Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

The Frog & Monkey Restaurant & Pub

Lively British-inspired pub on Donnelly Street serving pub fare, draft beers, and cocktails. Popular for its casual vibe, trivia nights, and outdoor seating.

Jose Pacheco, Squash Frescas y Smoothies

Peck's Old Port Cove

Old Florida at its finest — waterfront deck, outdoor bar, and a menu loaded with fresh local seafood. The crab cakes are outstanding and the setting feels like a place that time forgot.

The Meltdown

Waffles & Cream

Creative dessert shop in downtown Mount Dora serving fresh Liege waffle bites, mini donuts, scoop and soft-serve ice cream including dairy-free Dole options.

Moschello's Pizza

Signature & straightforward NY-style pizza, plus pasta, ribs & subs in a casual strip-mall setting.

NE Seafood Shack

Real New England seafood in Leesburg -- lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried clams done by people who actually know the difference. The chef comes out to greet customers, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

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 Grille & Tiki Bar at Citrus Hills

Restaurant and tiki bar at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club.

Steak 'n Shake

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

Ally J's Ice Cream

Ice cream parlor in downtown Inverness serving hand-scooped flavors, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Lupitas

The Angler's Club

Private members-only fine dining restaurant at Lake Sumter Landing with a lodge atmosphere, stone fireplace, and a seasonal menu featuring seared venison and coffee-crusted bison.

Latinos Y Mas

Outstanding Latin cuisine in Ocala. A local favorite for authentic flavors and generous portions.

Boot Scootin' Boozy

Country bar in Brooksville housed in a converted 1994 horse trailer, operating as a mobile bar service for weddings, parties, and events with custom cocktail menus.

Blushin' Bubbles

Artman Country Smokehouse

Barbecue smokehouse in Summerfield, FL, serving Southern smoked meats.

Big Lee's BBQ

Featured on the Food Network and praised by Guy Fieri, Big Lee's delivers pitmaster-level barbecue that has put Ocala on the national food map. The brisket is the star.

Gator's Dockside Clermont

Family-friendly sports-bar chain offering American fare, including signature grilled chicken wings.

Nature Coast Bar and Grill

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

Mark's Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

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

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.

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.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

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

Foxtail Coffee Co - Lady Lake

The Salted Fry

100% gluten-free European-style frite shop in downtown Mount Dora serving Belgian-style fries, fresh-made dipping sauces, panini sandwiches, and their own bourbon-cooked ketchup.

Highland Street Cafe

A Mount Dora local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Nothing fancy, just really good food.

Mr. Wang's Chinese Restaurant

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

Backwater Fins

Waterfront restaurant at the end of Ozello Trail serving fresh seafood and cold drinks with stunning Gulf views.

Flag Coffee

Sawgrass Tavern

Celtic-inspired restaurant at Sawgrass Grove in The Villages featuring shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, plus a spacious indoor-outdoor bar and patio seating.

Terrace on the Square

Rooftop bar atop the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Ocala. Creative cocktails, appetizer specials, and panoramic views of the Square. Open Sun-Thu 4-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-midnight.

4120 Bombay Cafe

Frank's Place

Neighborhood bar in downtown Leesburg with a large pool hall, full liquor bar, karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays, an outdoor live music pavilion, and pub-style food.

Amrit Palace

The best Indian food within 50 miles, and it's not close. The lunch buffet is a steal, the naan comes out of the tandoor perfectly blistered, and the menu is deep enough that regulars are still discovering new favorites after years of visits.

The Yardery

Open-air restaurant and bar on Baker Street featuring Mount Dora's only rooftop bar, backyard classics with a twist, lawn games, and live music weekends in a family and dog-friendly setting.

FONDA DULCE JESUS MIO OCALA

Authentic Latin American restaurant and nightlife spot in Ocala serving traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere. A vibrant spot for Latin food, music, and dancing.

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.

Orange Blossom Hills Golf & Country Club

18-hole public golf course surrounded by rolling terrain and mature oaks. Affordable green fees and a friendly clubhouse.

1890 Tea House

An Everyday Retreat in Downtown Ocala

Fiesta Grande Brownwood

Family-owned Mexican grill at Brownwood serving authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine since 2006, with a full bar, daily luncheon specials, and a festive atmosphere.

Uncorked

One Thirteen Coffeehouse

Locally owned coffeehouse in downtown Eustis serving handcrafted coffee drinks alongside homemade pastries, sandwiches, and desserts in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Oakwood Express Smokehouse

Local BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.

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.

Ski Beach Bar and Grill

Waterfront restaurant on Lake Harris in Leesburg offering American favorites and fresh seafood with stunning lake views, plus a Sunday brunch buffet.

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.