Great Restaurant?

[Retiring]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

[retiredguy123]

The country club restaurants are too noisy. I would suggest the Rose Plantation, The Oaks at the Continental CC, or the Chophouse.

[Papa_lecki]

Chop house, BluFin or Coasta Del Mar

Tell them the occasion, and you will have a great experience.

[dewilson58]

Mark's Prime Steakhouse in Ocala.

[tophcfa]

Chop House, Costal Del Mar, Blue Fin, or Lopez are your best bets if you want to stay in the Villages.

[oldtimes]

Stirrups at the World Equestrian Center is a very fine restaurant and it is very beautiful. Reservations are required.

Home - Stirrups Restaraunt (https://stirrupsocala.com/)

[xkeowner]

Mark's and Stirrup's are both good suggestions. If you don't mind the drive and can get a reservation, Bern's in Tampa with the dessert room upstairs are another step up in our opinion. Went there for our Fiftieth Anniversary/MIL's 90th birthday and then again for Valentine's Day this year. ALL venues within The Villages are noisy IMHO.

[Two Bills]

Bring back memories of her younger years.
Take her to Denny's!
Definitely as good as majority of 'restaurants' in TV.

PS. Marks or Stirrups if Denny's not to taste!:icon_wink:

[BrianL99]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.


Anyone who tells you an FMK restaurant is quality food, needs to get out ... a LOT MORE!

There's not a single quality restaurant in TV, country clubs included (or, especially).

There are no Michellin Star restaurants in Ocala. A few in Orlando.

Yelp or Trip Advisor usually have the best recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34496-Ocala_Florida.html

[Babubhat]

Dr phillips restaurant row in Orlando. Many good choices.

This one is good enough for Jagger, Pele and other famous people. A 5-star fine dining restaurant in Orlando along with a reputation that has actually allured celebrities, dignitaries, and professionals for over thirty years.

Christini's Fine Dining Orlando | Best Italian Restaurant in Orlando, FL (https://www.christinis.com/)

[n8xwb]

Turner's Kitchen in Leesburg. They will not seat groups. Most tables are for 4 or less. One or two tables accommodate six.

Turners Tidbits 🍽️ (https://mailchi.mp/befc189977e3/turners-tidbits?e=25a6ffbb75)

[Bilyclub]

Great restaurant and TV doesn't exist. Tampa or Orlando are the best bet.

[Smalley]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.
The World Equestrian Center is a destination place. Very expensive. Going for lunch to see the place in daylight would appeal to me. Please check the hours of the restaurants to make sure. The grounds and hotel lobby are beautiful.

[under55]

delete

[banjobob]

Lopez Legacy or Havana C.C we have never been disappointed good food ,service

[dcammel]

Check out Oscar Penn in Inverness. Closed Sun and Monday, need reservations. Won’t be sorry. Quiet setting in old house. Conversation possible without the noise in The Village. Don’t tell everyone, keep it a secret gem.

[Realmccoy]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

Marks Steakhouse in Icala.

[Realmccoy]

Marks Steakhouse in Ocala. Outstanding.

[Sensei]

Exquisite. Reservations accepted for parties of four or less. Two booths are six-tops, but are available in a first-come, first-served basis.

[msilagy]

Beautiful surroundings at the Equestrian Center in Ocala. The stirrups restaurant would be quieter and more reserved. Places to sit in the lobby and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in this hotel. Stirrups is in the hotel of course. Look at the menu online to see if there is a special dish she might enjoy. The villages has the restaurants already mentioned that are ok....Costal Del Mar, Chop House, Nancy Lopez. Hope she has a special birthday!

[midiwiz]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

Michelin star restaurant around here??? I'm not sure who set your expectations about TV but they are way way way off. You won't find anything like that unless you go to the majors aka Orlando, Tampa, etc. Anything around these parts is at best rookie attempts to make it look like it.

[MikeN]

Very few restaurants here in TV are worthy of your search. Chop House is the only one I would recommend within TV. Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

[b0bd0herty]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

One of the best we've visited was Paulies at the Oaks on 44. That's at the Continental Country Club (outside T/V) right off of Road 44. Food and atmosphere were amazing, service great & the price reflected that. Around $80 for my wife & I and it included two deserts. We go back around once a month but, only because of our budget.
Paulie's at the Oaks on 44 | (https://pauliesattheoakson44.com/)

[Bridget Staunton]

I would suggest leaving Rose Plantation off the list, read the reviews.

[HJBeck]

“Burns” steak house. Almost to Tampa. One of the best in the USA. Bring your wallet!

[Cassieb]

Rose Plantation is overrated.

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

I like the three restaurants recommended in the first response.

[hotrodgirl]

I would highly recommend Prime Three in Leesburg. Lovely atmosphere, quieter than here, soft music. Nice menu, great food.

