Restaurant suggestions

[Unruly]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There's the Lakeside Inn/Beauclaire in Mt. Dora, if you're up for a drive.

In Spanish Springs Town Square right here is Coastal del Mar for fresh seafood/fish, and Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse.

Fancy places are above our paygrade so we can't offer an opinion of any other higher-end places in the area. I'm told Chophouse is great though.

[Bogie Shooter]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/favorite-resturants-villages-352185/?highlight=Restaurants

[npwalters]

In TV there are not any "5 star" restaurants but there are several good and upscale. Harvest, Blue Fin, Costa del Mar, Chop House, Bella Vita, and a few more.

[splashes]

Turners in Leesburg is great and very nice atmosphere

[Bill14564]

We don't do elegant but Turners in Leesburg and the Rose Plantation have gotten good reviews in the past.

Orlando and Tampa will have restaurants you are looking for. Gainesville has potential and is much closer. And, I'm sure there are hidden gems around.

The Villages Gourmet Club (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/) has a searchable database that you might find useful.

[davefin]

Paulies, on Rt 44.

[kkingston57]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

Berns in Tampa is great but might be tough to get into.

[Kenswing]

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

[ThirdOfFive]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!
If you're looking for haute cuisine, you won't find it in The Villages. Chop House has pretensions in that direction but in my experience you'll pay $$$$ for $$ and $$$ quality. Good, but not what you'd expect given the cost. There are other eateries though that are not quite top-dollar but which should fit the bill well. Lopez Legacy for one: great food and service that, though not cheap, won't break the bank either. Bluefin in Brownwood is another one.

As a general rule, exception to Chop House, if you pick an FMK-run restaurant here in TV you won't be disappointed.

[scubawva]

Look at Three Six Bistro in Ocala.
three six bistro | Fine dining food wine beverage breakfast dinner | 3751 Southeast 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL, USA (https://www.threesixbistro.com/)
Congrats

[oldtimes]

We like Stirrups at the World Equestrian Center for both food and ambiance. Very elegant and delicious.

[tophcfa]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

For our last three anniversaries I took my wife to Chop House, Lopez, and Costal Del Mar. She was happy with all three choices and all were very good. Our first year in the Villages, our Anniversary fell on a Saturday Night. I stupidly took her to Palmer without a reservation and we were turned away. We proceeded to go to Lake Sumter only to find every restaurant had a very long wait, so we ate at Johnny Rockets. Needless to say, that didn’t go over exceedingly well and I learned my lesson. But now we have a good laugh every time we pass by that place. Happy Anniversary : )

[Stu from NYC]

Marks Prime in Ocala

[Sensei]

Turners in Leesburg is great and very nice atmosphere

One of a kind.

[MandoMan]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

I think you mean elegant rather than eloquent. Ex-President Obama was eloquent. Ex-President Trump’s home in Trump Tower is elegant.

Try The Rose Plantation. Wear a dress shirt and slacks and a sport coat, and definitely don’t wear a cap. It’s just a few minutes away from The Villages, just off 466A.

If you have $500 to spare, try Burns Steakhouse in Tampa, but good luck getting a reservation. Get a steak that has been aged sixty days, a $200 bottle of wine, then upstairs to the private dessert rooms. Very romantic! And dressy.

The Rose Plantation - Leesburg, Fruitland Park, FL (https://theroseplantation.com/)

[DONNIEBRONX]

There's a private room at Rose Plantation - East on 466a to rose street just before rt 441. Crab cakes are delicious

[DisneyHawksMom]

Remingtons Prime in Ocala.

[sharonl7340]

I think you mean elegant not eloquent.

[bowlingal]

go to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Very expensive.....a truly unique experience....for special occasions like yours. Service is impeccable and food is beyond awesome. High class and you need to dress up.

[Angelhug52]

Send her off for a spa day, Brownwood Hotel is lovely, Get a meal catered. Light the LED candles in your dining room, and treat her as you did 25 years ago. No need to have others around as you celebrate eachother. Or go to the spa together, stay overnight, room service and memories. Much joy!

