The 7 Best Restaurants in Ocala, FL

What is America’s National Pastime? Most may say baseball. Yes, baseball has had a highly active role in shaping this nation. However, not everyone goes to see the game; they go for the food. It’s the same way around the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida. In this article, we’ll go through the best restaurants in Ocala.

Ralph “Larry” and Mary Roberts’ vision reshaped Ocala. They developed a wonderland not only for horse lovers but also for food lovers. You don’t need to be an equestrian to enjoy the culinary delights in and around WEC.

World Equestrian Center area restaurants-

Ocala/Marion County in Central Florida has southern charm and award-winning eateries. Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the flavors of Ocala.

This culinary scene is impressive and is nestled within the WEC ambiance.

These dining establishments are open to visitors and spectators and cater to a wide range of guests, including locals, tourists, and equestrians. It’s refreshing to explore all this facility has to offer. There is something to suit every palate. Trot on over to these Ocala eateries.

The 7 Best Restaurants In Ocala

RALPH’S SANDWICH SHOP

1320 NW 85th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-414-7875

Take a casual canter over to the WEC stadium to sink your teeth into Ralph’s diner delights. Start your day with one of Ralph’s breakfast sandwiches, flaky Chocolate Croissant, or Morning Danish.

Chocolate Croissant at Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

At lunchtime, enjoy one of the burger joint classics and a homemade milkshake. I recommend Ralph’s Signature Burger or the Smokehouse Burger if you are a barbecue fan. Save room for a slice of Peanut Butter Pie or an Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie.

I recommend a burger and a shake, but hot dogs and sandwiches are also on the menu.

STIRRUPS RESTAURANT

8510 NW 17 Lane, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-414-7864

The view from the terrace overlooking the Grand Arena was spectacular and the atmosphere is inviting, which enhanced the dining experience at Stirrups. I also enjoyed the inside environment here in the morning and evening.

My morning appetizer was the breakfast Bowl of Berries with a Pecan Sticky Bun. I could add French Toast with bananas, strawberries, whipped cream, or a Belgian-style waffle. Frequent favorites were the thick-cut smoked bacon, a Three-Egg Omelette, and the Granola Parfait.

What’s for dinner? The menu is filled with Florida seafood and southern-inspired specialties, including Southern Fried Chicken, a Certified Angus Beef Burger, Shrimp and Grits, and Ora King Salmon. As for me, I am a seafood lover, so the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail was my pick.

And for dessert? Hot Toddy Bread Pudding with bourbon caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla ice cream. I decided to try something new, a popular southern dessert called Hummingbird Cake.

Looking ahead, their Easter Brunch on the terrace piqued my interest. The buffet selections include deviled eggs, warm cinnamon rolls (makes my mouth water), Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and Leg of Lamb. Order a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa at the cash bar.

Three seatings are available, and reservations are required. Enjoy a variety of premier food and excellent service at Stirrups. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Ocala.

YELLOW PONY PUB & GARDEN

8510 NW 17 Lane, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-414-7865

Nothing is tacky about saddling up at the bar and tasting a rare bourbon, whiskey, or craft cocktail. Some of the bar stools are Western horse saddles. A table or outdoor patio with a fireplace are other seating options.

Live music enhances the energy in this fun, foodie place. Order a shareable appetizer while you peruse the entrees. The giant Soft Pretzel will make your eyes pop, and your jaw drop. This salty starter with a cold beer is a perfect combo. I made the Smoked Chicken Wings into a meal.

It was a savory choice. Entertain these entrees: Popcorn Grits & Burnt Ends or a Cowboy Burger with cheddar cheese, bourbon barbecue, and fried onions.

If you prefer a sandwich, here is a flavorful choice Smoked Reuben house-smoked pastrami, thousand island, Swiss cheese, with sauerkraut on rye.

The warm Citrus & Berry Crumble kumquat with vanilla ice cream was a happily-ever-after dessert.

FILO’S MEXICAN CANTINA

8527 NW 17th Lane, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-414-7876

Craving Mexican food? Spice up your day and head over to Filo’s. Traditional Mexican dishes are served from morning to evening. Here’s why it’s one of the best restaurants in Ocala.

How about a Breakfast Burrito with eggs, potato, jack cheese, cilantro, and salsa? More breakfast options include a plain or everything bagel and a Yogurt Parfait. Here is a winning combo: the Cantina Breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and a flour tortilla.

Moving on to lunch, the Chicken Tortilla Soup with Chips and Salsa or Nachos will warm up your belly.

