First Avenue Bar and Bistro

4.5 (10)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

Make a reservation

First Avenue Bar and Bistro

4.5

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ocala

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

11:30 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Innovative
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Located in the beautifully reimagined former home of La Cuisine, First Avenue Bar & Bistro offers elevated American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, an approachable wine selection, and warm, genuine hospitality in a relaxed yet refined setting.

Our seasonal menu celebrates fresh ingredients and elevated comfort classics, thoughtfully prepared and designed to bring people together. Whether you're joining us for a casual lunch, an intimate dinner, handcrafted cocktails with friends, or a special celebration, we strive to create an experience that is welcoming, memorable, and distinctly Ocala.

We're putting the finishing touches on our restaurant and look forward to welcoming you this fall. We can't wait to serve you and become your new favorite neighborhood gathering place.

Opening October 20th 2026

Elevated American Cuisine • Handcrafted Cocktails • Warm Hospitality

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Bistro
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Contact
(352) 452-9811
Website
https://www.firstaveocala.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Oscar Jackson
Private party facilities
The First Avenue Bar and Bistro private dining room can accommodate up to 14 people. It is available to host private celebrations or business meetings.

Location
48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
Neighborhood
Ocala
Cross street
Fort King Street and SW 1st Avenue
Parking details
At First Avenue Bar & Bistro, we make parking easy! Guests are welcome to use our private parking lot located adjacent to our rear patio. Additional convenient parking is available along nearby streets, in the public parking lot directly behind the restaurant, or in the City’s new Parking Garage #2, located just one block west of the restaurant—an easy one-minute walk to our doors.
Public transit
Ocala's free downtown parking garage #2 is a one minute walk from our restaurant. You may also take the free downtown trolley from the garage to the restaurant if you prefer.
Entertainment
Live Music, wine tastings and other events (please check our website)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Bread Service$6.00
Choice of Rosemary Focaccia or Ciabatta + House Compound Butter
Deviled Eggs$16.00
Bacon Lardons + Pickled Mustard Seeds + Paprika + Chives
Braised Pork Belly$18.00
Cheshire Farms Pork + White Cheddar Grits + Jalapeño Jam Glaze
Shrimp & Crab Avocado$20.00
Baked Avocado + Rock Shrimp + Lump Crab + Spicy Mayo + Teriyaki
Seared Tuna$18.00
Sesame Encrusted Tuna + Ponzu + Crispy Wonton + Wakame
Bruschetta$14.00
Avocado + Goat Cheese + Arugula + Lemon Oil
Pan Roasted Mussels$18.00
Benton's Bacon + Tomatoes + Shallots + Butter Pan Sauce

Greens

The Floridian$20.00
Bibb + Spinach + Florida Shrimp + Lump Crab + Avocado + Heirloom Grape Tomatoes + Citrus Vinaigrette
Baby Kale$16.00
Baby Kale + Candied Walnuts + Roasted Butternut Squash + Beet Chips + Maytag Bleu Cheese + Pickled Red Onion + Maple Vinaigrette
Classic Caesar$14.00
Baby Romaine Hearts + Crispy Parmesan + House Caesar Dressing
First Avenue$14.00
Romaine + Tomatoes + Bacon Lardons + Ranch Dressing + Shaved Cheddar
Salad Add-On Options
Salmon + $15 / Filet Tips +15 / Chicken +12

Soups

Venison Chili w/ Sriracha Crème Fraîche$12.00
Hearty Venison Chili + Sriracha Crème Fraîche + Cheddar & Cornbread Crumble