[defrey12]

Anyone who tells you an FMK restaurant is quality food, needs to get out ... a LOT MORE!

There's not a single quality restaurant in TV, country clubs included (or, especially).

There are no Michellin Star restaurants in Ocala. A few in Orlando.

Yelp or Trip Advisor usually have the best recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34496-Ocala_Florida.html

Burns Steakhouse (old school with dessert floor) or Malios Prime Steakhouse (modern atmosphere)…both in Tampa. Chops is nice but doesn’t hold a candle to either.

[Berwin]

The Inn At Little Washington in Virginia Horse Country. Has its own helipad so presidents can visit. Only Michelin 3-star in the DC area. If you don't have your own chopper, maybe you can rent one. ps: if you don't have your own chopper, the IALW may not be for you. :-)

[defrey12]

FYI, Burns is in downtown Tampa.

[Blackbird45]

My suggestion is worry less about a Michelin Star; I don't mean you should settle for bad food. What I think is more important for an 85th birthday is atmosphere. She'll quickly forget the food but will always remember where and who she was there to celebrate her birthday. Someone through me a surprise birthday dinner years ago at the Russian Tearoom in N.Y., I can't remember what I had to eat but as the night went by, she had a number of different friends pop in for a drink to wish me a happy birthday. That I'll never forget.

[DeeCee Dubya]

Stay away from the chophouse and Wolfgang puck. I’ve gotta wonder how these places stay in business.

[Chamo]

How can anyone recommend Marks steakhouse in Ocala? They are way over priced and they have mediocre
steaks. You need to go to Orlando.

[Firetrain]

Bern's

[Dlbonivich]

Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa was closed for renovations. Definitely need to plan ahead for that reservation, they are usually booked way in advance. There are 3 or 4 Michelin Star restaurants in Tampa.

[msmr23@gmail.com]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

Mission inn at Howie in the Hills is our fav.

[jacqueline larsen]

Nancy Lopez Legacy here and Stirrups and Mark Prime in Ocala.

[Josephjmarchese]

Chop House is a first class restaurant

[lawgolfer]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.
Palmer, Lopez, Coastal, Chop House, Harvest are excessively noisy to the point it is hard to converse. The dining areas are integral with the bars. Palmer and Lopez have rooms away from the bars that are tolerable, but barely. Before you make your decision, I recommend that you visit each one at the time you want to reserve and find the table or booth that is best suited to your needs. Wolfgang Puck at the Brownwood Hotel is, by far, the quietest in the TV area. All serve food that is acceptable, although none approach what you would receive at a Michelin Star restaurant.

[Marmaduke]

You'll be Amazed if you go to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala for Lunch or dinner. It will be a beautiful new experience, for all in your party, guaranteed!
3 Tips:
•Be sure to make reservations at the Restaurant of you choice there.
•Rent a golf cart, for your moms best enjoyment, as the walk from the parking lot to the venue is a little trek for older adults.
•Never go on a Monday/Tuesday - it's Sleepy, but it's totally amazing the rest of the days.

Enjoy!

[Stu from NYC]

Lopez Legacy or Havana C.C we have never been disappointed good food ,service

Havans is a good choice but sure not great.

[dtennent]

This is another vote for Prime 3 in Leesburg. The Grouper Fromage is a favorite. The also have a good wine list.

[Paula]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned La Cuisine in Ocala. It's a lovely grown up restaurant, and quiet with great food.

[MandoMan]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.

I agree with the many who say that none of the best restaurants in The Villages are Michelin Star level. Nor is the Rose Plantation. The best restaurant I know of within an hour, and the one most likely to win. Michelin star, is La Cuisine in Ocala. The owners are French, and if you can speak French, they will be delighted. The food is superb. I recommend the Boeuf Bourguignon, though they also have excellent steaks and other things. Real French restaurants are pretty rare in Florida.
La Cuisine | French Restaurant (https://lacuisineocala.com/)

In the Tampa area, Bern’s Steakhouse is amazing—and easily a couple hundred bucks per person—but it’s very hard to get reservations. The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (Tampa area) is wonderful and colorful. Quite a destination place. Terrific Cuban food. Been there about a century, I think. But those are a two hour drive—hardly local.

[Fenster]

Unfortunately, you have to leave TV. Some places here have nice ambience but to enjoy a good meal you have to go to Tampa or Orlando. Marks looks nice enough but the food is not great. Nancy Lopez is good. Rosewood Plantation is very good.

[Lancer]

FYI, Burns is in downtown Tampa.

FYI. Burns is west of downtown Tampa.

