In the past five years, dozens of restaurants have opened new locations in Ocala. Among the several hundred restaurants in and around the area, there are only a few dozen that have received hundreds of favorable reviews.
We compiled a list of those restaurants that are the “highest rated” in Ocala, taking into account all ratings from Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor for each business. Only restaurants with at least 200 online reviews were considered, and all restaurants averaged over 4 out of 5 stars.
At the top of our list is Haeorum Foods, which has an average user rating of 4.803 (out of 5) stars among 888 online reviews. Located at 3045 SE 3rd Avenue, the restaurant/grocery store serves classic and modern Korean dishes.
In 2022, Haeorum Foods was named to Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in Florida.
Second on our list is Cafe Havana, which has an average user rating of 4.799 stars among 1,267 online reviews. Cafe Havana serves authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican food out of 923 N Magnolia Avenue, in the North Magnolia Business District.
Third on the list is Katya Vineyards, which recently celebrated its grand reopening at 101 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite 102. Katya earned an average user rating of 4.787 from 268 online reviews.
The fine dining restaurant shut down its previous location over the Summer and officially reopened for business on December 31, 2023.
Next on our list is GG’s Heavenly Soul Food, which received an average user rating of 4.785 from 268 online reviews. The restaurant is located at 2209 E Silver Springs Boulevard.
As its name suggests, the restaurant serves up a variety of soul food favorites including cat fish, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens, among other dishes.
Rounding out the top five is Big Man’s Cafe, which has accumulated an average user rating of 4.775 from 506 online reviews. Located at 1011 NE 14th Street, the restaurant serves up American fare for breakfast and lunch starting at 6 a.m., six days a week.
There are dozens of other restaurants that made our list, including multiple cafes, barbecue spots, diners, and recently opened establishments. Here is the rest of the top ten, with the average user rating and number of reviews:
6. The Gathering Cafe – 4.710 (603): Originally opened in 2020, the restaurant has since moved into a new location at 306 SW Broadway Street in downtown Ocala. The menu features extensive options for breakfast and lunch, as well as a variety of coffees and sweet treats.
7. 4120 Bombay Cafe – 4.706 (509): This restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes, including some with a modern twist, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Located at 4120 SW 38th Court, the restaurant also offers catering services.
8. Big Hammock Brewery & Bites – 4.691 (644): This brewery and restaurant opened in downtown Ocala in the Spring of 2019. The restaurant, which is located at 103 SE 1st Avenue, features craft brews and a variety of Asian favorites including pot stickers, steamed bao buns, and ramen bowls.
9. J Rocks Pizzeria – 4.686 (1,118): Opened in the Spring of 2019, this pizzeria puts a seafood twist on traditional pies. In addition to its signature pizzas, the restaurant, which is located at 2606 SW 19th Avenue Road, also sells boiled seafood on Fridays and Saturdays.
10. Formaggio Pizza and Italian Restaurant – 4.663 (1,373): The restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and pizza and is located at 1053 NE 14th Street, just a few doors down from Big Man’s Cafe.
Check back next week when we release the rest of the 75 establishments that are considered the highest-rated restaurants in Ocala.