Restaurant Review

[bassfish]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

[dewilson58]

Thanks, more open seating.




:a040:

[Bogie Shooter]

Lines will be shorter by a couple......

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

We must have different definitions of "Restaurant Review"

[Polar Bear]

Sure am glad my tastes are different than yours. :)

[billlaur]

You are a FUNNY GUY

[Stu from NYC]

Two couples we know went to Bonefish last week.

Two of them left with food poisoning,

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Two couples we know went to Bonefish last week.

Two of them left with food poisoning,

Restaurant, I’m a regular at bone fish as are many people I know , have not ever heard of this problem I all the years I’ve been going

[tophcfa]

We have not been out to dinner (except for take-out) since February. However, before covid our regulars were Sakura, VKI, Bonefish, Blue Fin, Chop House, and Ay Jalisco. They are all pretty good.

[Mleeja]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

What is your definition of a “good” restaurant? Also, Mission BBQ is “outside the bubble”. So how far out are you going?

[Stu from NYC]

Restaurant, I’m a regular at bone fish as are many people I know , have not ever heard of this problem I all the years I’ve been going

If one person got ill would not even have mentioned it but when 2 that is a cause of concern.

[valuemkt]

Two couples we know went to Bonefish last week.

Two of them left with food poisoning,

Must be the other two were secretly dating and wanted to get on with it

[asianthree]

Have been eating out 2-3 times a week the whole year, either takeout, or when dine in was available. Bonefish has never been a favorite, not sure OP if you are looking for restaurants in the Bonefish category, there is a plethora of chain restaurants in TV. Since you didn’t give reasons for why food was not to your liking, it’s hard to give you recommendations

[Stu from NYC]

We think we have found a good number of restaurants to our liking in the eight months we have been here.

Do not understand people saying TV is full of substandard eateries

[asianthree]

We think we have found a good number of restaurants to our liking in the eight months we have been here.

Do not understand people saying TV is full of substandard eateries

Not substandard, average. Nothing to get excited about, or say that’s the best meal I have ever had. Many come from areas that have restaurants with great chefs. Doesn’t mean it’s super expensive, just well prepared food, not a chain restaurant

[Northwoods]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

I think Chatbrat has been reincarnated. If Bassfish starts complaining about the pours.... BINGO!!

[Stu from NYC]

Not substandard, average. Nothing to get excited about, or say that’s the best meal I have ever had. Many come from areas that have restaurants with great chefs. Doesn’t mean it’s super expensive, just well prepared food, not a chain restaurant

Giovanni is rather good Italian food.

Kayame is good Chinese/Thai. Just doing takeout for now will be going there when it opens for indoor dining.

[rjn5656]

We used to love Giovanis until a neighbor found a bug in their calzone. Off our list now.

[Rwirish]

So many of the restaurants are very good. More seating available now for the rest of us.

[transplanted]

Two couples we know went to Bonefish last week.

Two of them left with food poisoning,

Four of us went Thursday evening - no problems, even brought 1/2 my dinner home and had it for lunch yesterday (Saturday), no problem. Wonder if one of the people was asymptomatic with something and passed it to the other and then both 'exploded.'

[Miriam2940]

Not a review, just a vague opinion. Reviews are more specific: what was good, what was bad....service, temperature of the food, cleanliness of the facility? I loved Mission BBQ, by the way. Brisket was tender and delicious. My friend practically licked the plate when she was done

[Girlcopper]

If one person got ill would not even have mentioned it but when 2 that is a cause of concern.
I eat there alot. I guess they give me the GOOD food since Ive never gotten sick. Ill continue to patronize there on a regular basis too

[sktb888]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.
You must be from the North East where most of the restaurants are either good or excellent :D Please let us know what restaurants you have found outside the villages that are good. Thanks in advance!

[pdfortin]

Have to say we agree. Most of the restaurants here are just OK at best. (We) are referring to the "middle of the road" ones. Chains or not. We as well find some really good ones outside the bubble. But to be honest, many outside the bubble are OK to poor as well.

[mydavid]

The Cattlemen's up-stars of the old Katy Bells was very good, when I first came here in 2001 I spent most of my village money there, the prime rib was great. "Some things change for the better some don't"

[Eg_cruz]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.
This is not a restaurant review this is Negative Nancy being negative.......lighten up and be nice

[Paula]

If you are looking for restaurants, check out The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site (http://www.thevillagesgourmetclub.com). It is a compilation of restaurants in (excluding fast food), near, and farther away from TV, separated into three sections. Most listings have address, menu info, link if available, and review. There is also a comprehensive search option. This is a wealth of information for anyone who likes to eat out. Check it out!

