[NYBob]

We'll be out there next week, and are looking forward to hitting a Greek Restaurant. Not too many in our area. Also an Italian Restaurant would be nice.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Nope. There are some Greek restaurants. But no "good" Greek restaurants. They're basically the kinds of places that make pastitcio and call it lasagna, and buy their tzaziki in gallon containers from Sysco and their feta cheese is domestic, crumbled, and dry. They're okay.

[Dotneko]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Nope. There are some Greek restaurants. But no "good" Greek restaurants. They're basically the kinds of places that make pastitcio and call it lasagna, and buy their tzaziki in gallon containers from Sysco and their feta cheese is domestic, crumbled, and dry. They're okay.

Yep. For good Greek food you need to go to Tarpon Springs.

[Bill14564]

No <fill in ethnicity> food will be good here according to these boards, it was always better wherever you came from.

The food at Amerikanos in Spanish Spring wasn't bad but the crowd made it almost uncomfortable.

Takis in Leesburg seemed to try hard - it's worth a try.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

No <fill in ethnicity> food will be good here according to these boards, it was always better wherever you came from.

The food at Amerikanos in Spanish Spring wasn't bad but the crowd made it almost uncomfortable.

Takis in Leesburg seemed to try hard - it's worth a try.

There is a Takis Greek-Italian restaurant very near The Villages.

13761 US 441 Lady Lake

[tophcfa]

Americanos in Spanish Springs isn’t bad, just don’t sit in the outside dinning area if you don’t like cigarette and cigar smoke.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

There is a Takis Greek-Italian restaurant very near The Villages.

13761 US 441 Lady Lake

Had the strangest gyro there a few years ago convinced me not to go back.

Apparently tarpon springs is the go to place

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Had the strangest gyro there a few years ago convinced me not to go back.

Apparently tarpon springs is the go to place

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs is a well-known Greek community. They have many Greek festivals and events. Every year, teen-age Orthodox boys in the community happily dive into the water
hoping to be the one to recover a tossed cross. The boy who finds it will supposedly have luck throughout his life. This event is often televised on many news channels throughout Florida.

A well-known local dish is a Greek Salad with a scoop of potato salad underneath. Dont knock it until you've tried it. It is yummy! Many restaurants serve fresh fish from the Gulf. And, of course, sponges of all sizes are sold on nearly every corner.

If you want to turn your adventure into a few days trip, a slew of Florida's famous beaches are only 20-30 minutes away. One of my favorites is John's Pass/Treasure Island. St Pete Beach is beautiful and has MANY wonderful restaurants.It is hard for me to choose a favorite.

The scientology community is head-quartered in downtown Clearwater.It is unique to see the followers walking around in uniform. (If that kinda thing interests you) I went once hoping to see Tom Cruise or Travolta. Nope! Just a sighting of Hulk Hogan walking on the beach.

Browse travel sites before going. So much to see and do in that area.

Ocala has some great restaurants. We go once a week. Another favorite of ours is Disney Springs. A bit pricey but many great restaurants to choose from. Jaleo, a Spanish restaurant, is a favorite. They have a light show with drones every night. Fun to watch! We also enjoy Chef Art Smith's Homecoming Restaurant. It serves Floridian food in a casual atmosphere. The Boat House serves wonderful seafood. If you go, pick up some Giddeons cookies to take home. You may have to stand an hour or so in a long line. But, the wait is worth it.

Notice I did not recommend a restaurant inside the bubble. Most are mediocre at best. IMO, some are below that ranking. Get in your car and explore the areas outside of the Villages. You'll be glad you did!

If you must stay local, give Sammy's or Gio's a try for Italian food. Neither are upscale but both serve some good dishes.

[JudyLife]

Originally Posted by NYBob

We'll be out there next week, and are looking forward to hitting a Greek Restaurant. Not too many in our area. Also an Italian Restaurant would be nice.

No. Try to do a day trip out to the west coast to Tarpon Springs, about 1.5-2 hours drive. Proper Greek food there, you can visit the sponge docks and there’s a great Greek bakery. Worth the trip.

[JoeVentnor]

Originally Posted by NYBob

We'll e out there next week, and are looking forward to hitting a Greek Restaurant. Not too many in our area. Also an Italian Restaurant would be nice.

We lived in the Villages approximately 9 months and found the food here is mediocre at best. Most of the restaurants are owned by this FMK group, who i guess is trying to corner the food market. No farm to table, no start up mom and pop places where you would get great quality restaurant food. Wolfgang Puck hits the quality here and is a good stop.
It's disappointing that most of the restaurants here all taste the same.
Making your own is fun and the better choice.

[Berwin]

We like Stavros in Fruitland Park on 441.

[jimkerr]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Had the strangest gyro there a few years ago convinced me not to go back.

Apparently tarpon springs is the go to place

I had a Gyro there last week. It was excellent.

[Gn'Me]

Takis in Leesburg used to be processed gyros meat. Spit carved last couple of time we've been there. Pretty good. Lady Lake Takis last night...processed meat but ok.

[wamley]

They just don't make a good gyro anywhere down here. For me its the TZATZIKI sauce they put on the Gyro, doesn't taste as good as a yogurt I used to get back home.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

There is a Takis Greek-Italian restaurant very near The Villages.

13761 US 441 Lady Lake

True. I wasn’t impressed, though.

My favorite Italian is Napolinos on 301. It does get crowded, though.