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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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High above the treetops, The White Willow is Ocala’s rooftop destination. With sweeping balcony views and an open-air lounge, it’s the perfect setting for a night out. The chef-driven menu highlights sushi, dim sum, grilled specialties, and shareable plates, pairing Asian flavors with sake cocktails and Japanese whiskies for unforgettable evenings.
Address and Contact Information
Address: The Equestrian Manor, 8050 NW 17th Pl #520, Ocala, FL 34482
Phone: (352) 844-8786
Website: https://worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl/dine/white-willow/
Related Web Results
The White Willow | Ocala Restaurants near WEC
The White Willow is one of four new dining concepts located inside The Equestrian Manor, the latest addition to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala campus.
The White Willow Menu at The Equestrian Manor
Below, explore the menus for The White Willow in Ocala, Florida. From refined restaurants to casual bites and convenient catering services, …
The White Willow Restaurant – Ocala, FL | OpenTable
The White Willow, located at the WEC resort, offers a stunning ambiance and is praised for its “exceptional service” and “delicious food.” Guests rave about the …
Reviews
Katelyn Fiorello
White Willow at WEC is truly world-class.
An elevated Asian pan experience done flawlessly every dish is intentional, beautifully executed, and bursting with flavor. The sushi is exceptional: fresh, artful, and easily some of the best we’ve had. Pair that with their expertly crafted cocktails (balanced, creative, and memorable), and the experience feels both indulgent and refined. From ambiance to service to cuisine, White Willow sets the standard for upscale dining at WEC and beyond. A must visit. A special thank you to our amazing server, Katie. Her knowledge, attentiveness, and warm presence truly elevated the entire experience. She guided us effortlessly through the menu with thoughtful recommendations and made the evening feel both personal and polished.
… moreAn elevated Asian pan experience done flawlessly every dish is intentional, beautifully executed, and bursting with flavor. The sushi is exceptional: fresh, artful, and easily some of the best we’ve had. Pair that with their expertly crafted cocktails (balanced, creative, and memorable), and the experience feels both indulgent and refined. From ambiance to service to cuisine, White Willow sets the standard for upscale dining at WEC and beyond. A must visit. A special thank you to our amazing server, Katie. Her knowledge, attentiveness, and warm presence truly elevated the entire experience. She guided us effortlessly through the menu with thoughtful recommendations and made the evening feel both personal and polished.
monica camarena
We had a lovely night at The White Willow, the food, drinks and view were amazing.
Our server was Isabelle and she was exceptional, very attentive, even the person who was bringing our food out was amazing! Highly recommended.
… moreOur server was Isabelle and she was exceptional, very attentive, even the person who was bringing our food out was amazing! Highly recommended.
Erin Hirsch
I had the absolute pleasure of checking out Ocala’s newest, and what will be the crown jewel Asian restaurant: White Willow in the World Equestrian Center. Buckle up y’all, this is a longer review but I had to do it justice.
When I walked in, the hostess team greeted me with such cheerful alacrity. For a brand new team, they had it down! I was THEN greeted by the most charming restaurant interior I have seen in some time (please note the most excellent and immersive wallpaper that I am obsessed with in one of the pictures). The restaurant is situated on the top floor of the Equestrian Manor, which provides an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset. Curse this cold weather preventing me from sitting on the patio and fully taking in said view! (shakes fist at sky).
My server, Daniel, was so warm and welcoming, without even a hint of those opening restaurant nerves that you usually see in a server during opening week. I would have thought he had worked there for years, which is a true testament to what a successful training program they must have.
OK, enough background and on to the MAIN EVENT—the stunning cuisine (P.S. there is a full service bar AND gorgeous sushi bar with seating for a less formal experience). I started with the Wagyu potstickers (pain-stakingly hand-made in house every morning) and the Reef and Beef roll which had lobster, A5 Wagyu beef and the most excellent crunchy potato topping— sincerest THANK YOU Chef, your girl loves some texture in her bites. To be honest, this roll might have been the pièce de resistance of the meal for me. It had the most luxurious flavor, with a hint of Smokey char from the beef, and that awesome pop from the potatoes. The potstickers are also not to be underestimated. The accompanying sauce that is usually fairly watery and one note at other restaurants, was thick and intense and clung to my potsticker like a beautiful, warm hug in the winter. They both also paired so well with my Daiginjo sake that was offered by the glass and what a nice hefty pour they provide too!