Entrées

Venison Tenderloin$50.00
Cervena Farms Venison + Parsnip Puree + Sautéed Leeks & Chef's Vegetables
Bison NY Strip$70.00
12oz Bison NY Strip Glazed w/ Hot Honey + Corn & Goat Cheese Johnny Cake
Pan Seared Filet$54.00
8oz Filet + Gnocchi + Wild Mushroom + Truffle Demi-Glace
Braised Pork Shank$36.00
Hearty Cut Mirepoix + Port Wine Poached Pears + Pan Jus
Verlasso Salmon$36.00
Baby Bok Choy + Roasted Beet + Blood Orange & Beet Beurre Blanc
Pan Seared Striped Bass$48.00
Striped Bass (Skin On) + Panzanella Cream + Roasted Tomatoes + Sautéed Spinach
Cacio e Pepe$36.00
Linguine + Cream + Pepper + Jumbo Sautéed Shrimp + Tomato Ragout
Brick City Chicken$36.00
Half Chicken Brick Seared + Pink Lady Peas + Mint & Cinnamon Gastrique

Sides

Glazed Heirloom Carrots$12.00
Herb Roasted Mushrooms$12.00
Broccolini$14.00
Truffle & Parmesan Fries$12.00
Roasted Butternut Squash$12.00

Desserts

Seasonal Cobbler$15.00
Warm Seasonal Fruit Cobbler + Vanilla Gelato
Flourless Chocolate Torte$15.00
Dark Chocolate Torte + Fresh Berry Compote + Whipped Cream
Lemon Cream Tart$15.00
Lemon Cream Tart + Black Pepper Whipped Cream + Candied Citrus
Root Beer Float$15.00
Rich Vanilla Gelato + Artisanal Root Beer
Donuts$15.00
Flash Fried + Powdered Sugar + Seasonal Dipping Sauce

Kids Menu (12 and Under)

Includes a Small Beverage (Fountain Soda, Juice, or Milk)

Chicken Tenders with Fries$14.00
Crispy Chicken Tenders + Seasoned Fries + Choice of Ranch or Honey Mustard
Baked Mac & Cheese$14.00
Creamy Three-Cheese Mac + Toasted Breadcrumb Topping
Buttered Noodles$14.00
Simple Buttered Pasta + Parmesan on Request
House Breaded Fish Sticks with Fries$14.00
Crispy House-Breaded Fish Sticks + Seasoned Fries + Tartar Sauce

Cocktails

Bright & Balanced

Ocala Sunset$16.00
Corazón Blanco + Blended Family Triple Sec + Lime + Agave + Blood Orange
Scarlet Letter$16.00
Wheatley Vodka + Pama + White Cranberry + Lime + Rosemary Water
Season Ticket$16.00
Tanqueray Gin or Wheatley Vodka + Ginger + Blackberry + Lemon + Gruet

Complex & Boozy

Dirty Blonde$18.00
Roku Gin + Lillet Blanc + Angelica Elderflower + Peach Nectar + Orange Bitters
The Big Apple$18.00
Bulleit Rye + Calvados + Cocchi Torino + Angostura + Black Walnut Bitters
Red Headed Stranger$18.00
Buffalo Trace Bourbon + Disaronno Amaretto + Lemon + Maple + Bonanza
Highway Heat$18.00
Montelobos Mezcal + Green Chartreuse + Pineapple + Lime + Jalapeños

Social Sippers

Supply & Demand$16.00
Cruzan Island 13yr Rum + Cherry + Lime + Coca-Cola
Pear of Aces$16.00
Wheatley Vodka + Angelica Elderflower + Pear Nectar + Soda
Ramble On (N/A)$10.00
Empress 1908 Gin (N/A) + Blackberry + Lemon + Soda
Postcards from Paradise (N/A)$10.00
Pineapple + Orange + Lime + Coconut + Maple

Sweet & Indulgent

Breadwinner$18.00
Buffalo Trace Bourbon + Giffard Banana Liqueur + Maple + Chocolate Bitters
Late Checkout$18.00
Cruzan Island 13yr Rum + Borghetti Espresso Liqueur + Pineapple + Lime
Coconut Grove$18.00
Bombay Sapphire + Key Lime + Coconut + Blended Family Triple Sec + Orange Bitters + Saline
S’more Than a Feeling$16.00
Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka + Dorda Chocolate Liqueur + Cream + Marshmallow Cold Foam

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at First Avenue Bar and Bistro.

