Our Favorite Places to Eat in Ocala (That You'll Actually Go To)
- Andrew Grunther
- Jun 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 20
One of the best parts about staying in Ocala? The foodie scene. You don’t have to drive far (or dress up) to find really good eats around here. Whether you're staying in one of our homes near WEC or Downtown Ocala, these are a few of our go-to spots. These are the places we actually eat at; and send our guests to, year round.
Date-Night Dinner Spots We Love
La Cuisine
This cozy, French-inspired bistro is tucked right into the heart of downtown. With warm lighting, exposed brick, and just the right mix of elegance and comfort, it makes for the perfect date-night. The seasonal menu features rich, flavorful classics like duck à l’orange, escargot (our personal fave), and even a delicious beef Wellington you can enjoy year-round. The curated wine list is fairly priced and features some of our favorites from around the world
With an extensive menue it can be quite easy to fill up quickly, but the desserts (especially the crème brûlée) are worth saving room for. Service has always been personal and attentive, and really makes this the kind of place you keep coming back to each visit. Whenever we have guests staying with us celebrating anniversaries or birthdays, this is the place we recommend. Just make sure to put in a reservation early!
Katya Vineyards
Katya is a special spot for us; it’s the restaurant we choose to come back to year after year for New Year’s celebrations with our best friends. While it can be a bit pricier, it’s the place where we all like to treat ourselves, look back on the past year's memories, and even make some new ones (a bottle of Cabernet or two, in). Over the years, we’ve traveled a lot and enjoy seeking out local restaurants that offer dishes you don’t usually find back home in Ocala. Katya gives us that same feeling of discovery without the need to leave town. It’s even within walking distance from a dozen of our properties.
The food here is always seasonal and beautifully presented. Wines are made in-house with care; and the atmosphere is cozy but modern. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy great company over a delicious meal you'll talk about for years.
Easy, Casual, and Local
Aki Sushi
Welcome to our favorite restaurant in Ocala! Aki is the place you'll find us at weekly - sometimes even more than once a week. Finding good, reasonably priced sushi can be tough around here but at Aki, we’ve never had a bad or overpriced meal. In fact, we know the menu so well that we don’t even need to look anymore! Our go-to favorites are completely memorized and the owner already knows what we're getting before we sit down at 'our booth'. Casual and welcoming, you can come as you are, whether it's straight from the barn or the gym. When we just want to relax at one of our homes nearby, DoorDash makes it super convenient to order in our favorite rolls without even having to get off the couch.
The Depot on Magnolia
If you're looking for the best lunch spot in Ocala, you've found it! While we can’t wait for them to open again for dinner during the winter season, we're happy to rank The Depot as our go-to lunch spot year-round. The owners, Matt & Terry, are restaurateurs from South Florida who were drawn to Ocala's Historic District during their relocation search, and we're so glad they chose our town as their home base. They’ve taken Ocala’s historic train depot and turned it into something special our community truly needed.
A toy train chugs lazily along a track near the ceiling, while real trains occasionally pass by outside, adding a little moment of magic to your lunch. The Depot is one of those places where you sit down and instantly feel at ease. In a world full of fast food and to-go lunches, we love taking a moment to stroll through Tuscawilla Art Park, pop in to check out the daily special, and cross our fingers that our favorite meatloaf is back on the board.
Big Hammock Brewery
When this downtown spot first opened, we’ll admit we weren’t quite sure what “Big Hammock” meant? It wasn’t until we spoke with the staff that we learned Ocala actually means “Big Hammock” in the native language of the Indigenous people who originally lived on this land. Big Hammock is one of those downtown Ocala spots that always has something going on; it’s relaxed, community-focused, and constantly switching things up. We’re not big beer drinkers ourselves, but the keg connoisseurs in our life love it here. The tap list is always changing, featuring locally brewed options made by the one and only brewmaster Drew. He’s well-known in the Florida craft beer scene, and for good reason.
What keeps us coming back is Wiener Wednesday. It’s a local favorite and something we try to make time for each week. The team at Big Hammock continues to come up with creative takes on the classic hot dog; and they don’t hold back. These are seriously good dogs made by people who clearly know what they’re doing because they won the first annual Weiner Wars in Ocala. The menu is casual and fun and a few rotating specials that pair perfectly with a pint. Whether you’re there for the beer, the food, or just a laid-back night downtown, Big Hammock always offers a good time and some good eats.
Craft Cocktails with Vibes
The Antimonopoly Drug Store
Hidden behind an unmarked door inside The Lodge in downtown Ocala is one of the coolest little secrets in town. The Antimonopoly Speakeasy isn’t something you stumble into unless you know it’s there. Tucked away behind the unassuming bookcase door near the restrooms, you access the private stairwell leading to a completely different world. The space is dark, moody, and intimate - perfect for a quiet cocktail or a nightcap with friends. You’ll need the daily password to get past the bouncer behind the door, but we recommend checking their Facebook page for a clever little hint before you go.
The drink menu is full of creativity and surprises. These aren’t your average bar cocktails. Each one is crafted with panache and often includes ingredients you wouldn’t expect but are down to try. Whether you're in the mood for something smoky, floral, bold, or completely random, the bartenders know just what to make you. The speakeasy is a great spot for date night, a pre-dinner drink, or taking visiting friends somewhere that feels a little more off the beaten path. Once you’ve found it, you’ll understand why locals love keeping it a secret; and why we always find ourselves looking for an excuse to go back.
Bank Street Patio Bar
If Antimonopoly is dark, cozy, and hidden, Bank Street Patio Bar is its exact opposite. Think open-air, vibrant, and expansive rather than hidden and intimate. With two full bars and two separate patios, it’s truly large enough to feel like several venues in one. Local musicians frequent the bar on weekends and the music can be heard all over downtown. The food is fresh and approachable with walk-up windows styled like graffiti-covered food trucks where you can grab quick bites like tacos, flatbreads, and salads. Our guests have always appreciated the pet-friendly environment and the pet-friendly menu! Drinks run the gamut from mojitos and margaritas to local drafts. We can easily stay for an afternoon enjoying the good food, sunshine, and easy conversation.
O'Malley's Alley
We've had some pretty eventful nights at O’Malley’s...even if we couldn’t remember everything the next day. This Ocala staple has been a draw since '97 and it seems like every local has spent a night or two downtown at the infamous bar. The typical Irish pub setting upfront completely shifts when you go out back. An outdoor stage, two bars, and our favorite beer-pong tables in the middle of the dance floor make for a fun night. With inexpensive drinks and live music on the weekends, O'Malley's is the perfect place for a night out on the town. Before you go, make sure to check and see what local bands are playing or who is DJ'ing.
We’re so glad you got a chance to check out some of our favorite spots around Ocala. Whether you’re looking for a cozy date night, a quick bite, or just open to trying something new, these places really show off what makes our town special. We love sending our guests to these local gems, and we know you’ll love them as much as we do. If you’re planning a stay or just passing through, keep these in your back pocket and don’t hesitate to hit us up for more tips.
Cheers!
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