Top Ten Restaurants in The Villages\

[Michael 61]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

[JSR22]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Mission BBQ
3) Costal Del Mar
4) Legacy Pool Bar And Grill
5) Honey Baked Ham
6) Island Fin Poke
7) First Watch
8) Reveille Cafe
9) Harvest
10) Kung Fu Chef

I eat at Harvest and Coastal frequently. The other 8 not for me. IMO List is missing Chop House, Lopez, Prima, Havana, Blue Fin and Mezza Luna.

[Bill14564]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Mission BBQ
3) Costal Del Mar
4) Legacy Pool Bar And Grill
5) Honey Baked Ham
6) Island Fin Poke
7) First Watch
8) Reveille Cafe
9) Harvest
10) Kung Fu Chef

Can you get to Mission BBQ or Honey Baked Ham on a golf cart?

Too many restaurants to pick a favorite. We like a few of these.

[JSR22]

Can you get to Mission BBQ or Honey Baked Ham on a golf cart?

Too many restaurants to pick a favorite. We like a few of these.

Neither is golf cart accessible.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Can you get to Mission BBQ or Honey Baked Ham on a golf cart?

Too many restaurants to pick a favorite. We like a few of these.

Not legally, no. But you can park your golf cart at Petco and walk across the street to the plaza where HoneyBaked is located.

If you want to be sneaky, you could go out the gate at Jeffrey Drive off Tarrson and cross Griffin onto Rolling Acres, and then cut into the parking lot behind Home Depot. From there you just follow that little drive around the corner into the parking lot where Mission BBQ is located. You're risking a ticket though since it's still illegal to cross that road and drive on Rolling Acres on a golf cart, even that half-block stretch that most people don't use.

[Michael 61]

Neither is golf cart accessible.

Thanks - I’m still learning the far north area around Spanish Springs, I’ll delete them from the top ten list, and edit with the next two restaurants.

[pikeselectric]

Mission BBQ is my favorite! First Watch is a MUST for breakfast or brunch. Does anyone know of a good Thai place nearby The Villages/Summerfield area? We have been to Bamboo Bistro and were not impressed. TIA! - Casandra

[Michael 61]

Mission BBQ is my favorite! First Watch is a MUST for breakfast or brunch. Does anyone know of a good Thai place nearby The Villages/Summerfield area? We have been to Bamboo Bistro and were not impressed. TIA! - Casandra

Thai Ruby is “OK” - Sumter Landing - For real good Thai, you’re gonna need to drive down to Orlando.

[wisbad1]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

Ick not one decent place

[JSR22]

Thai Ruby is “OK” - Sumter Landing - For real good Thai, you’re gonna need to drive down to Orlando.

There are 2 very good Thai restaurant in Ocala. Ayuttaya and Thai Orchid.

[Kenswing]

Try TripAdvisor. You’ll get a whole different list.

[Flyers999]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

Haven't been to the first two. Funny how they have the pool bar at Lopez rather than the restaurant. Haven't ate at the pool bar in years, but memories of it are not pleasant. Haven't been to 4,6, 7,9 or 10 either.


My favs:
1) Ruby Tuesdays at Spanish Springs
2) Kung Fu Chef
3) City fire at Sumter
4) Lopez restaurant (Although they just changed their menu and got rid of the penne pasta alla vodka, ouch, my favorite.)
5) Chop House at Sumter

[Keefelane66]

Non to my liking maybe I'll try King Fu upon my return.
Not a fan of breakfast in TV I prefer home fries on the grill if I wanted fried potatoes I'd order French fries. Some think SPAM is a gourmet food

[Michael 61]

Try TripAdvisor. You’ll get a whole different list.

Very True - In my travels, I have found that lots of chains and franchise-type places are rated high on Trip Advisor. For me, I have found Yelp to be very helpful, especially if I’m in A strange town or city, and want something really good and authentic for the area, and not a franchise-type restaurant that I can eat at back home. That’s just me though - for those that want something more “familiar” when traveling, then Trip Advisor is a good option for those folks. I’m extremely adventurous when dining out, and I love to explore and try different restaurants, especially unusual ethnic places.

[asianthree]

Top 10 restaurants are only top ten for the person listing them. If we are eating out it needs to be better than what we can cook at home. We do eat at Mission, the food is good, the service is above and beyond. But the best part to speaking with the WW2 or Korea, vets, they are so interesting.

