Best Restaurant in Villages?

[kyralud]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

[Stu from NYC]

Chophouse is highly thought of

[Kenswing]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!Bluefin and the Chop House are both nice places. If you think they'd like Japanese food I hear Sakura and VKI are pretty good.

[davem4616]

VKI (Japanese Steak House) and Chop House both in LSL are very good. Blue Fin in Brownwood is another good one.
Just outside TV on 441/27 heading north Francesco's Italian is a nice eatery

[JSR22]

In TV ChopHouse and BlueFin. Leesburg Turners. Ocala Mesa de Notte and Mark's Prime.

[davem4616]

In TV ChopHouse and BlueFin. Leesburg Turners. Ocala Mesa de Notte and Mark's Prime.

I agree with Mark's Prime, it's an outstanding venue. Also in Ocala is 'Braised Onion'.

[golfing eagles]

In TV ChopHouse and BlueFin. Leesburg Turners. Ocala Mesa de Notte and Mark's Prime.

Couldn't agree more with those choices :bigbow:

[vintageogauge]

I've never been disappointed at Nancy Lopez.

[rde3036]

Sakuras

[Gpsma]

O’shucks

[eweissenbach]

O’shucks

Hahaha, decent seafood but the atmosphere is 1950s filling station chic.

[wisbad1]

Hahaha, decent seafood but the atmosphere is 1950s filling station chic.
Best fish around, cold beer, great service. All for a good price. Better than the crap at country club restaurants.

[JSR22]

Hahaha, decent seafood but the atmosphere is 1950s filling station chic.

You are being too kind!

[wisbad1]

In TV ChopHouse and BlueFin. Leesburg Turners. Ocala Mesa de Notte and Mark's Prime.
All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.

[JSR22]

All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.

Everyone has a different price point. I eat at those restaurants frequently and enjoy the food and service. I do not think they are over priced. IMO they are the best restaurants in the area. I forgot to include Wolfgang Puck which has great food.

[Kenswing]

All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.
Have you ever owned a business? Do you know the cost to build or lease the building? How about buying all the furniture? Outfit the kitchen? Employees don't work for free. Then there is the associated costs of having employees. Payroll tax, Social Security, Medicare. Business liability insurance, etc..

The next time you want to complain about paying $50 for a $20 steak you might take into consideration how much money it costs to serve that steak.

[Northwoods]

My favorites are Lopez, Chop House, Bluefin and Wolfgang Pucks. Many people like Rose Plantation. You can't go wrong with any of them.
As for price (as one poster stated above). I come from a town where "steak place" prices started at $30. (most were high 30's or low $40's). Martini's started at $10... most were $12.
So.... I guess I am used to paying over $15 for a good meal.
I was just at Lopez this week. I was shocked at the prices. Many of the menu items were between $15 - $20. My meal was excellent.

[Stu from NYC]

For Italian our favorite is Giovanni's

[esteelenov]

The Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park is outstanding.

[HeleneGB]

Rose Plantation, safest place and great food.

[Rwirish]

Wendy’s

[Villages Kahuna]

Bonefish Grill.

[msilagy]

Do not do O'Shucks - may have good oysters but a real hole in the wall place - not nice for a gift card which they probably don't even have there! Chop House, Blue Fin for fish, good choices.

[jbrown132]

All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.

You will do fine at McDonald,s

[csricksdds1]

If you go to Ocala Ivy on the Square is one of the best and worth the drive!

[jerseyvillager]

Agreed. Great atmosphere too.

[FromNY]

Why not get a generic card. American Express, Master ,Visa etc. This way they can decide. Maybe with the pandemic they are not eating out? Maybe an Amazon gift card would be appropriate. Some people do not like to drive to Ocala. Although Marks is worth it.
Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated.

[Annie66]

If you go to Ocala Ivy on the Square is one of the best and worth the drive!

If you wander up to Ocala, Milanos is a very nice place. Ate there last night, and it was wonderful.

