Food & drink in Central Florida.

Bagel Bros Cafe

Four Smokes BBQ

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Florida Cracker Cook Shack - BBQ Joint

Southern soul food restaurant in downtown Brooksville smoking BBQ and hot chicken, with signature items including brisket, chipped pork, gator sausage, and Brooksvagas Hot Chicken.

Masaryk Winery

La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Inn

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

Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

Unpretentious, group-friendly destination for classic Italian fare, like pasta, pizza & subs.

Darrell's Diner

Wanda Mofongo House

Johnny Rockets

Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.

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.

Idrink Boba & Sandwiches

Dahlers Southern Treats

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.

Sol De Mexico

Family-run Mexican cantina decked out with South American furniture & artworks, open since 2009.

Abound

Coffee shop and cafe in Crystal River serving specialty coffee drinks and fresh bites in a welcoming space. A new go-to for the Crystal River coffee crowd.

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.

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.

Mystic Ice Cream

Big Hammock Brewery & Bites

A downtown Ocala brewery with a twist -- literally. Twelve taps featuring their own brews alongside guest craft beers, paired with an Asian-fusion menu of ramen bowls, bao buns, and hot pretzels. The combination shouldn't work this well, but it does.

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.

The Lazy Maid Crêperie

Highly rated French creperie in downtown Brooksville serving both sweet and savory crepes in a charming setting with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and lunch.

Amerikanos Grille

Mediterranean and American cuisine at Spanish Springs with both indoor and outdoor seating plus an outdoor bar. The gyros and lamb dishes stand out, and the location right on the square means you're steps from the nightly entertainment.

Billy's Cafe

Russell Stover Chocolates

Long-running retail chain offering handcrafted chocolates, candies & gift baskets.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

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

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.

Uncorked

Magnolia Wine Garden

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace

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

Odd Cuples Cafe

A Bushnell hidden gem that feels like eating at a friend's house -- board games available, small-town warmth, and the kind of scratch-made food that chains will never replicate. Support this small business while you still can.

Vincent's Italian Restaurant

Simple Italian eatery serving a classic menu including garlic rolls & a range of pasta dishes.

Snowbirds Billiards

Hibachi Express

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.

Darrell's Diner

The Anchor on Sunset Harbor

Laid-back waterfront bar and grill on Sunset Harbor with burgers, wings, and crawfish boils. Live music, karaoke, and trivia nights — plus a back patio that's hard to beat on a warm evening.

Depot on Magnolia

Lupitas

Peachwave

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

Ay Jalisco

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

Flag Coffee

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.

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.