[BrianL99]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

Other than Harvest, are any of the above restaurants, located in one of the (4) Squares?

I don't think so. There seems to be a message there and not a good one.

[Utah Flyfisher]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

🚩When #1 is a chain…… 😂 Slightly worrisome? On one of my first visits to TV I asked some ladies at Babette’s where they recommended I go for lunch. They said Five Guys 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Knew I was in trouble

[Kelevision]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

I don’t know 1,2,8,9,10 as I don’t get north very often but like Harvest and Reveille is really good for breakfast/lunch. One of my favorites south of 44 is Fenney Grill.

[JMintzer]

Other than Harvest, are any of the above restaurants, located in one of the (4) Squares?

I don't think so. There seems to be a message there and not a good one.

Island Fin Poke is in Brownwood...

That said, the only "Top 10 Lists" I paid attention to were the one's on Letterman...

[Bill14564]

Other than Harvest, are any of the above restaurants, located in one of the (4) Squares?

I don't think so. There seems to be a message there and not a good one.

Island Fin Poke is in Brownwood...

That said, the only "Top 10 Lists" I paid attention to were the one's on Letterman...

Coastal del Mar is at the Spanish Springs square. Chicken Salad Chick is one of the businesses just off the square.

Just what is the message you see here?

[Smalley]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

Coastal del Mar and Blue Fin are both excellent. We always enjoy eating at Thai Ruby and it's such a pretty restaurant. We take guests there. The restaurant at Brownwood Hotel and Spa makes outstanding salads. It's a Wolfgang Puck restaurant; expensive so good for a special meal.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Does anyone know of an Indian restaurant around here, either inside or outside. There is one out here (Scottsdale) that’s making me think twice about moving!

[Gpsma]

There is a small one in Mt Dora and Amrit Palace in Ocala

[MandoMan]

I eat at Harvest and Coastal frequently. The other 8 not for me. IMO List is missing Chop House, Lopez, Prima, Havana, Blue Fin and Mezza Luna.

I like Mexican. My favorite Mexican restaurant in The Villages by far is Ay! Jalisco! In Spanish Springs. Try their Cadillac Margarita. I go there a lot.

[westernrider75]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

We don’t eat out enough to have been to all of those but we do like Reveille, especially after golf for breakfast or lunch.

[Ken D.]

Yelp is a terrible source for anything. If the business (es) don’t pay to join Yelp, they don’t get any recognition and they dwell on negative reviews.

[ThirdOfFive]

Mission BBQ is my favorite! First Watch is a MUST for breakfast or brunch. Does anyone know of a good Thai place nearby The Villages/Summerfield area? We have been to Bamboo Bistro and were not impressed. TIA! - Casandra
We dined at Thai Ruby once, some time back. Not impressed. The problem with Thai Ruby, as with just about all Thai restaurants we've visited, is that they serve a dumbed-down version of real Thai cuisine.

[JSR22]

Other than Harvest, are any of the above restaurants, located in one of the (4) Squares?

I don't think so. There seems to be a message there and not a good one.

Coastal is in Spanish Springs
Island is in Brownwood

[Miboater]

Can you get to Mission BBQ or Honey Baked Ham on a golf cart?

Too many restaurants to pick a favorite. We like a few of these.

This is a little off target but the owner of Honey Baked Ham owned a really nice golf course in northern Michigan called Elk Ridge. I've golfed there a few times and always had a ham sandwich at the turn. The 10th hole was an elevated par 3 (140' high) with a bunker shaped like a pig that guarded the front of the green. He ended up selling the course to a hunting group and they closed the course and turned it into a private hunting lodge.

[charlie1]

Even though they have some value, I haven't trusted these type ratings for a long time. I lived in an area of Florida noted for its great seafood. A local survey was done by the local paper and Red Lobster was rated "Best Seafood Restaurant". The best seafood restaurants didn't even make the list as they were smaller and did not have the vast number of customers. (or all you can eat menu items.)

[mikeycereal]

Nice to see Island Fin up there. I love that place.... been there 4 times since last year.

The rest I'm not familiar with, but I also like Bluefin, Brick & Barrel, City Fire, Oh Shucks, Bonefish, Wolfgang Puck, Sammy's, Willie Jewel BBQ, and Scooples (ice cream). And outside of the Villages I love Frenchys and Cali.

