For more information, visit ocalamarion.com.
Exceptional dining choices can help you far exceed a meeting’s expectations. Fortunately, Ocala/Marion County is a destination that delivers exquisite culinary options to fuel attendees’ experiences. Offering fine dining choices throughout the historic downtown and at the largest equestrian complex in the country, attendees can dine and relax in Ocala/Marion County after long days of meetings and networking. Furthermore, two of Ocala/Marion County’s chefs have been recognized nationally, a testament to our commitment to providing culinary excellence.
Small Destination with Big Flavors
Ocala/Marion County prides itself on its innovative and passionate flavors that can complement the essence of your meeting. At World Equestrian Center, delightful flavors await, such as the international offerings of Yellow Pony Pub and Garden or the southern steakhouse cuisine at Stirrups. Meeting attendees near Downtown Ocala will find themselves in culinary heaven, given the range of unique restaurants and breweries available to them.
Around the downtown Square, attendees can appreciate the fine dining experience that Katya Vineyards provides, or they can enjoy a more casual meal with great outdoor views at District Bar & Kitchen. Just south of the Square is a quaint block known as Magnolia Avenue, home to Ivy on the Square, a southern-style restaurant boasting a 1920s speakeasy ambiance. Tuscawilla Park, located on the northern side of downtown Ocala, is home to a new food hub called Midtown Station, which features Infinity Ale Works, a local brewery that serves up Belgian-inspired beer.
Applauded Local Chefs
Two chefs from Ocala/Marion County have been honored for their national recognition, solidifying the area’s status as a culinary hotspot. Yohann Le Bescond, an executive pastry chef at Emma’s Patisserie in World Equestrian Center, was a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Award, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional talent in culinary, hospitality and media industries. Yohann was also a top finalist on Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship” and appeared on “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.”
Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s BBQ, is another Food Network star with appearances on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and “BBQ Brawl” where he was crowned Master of ‘Cue. His win on “Guy’s Big Project” led to his show, “Eat, Sleep, BBQ.”
Plan your Ocala/Marion County Meeting Today
Ocala/Marion County offers exceptional value for your meeting dollars, so let us transform your next meeting into an extraordinary experience. Contact the Ocala/Marion County VCB today to begin planning a truly unforgettable meeting.
With its convenient central location, exceptional venues and countless opportunities to explore, Ocala/Marion County is the ideal destination to bring people together and create lasting, meaningful memories.
For more information, visit ocalamarion.com.
