15 Best Restaurants in Inverness, FL

Jomar Teves

Sep 15, 2022 • 12 min read

Sunshower Shots / shutterstock.com

When you visit Inverness, the reason is most likely outdoor-oriented.

Located in central Florida in Citrus county, Inverness has a sunny and humid subtropical climate perfect for growing oranges and outdoor activities.

The city is landlocked but has several large lakes, including the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes.

These water features make it a perfect destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Hiking is also popular in Inverness, thanks to the Withlacoochee State Trail, which runs through the city.

This 46-mile-long trail is perfect for biking, horseback riding, and walking.

These outdoor activities are bound to make you hungry at some point.

Fortunately, Inverness has several great restaurants to choose from.

If you're planning a trip to this beautiful city, add the best restaurants in Inverness, Florida, to your list of places to visit!

Oscar Penn's Restaurant

Who doesn't love a good steak?

Oscar Penn's Restaurant is the place to go if you're in the mood for quality meat.

Located at the heart of Inverness, this restaurant is known for its delicious food and superb service.

The steaks are some of the best you'll ever have, with perfectly cooked sides.

Oscar Penn's Restaurant has quite a diverse menu, including meats, veggies, and seafood.

So, no matter what you're in the mood for, this restaurant will satisfy your hunger.

This restaurant has a different menu for lunch and dinner.

They even have a separate sushi menu that you should try!

However, their steaks are their specialty.

This is the place to go if you're looking for a fantastic steak dinner in Inverness.

Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks

Established in 1997, Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks is an award-winning breakfast spot in Inverness known for serving healthy and fresh breakfast options every day.

Under the Dillon Family, this restaurant has become a local favorite for over 20 years.

The menu options range from pancakes and eggs to omelets and sandwiches, so there's something for everyone.

Their keen attention to detail made Dillon an all-time favorite breakfast spot in Inverness.

All their menu items are made with quality ingredients and served fresh.

Their menu is diverse and comprehensive—order your favorite breakfast items and try something new.

You also have to try the Cinnamon Sticks Originals.

These eight sets of breakfast combinations come with your choice of drink.

Another thing that makes this restaurant stand out is its customer service.

The staff is always friendly and accommodating, which makes dining here a pleasant experience.

Drop by Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks and enjoy a meal that will jumpstart your day.

Lin Garden II

Visiting Lin Garden II will do the trick if you're craving some authentic Chinese food in Inverness.

Located in the city's heart, Lin Garden II is the premier spot for Chinese cuisine in Inverness.

This restaurant is known for its delicious food and fantastic service.

The menu features all your favorite Chinese dishes—from fried rice to orange chicken; there's something for everyone.

The people behind Lin Garden II pride themselves in serving only the freshest and most flavorful food.

All their ingredients are locally sourced, so you can be sure you're getting the best quality possible.

Couple their extensive menu with affordable prices, and it's no wonder why this restaurant is so popular.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant also adds to the dining experience.

The decor is modern and sleek, and the staff is always attentive and polite.

So, if you're looking for a great Chinese dining experience in Inverness, head to Lin Garden II.

Pine Street Pub

Inverness has a few bars and pubs that will make your night out fun and enjoyable.

One of these bars is Pine Street Pub.

Located in the center of Inverness, this pub is a great place to grab a drink with friends.

This bar has a saloon-style feel that makes it perfect for a night of drinking and socializing.

Pine Street Pub has a wide selection of beers and wines, so you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.

Their signature pub growlers are also a must-try.

You can take these 64-ounce jugs of beer home with you and enjoy them later.

Enjoy your drink with a wide selection of pub food, such as wings, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

So, if you're looking for a fun and laid-back night out in Inverness, check out Pine Street Pub.

Cedar River Seafood

You may not see any ocean in Inverness, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh seafood.

Cedar River Seafood is a restaurant chain known for its fresh and delicious seafood.

Cedar River Seafood has multiple locations in Florida, including Callahan, Fernandina, Starke, Keystone Heights, and Inverness.

That means you're never too far from a Cedar River Seafood restaurant.

This restaurant is trendy among locals for its choice of seafood items on its menu.

Cedar River combines freshness and flavor in all its dishes, with recipes handed down for generations.

Some of their iconic seafood items include mushrooms stuffed with crab meat, coconut shrimp with tropical sauce, shrimp cocktail, Florida-style crab cakes, fried shrimp, flounder filet, and more.

The number of seafood options you get to choose from makes this restaurant a great place to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Cedar River restaurant is a great place to enjoy a casual meal with family and friends.

So, if you're ever in Inverness, check out this seafood haven.

Hen House Cafe

You can't visit Inverness without having breakfast at the Hen House Cafe.

This breakfast cafe has become an institution for locals and tourists alike.

The Hen House Cafe is known for its hearty breakfast meals that will leave you feeling satisfied all day long.

From healthy breakfast sandwiches to perfectly cooked bacon and eggs, you'll always find something delicious to eat here.

Their pancakes and French toast are also must-tries.

They make pancakes from scratch, served with various toppings, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, and bananas.

On the other hand, French toast is made with challah bread and topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar.

Whatever meal you order, you'll have a satisfying breakfast experience at the Hen House Cafe.

Stumpknockers Restaurant

You can't visit any place in Florida without trying the state's specialties.

Regarding Florida cuisine, Stumpknockers Restaurant is the best place to go.