[rmagee]

There are 2 very good Thai restaurant in Ocala. Ayuttaya and Thai Orchid.

We live in Ocala and order take out from Ayuttaya once/week; love it. Also love Amrit Palace (Indian)

[Tobys Dad]

Mission Barbecue is the best!

[Bruceg0028]

Mission BBQ is my favorite! First Watch is a MUST for breakfast or brunch. Does anyone know of a good Thai place nearby The Villages/Summerfield area? We have been to Bamboo Bistro and were not impressed. TIA! - Casandra

Ruby Thai, lake Sumter Landing

[eweissenbach]

Ed’s top ten:

1. Blue Fin
2. Prima
3. Coastal Del Mar
4. Lopez
5. Mezza Luna
6. Havana
7. Oakwood
8. Chop House
9. Harvest
10. Jersey Mikes

You’re welcome

[Aviva]

When Yelp first came out everyone thought it would be the new trusted way to get Fair reviews on anything from businesses to restaurants. Unfortunately Yelp has turned into big business advertising and calls on these restaurants and businesses and requests that they set up an advertising plan with Yelp. All of a sudden those restaurants and businesses that DO NOT Yelp advertise are no longer well reviewed. I would never trust a Yelp review. They hide reviews of non advertisers saying it's the algorithm that can tell that they are not real reviews but I know for a fact they are real and it's just because those companies don't pay the piper and advertise. I would only trust Google reviews. Google does not manipulate the reviews or the businesses and do not ever charge a fee to be reviewed. Or hide reviews.





I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

[JMintzer]

Ed’s top ten:

1. Blue Fin
2. Prima
3. Coastal Del Mar
4. Lopez
5. Mezza Luna
6. Havana
7. Oakwood
8. Chop House
9. Harvest
10. Jersey Mikes

You’re welcome

Other than the lack of a pizza place (I'd add Piesano's, not crazy about Mezza Luna), good list! :thumbup:

[itsanne]

An example of why you should never trust what you read on the internet. The above suggestions from Yelp are a fine example of nonsense. There are only two real restaurants on the list - the others are fast food and/or breakfast joints.

[Kelevision]

Ed’s top ten:

1. Blue Fin
2. Prima
3. Coastal Del Mar
4. Lopez
5. Mezza Luna
6. Havana
7. Oakwood
8. Chop House
9. Harvest
10. Jersey Mikes

You’re welcome

This is a good list!

[Brynnie]

You have GOT to be kidding?!



I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

[kkingston57]

Can you get to Mission BBQ or Honey Baked Ham on a golf cart?

Too many restaurants to pick a favorite. We like a few of these.

No, but a car is a lot safer and cooler.

[Michael 61]

Disclaimer - I’m by no means saying this is my personal #10 list - it’s the top ten when you sort by highest rated by folks who have posted reviews.

[npwalters]

Disclaimer - I’m by no means saying this is my personal #10 list - it’s the top ten when you sort by highest rated by folks who have posted reviews.

Yelp missed the mark by a wide margin. I have eaten in most of these and only 3 or 4 are ones I would recommend.

[Bill14564]

No, but a car is a lot safer and cooler.

And there are many more restaurants to choose from if you drive to Orlando but the point of the post was to list restaurants "inside" the bubble and golf cart accessible.

[Keefelane66]

My brother in law judges restaurants by price inexpensive good when they issue coupons even better.

[Bill14564]

Disclaimer - I’m by no means saying this is my personal #10 list - it’s the top ten when you sort by highest rated by folks who have posted reviews.

I don't agree with the ordering, and there are others I would put higher on the list, but I've been to six of these and would/do go back plus three more I have heard are good but haven't made it to yet.

[Bilyclub]

Not legally, no. But you can park your golf cart at Petco and walk across the street to the plaza where HoneyBaked is located.

If you want to be sneaky, you could go out the gate at Jeffrey Drive off Tarrson and cross Griffin onto Rolling Acres, and then cut into the parking lot behind Home Depot. From there you just follow that little drive around the corner into the parking lot where Mission BBQ is located. You're risking a ticket though since it's still illegal to cross that road and drive on Rolling Acres on a golf cart, even that half-block stretch that most people don't use.

Especially since the Lady Lake PD station is on the way there.