Consider the Cantina Taco Salad made with greens, a fried tortilla bowl, black beans, roasted corn, scallions, tomato, pickled onions, cilantro, ground beef, crema, and avocado cotija dressing. That covers a couple of soup and salad selections. Of course, there are Street Tacos, Fajitas, and Quesadillas.

Chicken Tortilla Soup at Filo's Mexican Cantina

Here is a fun idea: Build Your Own. UNO: Choose your burrito, bowl, salad, or taco; DOS: Rice, beans, and a choice of meat; TRES: Add your preferred salsa; QUATRO: Complete your creation with your favorite toppings.

Grab a seat in the dining room or open-air patio and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while you savor authentic Mexican cuisine.

VIOLA & DOT’S ITALIAN KITCHEN & PIZZERIA

8235 NW 17th Pl, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-414-7877

A slice is always nice. Pick a pizza-by-the-slice option. Margherita with Di Napoli tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, basil. The Fennel Sausage slice includes Calabrian chiles, di Napoli tomato, mozzarella, basil, and caramelized onions.

Get the Pepperoni slice with mozzarella, grana Padano, and Chile flakes. If you rather have a veggie slice, get the Zucchini with basil, ricotta, onions, mozzarella, or Plain Cheese slice. Homemade dough makes their pizzas and calzones taste so fresh and fabulous.

Pizza at Viola & Dot's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria

A hearty classic Italian entrée is the Lasagna with meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. If eggplant is your thing, order the Eggplant Parmesan with Grana Padano, marinara, basil, and mozzarella—so much cheesy goodness.

Save room for decadent desserts like Tiramisu or Ricotta Cheesecake and enjoy a true taste of Italy in the heart of Ocala. Mangia e divertiti (eat and enjoy).

HORSE & HOUNDS RESTAURANT & PUB

6998 US Hwy 27, Ocala, FL 34482 // 352-620-2500

Horse & Hounds is where the locals hang out. They know the best eateries in the area. This estate-like home setting is perfect for indulging in American comfort foods. And, it’s one of the best restaurants in Ocala.

Sit inside the pub or outside on the patio and get some meaty Horse & Hounds wings, pub-fried pickles, or Farmhouse Beef Tips for starters. Aha! Here is where you can get Ahi Tuna. Personally, I will pass on that one, but I know it’s a favorite of many.

Soup and Salad are a classic combo. Ask about the homemade soup of the day or get the popular family recipe Tomato Bacon Dill soup. I prefer the spinach salad, but they also offer a Cobb or farmhouse salad.

Please put this entrée on my plate: the finger-licking Guinness Baby Back Ribs. My two other main meal choices are House Special Honey Bourbon Salmon and Pecan Chicken with a side of Sweet Potato Wedges. The Pub favorites are Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips with steak-cut fries.

You know I must mention these delectable desserts, which include Florida’s Favorite Key Lime Pie, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, or a Blondie Sundae.

All these would be pleasing to my palate, but my mood determines which flavor I select.

BIG LEE’S BARBECUE

2611 SW 19th Avenue Rd #100, Ocala, FL 34471 // 352-670-2972

Rashad Jones is serious about barbecue. He is known as the ultimate pitmaster and master of ‘cue’ and can say that he Beat Bobby Flay on the 12th episode, season 34, “The Win Beneath Their Wings.” No wonder this is one of the best restaurants in Ocala.

One of his secrets that cinched the win was the Mississippi Delta Blues Blueberry Barbecue Sauce (inspired by his Uncle Leon, aka Big Lee) and his grilled smoked wings.

He paired it with his bold coleslaw recipe using dill, Greek yogurt, and grilled Bok choy. In addition to beating Chef Bobby Flay, Jones is the winner of Season Three of Food Network’s series BBQ Brawl, and he won the Food Network series Guy Fieri’s Big Project in 2017.

Now you know why this is a must-visit barbecue business at their brick-and-mortar restaurant or catch them on the move with their fleet of food trucks. Uncle Lee’s joy and cooking talent are carried on by Rashad Jones and come through in every bite. They know how to make it right.

FINISH LINE: Best Restaurants In Ocala

That cinches up this journey through the World Equestrian Center’s round of restaurants bit by bit. Expect a warm welcome of hospitality at each venue. Experience a wide range of food choices that beckon visitors to savor every bite and every moment. Immerse yourself in a world of culinary wonders.

You will discover a full rein of food and fun awaiting you, there’s no need to stall—plan your visit to Ocala today.

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