Walking into Earth Origins in Ocala feels less like entering a grocery store and more like stepping…read moreback into my childhood. Long before Whole Foods existed... before wellness influencers... before every grocery store suddenly discovered "organic"... my parents owned health food stores in California and New York during the 1970s and 80s, back when most Americans barely understood what a health food store was. I grew up carrying whole wheat, avocado, mayo and sprout sandwiches in my lunchbox when other kids had processed snacks and white bread. My mother was giving health and nutritional talks decades ago and still does to this day. The funny part is the kids at school loved my avocado sprout sandwiches so much that they would trade me their Twinkies for them. Twinkies were absolutely a no-no in our household, which of course made them feel like pure treasure whenever I could get my hands on one... even though I knew they were terrible for me. Healthy living wasn't a trend in our household. It was simply the way we lived. And contrary to what people think now, this knowledge is not new. Ancient cultures understood the connection between food, health, longevity and lifestyle long before modern America rediscovered it and turned it into branding. Tibet is a perfect example. Entire cultures have understood preventative wellness and intentional living for centuries. Back then, health food stores were different. They were deeply personal places. Independent. Passion-driven. Families built them around education, community, and a genuine belief in helping people live healthier lives. Then the industry began to change. During the 1980s and 90s, large corporations started buying up independent health food stores across America. Chains like GNC expanded aggressively through acquisitions, converting many small family-owned stores into standardized retail locations. In fact, GNC actually bought one of my parents' stores years ago and turned it into a GNC. Later, companies like Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, and major investment groups helped transform what had once been deeply local, community-driven businesses into national chains built around scale, branding, and mass-market wellness. That's why Earth Origins still feels special to me. It still carries echoes of the old Mother Earth health food store that once existed here in Ocala. The scent in the air... the supplement aisles... the atmosphere... even the energy of the store instantly brought me back to childhood memories of standing inside my parents' stores decades ago. There's something comforting about walking into a place that still feels connected to the original spirit of the health food movement before it became mainstream. For me, Earth Origins doesn't just feel like shopping. It feels like home.

I was meaning to stop here for months after moving to the area and finally made myself go during an…read moreerrand run. I have been here several times over the years. I have shopped here so specific items and also just to browse. Since we do not have a Whole Foods or Fresh Market, and Sprouts is on the other side of town, Earth Origins is the next best thing. I have been exploring plant based products for the last couple of years and attempting the more holistic route so Earth Origins definitely assists with that. I will say, the prices are astronomical for many products but reasonable for other products. The produce department is super small, with only organic options, and not many options for vegetables or fruits. They have a small salad bar, which is measured by the pound. There is also a hot soup bar, with I think 2 options but they close that early-maybe around 5pm? There is also a deli/ seafood/ sushi counter where you can purchase a la carte items, with premade options already packaged for grab and go. They also have ramen you can order! Next is a bulk area with a huge selection of nuts, coffee, seeds, legumes, snacks, etc. I finally purchased some during my last visit. I was a little slow in figuring it out. You put the items in a bag, then tie it with a wire tag, then write the UPC code # on the tag so the cashier can type it in. There is also fresh nut butters and honey and pastries in the same area. There are aisles of dry goods, supplements, vitamins, personal care, snacks, beverages, and treats. There is also a small wine section, with a lot of local wines. Lined up against the back of the store and the last aisle are refrigerated and freezer items. I always purchase items in the area! If you join their membership, you receive special deals daily. If you bring your own bags, you receive a 5 cent discount.

Food, service and ambiance was perfect. Owner went back to New York cause he didn't have help. Will…read moremiss, hope he comes back!

Upon arrival, the aroma of spices in the air made my appetite surge! After a warm greeting, the…read morehost happily explained each menu item and gave us generous portions. Definitely try the oxtail - It's super tender and flavorful. He must've overheard our interest in ice cream, because without prompt, he brought us a sampler trio of handmade flavors (not common or easy to find flavors btw!) We ordered the one that most stood out: SCOTCH BONNET. At first, it's delicately sweet, and then chased by a fiery aftertaste - It is to say, Little Bickle gave my throat a tickle!  The owner was so patient and thoughtful personalizing our time there that we felt like we were the only customers in the shop. I truly hope that more locals find this little gem & give it a shot. I know it'll be a unique experience for them too! Wishing this sweet owner all the best!

The oils are so tasty. The staff are knowledgeable about the products. The spicy dark Balsamic is…read moreso good.

I love this place. I never knew that there were so many different types of oils and vinegars. I…read morehave my favorites. They even do mail orders for those that don't have a market near them. I don't buy my oils and vinegars from anywhere else. I highly recommend them. If you have the opportunity to actually go in the market and try different samples of the oils and vinegars, you're in for a real treat.

This is an incredible place to get a meal. One day for lunch , I went out with a co worker. She…read moreordered a ham panini and I ordered a muffuletta. She warmed up both our sandwiches and we included a side. We both got the chickpea salad which was nicely seasoned. This place also has a plethora of desserts. My friend picked up a raspberry lemon cake and I got a large piece of chocolate peanut butter cake. Each dessert was $5 and the meal combo with a side was $15. I thought it was reasonably priced. There are Italian groceries available too. Nice lady who runs the place.