[Michael 61]

There's a private room at Rose Plantation - East on 466a to rose street just before rt 441. Crab cakes are delicious

I was just going to post Rose Plantation. Beautiful restaurant, superb service, great food, and homemade pies! If you can snag the private room, you’ll have a wonderful, intimate experience.

[mkjelenbaas]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!
Johnny Rockets at LSL - the hot dogs are great.

[Windguy]

Berns in Tampa is great but might be tough to get into.

I think you have to reserve a table 1-2 months in advance, but it is a real experience. Most of the wait staff have worked there for decades.

[RustyN]

Market to Table. More old school Rose Plantation.

[Grill Meister]

Now I am gonna assume you meant "elegant" as opposed to "eloquent". Everyone's idea of elegant is gonna differ, but go to the following web site and it will give you a good idea of the restaraunts in and around The Villages, along with the ethnicity, menus, prices and ratings. Happy dinings.

The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) :popcorn:

[Bness]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

The Goblin Market in Mt Dora. Make a reservation by phone. Small dining areas with great food. You will be looking at 100 bucks a person. Food and atmosphere are excellent.

[Two Bills]

Just a personal opinion.]
My wife and I found the food at Rose Plantation was, in our book, not value for money.

[NoMo50]

For something different, try Paulie's at the Oaks. Located at Continental Country Club, "just outside" the bubble on SR-44 near Morse Blvd. Nice, quiet atmosphere with a very good menu at reasonable prices.

[airstreamingypsy]

If money is no object, Stirrups at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala..... on State Rte 40. If you really want to make a big deal, get a room at the hotel. Entrees start at around $50.00 and got up to around $175.00. Legacy at Lopez is quite wonderful... the Seafood Risotto is to die for. Rose Plantation is a bit overrated I think, but very pleasant. Bluefin in Brownwood if you like seafood.

[cphubbell@aol.com]

The Toledo restaurant at the Coronado Resort at Disney . Make a reservation for about 7pm so that your view changes from day to night and you can see the sunset. There is a balcony so you can also step outside and when the Epcot fireworks go they play the corresponding music.

This is not as expensive as Victoria and Albert’s but you still have the Disney attitude to decor, service and product.

The resort is an easy, short drive from route 429.

[Stu from NYC]

For something different, try Paulie's at the Oaks. Located at Continental Country Club, "just outside" the bubble on SR-44 near Morse Blvd. Nice, quiet atmosphere with a very good menu at reasonable prices.

Excellent brisket

[msmr23@gmail.com]

LaQuistdor, Mission Inn , Howie in the Hills. Well worth the drive.

[maryastew@aol.com]

The Rose Plantation

[Slick327EFI]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

It is old elegant, but the food is amazing and it has a cozy atmosphere. Somewhat pricy but the portions are NYC portions.
pauliesattheoakson44 dot com

[markusb741]

Try The Rose Plantation. Very nice.

[mtlee024]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

Marks in Ocala you will neeed reservations.

[Nana2Teddy]

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Absolutely! But good luck getting a reservation. And be prepared to spend close to a grand for a couple including drinks.

[dtennent]

We like Prime 3 on Main St in Leesburg. The food is interesting and the wine is excellent. Enjoy!

[Lanieb]

One of a kind.
I agree with all the above suggestions but they are all very average except Harvest Grill -white table cloth excellent food, perfect for an anniversary.

[Freeda]

Another vote for Prime 3 in Leesburg's historic Main Street area. Check on the hours when pianist will be playing.

[kyralud]

Three Six Bistro in Ocala is a new restaurant that is a must try! Food is amazing and service is great. It is a true dining experience.

three six bistro | Fine dining food wine beverage breakfast dinner | 3751 Southeast 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL, USA (https://www.threesixbistro.com/)

[FredJacobs]

Home | La Cuisine French Restaurant | Ocala, FL Fine Dining (https://lacuisineocala.com/)

Excellent Fench restaurant.

