Rocco Smith
The small city of Ocala is rich with historical landmarks and gorgeous parks. Whether you’re visiting Ocala or you live here year-round, you can find all sorts of fun attractions and activities to enjoy.
Go and visit Fort King National Historic Landmark and brush up on some Florida history, or you can head to Scott Springs Park where you can see caves and natural springs. If you’re looking to stay indoors, you can check out the Reilly Arts Center or see a show at the Ocala Civic Theatre. There’s no end to the fun, but this is all just the beginning.
The real fun begins when it’s time to visit the restaurants around town. Ocala is a small city that’s big on flavor, so going out to eat is always a treat. If you want to know where to go to get the best food, just follow this guide that I’ve put together down below to find the meal of your dreams!
Best Restaurants in Ocala
- La Cuisine Restaurant
- Mesa de Notte
- Latinos y Mas Restaurant
- Ivy on the Square
- Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood
- Mojo’s-Food. Music. Soul.
- Amrit Palace
- Braised Onion
- Ipanema Brazilian Steak House
- Stella’s Modern Pantry
- Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
La Cuisine Restaurant
48 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-433-2570
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The first place on my list that I want to mention is called La Cuisine Restaurant. This French restaurant is unbelievable in every way. The atmosphere, the service, and the cuisine are all incredible.
When you come to La Cuisine, you are really in for an experience rather than a meal. I highly recommend the hand-cut filet mignon. It’s so buttery and tender that it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Check out La Cuisine Restaurant off of Southwest 1st Avenue in Downtown Ocala, just around the corner from the Hilton Garden Inn.
Mesa de Notte
2436 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Phone: 352-732-4737
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When you want traditional, authentic Italian cuisine, Mesa de Notte is the place to head to. The cuisine here is so phenomenal that you’re going to want to keep coming back again and again.
They open at 3 PM, so it’s basically a dinner-only establihsment which is fine by me. I always start with some wine when I come here, but then I like to order the osso buco because it’s just amazing.
Look for Mesa de Notte off of East Silver Springs Boulevard across from Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. You can’t miss it.
Latinos y Mas Restaurant
2030 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-622-4777
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Now, it’s time for some Latin American flair at Latinos y Mas Restaurant. There’s no place like Latinos y Mas when you’re in the mood for all sorts of delicious foods like burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, and much more.
I particularly love coming to Latinos y Mas because of their amazing lunch specials. Each day, their menu features something different for lunch and it’s always a great price. I’d have to say my favorite menu item is definitely the chicken chimichanga.
Check out Latinos y Mas off of South Pine Avenue. Just look for the big sign out front.
Ivy on the Square
53 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-622-5550
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This next place that I want to point your attention towards is Ivy on the Square. This is a Southern restaurant that has all the homestyle comfort foods you could ever want.
The lunch menu here is awesome. You can get everything from bacon-wrapped dates to a French dip sandwich and everything in between. Speaking of which, the French dip is something I highly recommend when you come here.
You can find Ivy on the Square in Downtown Ocala right across from the Marion Theatre, just around the corner from the Bonkerz Comedy Club.
Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood
30 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-402-0097
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Next up is a place called Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood. There’s no better place to go when you’re in the mood for a big, juicy steak and a fat lobster tail for dinner. It’s also a perfect location for a romantic night out without breaking the bank.
What I love about Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood is that they have a long list of specialty cocktails that will go great with your food.
When it comes to the entree, however, you should definitely consider trying the fresh catch or a bone-in ribeye. Anything off the grill will be delectable.
Mojo’s-Food. Music. Soul.
4620 E Silver Springs Blvd,FL 34470-3351
Phone: 352-291-6656
Another Southern restaurant I want to introduce you to is Mojo’s-Food. Music. Soul. There’s nothing like some homestyle soul food to nurture the spirit and make you feel good inside. When you’re in need of something like that, Mojo’s is the place to be.
What I love to order from Mojo’s-Food. Music. Soul. are their wings. They have an awesome selection of tasty sauces like Memphis sweet BBQ, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, jerk dry, and many, many more.
Look for this place off of East Silver Springs Boulevard next to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store.
Amrit Palace
3415 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
Phone: 352-873-8500
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If you love Indian food, this next restaurant is going to be a little slice of heaven for you here in Ocala. Amrit Palace is one of my favorite Indian restaurants of all-time. I literally look forward to eating here anytime I come to Ocala.
When you get to Amrit Palace, you should definitely start your meal off with a couple of samosas. After that, I always go for curry, but anything from the tandoori menu is simply divine.
Check out Amrit Palace off of Southwest college Road, right near the Shoppes At Paddock Park.
Braised Onion
754 NE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470
Phone: 352-620-9255
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Up next, I want to introduce Braised Onion. If you’ve been here before, then you’ll know exactly why I couldn’t leave this place off of my list. If you haven’t, well you’re about to find out.
Braised Onion is really something special. This American restaurant has comfort food to beat all comfort food. You have to try the French onion soup to start things off with, but then you should also consider trying the meatloaf.
Make sure you save room for dessert because when I went there, they had a decadent chocolate mousse that I would certainly order again.
Ipanema Brazilian Steak House
2023 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-622-1741
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Ipanema Brazilian Steak House is the next restaurant on my list and boy is this one incredible. Steakhouses are great, and Brazilian steakhouses are even better, but Ipanema is on a whole other level by itself.
You can find this wonderland of meat off of South Pine Avenue, right across from Latinos y Mas.
When you come here, prepare to be amazed. The restaurant operates in a churrascaria style where they will serve you endless amounts of delicious grilled meats until you cannot eat anymore. Just make sure you come here on an empty stomach so you get your money’s worth.
Stella’s Modern Pantry
20 SW Broadway St, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-622-3663
Next up is Stella’s Modern Pantry. This place is actually a charming bakery, but they serve up delicious sandwiches, quiches, desserts, and salads as well.
Any morning that starts with something from Stella’s is bound to be fantastic. I love coming here for a delicious quiche or flatbread. My favorite part is that you can order a cup of coffee made in a classic French press.
Definitely look for Stella’s off of Southwest Broadway Street in Downtown Ocala. It’s perfect for starting your day off on a high note before going about your day around town.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: 352-840-0900
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I want to end things on a high note, so that brings me to Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille. This is another immensely popular downtown destination for a fun night out fill with good food and drinks.
Harry’s is a New Orleans-style restaurant that never disappoints. I always start with a cold draft beer and some of Harry’s signature crab cakes. If I’m still hungry after that, I usually go for some shrimp n’ grits.
The vibe and atmosphere here at Harry’s is always superb and it’s pretty much impossible not to be in a good mood when you come here.
Final Thoughts
If you needed any more reasons to visit Ocala, here are a few more. The restaurants I’ve mentioned up above are unparalleled places to eat in the city that will blow you away, along with your expectations. Go ahead and start making your reservations now so that you can be one step closer to the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