4.5

(10)

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

10 Reviews

A
Allen
Indiana6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attentive server, knowledgeable, pleasant dinner!,
Is this helpful?
D
Doug Gold
Tallahassee2 reviews
3.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
My wife had the Cacio E Pepe and recognizing that the menu says it has pepper the dish was so spicy hot it was not edible. We noted it to the server, who said it was a good choice when ordering, had no reaction when he cleared and the dish was not eaten. All four of us at the table tried some of the noodles and we all agreed. I had the Filet and it was well prepared. The atmosphere is nice but the menu is limited. The manager has reached out to us and we have had a good discussion. He has offered a gift card and we will probably give another try in the future. His attentiveness is much appreciated.
Is this helpful?
S
Sal Gold
Orlando19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service by Adam from the beginning to the end of the meal. The food and wine were delicious. We enjoyed a filet and a striped bass. The pinot gris was most enjoyable as were the cappuccinos and dessert. And Adam - definitely glad you suggested ala mode for the chocolate torte - just made it all the more appealing. We will be back - we saw a host of other items on the menu we want to try.
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Orlando3 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Still working out the kinks. Will try again. Food was good service a little slow and noise was a little loud
Is this helpful?
R
Rick Gold
Orlando35 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great night out, what an improvement over lacusine. This restaurant is a Ocala Gem. I highly recommend you give it a try.
Is this helpful?
A
AW
Columbus5 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 28, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely, well-appointed Southern Belle. From the menu to the dishware to the music, it’s easy to feel right at home. These are dishes my South Georgia grandmother made for years but with a refined stamp on the flavor profiles. Warm and comforting, there was smoke and cinnamon and apples laced throughout the courses. The black garlic butter for the focaccia may have stolen the show. But if you love black eyed peas, get the Brick City chicken. Delicious.
Is this helpful?
A
Aaron
Orlando1 review
3.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We went originally because of a post of a local influencer that showed huge portions on a video from a soft opening. The portions were a lot smaller and my steak was undercooked they sent it back and brought out a new steak but did not offer anything for the mistake. The food was decor. But the meat was under seasoned . The server was nice. They are a new place and I’m sure they are working out the kinks.
Is this helpful?
D
Deb Gold
Caribbean5 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. We will be back nice improvement for Ocala
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Unspecified2 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 23, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I really enjoyed the food, drinks, and service. We look forward to going back soon with friends.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephanie
Orlando1 review
5.0
Dined on October 21, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is an amazing new establishment Ocala needed! The food was perfectly crafted and full of flavors! Something on the menu for everyone! The touches of glassware, plates and details were all appreciated! Such a lovely elevated food experience where the food stole the show! The environment was warm, inviting and perfectly cohesive without feeling stuffy! Can't wait to try ALL of the menu items!
Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Bistro
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Contact
(352) 452-9811
Website
https://www.firstaveocala.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Oscar Jackson
Private party facilities
The First Avenue Bar and Bistro private dining room can accommodate up to 14 people. It is available to host private celebrations or business meetings.

Location
48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
Neighborhood
Ocala
Cross street
Fort King Street and SW 1st Avenue
Parking details
At First Avenue Bar & Bistro, we make parking easy! Guests are welcome to use our private parking lot located adjacent to our rear patio. Additional convenient parking is available along nearby streets, in the public parking lot directly behind the restaurant, or in the City’s new Parking Garage #2, located just one block west of the restaurant—an easy one-minute walk to our doors.
Public transit
Ocala's free downtown parking garage #2 is a one minute walk from our restaurant. You may also take the free downtown trolley from the garage to the restaurant if you prefer.
Entertainment
Live Music, wine tastings and other events (please check our website)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, families are welcomed: one family enjoyed Sunday brunch with their 8‑ and 19‑year‑old daughters and praised the friendly greeting, attentive service, and delicious brunch dishes.

La Cuisine feels like a cozy, intimate French bistro, soft lighting, classic French decor, and occasional live music create a warm, table‑focused setting ideal for date nights and celebrations.