[kellyjam]

Check out Oscar Penn in Inverness. Closed Sun and Monday, need reservations. Won’t be sorry. Quiet setting in old house. Conversation possible without the noise in The Village. Don’t tell everyone, keep it a secret gem.
Another vote for Oscar Penn. Best food I ever had in the general area.

[flsteve]

Anyone who tells you an FMK restaurant is quality food, needs to get out ... a LOT MORE!

There's not a single quality restaurant in TV, country clubs included (or, especially).

There are no Michellin Star restaurants in Ocala. A few in Orlando.

Yelp or Trip Advisor usually have the best recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34496-Ocala_Florida.html

Have you tried the Angler's Club. I am a member there and it is unmatched.

[photo1902]

O'Shucks is my choice for fine dining

[photo1902]

O'Shucks (301 in Wildwood)

[dewilson58]

O'Shucks (301 in Wildwood)

:thumbup:

[cthherod@gmail.com]

If y’all enjoy authentic French food, go to Le Cuisine in Ocala. Reservations are a must. We’ve been to France several times, and Le Cuisine rivals anything we’ve had in France. The owner/executive chef is from Lyon, and he is excellent! Another option is The Goblin Market in Mt. Dora. Another excellent choice. Enjoy!

[Chi-Town]

Chop House is a first class restaurant

Nice restaurant for outside seating but hardly first class.

[PVR]

The country club restaurants are too noisy. I would suggest the Rose Plantation, The Oaks at the Continental CC, or the Chophouse.
Prima, Nancy Lopez, Marks in Ocala is one of the best Steakhouses around. Restaurant at the Equestrian center in Ocala.

[oldtimes]

My suggestion is worry less about a Michelin Star; I don't mean you should settle for bad food. What I think is more important for an 85th birthday is atmosphere. She'll quickly forget the food but will always remember where and who she was there to celebrate her birthday. Someone through me a surprise birthday dinner years ago at the Russian Tearoom in N.Y., I can't remember what I had to eat but as the night went by, she had a number of different friends pop in for a drink to wish me a happy birthday. That I'll never forget.

We went to a Michelin star rated restaurant in Orlando and I was very disappointed. I received 3 scallops, which were tasty, and some steamed, but very bland kohlrabi. I have definitely had better meals at Legacy for much less money.

[Jkbfishn]

Need a recommendation for a good restaurant. I don’t know of any Michelin star restaurants in the TV area. I have never been to any of the TV Country Clubs, perhaps one of them has a quality restaurant? It’s mom's 85th birthday. I want her to have a great experience, cost not a factor.
Thanks.


Rose Plantation or Wolfgang Puck. Both are excellent.

[Retiring]

Nancy Lopez Legacy here and Stirrups and Mark Prime in Ocala.

Thanks all for the great input. I made reservations at the Equestrian Center in Ocala. AND we tried Lopez CC Friday evening. Everyone really liked the food at Lopez and the atmosphere. We were able to sit outside with perfect weather. I’m going to get greedy and make another request. Is there a CC (restaurant) in TV that’s a little more on the fancy side than Lopez? Food was good at Lopez but I personally felt like I was sitting in the backyard of any old house that overlooked a golf course. Thanks.

[JMintzer]

Thanks all for the great input. I made reservations at the Equestrian Center in Ocala. AND we tried Lopez CC Friday evening. Everyone really liked the food at Lopez and the atmosphere. We were able to sit outside with perfect weather. I’m going to get greedy and make another request. Is there a CC (restaurant) in TV that’s a little more on the fancy side than Lopez? Food was good at Lopez but I personally felt like I was sitting in the backyard of any old house that overlooked a golf course. Thanks.

Last time we went to Lopez, we sat in the room immediately to the right of the bar as you walk in...

IIRC, they were all high backed booths. No "this old house" vibe at all...

[Chi-Town]

Thanks all for the great input. I made reservations at the Equestrian Center in Ocala. AND we tried Lopez CC Friday evening. Everyone really liked the food at Lopez and the atmosphere. We were able to sit outside with perfect weather. I’m going to get greedy and make another request. Is there a CC (restaurant) in TV that’s a little more on the fancy side than Lopez? Food was good at Lopez but I personally felt like I was sitting in the backyard of any old house that overlooked a golf course. Thanks.

Sitting out on a patio is obviously no way to judge if a restaurant meets a first class requirement.

[Skip]

There are no Michellin Star restaurants in Ocala. A few in Orlando.


The Villages Gourmet Club website allows you to search our area for Michelin Guide rated restaurants. See section 4a of their Search Page (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/search.html).
There's quite a few!

Skip

[tophcfa]

Sitting out on a patio is obviously no way to judge if a restaurant meets a first class requirement.

Hmmm, it is for us. In our opinion, no outdoor dinning option bumps any restaurant from first class status. I can’t remember the last time we ate indoors at a restaurant.