I continued my food journey with some sea bream sashimi. I heckin’ LOVE some sea bream with its velvety texture and clean taste but I do not see it on menus enough. It did not disappoint.
I then enjoyed my main, which was the miso black cod. I am a sucker for miso glazed anything—slap that stuff on an old shoe and I’d probably still give it a bite. But I digress…. The fish was served skin on, which I know can be strange for some, but it was pleasantly crisp and married so well with the miso and bok choy. Now, you may be thinking, dang this girl has to be done eating now. You would be mistaken (brushes the dust off shoulder).
I finished my savory part of the meal with the pork belly bar buns. Okay, these kind of threw me for a bit of a loop. They were scrumptious, but do not order them and expect a traditional bao, but think of them as more of a pork belly (or pork candy) baby slider, as they deep fry the actual bun. The crispness is delightful and definitely a departure from the ordinary bao, but it was a tasty bite with a nice hit of acid from the house pickled vegetables.
I finished off this food marathon (we will call it my “cool down” part of the exercise) with their take on a strawberry shortcake with a gorgeous matcha crème anglaise. The plate is visually striking with that delightfully whimsical little butterfly on top. It ate so light and airy, with a subtle sweet sophistication. What a freaking experience. The service team did not miss a beat, and the leadership team was unobtrusively observing to ensure that every table’s experience was flawless. This is truly a special operation y’all. A little birdie also told me they are going to start having a DJ on select nights on the terrace which I think is going to lend itself to a very neat atmosphere. I truly cannot recommend this restaurant enough and can say, with authority, that there is a top-tier experience in store for you when you go.
… moreWhen I walked in, the hostess team greeted me with such cheerful alacrity. For a brand new team, they had it down! I was THEN greeted by the most charming restaurant interior I have seen in some time (please note the most excellent and immersive wallpaper that I am obsessed with in one of the pictures). The restaurant is situated on the top floor of the Equestrian Manor, which provides an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset. Curse this cold weather preventing me from sitting on the patio and fully taking in said view! (shakes fist at sky).
My server, Daniel, was so warm and welcoming, without even a hint of those opening restaurant nerves that you usually see in a server during opening week. I would have thought he had worked there for years, which is a true testament to what a successful training program they must have.
OK, enough background and on to the MAIN EVENT—the stunning cuisine (P.S. there is a full service bar AND gorgeous sushi bar with seating for a less formal experience). I started with the Wagyu potstickers (pain-stakingly hand-made in house every morning) and the Reef and Beef roll which had lobster, A5 Wagyu beef and the most excellent crunchy potato topping— sincerest THANK YOU Chef, your girl loves some texture in her bites. To be honest, this roll might have been the pièce de resistance of the meal for me. It had the most luxurious flavor, with a hint of Smokey char from the beef, and that awesome pop from the potatoes. The potstickers are also not to be underestimated. The accompanying sauce that is usually fairly watery and one note at other restaurants, was thick and intense and clung to my potsticker like a beautiful, warm hug in the winter. They both also paired so well with my Daiginjo sake that was offered by the glass and what a nice hefty pour they provide too!
I continued my food journey with some sea bream sashimi. I heckin’ LOVE some sea bream with its velvety texture and clean taste but I do not see it on menus enough. It did not disappoint.
I then enjoyed my main, which was the miso black cod. I am a sucker for miso glazed anything—slap that stuff on an old shoe and I’d probably still give it a bite. But I digress…. The fish was served skin on, which I know can be strange for some, but it was pleasantly crisp and married so well with the miso and bok choy. Now, you may be thinking, dang this girl has to be done eating now. You would be mistaken (brushes the dust off shoulder).
I finished my savory part of the meal with the pork belly bar buns. Okay, these kind of threw me for a bit of a loop. They were scrumptious, but do not order them and expect a traditional bao, but think of them as more of a pork belly (or pork candy) baby slider, as they deep fry the actual bun. The crispness is delightful and definitely a departure from the ordinary bao, but it was a tasty bite with a nice hit of acid from the house pickled vegetables.