[JayWandaNewman]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

We've dined there on several special occasions, with requests for special table, flowers on the table, anniversary date night, and they've always been very accommodating, great staff, delicious food and wonderful ambiance.
Mark's Steakhouse in Ocala on the square is very nice, as well.
Haven't tried Prime 3 in Leesburg but hear it's very nice and somewhat pricey.

[mntlblok]

I think you mean elegant not eloquent.

Takes me back decades to a conversion van purchase. Got a kick out of the salesman telling us how "eleguent" it was. :-)

[vagent711]

Marks Chop House in Ocala. Outstanding

[jonathanb]

The GOBLIN MARKET in Mt Dora

[HORNET]

Mark’s Steakhouse, in Ocala

[Vlwolf]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

All of the restaurants mentioned are very nice; but I’d want something a little romantic for my 25th. Take a look at the Rose Plantation. Might not be your cup of tea. They were going to do some renovations. Make sure that isn’t happening. Would definitely spoil the mood. I’d tell them it is your 25th so they can seat you somewhere special.

[Joe Mack]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

If you want to blow here away, I'd recommend the three six bistro in Ocala. Awarding winning chef, involved owners and top notch food. They have a FB page to check out if you choose to. Most of what I've found in the bubble is average at best. Chop House took a deep slide down hill in the past 2 years, and the only restaurants we found to be decent and consistent are Red Sauce in LSL and Harvest in Brownwood. Of those, Harvest is a bit fancier. Good luck!

[pcntech]

Small, intimate. Must make a reservation and adhere to dress code. Filet cuts with a butter knife.

The Rose Plantation - Leesburg, Fruitland Park, FL (https://theroseplantation.com/)

200 Rose Avenue
Fruitland Park, FL

[retiredguy123]

Small, intimate. Must make a reservation and adhere to dress code. Filet cuts with a butter knife.

The Rose Plantation - Leesburg, Fruitland Park, FL (https://theroseplantation.com/)

200 Rose Avenue
Fruitland Park, FL
The only restaurant that I know of in the entire area that sells a USDA Prime filet mignon is Ruth Chris near Orlando. I buy mine at Publix. Very tender.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

We chose Prime 3 on Main in Leesburg for hubby’s birthday.

[RUCdaze]

If you want to stay local, the best restaurant is Paulie's Oaks in The Continental Country Club. If you want to travel north for about 45 minutes go to Stirrups in the World Equestrian Center (but bring money!). If you want to travel south, go to The Goblin Market in Mt. Dora.

[daca55]

Definitely the Rose Plantation!🍽️🍽️🍽️

[lawgolfer]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!
The Equestrian Center in Ocala is the fanciest place for miles around. On a local level, the restaurant at the Continental Country Club (believe it or not) does a fine job.

[mkjelenbaas]

Cody’s is good - if they ghave not been closed due to inspection. We especially like the fried food they serve.

[Callaway]

We had a terrible experience there and would never go back.

[wamley]

Chophouse is a very nice restaurant. Went there several times and never had an issue. My favorite is the ribeye pork chops.

[JannCarr]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/favorite-resturants-villages-352185/?highlight=restaurants

make orwell fiction again

[Stu from NYC]

Cody’s is good - if they ghave not been closed due to inspection. We especially like the fried food they serve.

Cody in Lake sumter was a one and done for us. Worst service in restaurants we have ever suffered thru

[dougawhite]

Surprised nobody suggested Columbia Restaurant in Tampa. Very pretty inside, great service, delicious menu selections mostly Cuban-style.

