Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Ocala / Gainesville

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Ocala / Gainesville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Katya Vineyards

4.9

4.9 (789)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Ocala

About the restaurant

At Katya Vineyards we believe in the power of food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy of shared moments. Every dish from Executive Chef Tony Deras is a labor of love and paired with our exquisite wine list and hand crafted cocktails.

Come experience the warmth of Katya Vineyards – where fine dining meets familial embrace.

Top review

Bill

Dined 4 days ago

Applaud what they are doing here, it’s very special. Their attention to customers is excellent. The food was nice, good flavors, and everything plated looked amazing. The ambiance was spectacular! This is a great special occasion place. Truly joyful and will return.

Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (28)

$30 and under

Indian

Ocala

About the restaurant

Established in 1981, Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant serves flavorful authentic cuisine. Its charming setting is bright and welcoming with comfortable seating. Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant is wonderful for dining out with the family. Guests can begin their meal with an appetizer of samosa chat, madras fried shrimp or cheese pakora. A fulfilling entrée of butter chicken, lamb saag, paneer tikka or vegetable biryani will satisfy the palate. It also offers traditional desserts like kulfi and gulab jamun. Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant provides catering services for private events. It has a bar that offers cocktails and other libations. Carry-out is also available for individuals wanting to enjoy their meals at home.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 1 day ago

Love this restaurant. Beautiful remodel inside looks great! Excellent food and excellent staff!

Remington's Prime Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (274)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Ocala

About the restaurant

Prime Steak, Fresh seafoods , Bison Burgers and so much more. Fine dining with a Montana feel.

Top review

Bart

Dined 4 days ago

This modern take on the classic steakhouse never disappoints. From the great wine selection to the juicy steaks, Remington’s Prime always shows off their southern hospitality and upscale charm. See you soon!

Mark's Prime Steak House - Ocala

4.7

4.7 (2752)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Ocala

About the restaurant

Marks Prime Steakhouse has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, freshest seafood, premium wines and naturally fresh vegetables. We hope to see you soon.

Top review

Brenda

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food, Ian was excellent server, a very enjoyable experience for our group.

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Mildreds Big City Food

4.7

4.7 (648)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

We are North Central Florida's farm-to-table, local, sustainable foods restaurant. Operated by Bert and Tara Gill, Mildred's offers a seasonally changing menu highlighting what is available locally.

Offering quality and freshness with no shortcuts, our team prepares each dish from scratch.

We serve local produce and fresh Florida seafood every day. We also feature a full bar, an award winning wine list and homemade cakes and cheesecakes.

Mildred's is proud to say we serve Gainesville's best food! We are also in the Golden Spoon Hall of Fame for our dedication to great food and service year after year.

Reservations for lunch are not necessary.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 5 days ago

Awesome as always - great service & wonderful dishes.

Black Prong Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (201)

$31 to $50

American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Featuring a full bar, lite bites, and select entrees, the Black Prong Bar & Grill welcomes you to grab a cocktail, settle into our lounge area, and catch up with friends.

Top review

Karen

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

We were seated immediately upon arrival. The service was excellent. The food was served quickly. And the restaurant was quiet and peaceful.

Braised Onion

4.6

4.6 (1720)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Ocala

About the restaurant

Welcome to Braised Onion where we serve "Comfort Food with Attitude!" Our wonderful entrée & dessert selections are ALL homemade and will tickle your taste buds! We also offer a full-service liquor, wine and beer bar. Try our martini specials! Whether it's a big event or a quaint party, you will enjoy our fantastic food and a fun, colorful and festive atmosphere! There is a private banquet/dining room for your special event or just a quaint dinner out!

Top review

LawrenceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience! The drinks, food and service were excellent. We will return!!

Elevation89

4.6

4.6 (22)

$30 and under

American

Ocala

About the restaurant

If you’re looking for a dining experience offering both excellent food and gorgeous table-side views, consider Elevation 89 At The Ocala Airport. Elevation 89 features American Cuisine in a unique atmosphere overlooking the runway and featuring nightly views of spectacular sunsets. The name of the 150-seat restaurant, established in 2021, references the pilot call signal for the Ocala airfield—which is itself based on the airport’s elevation at 89 feet above sea level.

Top review

robert

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

shrimp and grits was amazing. short ribs melt in your mouth.

Bahama Breeze - Gainesville

4.3

4.3 (251)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Gainesville

About the restaurant

When you're at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, life's one big party. It's an escape from the ordinary and a much-needed excuse for you to let loose. Famous since 1996 for tropical cocktails, live music, and more, the vibe here is always as amazing as that Caribbean-inspired food we're known for. Bahama Breeze offers your favorites: seafood, salads, chicken-all with island flair. From Jerk Chicken Pasta to Seafood Paella, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. Naturally, we're the perfect spot for all the sunniest moments in life: happy hours with friends, anniversaries, birthdays, date nights and unique culinary experiences. So, when you're ready to raise your glass and move your feet, the party's in full swing and the islands are waiting for you or if you'd rather bring the Island party home, online ordering is a Breeze too!

Top review

Charles

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Great service, friendly staff, courteous managers. The food was tasty!

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