[DecaturFargo]

Chop House
Blue Fin
Wolfgang Puck

[bowlingal]

VISA or MC works a lot better

[La lamy]

I'm a sucker for a sundown view, so to me my fave place to eat is the Lighthouse at LSL. I haven't been disappointed with the food or prices.

[Eg_cruz]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
Legacy (Lopez) love it. Last time went to Chop House was not happy and we all decided it would be a long time before we went back same with Blue Fin...had to send back the food twice and finally just gave up. They both pretty restaurant but not so much on the food.
Ivy House is a great place, if Steak is what you want Marks Prime, Italian can’t go wrong with Meas de Notte they are awesome and If sitting outside is what you looking for the best is Havana has a wonderful outside dining and great food

[Spsmith444]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

On special occasions we go to The Rose Plantation. Really really nice intimate restaurant. Located on 466a in Fruitland just outside of The Villages. I guarantee you they will enjoy the charming restaurant.

[shirleyjerez]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
Plantation or chop house Both are great

[PennBF]

We like Piesano's Italian Restaurant. It came as close to Italian food which we had in Italy and and we have been there (Italy) many times. if you ordered Pizza it was also very good. We had 2 chicken dinners from Carrabbas yesterday and they were not good, although their bread is very good. Chops is good, price is high but as the statement goes, "if you have to ask the price you can't afford it!" For regular, just basic good food for take out we like Bob Evans, or Giovanni's, or a family like salad from Olive Garden. I am sure there are many other good restaurants and these are just a couple we have used. Other than Chops would like to find a good steak restaurant?:popcorn:

[Dlbonivich]

Wolfgang Pucks at the Brownwood Hotel. It is excellent and the prices are reasonable. I think the atmosphere is nice. A different choice

[Mikee1]

Southern Oaks on Rt 44. A new restaurant and the reviews have all been excellent.

[mp.scanland]

Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park

[Sneely]

I once would have recommended Rose Plantation. Recent experience and reviews have me taking a break for a while.

[bumpygreens]

OP, you're getting some excellent suggestions. The Rose Plantation, Legacy, Blue Fin, Sakura are among our favorites. The Chop House not so much. The food was adequate, but the service made us feel like we had stumbled into a high end truck stop.

[JSR22]

OP, you're getting some excellent suggestions. The Rose Plantation, Legacy, Blue Fin, Sakura are among our favorites. The Chop House not so much. The food was adequate, but the service made us feel like we had stumbled into a high end truck stop.

Our experience at ChopHouse is completely opposite. Have always had outstand service. Have dined there more then 20 times and it has always been great.

[JSR22]

Legacy (Lopez) love it. Last time went to Chop House was not happy and we all decided it would be a long time before we went back same with Blue Fin...had to send back the food twice and finally just gave up. They both pretty restaurant but not so much on the food.
Ivy House is a great place, if Steak is what you want Marks Prime, Italian can’t go wrong with Meas de Notte they are awesome and If sitting outside is what you looking for the best is Havana has a wonderful outside dining and great food
We love Chop and BlueFin. Use to go to Lopez and Havana frequently. Last couple of times the food was not good and the manager at Havana was rude. We are not returning to Havana or Lopez.

[Cranford61]

All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.Then the right place is Golden Corral. Tons of sewage on the cheap.

[bumpygreens]

Our experience at ChopHouse is completely opposite. Have always had outstand service. Have dined there more then 20 times and it has always been great.

Maybe we will try it again sometime. We weren't even halfway through our salads when they tried to take them away, and the entrees showed up a moment later. All throughout our meal various employees kept coming by trying to remove dishes...a couple times without even asking if were were finished with them. I was expecting something closer to Ruth's Chris. What I got didn't live up to the standards of Denny's.

[Bob.Betty]

we have been to Eatons Beach many times and have not been disappointed

[Ljaprea]

The nice thing about bluefin and chophouse is you can get a gift certificate that is good at both so they have a choice of where they want to go. It’s also good at four of the country clubs.

[bumpygreens]

We love Chop and BlueFin. Use to go to Lopez and Havana frequently. Last couple of times the food was not good and the manager at Havana was rude. We are not returning to Havana or Lopez.

