Food & drink in Central Florida.

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.

Pinesmoke Bee Co.

Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse

Rustic Italian charm meets modern piano bar atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and craft cocktails make this the go-to date night spot at Spanish Springs.

La Jibarita de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant

Energy Lab Cafe

Mac’d Out

Bamboo Bistro

Comfortable Pan-Asian joint with roomy booth seating supplying fusion fare, like sushi & pho.

Mont Royal Bagel

Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill

Darrell's Diner

CFS Coffee

Colombian-inspired coffee shop at Spanish Springs Town Square serving authentic coffee from the Cocora Valley alongside empanadas, pancakes, and breakfast bowls in a cozy atmosphere.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Florida's largest premium winery with tours, tastings, and events

Sud's Saloon

Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar

Family-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.

Prima Italian Steakhouse

A modern Italian Steakhouse, featuring hand-cut steaks, Italian classics, & fresh seafood.

Black Prong Whiskey Bar & Grill

Whiskey bar and grill in Ocala.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Family-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.

Dirty South Saloon

Leesburg's honky-tonk and biker bar featuring live bands, karaoke, line dancing, pool, darts, and themed events in a smoke-free indoor space with a spacious outdoor area.

Koto hibachi express - Sushi - Bubble Tea

Flag Coffee

Old Time Diner

1950s-themed diner in Leesburg serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live entertainment featuring the village cowboy on Tuesday evenings.

Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant

Mexican restaurant on Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville serving traditional Mexican cuisine.

County Line Smokehouse & Spirits

Weirsdale's go-to for slow-smoked BBQ, born from a 50-year-old bar and a rediscovered brick smokehouse out back. Ribs are the signature, and there's live music, pool tables, and a full bar to round out the night.

Kelly's Half Shell Pub

Irish pub and seafood spot known for oysters, fresh catches, and a lively atmosphere. A Crystal River favorite for casual waterfront dining.

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.

Beirut Bites

Quick-service Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs — fresh, flavorful, and a welcome change of pace from the usual downtown options.

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.

Corelli’s Pantry Italian Market & Pizza

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.

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill

Waterfront dining on Lake Weir featuring Chef Dave Del Rio's Florisiana cuisine — a fusion of Southern, Cajun, and Creole flavors. The views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe has been drawing folks out here since 1924.

Design Sushi

1890 tea room

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.

Emma's Patisserie

Southern Axe House

Southern Axe House offers a unique and thrilling experience with axe throwing, escape rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere filled with Southern hospitality.

Baseline Bar & Billiards

No-frills neighborhood bar with pool tables, cold beer, and a jukebox. The kind of dive bar where you can shoot pool in peace and nobody rushes you.

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.

Blondies

Outdoor bar on Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages featuring daily live entertainment, signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines by the glass. Hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and Saturday brunch specials.

O'Keefe's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Classic pub with traditional food & pints, polished wood decor, beer signage & live music.

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.

Michael's Ali Coal Fired Pizza Clermont

Dahlers Southern Treats

American With A Latin Twist

Cafe in Bushnell blending American and Latin flavors, serving coffee, breakfast items, and lunch in a casual setting.

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.

Fortune Tea House

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

Cedar River Seafood Crystal River

Local seafood chain serving fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies in a casual, no-frills setting. Solid portions at fair prices — a dependable seafood spot.

1890 Tea House

An Everyday Retreat in Downtown Ocala

The View at Clermont National

Restaurant and bar at Clermont National Golf Club offering panoramic views stretching to Disney, with New York-style pizza, fresh bowls, a driving range, and weekend live music.