Fresh cherry tomatoes, eggs, and pasta arranged on a wooden surface with greenery in the background.

Who we are

Fiore’s Cafe in Ocala is your destination for authentic, handmade Italian cuisine crafted with passion and precision. Specializing in fresh pastas and traditional recipes, we bring the true flavors of Italy to every plate. With a warm, inviting ambiance and a commitment to quality, Fiore’s offers a dining experience that’s both exquisite and genuinely Italian - the perfect place to enjoy fresh, flavorful food in a cozy, authentic setting.

Our Mision

At Fiore’s Cafe, our mission is to create a dining experience that captures the soul of Italy right here in Ocala. We are dedicated to serving handcrafted, authentic Italian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a deep love for culinary tradition. Every dish — from our handmade pastas to our classic sauces and artisan pizzas — is prepared with care and passion, reflecting the warmth and richness of Italian culture.

Beyond the food, we strive to offer a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel like family — whether they’re enjoying a quiet dinner, a special celebration, or simply stopping in for a comforting meal. At Fiore’s Cafe, it’s not just about eating well, it’s about feeling at home and savoring every moment.

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Where it started…

My name is Juan Lazo, owner of Fiore’s Cafe in Ocala, Florida. I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for gastronomy, which led me to immigrate to the United States in 1994, at the age of 22, in search of a better future and new opportunities.

My career in the culinary world began in Miami Beach, at the renowned restaurant Café Prima Pasta, where I started humbly as a dishwasher. However, from the very first day, I was captivated by Italian cuisine—its passion, its aromas, and its artistry. With dedication and curiosity, I learned every technique and every recipe. Just six months later, I was already responsible for preparing all the fresh pastas in the restaurant.

For 18 years I worked at Café Prima Pasta, perfecting my skills and gaining profound experience in traditional Italian cooking. Later, I moved to Fisher Island, where I worked for five years at Porto Cervo restaurant, continuing my growth as a professional chef.

Throughout the years, I have refined my style, blending classic Italian techniques with personal flavors and touches, always maintaining deep respect for fresh ingredients and authenticity.

Today, at Fiore’s Café, I share with my customers everything I have learned throughout my journey, offering a culinary experience that reflects my passion, my story, and my love for Italian cuisine.

M E E T T H E C H E F S

  • JUAN LAZO

    JUAN LAZO - PASTA CHEF

    Pasta Chef – Guardian of Tradition

    At Fiore’s Cafe, our Pasta Chef stands at the heart of the kitchen, carrying forward the timeless craft of Italian pasta-making. With skilled hands and a disciplined spirit, he transforms simple ingredients into fresh, handmade pasta that reflects generations of tradition. Every dough he kneads, every shape he forms, is done with patience, precision, and a deep respect for authentic Italian technique.

    His work is quiet, focused, and intentional—honoring the belief that true quality cannot be rushed. From silky fettuccine to delicate ravioli, he creates pasta that is hearty, balanced, and filled with the warmth of real craftsmanship.

    In every plate served, his dedication is unmistakable. At Fiore’s Café, he is not just a cook—he is the keeper of flavor, texture, and tradition, ensuring that each meal carries the soul of genuine Italian cuisine.

  • A male chef with a mustache, wearing a white chef's coat with a colorful patch on the sleeve, a black apron, and a wireless microphone headset, standing with arms crossed against a black background.

    AMADEO LAZO - CHEF

    Our Chef – Craft Rooted in Tradition

    At Fiore’s Cafe, our chef brings years of dedication, discipline, and passion to every dish that leaves the kitchen. Trained through experience and guided by tradition, he honors the fundamentals of Italian cooking fresh ingredients, handmade preparation, and time-tested techniques.

    From house-made pastas to classic sauces and carefully prepared entrées, his work reflects a deep respect for authenticity and consistency. He believes great food is built on patience, precision, and pride—values that shape every plate served. He also, steps in whenever and where he is needed. His passion travels trough the kitchen.

    More than a chef, he is a steward of tradition, ensuring that each meal at Fiore’s Cafe delivers warmth, comfort, and the unmistakable taste of genuine Italian cuisine. Always providing customers with the outmost Italian experience.

  • JONATHAN MARTINEZ - PIZZA ARTISAN CHEF

    Pizza Maker – Master of the Hearth

    Is the quiet force behind every crackling crust and every perfectly balanced slice served at Fiore’s Café. With steady hands and an old-world sensibility, he shapes each dough by hand, allowing it to rest, breathe, and rise the way true artisans have done for generations.

    He works close to the heat, reading the oven like a living thing—respecting its fire, its timing, and its temperament. Every pizza reflects his discipline: a delicate harmony of fresh ingredients, precise technique, and unwavering pride in the craft.

    From the richness of the sauce to the gentle blister of the crust, he creates pizzas that feel familiar yet extraordinary, honoring tradition while elevating it. At Fiore’s Café, his work reminds us that great pizza is not rushed; it is crafted, with patience, passion, and a deep respect for the art itself.

We Are Proud Of Our Achievements

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For more than 12 years, Fiore’s Cafe has stood as a beloved culinary landmark in Ocala, honoring the rich traditions of Italian cuisine with unwavering dedication. Over the years, the Fiore’s Cafe has earned the admiration of both locals and visitors, being featured in prominent magazines for its authentic flavors, handcrafted dishes, and heartfelt hospitality. With great pride, Fiore’s Café has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best Italian Restaurant in Ocala, a testament to its consistency, its craftsmanship, and the trust of the community it serves.

12 Years In Existence

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Rated The Best Place To Dine

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Featured In Magazine

Ocala Style

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A restaurant table set for two with a black speckled granite surface, featuring a red folded napkin in the center, two empty wine glasses, a small floral arrangement with pink and white roses, and a container with sugar packets.
Rows of uncooked dumplings or ravioli shaped pasta on a floured surface in a kitchen.
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