[Kgcetm]

Shorter wait time for those of us who like Mission, Blue Fin, Chop House and Lopez. Thanks for staying away.

[jbrown132]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.
I agree to a certain extent. However, Lopez, the Chop House, and Bluefin, are very good. You pay a little more but you get what you pay for. I have also eaten at Bonefish on numerous occasions and have never had a bad meal there. Other than that the restaurants range from fair to really bad. I think one reason for this is that they are set up to get people in and out as fast as they can and in peak season you still have a two hour wait at a lot of places.

[terenceanne]

I would say most places are "Pub Grub" level......good for burgers, chicken wraps, salads etc. decent enough for everyday use. If you are looking for 5 star places then you are living in the wrong place - this is central Florida not Manhattan.

[Bay Kid]

Sardines and potted meat would be a safe bet.

[Nucky]

You are a FUNNY GUY

Funny How billaur?

To the OP. I think there may be a dud restaurant here and there in The Villages but all? I don't think so. Mission Style BBQ isn't even in our community so I don't think we can take credit for that terrible place as you called it. We had take-out from there the other day and it was just perfect.

Maybe when our current predicament improves so will the service and the quality of the meals locally. When these restaurants are cranking they are pretty good. They are operating under difficult circumstances and in my eyes deserve a break for the little things that aren't just perfect.

We have to help you find something you like or you will burn out on The Bone---Fish! Good Luck. Maybe you are on a bad streak. Try Culvers. That will bring up your spirits. :coolsmiley:

[stan the man]

Two couples we know went to Bonefish last week.

Two of them left with food poisoning,

Hearsay

[JSR22]

We have lived in TV for 8years and eat out frequently. The restaurants that we regularly go to have opened since we have moved here. ChopHouse BlueFin, Wolfgang Puck, Sammy's, Mezza Luna, I bar b que and Piesano's are our favorites. Additionally, there are very good restaurants in Ocala and Turners in Leesburg is excellent. Additionally, we like Sakura and Bamboo Bistro.

[kendi]

If one person got ill would not even have mentioned it but when 2 that is a cause of concern.

How do you know that is why they were sick?

[KRM0614]

Nice to hear the truth people come here pay a lot of money for mediocre service and food.

[Stu from NYC]

How do you know that is why they were sick?

They went there for dinner and that night they were both ill. that tells the story for me.

Plenty of other restaurants around.

[csricksdds1]

There are many good restaurants in the area....for breakfast just ate at First Watch. Out of the area is Ivy On The Square in Ocala (one of the best restaurants in greater area).

[JSR22]

Nice to hear the truth people come here pay a lot of money for mediocre service and food.

I find the service and food to be very good in TV. I know what restaurants to avoid. I do not think the food is over priced.

[Jazzman]

They went there for dinner and that night they were both ill. that tells the story for me.

Plenty of other restaurants around.

If that’s true, then did either or both contact the county health department? I have eaten there regularly for the last three years and never had an issue and this is the first time anyone has ever posted that someone who ate there got food poisoning

[diva1]

For BBQ cannot do better than Oakwood Grill.

[dadoiron]

If one person got ill would not even have mentioned it but when 2 that is a cause of concern.

They probably were a couple and share food.

One time I did not want what my wife ordered. She insisted I try a bite which I did.

After she asked me if it tasted OK. From one bite I thought it alright but I wouldn't have ordered it.

She was violently sick with food poisoning and I had a mild case.

Just saying....

[Stu from NYC]

They probably were a couple and share food.

One time I did not want what my wife ordered. She insisted I try a bite which I did.

After she asked me if it tasted OK. From one bite I thought it alright but I wouldn't have ordered it.

She was violently sick with food poisoning and I had a mild case.

Just saying....

Two couples one from each couple got sick.

[Sailohio]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

I am so happy that I like almost all food. Not a discriminating bone in my body. I would hate to be that selective.

[GOLFER54]

Do what my wife and I do, cook and eat at home.

[taruffi57]

Been here 16+ yrs. - from Orlando. It makes no sense that a community as large as TV would have such a lack of creative, fresh ingredients eateries. What we have are most all of the chain, and very mediocre restaurants. And endlessly repetitive ethnic restaurants. Even Bonefish has deteriorated over the years. We regularly drive an hr. or more away, to eat what is not available here. Especially seafood.

