[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by banjobob

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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.