Funny how this is going...we love Lopez. The food has always been great, and the service is outstanding. We don't have much experience with Havanna. A few Sundays ago, we went there for their Southern Fried Chicken (well, I did. My wife ordered something else). That was the best fried chicken I've had since moving to Florida.

[JSR22]

Funny how this is going...we love Lopez. The food has always been great, and the service is outstanding. We don't have much experience with Havanna. A few Sundays ago, we went there for their Southern Fried Chicken (well, I did. My wife ordered something else). That was the best fried chicken I've had since moving to Florida.

One day excellent the next not great. I found a huge difference in Havana since Vinnie left. The best fried chicken IMO is McCalls or Cheers.

[CTFORSBERG]

Blue Fin $$$
Sakura (Japanese) $$
Wolfgang Puck's $$$$
Chophouse $$$

Enjoy and try nice of you!

[chrissy2231]

1-Chop House 2-Bonefish

[jblum315]

I've never been disappointed at Nancy Lopez.

I agree. Good food and pleasant surroundings. Also like Havana

[bumpygreens]

One day excellent the next not great. I found a huge difference in Havana since Vinnie left. The best fried chicken IMO is McCalls or Cheers.

Thanks for the tip. I'll give them a try!

[Stu from NYC]

Then the right place is Golden Corral. Tons of sewage on the cheap.

Not gourmet but a far cry from sewage

[Win1894]

Miz Kathi's Cotillion Southern Cafe in nearby Wildwood is alway a nice change from the usual TV fare. Check out their menu on line first to determine the suitability for your friends.

[deestatham@aol.com]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

A bit pricey but worth it. The Rose Plantation is another good. Same thing.

[DeanFL]

.
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well, this is a REALLY nice Thread. The OP did a great job explaining his neighborly request. The posters also did a great job with quick and valid responses.

then a speed bump> "All over priced, I go to eat not screwed."

then back on track to the good responses...
.
.

[tophcfa]

During the pandemic I will vote for any restaurant that does curbside pick-up for takeout orders. During normal times I would vote for Blue Fin, Bonefish, Chop House, VIKI, and Sakura.

[alk1939]

Lighthouse. 🌹

[mwhite104]

The Lighthouse in Lake Sumter

[BostonRich]

Miz Kathi's Cotillion Southern Cafe in nearby Wildwood is alway a nice change from the usual TV fare. Check out their menu on line first to determine the suitability for your friends.

Never heard of this place but checked out their menu online and it looks really interesting. Will definitely have to check it out.

[dahrens1]

As newcomers these recommendations were helpful to us also. Thanks to all that contributed.
Dave

[deantilman@comcast.net]

Redneck but good food.

[kyralud]

For all the restaurant recommendations... I will check out the menus and send a gift card their way!

[Stu from NYC]

Redneck but good food.

Quoting another post lets us know which post you are referring to.

Now we have no clue.

[coffeebean]

All over priced, I go to eat not screwed.

Chop House has lovely atmosphere. We have no problem paying for that plus their food is exceptional. Another vote for Chop House.

[coffeebean]

The Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park is outstanding.

Another restaurant with lovely atmosphere. It is in an old Victorian home converted to a restaurant which overlooks a lovely pond. Service is excellent as is the food.

[Marty94]

Miz Kathi’s Cotillion has a wonderful chicken salad plate. I’ve taken many guests there for lunch, but more so for the desserts. If we are celebrating a special birthday, I get my cakes from the bake shop. They are very expensive, but worth it. And when I feel like indulging just a little I visit the bake shop for just a slice which you can also purchase. Again, not inexpensive, but so very decadent.

[Tliszoo]

Everyone has a different price point. I eat at those restaurants frequently and enjoy the food and service. I do not think they are over priced. IMO they are the best restaurants in the area. I forgot to include Wolfgang Puck which has great food.