[CTFORSBERG]

Try Blue Fin and Wolfgang Puck's places, both in Brownwood - they are very good. Bonefish has gone down the tubes, just awful. There are a few gems in the outskirts also like Amrit (Indian), Belview Pizza (cash only), First Watch diners are surprisingly good as well. I'm not a fast food guy (bad place for that statement in the Villages) but I've always had a good meal at Carrabbas surprisingly. There are a few good ones in Ocala as well but the owners of the Villages obviously love fast food franchises. Make it an adventure and let us know when you find a winner as we need it! haha, GOD Bless.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Sardines and potted meat would be a safe bet.

Add some Saltines and I'm seventeen again..... in a deer stand.

[noslices1]

I had a GREAT meal at Mickey D’s the other day. Big Mac, fries and a Coke. Man, were they good.

[ANT33]

Remember food poisoning can happen from an employee not washing their hands correctly or food not held at proper temperature. It can happen anywhere. Doesn’t mean we should write a place off entirely of course. Hopefully they contacted restaurant so they can check with suppliers and staff to ensure safety.

[giorgio1948]

Not substandard, average. Nothing to get excited about, or say that’s the best meal I have ever had. Many come from areas that have restaurants with great chefs. Doesn’t mean it’s super expensive, just well prepared food, not a chain restaurant
Be grateful for what we DO have ~

[chrissy2231]

Chop House Sumter Landing

[Aloha1]

They went there for dinner and that night they were both ill. that tells the story for me.

Plenty of other restaurants around.

It generally takes 12 -24 hours for food poisoning to manifest itself. Having spent several decades in food service I have dealt with numerous complaints like " I ate lunch at your place and became violently ill an hour later". Not possible unless someone ate rat poison. When asked if they went to the Health Department, we never heard from them again.

In order to determine if these two people at Bonefish became ill from food consumed from there, we need to know the time they ate, what they ate, how many other people that night ate the same thing and whether anyone else became ill. This is how the HD verifies the cause and site. Without that info, you cannot say with certainty that it was the restaurant's fault.

[crazydeb10@yahoo.ca]

I totally agree with you. I think that people forgot what good food taste like.

[golfing eagles]

It generally takes 12 -24 hours for food poisoning to manifest itself. Having spent several decades in food service I have dealt with numerous complaints like " I ate lunch at your place and became violently ill an hour later". Not possible unless someone ate rat poison. When asked if they went to the Health Department, we never heard from them again.

In order to determine if these two people at Bonefish became ill from food consumed from there, we need to know the time they ate, what they ate, how many other people that night ate the same thing and whether anyone else became ill. This is how the HD verifies the cause and site. Without that info, you cannot say with certainty that it was the restaurant's fault.

Correct!:clap2: Staphylococcal food poisoning can sometimes hit in 6 hours, but getting sick right after the meal is something else

[spip911]

Wouldn’t say terrible but I find the food very bland.

[donassaid]

I guess you have a different definition of good food. I think there are a number of good restaurants in the Villages to include Havana CC, Palmer CC, Glenview CC, Giovanni's, Pisani, Square 1 and on and on. Maybe you would be happier living in Atlanta or Miami.

[aa1949a]

You think bonefish is the best, good luck.

[Stu from NYC]

Correct!:clap2: Staphylococcal food poisoning can sometimes hit in 6 hours, but getting sick right after the meal is something else

Very interesting but how do you explain two people at same time eating at same restaurant?

[lindaelane]

I think both of our Vietnamese restaurants are good, and I personally like Thai Ruby. Carrabas served me a great dish and went to a lot of trouble to get it to me - good service. I've eaten in Michelin starred restaurants all over the world. Generally, I think our food is much worse than other metropolitan areas, but I do not think it is terrible. There are good French, Indian, Korean and Brazilian restaurants in Ocala (not Michelin starred quality of course, but still very good).

So very sad business models seem say The Villages is not an adventurous enough place to support such cuisines. Hope the models are wrong and/or this changes with the years.

[Roron123]

Just because you have not enjoyed your meals does not mean there are no good restaurants. I beg to differ as I have enjoyed all the ones I have visited. Best to keep bad experiences to oneself

[Stu from NYC]

Just because you have not enjoyed your meals does not mean there are no good restaurants. I beg to differ as I have enjoyed all the ones I have visited. Best to keep bad experiences to oneself

I like to hear what others think of restaurants, if one bad review will probably disregard but if a bunch of them it sends a signal.

[New Englander]

I had a GREAT meal at Mickey D’s the other day. Big Mac, fries and a Coke. Man, were they good.

Real class begins and ends @ Burger King. Have a Whopper. It's heaven on a bun.