[tophcfa]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

I like this thread because I like limiting the choices to golf cart accessible. In eight years owning a home in the Villages we have only eaten outside the bubble using our car once. Everyone’s list reflects their unique tastes and mine is no exception, focusing on places that serve fish/seafood or have low carb choices.
1) Sakura (Shushi take-out)
2) Costal Del Mar
3) BLUE Fin
4) Bone Fish
5) Lopez Legacy
6) Chop House
7) Ay Jalisco
8) Naldos
9) Island Fin Polk
10) RJ Gators (always get the She Crab soup and blackened fish with rice and beans)
Honorable mention - Americanos, Back Porch, Edna’s, Tropical Smoothie, Fenney Grill
Bummed they closed - Crispers, Demshires
Totally dropped off list over the years - Lighthouse, VKI
Worst ever - Augustine’s 1812 (now closed) and Sawgrass
Looking forward - New FMK restaurant in Spanish Springs

I’m sure there are other good places we haven’t been to including the other FMK run restaurants and Country Clubs.

[Marsha11]

Stop taking short cuts in neighborhoods going to SS. Take Rio Grande to left at delmar to downtown. We dint need 3 cars per minute past our houses. Not needed.stop

[Michael 61]

For those that mentioned Trip advisor - I just did the same thing on that site - sorted by highest rated - Here is their top ten, very different list:

1) Red Sauce
2) Legacy - Nancy Lopez CC
3) Glenview CC
4) Square 1
5) Amerikanos
6) Cane Garden CC
7) Johnny Rockets
8) Bonefish
9) VKI
10) Thai Ruby

[Stu from NYC]

For those that mentioned Trip advisor - I just did the same thing on that site - sorted by highest rated - Here is their top ten, very different list:

1) Red Sauce
2) Legacy - Nancy Lopez CC
3) Glenview CC
4) Square 1
5) Amerikanos
6) Cane Garden CC
7) Johnny Rockets
8) Bonefish
9) VKI
10) Thai Ruby

Wow very surprised.

In no particular order

Kungfoo
Havana
Napolinos

[BrianL99]

When Yelp first came out everyone thought it would be the new trusted way to get Fair reviews on anything from businesses to restaurants. Unfortunately Yelp has turned into big business advertising and calls on these restaurants and businesses and requests that they set up an advertising plan with Yelp. All of a sudden those restaurants and businesses that DO NOT Yelp advertise are no longer well reviewed. I would never trust a Yelp review. They hide reviews of non advertisers saying it's the algorithm that can tell that they are not real reviews but I know for a fact they are real and it's just because those companies don't pay the piper and advertise. I would only trust Google reviews. Google does not manipulate the reviews or the businesses and do not ever charge a fee to be reviewed. Or hide reviews.

Yelp claims they don't manipulate reviews.

That said, a Federal Court has ruled the have the right to favor those who advertise on Yelp.

If they don't do it, I wonder why they bothered to defend against the court action?

Court Rules Yelp Can Manipulate Reviews (https://www.businessinsider.com/court-rules-yelp-can-manipulate-reviews-2014-9)

[BrianL99]

I like this thread because I like limiting the choices to golf cart accessible. In eight years owning a home in the Villages we have only eaten outside the bubble using our car once. Everyone’s list reflects their unique tastes and mine is no exception, focusing on places that serve fish/seafood or have low carb choices.


off the list Lighthouse, VKI
Worst ever - Augustine’s 1812 (now closed) and Sawgrass
Looking forward - New FMK restaurant in Spanish Springs

I’m sure there are other good places we haven’t been to including the other FMK run restaurants and Country Clubs.

I've only been in TV for 2 years, but I've tried every restaurant in the squares and most around TV.

The best meal I've had in TV was at Augustine's 1812.

The worst meal I've ever had in Florida, was at Lighthouse.

I don't know who had the idea to give FMK a virtual monopoly in TV, but they've managed to bring TV food to a new low. I'm amazed they stay in business.

