SE Ocala Dining
Italian fine dining, beloved breakfast cafes, Mexican street food, and neighborhood pizzerias along Silver Springs Blvd and Maricamp Road.
Silver Springs Blvd & Maricamp Road Dining
Southeast Ocala's dining scene stretches along two main corridors: Silver Springs Boulevard (SR 40) running east from downtown toward Silver Springs State Park, and Maricamp Road heading south through residential neighborhoods. The area offers a different character from downtown's walkable bar scene or SR 200's chain-heavy strip — here you'll find locally owned restaurants that serve their surrounding neighborhoods with honest food and consistent quality.
The Silver Springs Boulevard stretch is particularly notable for its range. Within a few miles you can go from Italian fine dining at Mesa de Notte to a classic American diner at Darrell's. On Maricamp Road, Scrambles Cafe has built a devoted breakfast following and Big Man's Cafe serves Southern food with soul from 9425 SE Maricamp Rd, while Three Six Bistro offers one of Ocala's most intimate fine dining experiences. On SE Baseline Road, Crunchies & Munchies runs a takeout-only Buffalo wing shop, the second location of its NE 36th Ave original.
For dining in other parts of Ocala, see our downtown dining guide and SR 200 corridor guide. Visiting the Santos trails? See our restaurants near Santos guide for the same restaurants organized by distance from the trailhead. Or see our guide to places to eat in Ocala by area.
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Restaurants in SE Ocala
From fine dining to neighborhood diners, these are the restaurants serving the east and southeast side of Ocala.
Mesa de Notte is a family-owned, upscale Italian restaurant serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 9 PM. The menu covers antipasti, pasta, seafood and classic Italian preparations such as Marsala, Piccata and Saltimbocca, with an Italian-leaning wine list. Reservations can be requested on the restaurant website for parties of two to four.
Three Six Bistro is an intimate fine dining restaurant featuring the modernist culinary artistry of Chef Sean Langan. The 24-seat setting creates an exclusive experience, with a contemporary American menu that brings West Coast flair to Central Florida. Dinner and weekend brunch feature innovative scratch recipes that change with seasonal ingredients.
Scrambles Cafe is one of SE Ocala's most beloved breakfast destinations. Open seven days a week from 6 AM to 2 PM, the cafe serves homestyle breakfast and lunch including their signature Grandma's Pancakes, loaded omelets, Philly cheesesteaks, and Reubens. The consistently early hours make it a go-to for shift workers, families, and early risers across Marion County.
El Toreo on Silver Springs Boulevard serves authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that has earned a loyal following in east Ocala. The menu features sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and combination plates with generous portions. The full bar serves margaritas and Mexican beers to complement the food.
Darrell's Diner is a down-home diner at 3375 E Silver Springs Blvd #103 serving classic comfort food from 6 AM to 3 PM. Phone (352) 351-5632.
La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket pairs a Mexican grocery store with a restaurant under one roof at 4185 W Highway 40, just west of I-75 Exit 352. It is on the opposite side of Ocala from the Silver Springs Boulevard corridor, but it is included here because it pairs a Mexican restaurant with a full supermarket. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are offered.
Dining by Corridor
SE Ocala's restaurants are spread along two main roads. Here's what you'll find on each.
E Silver Springs Blvd (SR 40)
The main east-west corridor from downtown toward Silver Springs State Park. Restaurants are spread along the road from the 2400 block to the 3700 block.
- Mesa de Notte — 2436 E Silver Springs Blvd
- Darrell's Diner — 3375 E Silver Springs Blvd #103
- El Toreo Mexican — 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd
Maricamp Rd & SE 36th Ave
The southeast corridor running through residential neighborhoods south of Silver Springs Blvd. Fewer restaurants, but notable quality.
- Scrambles Cafe — 3233 SE Maricamp Rd
- Big Man's Cafe, 9425 SE Maricamp Rd
- Grace Japanese Steak House, 3035 SE Maricamp Rd (hibachi and sushi)
- Three Six Bistro — 3751 SE 36th Ave
Worth the Drive: West Highway 40
- La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket — 4185 W Highway 40, west of I-75
SE Ocala Dining at a Glance
Hidden Fine Dining
Two of Ocala's best fine dining restaurants are tucked into SE Ocala. Mesa de Notte in Ocala serves upscale Italian on East Silver Springs Boulevard, and Three Six Bistro's 24-seat setting offers one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Marion County.
Breakfast Capital
SE Ocala punches above its weight for morning dining. Scrambles Cafe and Darrell's Diner both specialize in breakfast, giving early risers multiple quality options within a short drive.
Authentic Mexican
El Toreo on E Silver Springs Blvd covers full-service Mexican and Tex-Mex dining on the east side, while across town La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket at 4185 W Highway 40 pairs a Mexican grocery store with a dine-in, takeout and delivery restaurant.
Neighborhood Character
Unlike the chain-dominated SR 200 corridor, SE Ocala's restaurants are overwhelmingly locally owned and independently operated. This gives the area an authentic neighborhood dining character that regulars appreciate.
Silver Springs Access
Silver Springs Boulevard leads directly to Silver Springs State Park, making the corridor's restaurants convenient for visitors before or after a day at the springs.
Value Dining
Most SE Ocala restaurants fall in the $-$$ price range, making the area one of Ocala's most affordable dining corridors. Generous portions at fair prices are the norm at spots like Scrambles and Darrell's Diner.
Frequently Asked Questions About SE Ocala Dining
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