[UseYourBrain]

We have lived in TV for 8years and eat out frequently. The restaurants that we regularly go to have opened since we have moved here. ChopHouse BlueFin, Wolfgang Puck, Sammy's, Mezza Luna, I bar b que and Piesano's are our favorites. Additionally, there are very good restaurants in Ocala and Turners in Leesburg is excellent. Additionally, we like Sakura and Bamboo Bistro.

Agree. Mezza Luna, Wolfgang Puck And Bluefin very good ever time. Ricciardis has always been good too. Also good restaurants in Mt Dora.

[dadoiron]

Two couples one from each couple got sick.

Maybe when the others weren't looking they shared some food. 😂

[dadoiron]

Been here 16+ yrs. - from Orlando. It makes no sense that a community as large as TV would have such a lack of creative, fresh ingredients eateries. What we have are most all of the chain, and very mediocre restaurants. And endlessly repetitive ethnic restaurants. Even Bonefish has deteriorated over the years. We regularly drive an hr. or more away, to eat what is not available here. Especially seafood.
We're do you go for "good" seafood? Thanks in advance.

[carhirsch]

Tell the restaurant manager immediately.

[Northwoods]

Nice to hear the truth people come here pay a lot of money for mediocre service and food.

A lot of money?? Food is ridiculously cheap here... but that depends on where you are from...

[Stu from NYC]

Tell the restaurant manager immediately.

Whom are you talking about?

[almondz]

Making a blanket statement about TV restaurants is like throwing the baby out with the bath water, so to speak. Is all the food good at every restaurant? No, but neither is it at restaurants outside TV. There are certain items I like at each restaurant so I go to enjoy those entrees and skip the others. The same as any restaurant. I'd like to know where you found a perfect restaurant where all the food is wonderful. Would love to try it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The closest Indian restaurant is 20 miles away. That just makes me so sad. My usual Indian food place was less than 10 miles from home up north, and there was another one around 6 blocks from the house if I didn't feel like driving.

I'm okay with Giovanni's pizza, it's tasty and well apportioned. But it's not the style I prefer. Their calzones look amazing though, I might try one next week. But that's another place that's a 20-minute drive from home.

The Chinese food here is horrible. Yes I've been to the one everyone says is awesome. But if the best you can come up with is "better than horrible" then sure - it's awesome. I'll stick to Panda Express til I can find something that isn't either loaded with MSG, or over-salted and under-spiced. It may be fast food but at least it's consistent and doesn't make me reach for a gallon of water for the rest of the day.

I haven't seen one REAL Greek restaurant yet. Taki's, nah. Amerikano's, not even almost. And a decent falafel joint? I don't know if it's any good but the closest one to us is - again - 20 miles away. Wouldn't mind seeing a real actual Greek Diner too, but I guess that's a pipe dream.

Unlike some folks, I'm not looking for gourmet food. I'm just looking for authentic ethnic food of reasonable quality. No interest in anything fancy. Falafel, tahini, nice salads, chicken curry and kheer or gulab jamun for dessert - heck even a nice bowl of mulligatawny soup would be a treat. This is "common" food in other countries. It's also pretty common in other states, where diversity is embraced, not merely tolerated or accepted. One can have steak or fried chicken only so many times before you want to know where the nearest ethnic restaurant is, where you'd find people of those ethnicities actually willing to eat the food there.

[Pairadocs]

Overall I think the restaurants in The Villages are absolutely terrible. Can't even say I have a favorite. Bonefish is the closest to Good. Just tried the Mission BBQ and it was terrible. So even the new restaurants are bad. Guess that's why we usually go outside the bubble for dinner.

Agree, definitely nothing outstanding, but yes, Bonefish, Chop House, a few more are better than others. But, it's a trade off, "pretty good" and a lot of mediocre chains, for less crime and hassle of Chicago, L.A., San Fran, etc. I tried Mission twice now. I found it good and the brisket really good ! But, the first time order sandwiches (to pick up). Each had 4 slices of brisket exactly 2" by 4.5" inches. I believe they said 3 oz. Each was $10.19 plus tax, and did not come with fries (or beans, slaw, or something !). Next time ordered "meat market" style. Got 7 slices of brisket this way, exactly 2" by 4.5" also. Got a piece of cornbread with that and believe it was $10.49. After twice of $20 plus for a couple sandwiches, I'd say IF I did it again I'd order the "meat market" and again make us each a sandwich at home with more meat even if we had to use our own buns as we did before; but just seems for about $21 plus $4 tip, should be able to get two sandwiches and fries ? But the "meat market" way to order worked best for us even having to use our own buns at home !