Some mains are substantial, for example, the LC's Burger is an 8oz house-ground patty, a size guests describe as large and satisfying.

La Cuisine fills up early in the evening, one reviewer noted it was getting busy by 5:00 pm with many dinners booked by 7:00 pm, while Sunday evenings and some Thursday nights tend to be quieter and more relaxed.

Yes, La Cuisine is frequently chosen for anniversaries and romantic dinners, offering an intimate French-bistro ambience and many guests report celebrating special evenings there.

Yes, La Cuisine has an outdoor patio where guests sometimes sit; reviewers note the outdoor seating overlooks the parking lot and can be a quieter option when the humidity eases.

Yes, La Cuisine runs a daily happy hour and brunch specials: there’s a posted Happy Hour window in the early evening, and brunch includes bottomless mimosas or Kir (limited to two hours); the kitchen also offers weekend entrée specials.

For a relaxed, quieter visit, La Cuisine is especially pleasant on Sunday evenings around 5 PM; early Thursday nights also tend to be calm and less crowded.

Sunday is a lovely pick, guests praise Sunday brunch at La Cuisine and note Sunday evenings can be relaxed and not too busy.

Yes, there are vegetarian options at La Cuisine, including menu items like the Vegetable Tagine and the Veggie Omelette, and guests report enjoying vegetarian dishes such as the veggie-barley plate and potato gratin.

The escargots are a recurring favorite, La Cuisine’s Escargots in Garlic Butter appear on the menu and many guests rave about them.

Yes, reviewers note the online reservation form lets you add celebration notes, and staff often honour those requests (for example, placing a handwritten anniversary note on the table).

Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed attire is appropriate, so aim for neat, comfortable clothing rather than formalwear.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

First Avenue Bar and Bistro

4.5

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ocala

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

11:30 PM

Booked 15 times today

First Avenue Bar and Bistro

Make a reservation

First Avenue Bar and Bistro

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Petite Plates

Bread Service$6.00

Deviled Eggs$16.00

Braised Pork Belly$18.00

Shrimp & Crab Avocado$20.00

Seared Tuna$18.00

Bruschetta$14.00

Pan Roasted Mussels$18.00

Greens

The Floridian$20.00

Baby Kale$16.00

Classic Caesar$14.00

First Avenue$14.00

Salad Add-On Options

Soups

Venison Chili w/ Sriracha Crème Fraîche$12.00

Entrées

Venison Tenderloin$50.00

Bison NY Strip$70.00

Pan Seared Filet$54.00

Braised Pork Shank$36.00

Verlasso Salmon$36.00

Pan Seared Striped Bass$48.00

Cacio e Pepe$36.00

Brick City Chicken$36.00

Sides

Glazed Heirloom Carrots$12.00

Herb Roasted Mushrooms$12.00

Broccolini$14.00

Truffle & Parmesan Fries$12.00

Roasted Butternut Squash$12.00

Desserts

Seasonal Cobbler$15.00

Flourless Chocolate Torte$15.00

Lemon Cream Tart$15.00

Root Beer Float$15.00

Donuts$15.00

Kids Menu (12 and Under)

Chicken Tenders with Fries$14.00

Baked Mac & Cheese$14.00

Buttered Noodles$14.00

House Breaded Fish Sticks with Fries$14.00

Cocktails

Bright & Balanced

Ocala Sunset$16.00

Scarlet Letter$16.00

Season Ticket$16.00

Complex & Boozy

Dirty Blonde$18.00

The Big Apple$18.00

Red Headed Stranger$18.00

Highway Heat$18.00

Social Sippers

Supply & Demand$16.00

Pear of Aces$16.00

Ramble On (N/A)$10.00

Postcards from Paradise (N/A)$10.00

Sweet & Indulgent

Breadwinner$18.00

Late Checkout$18.00

Coconut Grove$18.00

S’more Than a Feeling$16.00

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

Is this a good pick for date night?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

When is the best time to go to La Cuisine French Restaurant?