Outdoor Dining in Ocala/Marion County

People enjoy dining outdoors around the world, but Florida’s wonderful weather lets you do it year-round.

As a result, Ocala/Marion County offers a variety of options for eating outside, from courtyard style settings on a square to waterfront eating on lakes and rivers.

Experience mouthwatering food and outdoor dining in Ocala/Marion County. Eat your way through a foodie’s paradise with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Find dog-friendly dining spots and gourmet-quality eats at some of the top-rated restaurants with outdoor seating.

There are many delicious options with outdoor seating in the area. But to get you started, here is a sample of some local favorites:

Downtown

Discover the charm of downtown Ocala while enjoying a tasty meal. For a laid-back experience, check out Sayulita Taqueria or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille. Opt for upscale dining at La Cuisine French Restaurant or Mike’s Prime. On a night out, stop by Bank Street Patio Bar and the District Bar and Kitchen for quick bites in a lively scene.

TIP: There is live music on the square every weekend for you to enjoy while walking around downtown.

Bank Street Patio Bar

Explore this swanky space with Cajun-inspired eats and a modern speakeasy-like bar. | 120 E Fort King Street

Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar

Featuring sensational BBQ, each main dish comes with your choice of garlic-cheddar grits, smoked yellow corn, mashed sweet potatoes, and more. | 10 S Magnolia Avenue

District Bar And Kitchen

This dining spot features a vibrant atmosphere with live music, breathtaking sunset views, and indulgent eats. | 110 SW Broadway Street

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Enjoy New Orleans-inspired food in the heart of downtown Ocala for lunch or dinner, savoring dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and crab cakes. | 24 SE 1st Avenue

Ivy on the Square

This intimate and elegantly designed dining spot carefully creates a menu that caters to various tastes. Fried green tomatoes and the Downtown French dip showcase the artistic touch of talented chefs with heaping tablespoons of ingenuity. | 53 S Magnolia Avenue

La Cuisine French Restaurant

Escape to a mini-Parisian getaway at this cozy bistro with live French music and chic outdoor seating. | 48 SW 1st Avenue

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

Located near Ocala’s Historic Downtown Square, you’ll experience a fine dining experience with high quality ingredients, premier services, and elegant food presentations. | 30 S Magnolia Avenue

Sayulita Taqueria

This hearty homestyle Mexican eatery has a variety of dishes with rich flavors and textures in each bite. | 10 NE 1st Street

A couple smiling at each other while dining outdoors near a river with cypress trees.

Waterfront

Several waterfront restaurants on scenic lakes and rivers offer scrumptious seafood grub. In the southern part of the county, Lake Weir features Gator Joe’s and Eaton’s Beach. In Dunnellon, Blue Gator, overlooking the Withlacoochie River and Swampy’s, sitting on the Rainbow River, have spacious decks that provide a spectacular water view.

TIP: Make a day of it and enjoy a variety of watersport activities at Lake Weir or Rainbow Springs State Park.

Blue Gator

On the banks of the Withlacoochee River, which connects to the Rainbow, the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant has a spacious wooden outdoor deck overlooking the water. | 12189 S Williams Street, Dunnellon

Eaton’s Beach Sandbar And Grill

Head over to the south side of Lake Weir finding a restaurant that specializes in “Florisiana” cuisine. | 15790 SE 134th Avenue, Weirsdale

Gator Joe’s

Finished catching the waves at Hampton Beach? Sit above the water, feel the breeze against your face and enjoy classic meals such as chicken wings, burgers, and ribs. | 12431 SE 135th Avenue, Ocklawaha

Swampy’s

This dining spot looks like it was airlifted in from the Louisiana Bayou, which is evident in its Cajun-focused menu. | 19773 E Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon

Stumpknockers on the River

Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Withlacoochee River with outdoor deck seating, fresh seafood, and classic Old Florida flavors in a relaxed waterfront setting. | 13821 SW State Rd 200, Dunnellon

A man in a suit and a woman smiling and talking while sitting on an outdoor patio with large white pillars.

Horse Country

Partake in fine dining with prime steaks and chops, seafood and savory sides in an equestrian atmosphere. Sit back and relax on the patio at Horse and Hounds or visit Stirrups and Yellow Pony at the World Equestrian Center.

TIP: Check out the event schedule at World Equestrian Center to see if you can catch a horse show while eating your meal at Stirrups.

Horse And Hounds

Locally renowned for its American comfort meals, this restaurant gives casual lunch and dinner options with meals such as prime ribs, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. | 6998 US HWY 27

Stirrups

Dine on a spacious outdoor area with stately decor, which overlooks the Grand Outdoor Arena at World Equestrian Center. Pick from a variety of delicious options like Wagyu tartare, lobster, truffle herb fries and more. | 8510 NW 17th Lane

Yellow Pony

Whether you're craving sushi or classic American grub, this dining spot with outdoor seating offers a wide range of cuisines, ranging from lobster rolls and braised beef short ribs to California rolls and bao buns. | 8510 NW 17th Lane

The White Willow

Located inside The Equestrian Manor at World Equestrian Center, The White Willow offers stylish open-air seating and elevated Pan-Asian cuisine — perfect for sunset dining with views of Horse Country | 8050 NW 17th Pl

building exterior illuminated with vibrant blue and neon red lights at night.

More Outdoor Options

Outdoor dining is available all over the destination. Unwind in a cozy outdoor space and try new foods at Stone Creek Grill and The Crazy Cucumber. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Mojo’s and Las Margarita’s.

TIP: Shop around at the Market Street at Heathbrook after a yummy meal at Las Margaritas or The Crazy Cucumber.

Las Margaritas

Dive into a lively atmosphere with awe-inspiring Mexican art and savor dishes such as nacho fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and more. | 4414 SW College Road

Mojo’s

Created from owner Rondo Fernandez’s passion for rock and blues music, this restaurant provides an exciting atmosphere for all ages with Cuban- and Cajun-inspired cuisine. | 4620 E Silver Springs Boulevard

Stone Creek Grill

Marvel at sweeping views of the Stone Creek Golf Club and savor an array of delectable food from around the globe. | 9676 SW 62nd Loop

The Whistling Duck

Set beneath shady oaks in Candler Hills, The Whistling Duck offers a charming patio, Southern-inspired dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner al fresco. | 8139 SW 90th Terrace Rd

The Crazy Cucumber

This American grub place offers a spacious outdoor dining spot with dog-friendly seating options and misting fans to stay cool during warm Ocala days. | 4414 SW College Road #1910

A hand holding a waffle cone with pink ice cream in front of a purple ice cream shop with a red roof.

Take It To Go

Because Ocala/Marion County has so many large state, national and local parks, some folks prefer to grab some food and find their own spot to picnic outdoors. This means that local restaurants are always on their A-game when it comes to takeout. Here are a few of our suggestions from a range of cuisines.

TIP: Explore Ocala/Marion parks to find the perfect picnic spot!

Food And Drink

Taste your way through the area with local flavor covering everything from a famous BBQ food truck featured on TV to seafood on the deck overlooking lakes and rivers. Not only are…

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