-go meals. If you're looking for something lighter than the usual comfort food options, this is your spot. Great coffee, too.

Flippers Pizza - Lady Lake

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

Lupitas

Bayside Kraft Kitchen

Creative casual restaurant in Crystal River with a from-scratch kitchen turning out inventive dishes alongside craft cocktails and local beers. A fresh addition to the Crystal River dining scene.

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.

Mallie Kylas Cafe

Charming cafe in a historic Brooksville home serving comfort food lunches, fresh salads, and renowned homemade desserts for over 25 years, connected to a gift shop and florist.

Cantina Tex Mex Tequila Bar

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

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

Caffe Connection

At Caffe Connections, we make the connection with our customers through food and fresh coffees.

Soulful Flavor

Soul food restaurant in Leesburg

Samurai Hibachi & Ramen

Central Cafe & Bakery

Charming cafe and bakery serving fresh-baked goods, breakfast, and lunch in Inverness.

Finca Pinar

Restaurant and catering business in Dunnellon offering fresh, farm-inspired cuisine.

Don Ceviche Peru Mexico restaurant

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.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Family-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.

My Quate

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.

Candelaria Eatery & Cafe

Authentic Colombian flavors in a cozy cafe setting just outside The Villages. The arepas and empanadas are the real deal, and the coffee is strong enough to remind you why Colombia is famous for it.

Yamas

Mediterranean shared plates with a waterfront setting at Hotel Eastport. Aromatic spices, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and a casual but elevated atmosphere.

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

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

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.

The Pub

Lou & Flo's Cajun Creations

Cajun and Creole food spot bringing Louisiana-style cooking to Dunnellon.

Teamont Boba

Bubble tea and boba drinks cafe

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.

1921 Mount Dora

Housed in what was once the town doctor's home, 1921 is owned by the Modernism Museum and features rotating art alongside locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine. The setting is as memorable as the food.

18 South Restaurant and Saloon

Darrel's Dinner # 23

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.

Christmas Cafe

Coffee house in Inverness serving coffee, acai bowls, crepes, soups, energy drinks, and soft-serve ice cream in a cozy atmosphere.

Amore Italian Ristorante

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

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

Crump's Landing

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