Marcelina's Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Ocala

Moved here fairly recently and wanted to try all the Italian restaurants near us. I was very excited to finally fit Marcelina's into their opening hours based on reviews.

We were the first to arrive at 2pm on a Friday. Honestly for being the only ones there the service was slow but we weren't in a hurry so not that big of a deal. The bread and oil dip was disappointing, especially for an Italian restaurant. The 3 or 4 slices of thinly sliced Italian bread lacked something to be desired. The seasoned oil would have left a better impression if the bread (not hard, fall into pieces when you bite it, toast) was better.

I ordered the Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and my husband ordered the Chicken Marsala. My first bite or two had great flavor but as I dug in more I really didn't care for it. The few pieces of chicken were pretty dry and the alfredo was leaving a bitter aftertaste... a really bad one. Perhaps it was the Parmesan that was sprinkled on top? I always prefer additional Parmesan on my Italian dishes so I was a bit surprised if it was what was causing the bitterness?

My husband did like his Chicken Marsala. Very little somewhat dry chicken (maybe 2 oz) but he liked the flavor of the Marsala. It wasn't a large portion. The Italian place just a block or two up Hwy 200 offers the same dish and you get 4x the amount of extremely tender chicken and a much larger portion overall. My husband likes theirs a lot too maybe even more because of the portion size. At Marcelina's you're paying for mostly pasta and sauce.

We ended our visit with a cannoli. Ok, that cannoli was one of the best we've ever had and we've even had them in Italy! The price seemed a bit inflated but for an occasional treat it was worth it.

Before adding tip, 2 soft drinks, 2 entree's and 1 Cannoli came to $69. Doubt we'll be back to dine but I may go back for a...

Finally found a great place to eat, in Ocala. This unassuming looking store front, had a hidden old school, New York, Italian restaurant inside. From the split second I walked in, I could smell the perfection. We were transported back to family dinners at a long Island Italian restaurant, complete with the decor and atmosphere. Staff did not miss a thing. The greeting, the seating, napkins placed across our laps, the way the menus were handed to us, to water glasses. (Casual, no worries) The homemade (perfect, fresh) bread, the oil garlic and spices dip for it. Wow! Yeah, I haven't ordered anything yet. The portions of veal marsala and baked chicken cutlet parmesan with perfectly cooked spaghetti, again wow! So good, you can't put the fork down, even after you are full. We were absolutely amazed. The owner has taken over from her dad. She would make him proud, if he walked in. Staff was on top of their game. The chef would normally be the star with food like this and that chef "absolutely is" but this time, "every single employee" is sharing the podium with the chef. Not cook, "chef". We can not remember an experience like this since the trip state area. No Italian restaurant in the region holds a candle to this group of professionals. Like I said casual. Come as you are. $ 49.00 plus tip (we had water with lemon) Two thumbs up and 25 stars. Thank you staff. We have already told a bunch of people and we were...

If you are from NY and home sick for great cuisine and service - this is your place! As I sit here in a food coma, with leftovers for tomorrow, I can't resist writing a review. I'm from NY - and I am a foodie. When I was in FL for almost 2 months, I discovered that the food is ... well, mostly fast food and diners - with maybe a few nice off the way seafood places, and definitely some great authentic mexican and latin food, but most food in FL is sub par. BUT, I found this gem in a plaza that is nondescript in Ocala, that serves really, reallly good Italian. The service is perfect - there, but yet not in your face. They know to let you finish before bringing over your bill (pet peeve is when servers bring the bill early - or late). The food was excellent and I feel, as a New Yorker that knows her cuisine, that I found an oasis in a desert. The owner is italian, speaks several languages, and definitely wants you to enjoy the food. The artichoke french was probably my most favorite I have ever had, and mind you, I come from Italian part of the country.... the seafood linguine was really great too. The chunks of garlic in the bread dip (and entrees) - just delightful - well, don't be planning on making out later! Just enjoy the food - and the generous wine pours! ;-). Loved it...