[Lorainer1r]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!
Cuisine in Ocala and closer is Rose plantation ln fruitland park. Both have quiet atmosphere and nice menu

[ThirdOfFive]

Cody in Lake sumter was a one and done for us. Worst service in restaurants we have ever suffered thru
They were fairly good the first couple of times we went there, but went once in early 2022 and the service was atrocious! Our waitress was obviously unhappy, being called in to work on her day off, letting all and sundry know, and her service reflected that. Food took abnormally long to arrive and I finished my first cup of coffee long before it appeared. On one of her trips past the table I asked her for a refill. However nearly 15 minutes later it still hadn't arrived, so I asked another waitress for a refill, which appeared promptly, but that ticked off our waitress even more that we hadn't waited for HER to do it! When the food did arrive (burger basket or some such) it was warm but not hot. Figuring that mentioning that it would only make a bad situation worse, we didn't complain.

Kinda turned the tables on her though...on our way out I stopped our waitress and gave her a cash tip that was over 1/2 of the total food bill, and said that I hoped her day would get better. She gave me a stunned look followed by a big smile!

Not been back since though.

[Glowing Horizon]

Mmmm. Berns. If you go to Berns Steakhouse in Tampa be sure to tell them what you are celebrating when you call to make reservations. Their staff is very attentive. You can look online for info, menu & photos. Try to also schedule a tour of their amazing wine cellar, kitchen gardens, etc. And if you save some room, be sure to get reservations upstairs in the Dessert Room—it is a worthy destination all by itself. Berns is a very eclectic historic place & their steaks are top notch.

Anyone who may be wanting something special after attending a show in Tampa/St Pete or just wanting a late night indulgence should try the excellent Dessert Room@upstairs Berns.

Congratulations on your anniversary.

[Glowing Horizon]

Surprised nobody suggested Columbia Restaurant in Tampa. Very pretty inside, great service, delicious menu selections mostly Cuban-style.

The YBor City Tampa location has the best for atmosphere but Columbia (Cuban) restaurants are also a small family-owned central Floridian chain. The one in Sarasota on St. Armand’s Square was delightful for lunch with street-side patio seating. The Columbia in Celebration by Disney is also nice &Celebration has a nice downtown, lake & weekend farmers markets. I’ve never been to the Columbia in St. Augustine but that will be one I will put on my list. Their food is absolutely delicious & service is top notch no matter which location you’d choose.

[Stu from NYC]

They were fairly good the first couple of times we went there, but went once in early 2022 and the service was atrocious! Our waitress was obviously unhappy, being called in to work on her day off, letting all and sundry know, and her service reflected that. Food took abnormally long to arrive and I finished my first cup of coffee long before it appeared. On one of her trips past the table I asked her for a refill. However nearly 15 minutes later it still hadn't arrived, so I asked another waitress for a refill, which appeared promptly, but that ticked off our waitress even more that we hadn't waited for HER to do it! When the food did arrive (burger basket or some such) it was warm but not hot. Figuring that mentioning that it would only make a bad situation worse, we didn't complain.

Kinda turned the tables on her though...on our way out I stopped our waitress and gave her a cash tip that was over 1/2 of the total food bill, and said that I hoped her day would get better. She gave me a stunned look followed by a big smile!

Not been back since though.

Similar to our experience but after more than 30 minutes for our food tracked down a manager and it came a couple of minutes later. Ordered unlimited soup and salad and still waiting on a refill.

Never saw a manager again so that was the end of any service.

Did not trust her to walk away with cc and paid cash. No thank you and no return with change.

Too many better places to go so it became a one and done.

[jjombrello]

Been here 26 years and have gone to Nancy Lopez for all of our birthday/anniversary celebrations ever since they opened. We have never been disappointed with their food and their service. They always recognize you, if you mention you are celebrating an event.

[jnieman]

The Chop House in Sumter landing is really nice. White tablecloths and great service when we went for my birthday.

[HORNET]

Mark’s in Ocala

[KatieRN]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!

The Rose Plantation is nice. Food is delicious!

[RICH1]

Hello, next week is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am looking for suggestions on an upper-class restaurant that's eloquent to surprise my wife. We've only been here six months, and I am looking for something that's really special for obvious reasons. Thank you for your help!!
HARRYS IN OCALA ... get away ...