Stumpknockers is a bustling eatery that dishes up Florida staples such as gator or catfish.

They also serve local favorites such as baby back ribs, fried oysters, and shrimp.

You also have to try their signature lime pie, which has a soft, cake-like crust filled with a tart lime custard.

To complete the ultimate Florida dining experience, you must try Stumpknockers craft beer, pale ale, and wine.

They also serve iced tea and carbonated drinks for kids.

Enjoy some good old Florida cooking at Stumpknockers Restaurant.

Kawa Sushi House

Kawa Sushi House might be your favorite restaurant in Inverness for all sushi lovers.

Conveniently located in downtown Inverness, this sushi house offers various sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and other Japanese dishes.

Kawa Sushi House makes all of its sushi using only the freshest ingredients.

So, you can be sure that you're getting the best quality sushi when you dine here.

Their menu includes sushi rolls, bento boxes, and other Japanese cuisine staples like tempura, chicken katsu, tonkatsu, and more.

You can also order Japanese beer, wine, or sake to complete your sushi experience.

If you don't feel like leaving your hotel, Kawa Sushi House Also offers delivery and takeaway options.

Sonny's BBQ

Florida barbecue sets itself apart from Texas or Tennessee barbecue with its variety of sauces and side dishes.

Sonny's BBQ is a great place to experience Florida-style barbecue.

Located on West Main Street in downtown Inverness, this long-standing barbecue restaurant specializes in iconic Florida-style barbecue that features meat smoked over oak and hickory wood.

Sonny's BBQ is also famous for its unique sauces, which come in various flavors such as sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky.

They also have a variety of barbecues, from mouth-watering briskets to ribs and pulled pork.

You can also order their famous grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers, which are perfect for starters.

Besides their delicious barbecue, Sonny's is also known for their side dishes, which include coleslaw, baked beans, fried okra, cornbread, and hush puppies.

Florida barbecue has its unique flavor, and there's no better place to experience it than at Sonny's BBQ.

Angelotti's Pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and Inverness has its share of great pizza places.

One of the best pizza places in Inverness is Angelotti's Pizza.

This family-owned pizzeria has served the best pizzas in town for over 20 years.

Angelotti's Pizza uses only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for their iconic pizzas.

While they are known for their generous toppings and unique flavor combinations, their dough sets them apart.

While the owners haven't disclosed the secret to their delicious dough, they said it's a family recipe passed down for generations.

Apart from their pizza, Angelotti's also offers Italian classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, pasta, salads, chicken parmesan, and more.

Make sure to head to Angelotti's Pizza for a hearty family meal.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is a bakery and cafe chain in Inverness that specializes in different kinds of bread and pastry products.

Its location is like your typical cafe, but what makes them unique is its focus on serving fresh, made-to-order food.

They have a wide variety of bread, such as sourdough, rye, ciabatta, and more.

If you're not in the mood for bread, they also have pastries, salads, soups, and other cafe staples.

Panera Bread's wide selection of sandwiches is also a favorite among customers.

Some famous sandwiches include the spicy chicken sandwich with tangy buffalo sauce and their Chef's chicken sandwich, which has their signature garlic aioli sauce.

Their coffee and coolers are also worth trying.

They have a wide selection of flavors and offer iced and cold brew coffees.

Coach's Pub & Eatery

When it comes to restaurants, not all people are into fine dining. Some people want a casual place where they can have a good meal without dressing up.

If that's what you're looking for, then you'll enjoy Coach's Pub & Eatery.

This American-style restaurant in downtown Inverness is the go-to spot for people who want to enjoy good food and company.

Coach's Pub & Eatery's expansive menu features all-time American favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, fries, wings, online rings, pretzel bites, mozzarella sticks, and more.

This sports bar and grill also has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The interior has a pub-like design with multiple TVs always tuned into the latest sporting event.

So, if you're in the mood for some good ol' American comfort food, head to Coach's Pub & Eatery.

Los Magueyes

If you're craving authentic Mexican food, you need to check out Los Magueyes.

This family-owned restaurant chain has six different locations scattered in Central Florida.

However, their branch in Inverness is the premier spot for people who want to taste Mexican cuisine.

Los Magueyes is known for its wide array of authentic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, Mexican-style steaks, and more.

They also have a wide selection of seafood dishes if you're in the mood for something lighter.

Their food is also reasonably priced, so you won't have to spend much to experience authentic Mexican dining.

Fisherman's Cove

If you call your restaurant "Fisherman's Cove," you better serve some good seafood.

Thankfully, this restaurant lives up to its name.

Fisherman's Cove is one of the best seafood spots in Inverness, known for its wide array of fresh seafood dishes and steaks.

Some of their most popular dishes include their fresh fish sandwich platter, fish fingers, shrimp basket, and lobster tail.

If you're not in the mood for seafood, they also have chicken, beef, and pork dishes that are just as good.

Their place looks like a small diner, but don't let that fool you.

Fisherman's Cove is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

Their premium quality seafood dishes are worth trying, so drop by the next time you're in Inverness.

Final Thoughts

Inverness has many good restaurants, which should satisfy any craving and taste.

Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, mouth-watering steak, or authentic Mexican cuisine, you'll find a spot that will suit your taste in Inverness.

If you're looking to experience the ultimate dining experience while in the area, check out the best restaurants in Inverness, Florida!

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