[prettyw102@aol.com]

Originally from NY, and more recently South FL, we arw used to and appreciate good food. We have enjoyed our meals at Blufin, Lopez Legacy, and Havana CC. Have many more to try including Chop House and Riccardi's. Not a big fan of chain restaurants, but Longhorn and Texas Roadhouse are decent.

[Dana1963]

We're do you go for "good" seafood? Thanks in advance.
We like Boston Fish House for a trip out of THE BUBBLE
Boston's Fish House - Menu (https://www.bostonsfishhouse.com/menu)

[mgkw1]

I agree they are not the best. The food is all fried or greasy and not even the Italian restaurants use seasoning. If I had to pick a favorite inside the bubble it would be The Lighthouse.

[mgkw1]

We have not been out to dinner (except for take-out) since February. However, before covid our regulars were Sakura, VKI, Bonefish, Blue Fin, Chop House, and Ay Jalisco. They are all pretty good.


Have never had a good meal at Bluefin. After sending back to kitchen twice I give up

[BS Beef]

I think Chatbrat has been reincarnated. If Bassfish starts complaining about the pours.... BINGO!!

:clap2: :1rotfl: :a040: :1rotfl:
This cracked me up!!!

[coffeebean]

Originally from NY, and more recently South FL, we arw used to and appreciate good food. We have enjoyed our meals at Blufin, Lopez Legacy, and Havana CC. Have many more to try including Chop House and Riccardi's. Not a big fan of chain restaurants, but Longhorn and Texas Roadhouse are decent.

Highly recommend Miller's Ale House for their steak fajitas. If you like your Fajita steak thick cut, pink and juicy, and highly seasoned, that is the place to go.

[Northwoods]

The closest Indian restaurant is 20 miles away. That just makes me so sad. My usual Indian food place was less than 10 miles from home up north, and there was another one around 6 blocks from the house if I didn't feel like driving.

I'm okay with Giovanni's pizza, it's tasty and well apportioned. But it's not the style I prefer. Their calzones look amazing though, I might try one next week. But that's another place that's a 20-minute drive from home.

The Chinese food here is horrible. Yes I've been to the one everyone says is awesome. But if the best you can come up with is "better than horrible" then sure - it's awesome. I'll stick to Panda Express til I can find something that isn't either loaded with MSG, or over-salted and under-spiced. It may be fast food but at least it's consistent and doesn't make me reach for a gallon of water for the rest of the day.

I haven't seen one REAL Greek restaurant yet. Taki's, nah. Amerikano's, not even almost. And a decent falafel joint? I don't know if it's any good but the closest one to us is - again - 20 miles away. Wouldn't mind seeing a real actual Greek Diner too, but I guess that's a pipe dream.

Unlike some folks, I'm not looking for gourmet food. I'm just looking for authentic ethnic food of reasonable quality. No interest in anything fancy. Falafel, tahini, nice salads, chicken curry and kheer or gulab jamun for dessert - heck even a nice bowl of mulligatawny soup would be a treat. This is "common" food in other countries. It's also pretty common in other states, where diversity is embraced, not merely tolerated or accepted. One can have steak or fried chicken only so many times before you want to know where the nearest ethnic restaurant is, where you'd find people of those ethnicities actually willing to eat the food there.

Try Pho Saigon (Vietmanese) 11717 US-301, Oxford, FL 34484 (on the corner of Hwy 301 and 466). It's excellent.
Menu — Phở Sai Gon Vietnamese Cuisine (http://www.phosaigonoxford.com/menu)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Try Pho Saigon (Vietmanese) 11717 US-301, Oxford, FL 34484 (on the corner of Hwy 301 and 466). It's excellent.
Menu — Phở Sai Gon Vietnamese Cuisine (http://www.phosaigonoxford.com/menu)

Ah that's near Giovanni's. A 20 minute drive. I don't have much experience eating Vietnamese food but the few times I've tried it I'd enjoyed it. Maybe it'll be an occasional treat. Thanks!

[Aloha1]

Very interesting but how do you explain two people at same time eating at same restaurant?

Stu, we need more info. Did they share the same plate? Are they a couple living together? Did they eat lunch together and when, where and what did they eat?

Not saying they didn't have an event but these things are tricky and you need to backtrace eating events one to two days ago and also rule out general gastrointestinal upsets.

[Scudder]

Eat at home. Safer and better.

[JSR22]

Eat at home. Safer and better.

The purpose of the Restaurant Forum is to review restaurants. Staying home is off topic.