I finished off this food marathon (we will call it my “cool down” part of the exercise) with their take on a strawberry shortcake with a gorgeous matcha crème anglaise. The plate is visually striking with that delightfully whimsical little butterfly on top. It ate so light and airy, with a subtle sweet sophistication. What a freaking experience. The service team did not miss a beat, and the leadership team was unobtrusively observing to ensure that every table’s experience was flawless. This is truly a special operation y’all. A little birdie also told me they are going to start having a DJ on select nights on the terrace which I think is going to lend itself to a very neat atmosphere. I truly cannot recommend this restaurant enough and can say, with authority, that there is a top-tier experience in store for you when you go.
Heather Amir
Such a great dining experience! The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, the service was flawless, and the food and drinks exceeded expectations. Every dish was flavorful and beautifully prepared, and the cocktails were just as impressive. Highly recommend!
… moreFaroe47
I left the restaurant feeling frustrated and unaccommodated. I had been responsible for obtaining reservations for 11 people. We had to get two tables and were told on several occasions we would be seated together. That didn’t happen. In fact, one table was in a separate room. The environment was terribly noisy. I could barely hear people at my own table. And, to make matters worse, it was frigid in there. Beware! The men’s room is a hike, requiring a hostess to serve as a guide. Our waiter messed up several orders, with one person receiving food they didn’t order. My meal came about 15 minutes after the first meal arrived at our table. We were not provided with any dipping sauce for our edamame appetizer. The general impression with the food was that it was just so-so. I ordered the “Moriawase Sashimi” ($52). Fortunately, it’s pretty hard to mess up a bowl full of raw fish. Most of the 11 people in our party said they would not be going back.
… moreLori K
I don’t review often but we love the World Equestrian Center and the other restaurants on grounds… and this is the first time we’ve ever been to the newly opened white Willow. We are also BIG Asian Food lovers and I have to tell you this was a big disappointment.
We drove an hour to get to the restaurant and we were greeted by a beautiful hostess area with friendly people.
Our server Izzy was lovely and so was her backup Adam!
Service got slow as the evening went on. Everyone’s Sushi was EXCELLENT!
Our table ordered hot main dishes (Mary’s sweet and sour chicken and chow main) and the chow main was so SALTY… non of us could eat it.
Most dishes were not hot including the rice.
After the check was presented a manager came over and apologized.
We will come back for the Sushi but not for anything else.
… moreWe drove an hour to get to the restaurant and we were greeted by a beautiful hostess area with friendly people.
Our server Izzy was lovely and so was her backup Adam!
Service got slow as the evening went on. Everyone’s Sushi was EXCELLENT!
Our table ordered hot main dishes (Mary’s sweet and sour chicken and chow main) and the chow main was so SALTY… non of us could eat it.
Most dishes were not hot including the rice.
After the check was presented a manager came over and apologized.
We will come back for the Sushi but not for anything else.
Sara Koehn
Absolutely incredible experience! From the moment we walked in, the service was attentive and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was bursting with authentic flavors—you can tell they use high-quality ingredients. The dim sum & wagyu & broccoli is a must-try! Easily the best Asian cuisine in the area. We’ll definitely be back soon!
… moreRobert
The Entry to The Manor is Grand ! That expresses to Me that I am welcome and the Business is very proud of what They have offer for Me. My Wife and I saw pictures of a the new Restaurant White Willow. Impressive interior design with a Grand outdoor Patio. The White Willow Staff welcomed Us with smiles and attentive to Our conversations with them. Eye to Eye contact during conversation made Me feel They cared so much. Our Server , Jordan welcomed Us with a sweet smile as soon as We sat at Our table. Miss Jordan explained the Menu and recommendations. Miss Jordan made Our Dining experience at White Willow extraordinary ! Well done, White Willow! I can’t wait to enjoy the Outdoor Bar to enjoy the Sunset!
… moreMatthew Scott
We went to White Willow the first weekend they were open and it didn’t seem that way. Everything was on point from front of house to service from staff. Everyone worked as a team to make sure you had a great experience. The food was delicious. We had no complaints. My only point of suggestion for White Willow would be just be to tweak the pork belly bao bun dim sum. The fillings inside including the pork belly needed to be more generous to pack the flavor punch needed and match the photo. We will be back very soon!
… moreCindy Morrison
We loved everything about White Willow! First off, it’s gorgeous…., the design gives it a cozy luxurious vibe. Our server, Jordan, couldn’t have been more charming and informative. The food was delicious! We had a great time and will try to get back before we leave.
… more