AI-generated illustration of a bistro entree. Not a photo of the restaurant.
Business
2026-09-305 min readFirst Avenue Bar & Bistro Replaces La Cuisine in Downtown Ocala This October
This is a business news article published on 2026-09-30 covering local Marion County, Florida news. Downtown Ocala's former La Cuisine space at 48 SW 1st Avenue becomes First Avenue Bar & Bistro in early-to-mid October, with elevated American cuisine from a Mark's Prime alum.
Updated Today
By Only In Ocala Staff
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A new downtown Ocala bistro is due to open in October 2026 in the space that housed La Cuisine for 17 years.
First Avenue Bar & Bistro is taking over the downtown Ocala space at 48 SW 1st Avenue that was home to La Cuisine French Restaurant. Hoodline reports the owner is Don Gulling, founder and CEO of Verteks Consulting. Michael Mink, previously general manager at Mark's Prime Steakhouse, serves as CEO and managing partner. The menu is described as elevated American cuisine, including venison tenderloin, bison strip and vegetarian and vegan options, with craft cocktails and an approachable wine list.
The opening is expected in early-to-mid October 2026. No firm date had been announced, and the timing depends on state inspections. Hours have not been published.
La Cuisine was founded in 2009 by French owners Patrice Perron and Elodie Guinard, earned three Golden Spoon Awards from Florida Trend magazine, and closed on June 12, 2026, after 17 years, according to the same report.
For another new dining destination, read our report on The Forge food hall in Midtown Ocala.
See the full list on our new restaurants in Ocala page, browse downtown Ocala dining, or compare options in fine dining in Ocala. Downtown events pair well with dinner: check the Ocala events calendar for First Friday Art Walk and Reilly Arts Center shows.
First Avenue Bar & Bistro at 48 SW 1st Avenue
First Avenue Bar & Bistro is taking over the downtown Ocala space at 48 SW 1st Avenue that was home to La Cuisine French Restaurant. Hoodline reports the owner is Don Gulling, founder and CEO of Verteks Consulting. Michael Mink, previously general manager at Mark's Prime Steakhouse, serves as CEO and managing partner. The menu is described as elevated American cuisine, including venison tenderloin, bison strip and vegetarian and vegan options, with craft cocktails and an approachable wine list.
The opening is expected in early-to-mid October 2026. No firm date had been announced, and the timing depends on state inspections. Hours have not been published.
The End of La Cuisine
La Cuisine was founded in 2009 by French owners Patrice Perron and Elodie Guinard, earned three Golden Spoon Awards from Florida Trend magazine, and closed on June 12, 2026, after 17 years, according to the same report.
Also Opening: The Forge in Midtown
For another new dining destination, read our report on The Forge food hall in Midtown Ocala.
More Places to Eat
See the full list on our new restaurants in Ocala page, browse downtown Ocala dining, or compare options in fine dining in Ocala. Downtown events pair well with dinner: check the Ocala events calendar for First Friday Art Walk and Reilly Arts Center shows.
Source: Hoodline (Aug. 2026). The opening date is as reported and may change; confirm with each business before visiting.
First Avenue Bar & Bistro
La Cuisine
downtown Ocala
new restaurants
Ocala dining
October 2026
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