[Nana2Teddy]

I like this thread because I like limiting the choices to golf cart accessible. In eight years owning a home in the Villages we have only eaten outside the bubble using our car once. Everyone’s list reflects their unique tastes and mine is no exception, focusing on places that serve fish/seafood or have low carb choices.
1) Sakura (Shushi take-out)
2) Costal Del Mar
3) BLUE Fin
4) Bone Fish
5) Lopez Legacy
6) Chop House
7) Ay Jalisco
8) Naldos
9) Island Fin Polk
10) RJ Gators (always get the She Crab soup and blackened fish with rice and beans)
Honorable mention - Americanos, Back Porch, Edna’s, Tropical Smoothie, Fenney Grill
Bummed they closed - Crispers, Demshires
Totally dropped off list over the years - Lighthouse, VKI
Worst ever - Augustine’s 1812 (now closed) and Sawgrass
Looking forward - New FMK restaurant in Spanish Springs

I’m sure there are other good places we haven’t been to including the other FMK run restaurants and Country Clubs.
Naldo’s is now Tequila Cantina. New menu too.

[Salty Dog]

Island Fin Poke is in Brownwood...

I'm a fan of Poke and was happy to see them open. Food is fresh and delicious. Not much ambiance though. More like a fast food atmosphere. We always take it to go...

[tophcfa]

Naldo’s is now Tequila Cantina. New menu too.

Bummer, haven’t been there since early May. Used to really like the crab quesadillas that Naldo’s had : (
That location can’t stay constant, first lost Crispers, which we really liked, and now Naldo’s. Looks like we are back to Ay Jalisco as the go to Mexican joint.

[Michael 61]

I've only been in TV for 2 years, but I've tried every restaurant in the squares and most around TV.

The best meal I've had in TV was at Augustine's 1812.

The worst meal I've ever had in Florida, was at Lighthouse.

I don't know who had the idea to give FMK a virtual monopoly in TV, but they've managed to bring TV food to a new low. I'm amazed they stay in business.

I have to agree about Lighthouse - I went there twice last year on my lifestyle visits and wasn’t impressed either time. I decided to return this week, as I read the owners are going to try and improve the place after selling Augustine’s. It was even worse than I remember. I really want to like this place, as it has a great location and view. I just wish they would “up’ their game with their menu and quality of seafood, this place could be the “jewel” of the villages.

[elevatorman]

This is a good place to find reviews. The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) There are 900 restaurants reviewed. You can click the link for only The Villages to shorten the list.

[Skip]

This is a good place to find reviews. The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) There are 900 restaurants reviewed. You can click the link for only The Villages to shorten the list.

I agree the TV Gourmet Club website is extensive and only members (must be a Village residents) can post. There's no anonymous reviews or general comments like "Great Place 5 Star" like you see on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Google. This site is a lot more unbiased and believable. We use it a lot.

Skip

[Michael 61]

I agree the TV Gourmet Club website is extensive and only members (must be a Village residents) can post. There's no anonymous reviews or general comments like "Great Place 5 Star" like you see on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Google. This site is a lot more unbiased and believable. We use it a lot.

Skip

This is great - I’ll check it out for sure

[tophcfa]

I have to agree about Lighthouse - I went there twice last year on my lifestyle visits and wasn’t impressed either time. I decided to return this week, as I read the owners are going to try and improve the place after selling Augustine’s. It was even worse than I remember. I really want to like this place, as it has a great location and view. I just wish they would “up’ their game with their menu and quality of seafood, this place could be the “jewel” of the villages.

Seven or eight years ago it was our number one go to place, excellent seafood and service at reasonable prices. Suddenly it started a slow and steady decline that still seems to be finding a floor? Not even on our list of places to consider anymore. If we want to sit outdoors and have a nice view of Lake Sumter and Riley Grove across the lake, we go to RJ Gators.

[Two Bills]

For those that mentioned Trip advisor - I just did the same thing on that site - sorted by highest rated - Here is their top ten, very different list:

1) Red Sauce
2) Legacy - Nancy Lopez CC
3) Glenview CC
4) Square 1
5) Amerikanos
6) Cane Garden CC
7) Johnny Rockets
8) Bonefish
9) VKI
10) Thai Ruby

How Johnny Rockets gets on any top 10 list is beyond me.
Food is awful.
Even grandson didn't like it, and he considers McD's as fine dining! :icon_wink:

[meme5x]

Costal Del Mar and Harvest

[retiredguy123]

For those that mentioned Trip advisor - I just did the same thing on that site - sorted by highest rated - Here is their top ten, very different list:

1) Red Sauce
2) Legacy - Nancy Lopez CC
3) Glenview CC
4) Square 1
5) Amerikanos
6) Cane Garden CC
7) Johnny Rockets
8) Bonefish
9) VKI
10) Thai Ruby
The last time I went to Amerikano's, they served wine in a stemmed plastic glass. I drink cheap wine at home, but at least I use a real glass.