We were just at Wolfgang Puck a few weeks ago and they did not have gift certificates

[Ladygolfer93]

I have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the Villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

I love seafood, so I would most like Blue Fin or Bone Fish card, but..... may I politely point out that with all that is going on right now, the speed at which restaurants are given the "okay" to open and then it's rescinded in a few days or a week. have you ever considered a gift card such as Amex, Visa, etc. and just allow your friends to choose a restaurant that meets their needs. Keep in mind, some folks do not eat at restaurants that do no have outdoor dining areas, even though indoors is now permitted. But, why not give them a card which would allow them ALL choices, including with Amex, Visa, etc. they could order pick-up and take home at ANY place the choose. And additionally, if they would prefer right now, they could purchase prime steaks they might not ordinarily buy due to the price, and enjoy an extra ordinary meal at home ! ? Just a suggestion because it's very tricky right now, some do not eat out at all !

[Ladygolfer93]

During the pandemic I will vote for any restaurant that does curbside pick-up for takeout orders. During normal times I would vote for Blue Fin, Bonefish, Chop House, VIKI, and Sakura.

I agree, really like all those you mentioned, but, in this environment, I suggested why not an Amex, Visa, MC, etc. gift card so it could be used at any restaurant, could be used for curbside even at more informal places like a barbecue, and could be used to purchase high prices prime steaks for a special meal at home if that is what they prefer right now.

[Ladygolfer93]

Hahaha, decent seafood but the atmosphere is 1950s filling station chic.

Seems that is the charm of it, found out many tell friends who visit Florida to seek it out just for that "unknown, one of a kind, thing".... Southern Living once did a feature article on those types of restaurants and bars called "unknown" Florida... think O' shucks and some others were not as "unknown" after that article appeared.

[rmd2]

One day excellent the next not great. I found a huge difference in Havana since Vinnie left. The best fried chicken IMO is McCalls or Cheers.

I went to McCalls for the fried chicken. The only way you can get it is with both dark and light meat. I only like light meat so I ordered a fish dish and it was inedible.
I will never go back there.

[Stu from NYC]

I went to McCalls for the fried chicken. The only way you can get it is with both dark and light meat. I only like light meat so I ordered a fish dish and it was inedible.
I will never go back there.

Guess if we go to McCalls have to go with another couple who promise to only eat dark meat.

[THUNDERCHIEF]

Eaton beach , or grand oaks resort great places

[THUNDERCHIEF]

i have some dear friends that have been so helpful to me as an absentee homeowner in the villages. I would like to get a gift card to a good restaurant in the area, but don’t know anything about any of them. They like most kinds of cuisine.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
eaton beach , or grand oaks resort great places

[bdbaer1975]

You need to try The Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park it is a very nice place to eat. The food is excellent and the service is on point!! You will not be disappointed!

[JSR22]

I went to McCalls for the fried chicken. The only way you can get it is with both dark and light meat. I only like light meat so I ordered a fish dish and it was inedible.
I will never go back there.

Did you ask to pay extra for white meat only?

[Barborv]

Chop House is very nice and a bit pricey. Eatons Beach Bar and Grill in Weirsdale. (only a few minutes from TV) Food is good. Very casual atmosphere and fantastic views and nicely priced.

[stadry]

its got to be tough asking any subjective question of a varied strata of readers as some think golden corral's top shelf,,, uncertain if 1 should use 'best restaurant' in same sentence as 'the villages',,, here's another suggestion - visa gift card & let them roll their own,,, you get to express your thanks objectively & they can eat at any truck stop/white table cloth dining room they wish
win ! win !

[Northwoods]

Legacy (Lopez) love it. Last time went to Chop House was not happy and we all decided it would be a long time before we went back same with Blue Fin...had to send back the food twice and finally just gave up. They both pretty restaurant but not so much on the food.
Ivy House is a great place, if Steak is what you want Marks Prime, Italian can’t go wrong with Meas de Notte they are awesome and If sitting outside is what you looking for the best is Havana has a wonderful outside dining and great food

Agree with Mesa de Notte. Excellent Italian restaurant in Ocala.

