New Restaurants in Ocala
Discover the latest dining additions to Ocala's growing culinary scene. From casual eateries to upscale dining experiences, explore what's new in Marion County.
Ocala's Growing Dining Scene
Ocala's restaurant landscape is experiencing exciting growth. New dining establishments regularly open their doors, reflecting the community's expanding population and increasing demand for diverse culinary experiences. Whether you're looking for innovative cuisine, traditional favorites, or health-conscious options, Ocala's newest restaurants offer something for every palate.
The dining scene reflects Marion County's economic vitality and entrepreneurial spirit. Many new restaurants showcase locally-sourced ingredients and celebrate the region's agricultural heritage while introducing modern culinary techniques and global flavors.
Recently Opened in Ocala (2026)
Openings verified against each business's own website, locator or social page as of October 18, 2026. For stores, gyms and other businesses, see our new businesses in Ocala tracker of openings, coming-soon projects and closings.
Potbelly
Corta Commons, 8424 SW State Road 200 · opened Oct. 13, 2026
The sandwich chain's Ocala shop on the SR 200 corridor holds its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. See our Potbelly Ocala guide.
Kilwins
4414 SW College Rd, Suite 420 · opened Feb. 13, 2026
The chocolate, fudge and ice cream shop's first Marion County location, at Market Street at Heath Brook. See our Kilwins Ocala guide.
The Forge Ocala
343 NE 1st Ave · soft-opened July 20, 2026
A multi-restaurant complex in the former WMOP radio building with The Blind Eye speakeasy, Ignite (Asian fusion and sushi), The Hammock (Mediterranean tapas), Parting Lines Pizza and more.
Yummy House
2510 SW 27th Ave, Ste 103 · open again
The Hong Kong-style Chinese and weekend dim sum restaurant is back after leaving SW College Road. Weekend dim sum runs Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sushi Feast
3500 SW College Rd, Suite 400 · opened March 2026
An all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant in Yummy House's former SR 200 space. See more in our Ocala sushi guide.
La Dolce Vita Café
Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd · opened Sept. 19, 2026
The SR 200 gelato shop's second location, near the mall food court, adds specialty coffee, croissants and focaccia sandwiches.
Planet Smoothie
4414 SW College Rd, Ste 320 · Market Street at Heath Brook
The smoothie chain's Ocala store, listed on its locator with online ordering. Phone (352) 342-1105. See more smoothies in Ocala.
Häagen-Dazs
40 S. Magnolia Ave, downtown Ocala
An independently operated Häagen-Dazs shop on the Downtown Square, open noon to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Friday and Saturday), with ice cream cakes. See ice cream in Ocala.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
4001 NW Blitchton Rd · new in 2026
A new Dairy Queen in northwest Ocala with a drive-thru, open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days. Phone (352) 450-9500. See all Dairy Queen locations in Ocala.
Raising Cane's
2410 SW College Rd · opened March 3, 2026
The chicken finger chain's first and only Ocala restaurant, open until 1 a.m. (2 a.m. Friday and Saturday). Phone (352) 605-2683.
Ellianos Coffee (Pine Ave.)
2259 S Pine Ave · opened Sept. 16, 2026
The drive-thru coffee chain's fourth Ocala store, open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Ivy on the Square (new ownership)
53 S Magnolia Ave · grand re-opening Oct. 28, 2026
The Southern restaurant on the downtown square changed hands in February and now has a new menu and Sunday hours (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
What's Opening in Ocala
First Avenue Bar & Bistro
48 SW 1st Ave, downtown Ocala · reservations from Oct. 20, 2026
Elevated American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in the former La Cuisine space, open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. A preview period with reduced seating runs Oct. 20 to 31, and OpenTable reservations open Nov. 3, according to the restaurant's website.
Chick-fil-A (East Silver Springs Blvd.)
4639 E. Silver Springs Blvd · under construction
The City of Ocala issued the building permit on Sept. 14, 2026, and its inspection log shows site inspections approved each week from Sept. 30 through Oct. 21. City records do not give an opening date.
