Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Ocala / Gainesville

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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 (836)

$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

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Best experience ever, absolutely recommended will be back for sure.

Sensei Asian Bistro

4.8

4.8 (258)

$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

Pat

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

Beautifully presented, delicious food in an elegant atmosphere. Impeccable service.

Stirrups at World Equestrian Center

4.8

4.8 (1746)

$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

Arno

Dined 6 days ago

Incredibly prepared and presented appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Attentive and efficient servers in a pleasant atmosphere. A wonderful evening overall.

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Black Prong Bar & Grill

4.8

4.8 (260)

$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

Renae

Dined 2 days ago

We took my dad on Saturday night for an early Father’s Day dinner, from the time we walked into the building, they greeted us , sat us right away, the waitress was awsome, we never had to ask for anything, she was always checking on us, the food, oh can I say perfect! The steak was amazing, so tender. My dad had the salmon and he said he loved it. We will go back again.

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Experience

Red, White & BBQ!

Prime & Pearl

4.6

4.6 (956)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gainesville

About the restaurant

* Gift cards received or purchased before November 2022 through Aloha are no longer valid *
Prime & Pearl is a sublime, delightfully original chophouse in Gainesville, Florida that believes unexpected, flavorful pairings lead to something magical. From steaks, dry-aged for 35 days to uniquely crafted cocktails, dining at Prime & Pearl is an experience. One you won’t soon forget.

Our focus is on bringing things together—often unexpected things—to make something creative and authentic. We believe a sense of wonder is an integral part of every memorable dining experience in our space.

Enjoy a local, hand-selected 25-ounce Porterhouse ribeye perfectly dry-aged on-site. Taste an array of oysters from our own gulf waters up to the shores of New England and Canada. Choose a unique steak knife that reflects your personality. Quench your thirst for originality with a personalized Prime & Pearl Bourbon or Whiskey. Whatever you do, don’t eat ordinary.

Top review

Henry

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Excellent service, and even better food! 10/10 would recommend!

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Blue Gill Quality Foods

4.6

4.6 (39)

$30 and under

Seafood

Gainesville

About the restaurant

One of three successful businesses owned by the Gills, our mission is the same as our sister restaurants: to serve fresh, delicious food made from the best local ingredients. Our gorgeous copper-top bar and spacious dining area make Blue Gill a great place for friends, family, and large parties to enjoy food inspired by southern-style cooking.

So come sample our great tasting combinations of food and spirits in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Top review

Ulrich

Dined 1 day ago

We had a delicious dinner with great service. Very enjoyable.

Mojo Hogtown Bar-b-que

4.5

4.5 (17)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Charles

Dined on May 6, 2025

Very good food and service. Nice sit-down atmosphere. Went on Tuesday when it would be typically uncrowded which made the meal all the more enjoyable.

Shula's Steak House - Gainesville

4.5

4.5 (636)

$50 and over

Steak

Gainesville

About the restaurant

The Shula's Story
Established in 1989, Shula's Steak House started with one goal in mind - to carry on the legacy of Coach Don Shula, one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. 30 years later, we've taken that goal and run with it. We're proud to offer the highest quality steaks, fresh-caught seafood, and tantalizing sides.

Inspired by Coach
Winners are a different breed. Winners work hard, winners value the small details, and winners never cut corners.
When Coach Don Shula opened the first Shula's Steak House in 1989, he took his winning formula to a whole new level. He wanted to provide the highest quality steaks in a warm, inviting setting. There's an ethos to excellence - it doesn't matter if you're coaching an undefeated football team, or grilling up a porterhouse - we make sure we live by it.

Top review

Judy

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Wonderful experience as usual! The food was excellent and our server was very pleasant and accommodating! We love Shula’s for all our special occasions!!

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Dave & Buster's - Gainesville

4.4

4.4 (105)

$30 and under

American

Gainesville

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

Mercedes

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

It’s a good place to take the kids while trying to enjoy a date with your significant other. The only downside is that one person has to stay at the table at all times — it would be better if they allowed an open tab system, instead of worrying about people running off without paying.Other than that, the food was good, the environment was great, the service was excellent, and the kids had a lot of fun playing games while my husband and I enjoyed each other’s company.

Salted Brick at Ocala Preserve

4.3

4.3 (515)

$31 to $50

American

Ocala

About the restaurant

Salted Brick is open to the public and is located within the beautiful resort community at The Ocala Preserve. We bring to life regional favorites alongside American classics using locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. Our centerpiece exhibition kitchen and wood-fired oven invites you to watch as entrees are grilled to perfection above a natural flame.

Our Dress code here at The Club at Ocala Preserve & The Salted Brick is resort casual. This includes no ripped jean, no gym attire, no flip-flops, no T-shirts or tank tops. Men are required to wear collared shirts, jeans, slacks and dress shorts.

Outside reservation are first come first served. We can guarantee accommodations with reservations, however we cannot guarantee specific tables.

Top review

Elon

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Wonderful dinner with friends to celebrate their birthdays. The food and ambience were wonderful. Our waitress was attentive and kind. A fabulous experience.

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