Food & drink in Central Florida.

Pisces Rising

Fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Creative preparations and a lakefront setting that's hard to beat in this part of Florida.

Dahlers Southern Treats

Ocean Buffet

Asian buffet restaurant in Ocala with a wide spread of Chinese, Japanese, and seafood options including sushi, crab legs, and hibachi. All-you-can-eat at a fair price.

Huarike Peruvian Cuisine

Michael's Ali Coal Fired Pizza Clermont

Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana

Cane Garden Country Club

Casual option with golf-course views providing seafood & other light fare along with American mains.

The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant

Southern-style seafood with stunning river views and a non-pretentious tiki atmosphere. The extensive outdoor seating area overlooks the Withlacoochee River, and the menu leans into fresh prawns, fish, and local specialties at fair prices.

The Meltdown

Whiskey Kitchen Mount Dora

Scratch-made American cuisine restaurant in downtown Mount Dora open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with a pet-friendly outdoor patio featuring live music every Friday and Saturday.

Angelotti's Pizza

Local pizza joint in Inverness serving hand-tossed pies, calzones, subs, and pasta. A dependable neighborhood spot for a quick slice or a family pizza night.

La Michoacana Factory

Rj dockers

Charlie Horse Bar & Grill

Neighborhood bar and grill on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala serving American fare with daily specials. Known for karaoke nights, DJ Bingo, and a lively local crowd with indoor and outdoor seating.

Gurch Coffee Co.

Local coffee shop in downtown Clermont

It's Just Wings

Garvino's

Wine bar, cigar lounge, and gift shop at Lake Sumter Landing featuring 24 wines by the glass, a walk-in humidor with 350+ cigar varieties, and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday.

Peachwave

Self-serve chain offering an array of frozen yogurt & gelato flavors & toppings.

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.

Lupitas

Sweet Cups Chef Cheesecake & Cookies

Mimi's Cafe

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

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.

Napolinos

Casual stop serving pizza, pasta & seafood, meat & chicken entrees in a relaxed space.

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.

Clawdaddy's Bar & Grill

Informal restaurant providing steaks, seafood, a salad bar, all-you-can-eat specials & live music.

Spill the Beans Co.

Local cafe and coffee roaster in Leesburg offering house-roasted lattes, mochas, frappes, Lotus energy drinks, and fresh cooked-to-order food, where regulars are known by name.

Lakis Restaurant

Popular Greek & Italian dishes served in a casual space with murals of quaint Aegean scenes.

Waterfront Grille

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.

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.

Froggers Grill and Bar

Casual American grill on Lake Park Court in Mount Dora serving burgers, wings, and pub fare with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. A solid neighborhood spot for a low-key dinner.

cosmo and sprout bakery

St. Johns Tavern

Classic pub fare is served alongside beer & cocktails in this warm, wood-&-brick locale.

Symmetry Coffee Company

Darrel's Dinner # 23

Foxtail Coffee Co - Downtown Mount Dora

Specialty coffee in a beautifully restored 1923 brick building across from Donnelly Park. Original brick walls and tin ceiling meet modern espresso craft — a downtown must-stop for coffee lovers.

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.

Yamas

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

Betty Cakes Cafe

Quaint bakery whipping up a wide range of sweet treats & custom desserts, plus light cafe fare.

Guru Indian Restaurant

Repeatedly voted Best Indian Restaurant in Central Florida by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Family-owned, award-winning, and the kind of place where the flavors are authentic enough to make you forget you're on Highway 27.

Darrell's Diner

Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe

Cajun-style seafood restaurant and fish market in Crystal River. Buy fresh seafood to take home or sit down for boiled crawfish, fried shrimp, and po'boys with a Louisiana kick.

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

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

Colombian Bakery

Pepe's Cantina Clermont

Foxtail Coffee Co and Kelly’s Ice Cream