Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Rutabagas Natural Food Market & Café
InvernessFamily-owned natural food store and cafe in Inverness offering organic produce, vitamins, supplements, and a cafe menu of smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, and soups for special diets.
Salt & Ember
Mount DoraNew restaurant at Eastport Town Center in The Villages area, located on Central Lake Drive.
Salt Shack on the Lake
ClermontWaterfront restaurant on Lake Minneola offering island vibes, wild-caught seafood, and a sandy beach area perfect for families, with live music Thursday through Sunday.
Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar
InvernessFamily-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.
Sauced Hogs BBQ Bar & Grill
Crystal RiverBarbecue restaurant and bar in Hernando near Crystal River serving smoked meats and classic BBQ sides. Features weekly karaoke on Thursdays, live music on weekends, and trivia nights in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Seagrass Waterfront
Crystal RiverRiverfront property offering casual condos with kitchens, plus a restaurant, tiki bar & boat ramp.
Shadrach's Fiery Furnace
Mount DoraFamily-owned wood-fired pizza restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, started as a mobile pizza oven touring art shows and festivals since 2011, now serving Neapolitan-style pies from an authentic oven.
Shed
Crystal RiverLively waterfront tiki bar and grill on the Homosassa River serving seafood baskets, gator bites, and shrimp tacos, with a 'cook your catch' option for anglers and live music on weekends.
Sipping Grounds
OcalaHandcrafted coffee, fresh pastries, and all-day breakfast and lunch in the midtown area of Ocala.
Ski Beach Bar and Grill
LeesburgWaterfront restaurant on Lake Harris in Leesburg offering American favorites and fresh seafood with stunning lake views, plus a Sunday brunch buffet.
Sonny's BBQ
InvernessLong-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.
Southern Hills Plantation Club
Crystal RiverPrivate golf and country club in Brooksville featuring a Pete Dye Signature 18-hole championship course rated among the top 100 residential courses in the U.S., with dining, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, and pool.
Southern Palate
DunnellonSoul food and Southern cuisine restaurant serving hearty plates of comfort food and catering services.
Spill the Beans Co.
LeesburgLocal 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.
St. Johns Tavern
Crystal RiverClassic pub fare is served alongside beer & cocktails in this warm, wood-&-brick locale.
Stavros and Sons Fruitland Park
LeesburgInformal Italian eatery serving pizza, pasta, calzones & sandwiches, plus beer & wine.
Stumpknockers on the Square
InvernessA downtown Inverness institution serving fresh Florida seafood and American classics on the historic Courthouse Square. The oyster po'boys and catfish are local favorites, and the casual vibe matches the charm of the surrounding downtown.
Stumpknockers Restaurants
InvernessBustling eatery with nautical decor dishing up Florida specialties from catfish to gator.
Sumterville Diner
BushnellOld-school diner just outside Bushnell serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, and daily plate lunches. A no-frills local favorite.