Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Ocala / Gainesville

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Ocala / Gainesville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Katya Vineyards

4.9

4.9 (789)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Ocala

About the restaurant

At Katya Vineyards we believe in the power of food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy of shared moments. Every dish from Executive Chef Tony Deras is a labor of love and paired with our exquisite wine list and hand crafted cocktails.

Come experience the warmth of Katya Vineyards – where fine dining meets familial embrace.

Top review

Bill

Dined 4 days ago

Applaud what they are doing here, it’s very special. Their attention to customers is excellent. The food was nice, good flavors, and everything plated looked amazing. The ambiance was spectacular! This is a great special occasion place. Truly joyful and will return.

Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville

4.8

4.8 (1381)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gainesville

About the restaurant

We are operating in strict accordance with CDC, State of Florida and Alachua County regulations. We have limited seating in our dining room to ensure proper social distancing. Reservations are strongly encouraged. We are offering take out curb side service for those who would like to enjoy Mark's at home. Delivery is also available through 352Delivery.com. Our wine and beer selections are available for take out. As always, we thank you for your continued support.

-Mark's Prime Steakhouse Management Team

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Marks is our go to place when we want excellent food and service! They never disappoint. The bread is to die for! Sheila C

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La Cuisine French Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2171)

$31 to $50

French

Ocala

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Ocala, La Cuisine offers an authentic selection of bistro dishes drawn from the various regions of France.
Our award-winning menu focuses on unprocessed ingredients. We use local, grass-fed, antibiotic free meat and poultry when available.
Everything you taste at La Cuisine is homemade and well portioned as if you were invited to our grandmother's table.

Top review

Connie

Dined 4 days ago

Our food was absolutely delicious and the service sublime. We wished we hadn't eaten so much because we had no room for dessert. We will go back to La Cuisine at our next "special" dinner opportunity.

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Black Prong Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (201)

$31 to $50

American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Featuring a full bar, lite bites, and select entrees, the Black Prong Bar & Grill welcomes you to grab a cocktail, settle into our lounge area, and catch up with friends.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Thanksgiving Dinner was really fantastic! The food was prepared well and presented really nicely. I thought all the staff was super friendly and made the evening enjoyable and for sure memorable. I would love to do this again. The bar service was great as well.

Braised Onion

4.6

4.6 (1720)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Ocala

About the restaurant

Welcome to Braised Onion where we serve "Comfort Food with Attitude!" Our wonderful entrée & dessert selections are ALL homemade and will tickle your taste buds! We also offer a full-service liquor, wine and beer bar. Try our martini specials! Whether it's a big event or a quaint party, you will enjoy our fantastic food and a fun, colorful and festive atmosphere! There is a private banquet/dining room for your special event or just a quaint dinner out!

Top review

LawrenceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience! The drinks, food and service were excellent. We will return!!

Covey Kitchen + Cocktails

4.6

4.6 (258)

$30 and under

American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Covey Kitchen and Cocktails offers a stellar menu crafted by Chef Andy Niedenthal with a focus on American cuisine with global influences. In 2022, the restaurant earned a coveted spot on Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in the USA. Their hand-crafted cocktails earn rave reviews and the bar features an impressive wine list and local beers. The elegant culinary experience starts with complimentary valet parking. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Brunch is available Sunday from 11am-2pm.
Live Jazz Sundays and Wednesdays

Valet parking is FREE for all guests

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

Comfortable chairs and great view. Lovely evening.

Elevation89

4.6

4.6 (22)

$30 and under

American

Ocala

About the restaurant

If you’re looking for a dining experience offering both excellent food and gorgeous table-side views, consider Elevation 89 At The Ocala Airport. Elevation 89 features American Cuisine in a unique atmosphere overlooking the runway and featuring nightly views of spectacular sunsets. The name of the 150-seat restaurant, established in 2021, references the pilot call signal for the Ocala airfield—which is itself based on the airport’s elevation at 89 feet above sea level.

Top review

robert

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

shrimp and grits was amazing. short ribs melt in your mouth.

Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar, The Brownwood Hotel & Spa

4.4

4.4 (1512)

$30 and under

American

Ocala

About the restaurant

The Brownwood Hotel & Spa offers one of the most recognized names in the culinary world, Chef Wolfgang Puck. Enjoy his unique twist on an American bar and grill with global-inspired cuisine and a lively atmosphere just around the corner from Brownwood Paddock Square. Pop in for a casual lunch, take items to-go, join us for a delectable brunch* experience, or linger for dinner. At Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar, you can choose indoor or outdoor patio seating. Plus, we accommodate larger parties with two private event spaces.

Happy hour offered daily at the bar only from 3 to 5pm
*Brunch is offered on Saturday & Sundays only

Top review

Kathryn

Dined 2 days ago

We had an amazing time at Wolfgang’s on Friday night. Michelle was our server and was very professional and friendly. Not to mention extremely knowledgeable about their menu. The food was incredible as was the atmosphere.

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Popular dish

Pork Schnitzel

Experience

Up Close & Personal Tasting @ the Chef's Table

Bahama Breeze - Gainesville

4.3

4.3 (251)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Gainesville

About the restaurant

When you're at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, life's one big party. It's an escape from the ordinary and a much-needed excuse for you to let loose. Famous since 1996 for tropical cocktails, live music, and more, the vibe here is always as amazing as that Caribbean-inspired food we're known for. Bahama Breeze offers your favorites: seafood, salads, chicken-all with island flair. From Jerk Chicken Pasta to Seafood Paella, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. Naturally, we're the perfect spot for all the sunniest moments in life: happy hours with friends, anniversaries, birthdays, date nights and unique culinary experiences. So, when you're ready to raise your glass and move your feet, the party's in full swing and the islands are waiting for you or if you'd rather bring the Island party home, online ordering is a Breeze too!

Top review

Charles

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Great service, friendly staff, courteous managers. The food was tasty!

18 South

4.2

4.2 (32)

$50 and over

Oyster Bar

Ocala

About the restaurant

18 South is a dining experience with menu items from all over the world. Taste oysters from cold Atlantic/Pacific regions, caviar from Russia, king crab from Norway, and A5 Waygu from Japan's finest cattle. Our spirits and wine list is A+. Our dining atmosphere is a modern look from an 1895 restored building that looks over Ocala's town square. Sit and relax while our player Steinway piano plays for you; and enjoy.

Top review

Carol

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Everyone was very nice, intimate atmosphere, food was very good. We will be back.

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