Food & drink in Central Florida.

Amore Italian Ristorante

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.

Jeremiah's

Casual American fare served in a warm, relaxed setting with a bar & bustling patio.

Yamas

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

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.

The Inside Out Grill

Local grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

Lou & Flo's Cajun Creations

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

The Friar's Table

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

My Quate

Storming Crab

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

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

Pico Bistro

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.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

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

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.

Reveille Cafe The Villages

Comfortable daytime diner serving coffee & brunch favorites, including pancakes & omelets.

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine

Golden Spoon Diner

Fujiyama Japanese Steak House

Family-owned Japanese steakhouse in Bushnell offering hibachi dinners, sushi rolls, and traditional entrees, with reservations, takeout, and delivery available.

Darrel's Dinner # 23

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.

The Equestrian Manor

The newest dining venue at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, offering upscale buffet-style brunch and special event dining in an elegant equestrian setting.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Cuisine

Mexican and Cuban cuisine restaurant

Catrina Cocina Mexicana

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.

Barrels and Boards, LLC

Charcuterie and craft dining experience

Old Mill Tavern

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

J & T Smokehouse

Smokehouse restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room

Chicago and firefighter-themed craft brewery in historic downtown Leesburg brewing 10 beers on premise, serving authentic Chicago-style eats including Italian beef, hot dogs, and thin crust pizza, with a live music beer garden.

Breakfast Station

No-frills breakfast spot in Leesburg serving classic morning staples — eggs, pancakes, bacon, and biscuits and gravy. The kind of place where the coffee is always flowing and the portions are honest.

100 Proof Saloon

Lollygaggers Sports Pub & Grill - Wildwood

The Bavarian Haus

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

Cedar River Seafood

Local seafood chain in Inverness dishing out fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies. Simple, satisfying seafood at honest prices.

Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant

Ay Jalisco

Homey Mexican eatery offering a menu of familiar favorites, plus a full liquor bar.

Darrell’s Diner

Family diner in Bushnell open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, serving all-day breakfast, comfort food specials, and homemade desserts in a friendly atmosphere.

Nature Coast Bar and Grill

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

Florida Cracker Shamrock's

Florida Cracker restaurant serving wings, burgers, and American fare in a casual setting in Floral City.

The Station

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.

Howie's Family Restaurant

Home-style family restaurant in Bushnell serving Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and all-you-can-eat fish, open for breakfast and lunch with Friday fish fry dinners.

Ramshackle Cafe

Burgers, fish 'n' chips & other American comfort food in a cozy, kitsch-filled setting with a patio.

Countryside Diner

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.

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.

Front Porch Restaurant

Home-style restaurant in Dunnellon serving comfort food classics — think fried chicken, meatloaf, and biscuits. The kind of place where the food tastes like somebody's grandma made it.

Mimi's Cafe

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.