7 Brew Coffee (Paddock Mall)
3100 SW College Rd · city permits issued Oct. 12, 2026
A drive-thru coffee stand on the Paddock Mall parcel, with a second Ocala stand planned at 3233 SE Maricamp Rd. As of Oct. 22, 2026, city records and 7 Brew's store locator list no opening date.
Downtown, First Avenue Bar & Bistro begins taking reservations on Oct. 20, 2026, in the former La Cuisine space at 48 SW 1st Ave, and Wolfy's on East Silver Springs Boulevard reopened under the Scrambles Cafe team. On SW 27th Avenue, Frida's Tacos and Tequila at 2445 SW 27th Ave has 4.9 stars from 1,714 Google reviews. Read our guide to the Frida's Tacos and Tequila menu in Ocala.
Recently Closed in Ocala
WingHouse of Ocala
2145 E. Silver Springs Blvd. · closing announced early October 2026
The sports bar and wing restaurant announced on its Facebook page that it is closing its doors. The nearest WingHouse restaurants are now in Orlando and Wesley Chapel. See the best wings in Ocala for local options.
Tips for Discovering New Restaurants
- •Follow local Ocala business announcements for grand opening details
- •Check social media pages of new restaurants for menus and opening dates
- •Subscribe to the Ocala Chamber of Commerce updates for business news
- •Visit our dining directory regularly to discover the latest additions
- •Ask locals for recommendations—word-of-mouth is a reliable guide
- •Look for special opening promotions and grand opening events
Explore More Dining Options
Check out our comprehensive dining guides to explore Ocala's full culinary landscape:
Frequently Asked Questions
What new restaurants opened in Ocala in 2026?▼
Recent openings include The Forge Ocala, a multi-restaurant complex at 343 NE 1st Ave that soft-opened July 20, 2026 (The Blind Eye, Ignite, The Hammock and more); Sushi Feast, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant that opened in March 2026 at 3500 SW College Rd; Yummy House, open again at 2510 SW 27th Ave, Suite 103; and La Dolce Vita Café, which opened inside Paddock Mall on Sept. 19, 2026. Planet Smoothie (4414 SW College Rd at Market Street at Heath Brook) and a Häagen-Dazs shop (40 S. Magnolia Ave downtown) are also open. Potbelly opened at Corta Commons, 8424 SW State Road 200, on Oct. 13, 2026, with a grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Kilwins opened at 4414 SW College Road, Suite 420, in late 2025 and held its Chamber ribbon cutting on Feb. 13, 2026.
What new restaurants have opened in Ocala?▼
Ocala's dining landscape continues to evolve with new restaurant openings regularly. The community welcomes diverse culinary concepts ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. Check local business announcements and our dining directory for the most current information about recent openings.
Are there any restaurants coming soon to Ocala?▼
Yes. Downtown, First Avenue Bar & Bistro at 48 SW 1st Ave, in the former La Cuisine space, begins taking reservations on Oct. 20, 2026, according to its website. It will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m., with a preview period and reduced seating from Oct. 20 to 31. For stores and other businesses on the way, see our new businesses in Ocala tracker.
What restaurants closed in Ocala recently?▼
WingHouse of Ocala, the sports bar and wing restaurant at 2145 E. Silver Springs Blvd., announced on its Facebook page in early October 2026 that it is closing its doors. The company location list no longer includes Ocala; the nearest WingHouse restaurants are in Orlando and Wesley Chapel.
Where are the newest restaurants in Ocala?▼
New restaurants in Ocala are typically located in prime commercial areas including downtown, major shopping centers, and along main thoroughfares like Magnolia Avenue and Silver Springs Boulevard. These high-traffic areas provide convenient access for both locals and visitors.
What type of new restaurants are opening in Ocala?▼
New restaurant concepts opening in Ocala range from casual fast-casual dining to full-service fine dining. Popular additions include specialty cuisine restaurants, health-conscious dining options, and locally-focused farm-to-table establishments that celebrate Marion County's agricultural heritage.
How do I find out about new restaurant openings?▼
Stay informed by following the Ocala Chamber of Commerce, local Marion County business publications, and our dining guide. Many new restaurants announce grand openings through social media, local news outlets, and community event calendars.