Food & drink in Central Florida.

Fat Chef Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

Authentic Jamaican food

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.

RJ Gator's Florida Sea Grill & Bar

Florida-themed bar and grill at Lake Sumter Landing with seafood, burgers, and tropical cocktails. The outdoor seating puts you right in the middle of the nightly entertainment scene.

Soulful Flavor

Soul food restaurant in Leesburg

Cody's on 4th

Casual cafe on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora serving coffee, sandwiches, and light bites in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. A solid stop for a quick lunch while exploring downtown.

Allyson A Bake Shop

Small-batch bakery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora turning out fresh pastries, cakes, and baked goods. A sweet stop while strolling through downtown.

Moschello's Pizza

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

Warehouse Coffee Co.

Cozy, rustic coffee shop in Spring Hill offering freshly roasted specialty coffees, seasonal drinks, and gluten-free baked goods in a warm, inviting hangout atmosphere.

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.

Divilma

Cheeser's Palace Cafe and Catering

Specialty cheese cafe and catering in downtown Clermont

Big Bass Grill

Indulge in delicious seafood dishes and more with a tiki-style lakefront view at Big Bass Grill in Lake Panasoffkee.

DULCE JESUS MIO BAKERY

Suncreek Cafe

Seagrass Waterfront

Riverfront property offering casual condos with kitchens, plus a restaurant, tiki bar & boat ramp.

Stavros and Sons Fruitland Park

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

Savages Bar and Grill

Casual bar and grill in Brooksville serving American classics including burgers and wings, with outdoor seating.

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.

Oliver´s Crepes

The Cove Bar

The Cove Pub & Grub

Lakeside pub and grill on the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes with outdoor seating, wings, burgers, and cold drinks.

100 Proof Saloon

Evans Prairie - Country Club Restaurant

Country club dining at Evans Prairie in The Villages, offering a relaxed meal with golf course views. Open to residents and their guests for lunch and dinner.

Scoops on 5th

Old-fashioned ice cream shop in downtown Mount Dora serving 36 flavors of Hershey's ice cream, chocolate-dipped cones, fresh-baked cookies, specialty coffees, and their famous one-pound eclair.

Golden Spoon Diner

Taco Norteno

The Canna Bakery Shop

Cannabis-infused bakery and edibles shop in Inverness offering baked goods and specialty items.

Manatee Campground Marina Pub

Waterfront pub at a campground and marina on the Homosassa River, offering drinks and casual fare in a laid-back outdoor setting.

787 House Of Sugar

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Daniel's Cheesesteak Express

Philly cheesesteak restaurant in downtown Clermont

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Clermont

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

SmallCakes Clermont

Cupcakery and creamery

The Nest At Papilio

Speakeasy-themed garden bar inside Papilio's botanical hall in downtown Mount Dora, offering 12 taps, 100+ beers, wine-based cocktails, and happy hour surrounded by lush tropical plants.

Silver Moon Tavern

Long-running live music venue and tavern on US-41 in Dunnellon, in business for over 25 years. Features live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, karaoke on Thursdays, daily specials, and happy hour from 3-7pm.

Night Owl Bakery, LLC

Fortune Tea House

Tea house near Mount Dora offering a variety of specialty teas in a relaxed setting.

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.

Harry and The Natives

An over-water tiki hut serving American fare with a seafood slant. No reservations, first come first served -- which somehow makes snagging a table feel like a small victory. The waterfront setting alone is worth the trip.

ROYAL ORCHID THAI Cuisine

Various Thai favorites, plus beer & wine, are served in a traditional, wood-paneled setting.

Colombian Bakery

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.

Coastal Del Mar

Seafood with flair at Spanish Springs. A popular spot for dinner right on the square with live music steps away.

Smacota

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.

Beans and Greens Coffee House

Cozy coffee house in Crystal River serving craft coffee drinks, smoothies, and light bites. A local favorite for a chill morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up.

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.

Market Kitchen & Bar

Red Crab Juicy Seafood