[laryb]

Although not in The Villages, for a special occasion, we found La Cuisine in Ocala outstanding. While not inexpensive, we find it worth the price and the drive
Menus | La Cuisine (http://lacuisineocala.com/menu/)

[davem4616]

I once would have recommended Rose Plantation. Recent experience and reviews have me taking a break for a while.

I agree...service is good, nice atmosphere...but the food seems to be hit or miss (we've heard that from others too)

We've been there a number of times, as it's close to us. Once my wife's meal was great, mine was just okay, another time it flip flopped, then we were both disappointed. They seem to do a better job in the kitchen for lunch...the dinner time chef just doesn't seem to be able to get it all together. We've written them off and won't go back

[davem4616]

Another restaurant with lovely atmosphere. It is in an old Victorian home converted to a restaurant which overlooks a lovely pond. Service is excellent as is the food.


The building that houses the Rose Plantation is absolutely not an old Victorian home.... it's more like a modern version of the Dutch Colonials that were popular in the 1950's.

The small portion of the restaurant seating that is in the original house is charming, the majority of seating is in a wrap around enclosed porch which was not part of the original structure, if your table is next to the window you have a nice view of the small pond in the rear. We've found the porch to be rather loud...

[Stu from NYC]

The building that houses the Rose Plantation is absolutely not an old Victorian home.... it's more like a modern version of the Dutch Colonials that were popular in the 1950's.

The small portion of the restaurant seating that is in the original house is charming, the majority of seating is in a wrap around enclosed porch which was not part of the original structure, if your table is next to the window you have a nice view of the small pond in the rear. We've found the porch to be rather loud...

My wife has been there twice in the past month or so for lunch and both times thoroughly enjoyed the place

[craigrmorrison]

In search of a good bakery who bakes bread fresh daily. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

[bilcon]

:a040::a040:You are an absentee owner, and you don't know any restaurants in TV? Hummmm. Very Interesting. Have you ever been here or did you buy from a picture? I know a lawyer and accounting who bought a home here from pictures and when he come down to move in, his key didn't work in the door. A neighbor came our and asked what he was doing. When he told him, the neighbor pointed to a house two doors down and said: "That's your house". Not kidding.

[Stu from NYC]

:a040::a040:You are an absentee owner, and you don't know any restaurants in TV? Hummmm. Very Interesting. Have you ever been here or did you buy from a picture? I know a lawyer and accounting who bought a home here from pictures and when he come down to move in, his key didn't work in the door. A neighbor came our and asked what he was doing. When he told him, the neighbor pointed to a house two doors down and said: "That's your house". Not kidding.

Talk about an embarrassing moment.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Ive eaten many times there and have always found the food and service excellent, I enjoy the rose plantation a couple of times a month and like to sit in the main room .and Bone fish is like a second home for me. We can all name great restaurants away from the villages that we go to but we live here surrounded by enough restaurants to satisfy everyone’s tastes, remember there is dining and there is eating out both ways are enjoyable

[coffeebean]

The Lighthouse in Lake Sumter

My experience with The Lighthouse is it is mostly fried food with no atmosphere other than the beautiful view of the water. I wasn't impressed with the food at all. Went there once and have not been back.

[coffeebean]

The building that houses the Rose Plantation is absolutely not an old Victorian home.... it's more like a modern version of the Dutch Colonials that were popular in the 1950's.

The small portion of the restaurant seating that is in the original house is charming, the majority of seating is in a wrap around enclosed porch which was not part of the original structure, if your table is next to the window you have a nice view of the small pond in the rear. We've found the porch to be rather loud...
Oops. My bad. Thanks for the clarification.

[Cssjt5]

We’ve had consistently great food and service at Chop House, LightHouse and Fiesta Grande. I can’t recommend Rose Plantation...my lunch experiences displayed a pretentious attitude, high prices and so so food. When I told the hostess (after she asked how everything was) not to put a mile high pile of reddi whip on the banana cream pie and use real whipped cream instead, she replied “reddi whip is real whip cream, it says so right on the can”. Oh my.

[eweissenbach]

Bluefin and Miz Cathies are our go to establishments for dinner dates.