Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Ocala / Gainesville

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant

5.0

5 (61)

$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

Tim

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

From the appetizers to the dessert, all was outstanding. Highly recommend.

Katya Vineyards

4.9

4.9 (838)

$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

Ralph

Dined 2 days ago

My partner and I were late for our reservation but we called ahead and everything was okay. They could be flexible because the restaurant wasn't crowded. It was July 4th weekend and everyone was out of town. Katya Vineyards is located on the main square in Ocala, an area of several fine restaurants. Service staff were very friendly and eager to help. They had a cocktail menu but few cocktails were listed. I guess you have to know what you want and the bartender will make it to order. I thought it might be a wine bar but I never saw a wine list. This is a high end mom and pop restaurant. The wife is the hostess and the husband is the executive chef. We ordered lobster bisk and beet salad for starters. The lobster bisk was fine but the beet salad lacked beets. It was an ordinary salad nestled on a few slices of beets. A disappointment although the salad was good. I ordered grouper garnished with lobster. Delicious. My partner ordered sea scallops which she thought were slightly too well done. We skipped desert as we usually do. Although it wasn't crowded I got the impression that this place has a local following. It's very dark so bring a reading light if you need it. Overall an excellent place and we shall return. There is a chef's choice pairing dinner available. Very pricey.

Mark's Prime Steak House - Ocala

4.9

4.9 (2839)

$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

JAMESVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Marks never disappoints and we’ve been here countless times. The South Dakota sourced steaks and fresh local ingredients always exceed expectations. Service was excellent as usual. Don’t miss this spot if you’re dining out in Ocala.

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Black Prong Bar & Grill

4.8

4.8 (264)

$31 to $50

American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Sip on craft cocktails as you listen to live music and enjoy delicious steak and seafood!
The Black Prong Bar and Grill is the perfect spot for a celebration with friends, a romantic date night, or just to try some of the best food in Levy County. We can’t wait to see you!

Top review

Gary

Dined 1 day ago

It was a wonderful dining experience. We hope you have a contest to name Kevin the peacock’s girlfriend. Our vote is Chloe

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Experience

Live Music at the Bar & Grill- Claire Vandiver

Experience

Live Music at the Bar & Grill- Zac Petty

Experience

Live Music at the Bar & Grill- Matthew Brown

La Cuisine French Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2255)

$31 to $50

French

Ocala

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Ocala, La Cuisine offers an authentic selection of bistro dishes drawn from the various regions of France.
Our award-winning menu focuses on unprocessed ingredients. We use local, grass-fed, antibiotic free meat and poultry when available.
Everything you taste at La Cuisine is homemade and well portioned as if you were invited to our grandmother's table.

Top review

Travis

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Highly recommend! Everything was perfect from the drinks to the desserts! Made my date night with my fiancée a perfect evening.

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4.8

4.8 (46)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ocala

About the restaurant

Three Six Bistro: A Culinary Oasis in Ocala Located in the heart of Ocala, Three Six Bistro is a destination for food lovers. Chef Sean Langan, known for his modernist culinary approach, infuses West Coast flair into Florida's dining scene. Experience an elegant ambiance with warm lighting and sleek décor that sets the stage for an intimate meal. The enticing aroma of innovative dishes made from the finest global ingredients will awaken your senses. Delight in appetizers like coconut clams, Dungeness crab fondue, and tempura-fried mushrooms. For entrees, savor duck and pork pappardelle, smoked scallops mornay, and the indulgent Wagyu burger. More than just a restaurant, Three Six Bistro offers an unforgettable experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a culinary adventure, this bistro promises to impress. Join us and enjoy the artistry of Chef Langan's creations at Three Six Bistro.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service. Chef Sean is amazing. Excellent food. Excellent presentation.

Stirrups at World Equestrian Center

4.7

4.7 (1759)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Ocala

About the restaurant

Prime steaks and chops, sustainable Florida seafood and seasonal specialties are served in a refined dining room with elevated service. Stirrups offers an extensive wine cellar to complement your menu selections.

Top review

Benjamin

Dined 3 days ago

Jersey! A load of fun who could give you 5 or more bullet points describing any meal or cocktail on the menu. I travel all across the country and frequent the highest end steakhouses in the US and she didn’t hesitate to create one of the best experiences ever. Recommendations galore, and even knew a couple “hacks” she communicated to the kitchen staff to make our meal even more enjoyable. The meal was unreal, EVERY SINGLE ITEM was perfect, delicious, and timed perfectly. Attention to every little detail was evident when the food was delivered! We had Corn chowder, Macaroni and Cheese, Lobster, “Jerseys” Pork Chop, truffle pasta, Brussel Sprouts, Cream Corn, and multiple deserts. A true explosion of flavors. The food and service director visited our table and knew little facts about us when he showed up, once again, impressive attention to the experience. Teamwork was evident, demonstrated by every single member of the staff. Stirrups has a keen focus on excellence and hits the mark every time.

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14 oz New York Striploin

Sensei Asian Bistro

4.7

4.7 (260)

$50 and over

Contemporary Asian

Gainesville

About the restaurant

At Sensei, tradition meets innovation. Our menu blends timeless Asian techniques with modern culinary artistry, all set in a sophisticated yet welcoming space designed for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Led by Chef Xiaoqian Hu, our kitchen is known for standout creations like our A5 Wagyu tasting, fresh catch flown directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, and refined tasting plates.

Golden Hour (4:30 PM–6:00 PM)
Savor our exclusive early evening menu featuring hors d'oeuvres, tasting courses, and seasonal seafood sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market—perfectly complemented by sommelier-selected wines, handcrafted cocktails, and premium drafts. A graceful start to your evening awaits.

Celebrating something special? Let us know your details—we love creating personal, memorable moments for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and beyond.

Top review

Ray

Dined 5 days ago

A Culinary Gem in Gainesville Sensei Asian Bistro is a standout destination for those seeking a refined and imaginative dining experience. The chefs here demonstrate remarkable precision, crafting each dish with an artist’s eye and a deep respect for Asian culinary traditions. What truly sets Sensei apart is its bold, modern twist on classic flavors—think of dishes that melt in your mouth and starters that surprise and delight. From the elegant plating to the harmonious flavor profiles, every element reflects thoughtful innovation. Whether you're indulging in their omakase sushi or savoring the miso-glazed sea bass, Sensei delivers a consistently elevated experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out.

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Experience

Chef’s Tasting Menu

Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville

4.7

4.7 (1446)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gainesville

About the restaurant

We are operating in strict accordance with CDC, State of Florida and Alachua County regulations. We have limited seating in our dining room to ensure proper social distancing. Reservations are strongly encouraged. We are offering take out curb side service for those who would like to enjoy Mark's at home. Delivery is also available through 352Delivery.com. Our wine and beer selections are available for take out. As always, we thank you for your continued support.

-Mark's Prime Steakhouse Management Team

Top review

Won

Dined 7 days ago

Loved the food and service. Best steakhouse in GNV

Remington's Prime Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (425)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Ocala

About the restaurant

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