Turner’s Kitchen + Bar: Chef-Driven Dining in Downtown Leesburg

Just a short drive from The Villages, our Turner’s Kitchen Leesburg review highlights one of Lake County’s most talked-about dining experiences. Turner’s Kitchen + Bar in downtown Leesburg blends chef-driven creativity with a warm, brick-walled setting and a focus on locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

We visited recently for dinner and found a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and a few inventive twists on familiar dishes — all worth sharing with fellow Villagers looking for new places to try.

Atmosphere at Turner’s Kitchen Leesburg

Turner’s feels both relaxed and upscale, with a cozy, open-brick interior that manages to be inviting without feeling stuffy. We were greeted warmly and seated right away, and our server Madison deserves special mention — attentive, friendly, and clearly proud of the food and drinks she was serving.

Bar area with wooden decor and seating inside Turner’s Kitchen + Bar — The spacious bar at Turner’s Kitchen + Bar — a comfortable spot for cocktails or wine before dinner.

Drinks + Starters at Turner’s Kitchen

We started off with cocktails and wine, which set the tone for a leisurely evening. For appetizers, we shared the Crispy Gulf Oysters — lightly fried, served hot, and full of flavor. They didn’t last long at our table (we remembered to snap a photo just in time).

Crispy Gulf Oysters appetizer served with greens and tartar sauce — The Crispy Gulf Oysters — crunchy, flavorful, and one of our favorite bites of the night.

Shortly after came warm pretzel bread, served with an orange-infused oil and chocolate balsamic dip. It’s an adventurous combination — our guests enjoyed it, though I personally might have preferred a more classic pairing of olive oil and aged balsamic.

Main Courses

The entrees came with one clear message from the kitchen: “No substitutions or changes.” That tells you something about the chef’s confidence in their creations — each plate arrives exactly as designed.

Pork + Pancakes – Duroc pork chop with sweet potato pancakes, wilted spinach, and molasses butter.
Prime Rib (Friday night special) – Available in 10 or 12 ounces, served with optional horseradish sauce.
Blackened Shrimp – Gulf shrimp with farro, shiitake mushrooms, wilted spinach, and chocolate balsamic.

Pork chop served over sweet potato pancakes with molasses butter — Pork + Pancakes — a creative combination of savory pork and sweet potato pancakes with molasses butter.

Blackened shrimp with farro and shiitake mushrooms on white plate — Blackened Shrimp with farro and shiitake mushrooms — bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

Prime rib dinner with roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts — Prime Rib — the Friday night special, served with roasted vegetables and optional horseradish sauce.

All the plates were generous and beautifully presented. The prime rib, while perfectly cooked, could have used a touch more seasoning for my taste — the horseradish sauce was a welcome companion. Everyone else at the table enjoyed their meals, and there were smiles all around by the end.

Turner’s Kitchen + Bar Leesburg dinner menu featuring entrées and nightly specials — Turner’s Kitchen + Bar dinner menu — chef-driven entrées and nightly features.

Restaurant menu showing appetizers and From the Grill selections — The “Firsts” and “From the Grill” sections include Southern-inspired starters and steakhouse favorites.

Service

Service was excellent from start to finish. Madison kept drinks full, courses timed perfectly, and checked in just the right amount. It’s clear that Turner’s staff takes hospitality seriously.

Beer and ale list featuring Florida and imported selections — Beer and Ale Menu — local favorites like Cigar City Jai Alai and Yuengling round out the drink options.

One small quirk we noticed — Turner’s doesn’t seat more than four guests per table. For larger parties, they’ll do side-by-side tables, but not combined seating. It wasn’t a problem for us, though it’s good to know if you’re planning a group dinner.

Our Turner’s Kitchen Leesburg Review Summary

Turner’s Kitchen + Bar impressed us with its balance of creativity, comfort, and attentive service. From the chef’s “no-changes” confidence to the generous portions and local sourcing, the experience felt thoughtfully curated.

Whether you’re planning a date night or a group dinner, we think this Turner’s Kitchen Leesburg review proves it’s well worth the short drive from The Villages to downtown Leesburg.

If you enjoy discovering new local dining spots, check out our Best Italian Restaurants in The Villages guide for more ideas nearby.

If You Go

Address: 114 S 5th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 530-2274
Website: turnerskitchen.com
Price Range: $30–50 per person
Hours: Tue–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday)

Photos: Bar and dining room at Turner’s Kitchen + Bar, Crispy Gulf Oysters, Pork + Pancakes, Blackened Shrimp, Prime Rib, Beer Menu, and Dinner Menu.