[Nana2Teddy]

Bummer, haven’t been there since early May. Used to really like the crab quesadillas that Naldo’s had : (
That location can’t stay constant, first lost Crispers, which we really liked, and now Naldo’s. Looks like we are back to Ay Jalisco as the go to Mexican joint.
We’ve only eaten there twice, so weren’t really familiar with the menu, so be sure to at least check it out first before giving up on them. I’ve read patrons are happy so far. Could be some of the same items are still on the menu, if not all.

[frank1975]

I totally agree with you. Not the list of 10 but what you show is missing.

[patfla06]

My favorite is Prima Italian Steak in Brownwood.

Also like:
Bonefish Grill
Thai Ruby
Havana CC
Kung Fu Chef

[asianthree]

I agree the TV Gourmet Club website is extensive and only members (must be a Village residents) can post. There's no anonymous reviews or general comments like "Great Place 5 Star" like you see on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Google. This site is a lot more unbiased and believable. We use it a lot.

Skip
In its hay day we used it a lot, then review became stale
Problem is rarely do you see updated reviews, many are very old, not up to date. Maybe their members have dropped in being as active returning to restaurants that have been reviewed in the last 6 months. If a review hasn’t been in the last 6 months or less, I Don’t count on it to be reliable

[Garywt]

I went onto Yelp, which has been a trusted guide for me when searching for good restaurants, especially when I’m traveling. I sorted all the restaurants in The Villages (must be “inside” the bubble and golf-cart accessible), based on what received the best over-all reviews (not necessarily the most reviews). Here is what came up as the top ten (is your favorite listed here?)

1) Chicken Salad Chick
2) Coastal Del Mar
3) Legacy Pool Bar and Grill
4) Island Fin Poke
5) First Watch
6) Reveille Cafe
7) Harvest
8) Kung Fu Chef
9) Koyame
10) No. #1 Chinese

I have never been to any of these so I guess none of our favorites are on the list. Some of our favorites are Red Sauce, The Back Porch, Glenview, Belle Glade and Cody’s Brownwood if they are having a good night.

[Garywt]

Seven or eight years ago it was our number one go to place, excellent seafood and service at reasonable prices. Suddenly it started a slow and steady decline that still seems to be finding a floor? Not even on our list of places to consider anymore. If we want to sit outdoors and have a nice view of Lake Sumter and Riley Grove across the lake, we go to RJ Gators.
Same, liked it when we were first down 8 years ago, with the owners being from New England they did a good job. I think they forgot what they knew about New England seafood. Did not realize they sold Augustine’s, when did that happen?

[Michael 61]

Same, liked it when we were first down 8 years ago, with the owners being from New England they did a good job. I think they forgot what they knew about New England seafood. Did not realize they sold Augustine’s, when did that happen?

Augustine’s was just sold a few months ago - Closed now - Will reopen soon as a new restaurant, owned by the FMK group.

[JSR22]

Augustine’s was just sold a few months ago - Closed now - Will reopen soon as a new restaurant, owned by the FMK group.

Will be Italian and should open in November. Extensive renovation.

[Skip]

In its hay day we used it a lot, then review became stale
Problem is rarely do you see updated reviews, many are very old, not up to date. Maybe their members have dropped in being as active returning to restaurants that have been reviewed in the last 6 months. If a review hasn’t been in the last 6 months or less, I Don’t count on it to be reliable

True, with a limited membership and over 100 restaurants in The Villages alone, you won't see new reviews every month on each and every restaurant.

Also when a chef leaves abruptly, the ratings can go from 13 down to 7 in no time.

It is what it is. Still a great reliable honest local resource.

Skip

[tophcfa]

Same, liked it when we were first down 8 years ago, with the owners being from New England they did a good job. I think they forgot what they knew about New England seafood. Did not realize they sold Augustine’s, when did that happen?

Augustine’s wasn’t sold, it was closed. A new FMK restaurant is slated to be opening in that location this fall. Won’t be a seafood place since Costal Del Mar is also in the square. Looking forward to the new dinning option in Spanish Springs.

Whoops, got interrupted during the post and when I cam back to finish it others had already said the same thing.