What an incredible gastronomical experience my husband and I had here at Let's Eat Fresh…read moreDelicatessen! We visited for the first time yesterday and it's like a wonderland of Italian imported bakery items, olive oils, pasta and so much more! It was Italy transported to this delicatessen! Maria made our Italian paninis and, by far, they were the best we've ever had: made on fresh focaccia and absolutely out of this world Italian meats and pesto. We also had the homemade potato salad and it was also the best we've had and my almond cake (part custard, part cake) was heavenly! I am wanting to try their hot dishes next: lasagna, chicken parmigiana and more. My own Nonna was resurrected with this food. We were also helped by Rosini and Maria shared with me that her daughter Rosaria also is part owner. I would highly recommend anyone living in this region to take the drive here. It IS an Italian Wonderland of Foods. It's got a couple of tables so take-out is an option but we ate in. What a joy this deli was for us. Maria cooks with both love AND only the best ingredients. And you can 100% tell with the passion for food that she exudes when you talk to her. This, by far, has been my favorite experience with Italian fare since I moved from Miami to Citrus County in 2016. Yes, it's worth the hour drive for me. For sure and for certain... This is a must for anyone having a passion for Italian food: fresh, delicious and so very flavorful. Blessings to you, Maria and crew, for bringing us culinary joy yesterday with many more to come.

I had ordered a Keto Chocolate Cheesecake and a Key Lime Pie ( not keto ) for some friends coming…read moreover. I wanted to try The Fiery Chef since I've read the reviews and I had seen that they deliver. The food looks simply amazing as well. What is great about The Fiery Chef is that he cooks and bakes the Classic American diet but he has plenty for keto, paleo, whole30, Flex, Gluten Free, Vegan, Meals and well desserts of these nature too ! Plus they do catering and have bulk options available for you. For me this speaks to me and says yes I want your business and the fact that they know what they are doing is incredible. When my friend was over she had said that she and her boyfriend often get meals from here given their busy work schedule and that everyone is phenomenal. I looked up the menu just out of curiosity and when I needed a couple of desserts I said let's just see what we think and go from here and my these do not disappoint! After these pictures were taken a couple of hours later they were both gone! I'm thinking Christmas my dinner may be from The Fiery Chef if the kids are coming here because yum and I love how they do things here! They sure do know how to accommodate ! Address: Hillside Shopping Center 2637 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: 352-421-9205 Hours: M: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM T - F: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM If you'd like delivery the delivery day's are "Tuesday" and "Friday" https://www.thefierychef.com/

The food is so good. My husband is very picky and he likes the food. Felix has always been a…read morewonderful chef and he continues to make his customers happy with his food. We will continue to do business with Felix. I'm happy we have a place to get great food to hear st home.

I am new to the area and wanted blue crabs. I was skeptical but thought I'd give it a try. The…read morecrabs were great and well seasoned. Great customer service!

Simply put , this is the best crab place around. Thank you…read morefor the wonderful food, we travel up here often and this is our go to location

I am in the food business and have eaten great cakes and pastries around the world. Baked by Small…read moreBatch, a small bakery in Ocala Florida, makes the best brownies and cookies that I have ever had. With every bite, there is purity, richness density and clearly defined flavors. It is actually hard to properly describe just how good these brownies and cookies are. I would give them 10 Stars if possible. If you are hungry, look them up.

From the owner: Chef Made Fresh-Frozen Prepared Meals, stock up for when you want a restaurant-quality meal but…read moredon't feel like going out. Perfect for those times you don't want to cook. Chef Orlando has worked in some of the best restaurants in New York City, now he brings his talent to Ocala. Enjoy our Desserts, Cookies and Brownies along with Edible Gifts. Custom labeled Baked Goods for corporate gifts, parties, weddings, or any celebration.

If there was an opportunity to give a rating of negative (5) I would…read more The woman with the long hair was nice. The woman with the hat was so unprofessional. When the night began I asked for a Vodka and Cranberry, she gave it to me. Directly behind me was my Daughter in Law's brother. He decided to get the same drink. She replied "No I don't want to make that for you". She then gives him some peach drink. My son the groom wanted to do a "celebration shot" with his friends. SHE TOLD THE GROOM "NO". Lastly reaching them after they had the full payment was very difficult. The alcohol was also watered down. PLEASE..... RUN don't WALK away..... They are not what they represent themselves to be!!!

The best ever! We hired Beck 'N Call several months prior to our daughter's wedding. Not only did…read morethey provide great drinks and service, they were quite kind and entertained our guests! They arrived promptly and set up a very attractive bar. Then, they truly entertained our entire crowd! We all laughed and had a blast! The fun was mostly generated by the involvement Chris had with our friends and family. Thanks Chris! I am ready to plan another party! Take care, Terri

Hey Yelpers, Edie is officially open at the new location! Put in your charcuterie orders with…read moreconfidence. The new address is 4423 NW Blichton Rd, Ocala FL. It's next to the Ocala Antique Mall in the same shopping center as Gold's Gym. You can send your European cheese loving friends, bread snobs and foodie gift seekers to this lady. I'm not in Ocala except for the winter equestrian season, but a friend there reports she is OBSESSED with the charcuterie boards Edie is sending out for catering orders. I'll have to wait till January to sit here with the pefect green salad and scratch dijon viaigrette. Ya'll enjoy this gem in the meantime.

Amazing food the best homemade bread. The soups are homemade…read more And amazing. There is a shop for some unique Items like hand painted glassesfiv Etc. eat and shop. Win win.