15 Best Restaurants In Gainesville | Everyone Should Try

Gainesville is full of wonderful restaurants. Some are known for their amazing food, others for the ambiance, and still others for being a popular hangout spot. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a restaurant experience, there’s something here to suit your needs. In this blog post we’ll explore some of 15 best restaurants in Gainesville that you should try before leaving town!

Gainesville is located in the heart of north central Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, as well as a thriving business community. As you would expect from a city its size, Gainesville has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. You can find just about any type of cuisine you’re looking for from authentic Mexican, Thai, Sushi and Italian cuisine, and in every price range imaginable.

15 Best Restaurants In Gainesville

1. Embers Wood Grill

Embers has a wide range of delicious food. Embers Wood Grill is the epitome of fine dining in Gainesville. With its extensive wine list and elegant atmosphere, Ember’s will leave you feeling like royalty.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate your next event, look no further than Embers Wood Grill. They’ve got an array of dishes that will satisfy any appetite and leave guests asking where the nearest outlet store is so they can get some more! From starters like their Colossal Lump Blue Crab & Lobster cake or Orange salad with blueberries tossed into bistro vinaigrette; mains such as Cumin Crusted Chilean Sea Bass if fish lovers are on menu along side Braised Beef Short Ribs pasta dish- there’s something here everyone will enjoy from appetizers through desserts including steak too – everything tastes great but beware: once had these ribs…you’ll be hooked for life because not only do they look succulent, they fall of the bone too (thanks to a low and slow two-and-a-half hour cook).

If you’re looking for an impressive Gainesville restaurant that will really show off your culinary skills, Embers Wood Grill is the place for you. This exquisite eatery will treat you to a meal that you won’t soon forget.

2. Halo Potato Donuts

Just in time for donut season, Halo Potato Donuts are here! These tasty treats are made with the slightly spiced flavors of potatoes and come in a variety of tempting options.

The best donut shop in town is Halo Potato Donuts! The flavors rotate but you can always get a classic glazed, sprinkles covered treat or their famous Maple-glazed. They’ve also got an awesome selection of toppings for your favorite doughnuts like Peanut Butter & Jelly with crunchy Cookie Dough mixed into it as well if that’s more up your alley.

Their baked goods are amazing too from chocolate bars to cookie cake slices so there should be something here made just right for you and I’m sure we haven’t even scratched the surface by now because they have such great treats on hand at all times.

3. Crane Ramen

Crane Ramen is the place to go if you’re hankering for some delicious and freshly made ramen! They have an array of options, from chicken or pork broth with your choice of noodles: soba (rice-based), bok choy rice sticks—or even vegan ones like bean curd skin.

You can also order up their specialty dishes such as housemade gnocchi served in a rich beef Tomato sauce over shiitake mushrooms AND get CSU gameday bragging rights by getting one topped off w/a fried egg ;). If sandwiches don’t interest them then head straight into the kitchen where behind closed doors there’s always something new being cooked up that will delight any palate.

Crane Ramen is a local favorite that offers fresh ingredients, made right before your eyes. You can get either the original bowl with some of their house-made broth and toppings or choose one of many other combinations including vegetable based broths for those looking to branch out!

4. Northwest Grill

Northwest Grill is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for some delicious and affordable BBQ! Northwest Grill may be the perfect spot to get your seafood, burgers and sandwiches on. They offer endless options for any guest who walks in.

The atmosphere is great and the food even better. For a quick lunch try their fried alaskan pollock all you can eat special for only $12, or if your appetite has grown by then go ahead an order off of our custom made Thai shrimp menu! Or just get up close with some fresh caught shrimps at brunch time when they serve Incredible Icky Shrimp Salad alongside other favorites like eggs benny & pancakes (but not while they’re still Crusade Style).

5. Mi Apa Latin Cafe

The Mi Apa Latin Cafe is a cozy spot in Gainesville to enjoy some of the most authentic Cuban food around! The menu has something for everyone and you’ll be hard pressed not find anything on it that would disappoint your taste buds. Plus, they’re always affordable because what good meal isn’t when we can get (most) ingredients locally?

No matter if it’s lunchtime or dinner time; come here with friends, family + coworkers so everyone gets satisfied! So whether it’s a weekend, weekday or holiday you won’t be disappointed here and we’re also just minutes away from downtown Gainesville so don’t forget to wander over for some shopping after.

6. One Love Cafe

One Love has a large menu with vegetarian options for each item. They use locally sourced ingredients and partner up with local bakeries to make farm-to-table food! Thursday through Sunday, they have live music so come by if you’re looking to dance or just enjoy an evening out on the town – it’s your choice.

If you’re searching for an outdoor dining experience in Gainesville, One Love Cafe is one of the finest! With a large covered patio and picnic table spread throughout their grassy field, this restaurant can accommodate families who want to enjoy brunch together.

7. Bangkok Square

If you’re looking for a delicious, authentic Thai meal that’s cheap and convenient this is the place. The lunch special includes spring rolls with soup or sticky rice wrapped in leaves (it tastes like bamboo!), The set menu is always available and includes a choice of three starters, as well as any other dish on the restaurant’s menu for under ten dollars.

A tasty and unique Thai restaurant with a variety of dishes to choose from, this place will have your mouth watering for more! They serve red curry sauce made with chicken or vegetables; green curries that are topped off by coconut milk before being garnished liberally in chili powder.

There’s also Pad Thai noodles served on top cooked rice vermicelli known as “pad tai’m” plus fried rice seasoned just right- enough soy sauce for MTG additive flavor without drowning out other nuances such as garlic & ginger but not too much oil/got sesame seeds which adds crunchiness when you bite into them after eating their delicious breakfast treat: Sticky Rice wrapped inside ripe mango slices!

This restaurant gives you the best of both worlds: traditional and modern. It is definitely worth checking out when in Gainesville!

8. The Flying Biscuit

The Flying Biscuit is the perfect place to get a delicious breakfast. They have all your favorite foods like grits, oatmeal pancakes , and tacos! If you’re looking for vegetarian options they also offer vegetable egg scramble or vegan tofu wrap so no matter what type of dish interests you there’s bound to be something on their menu that sounds good.

The menu at This Place is so diverse, with something for every taste and mood. You’ll never be bored!

The fried green tomato BLT will change your mind about what a typical bacon cheeseburger can do to an otherwise healthy meal; while their Hot-Lanta chicken sandwich creates delicious memories of childhood snacks like nuggets or tenders wrapped in foil out near the car where you’re parents were waiting after church on Sundays watching football games together until all hours.

9. Dragonfly Sushi

Dragonfly’s menu offers a variety of Japanese dishes for any dietary preference, from the mildest Miso Black Cod to some spicy Tiger Shrimp Tempura. They also make sure there are vegetarian options available in case you don’t want meat.

The best part? All their ingredients come freshly cooked everyday so everything tastes like it just came right off your plate without having to go anywhere near an oven or stove top; talk about convenient food service solutions for the health-conscious!

If you’re looking for a sushi restaurant that has something for everyone, Dragonfly is your best option. They have all types of sushi rolls and even offer vegetarian options. Everything on their menu is made fresh everyday so you know it will taste good!

10. Mojo Hogtown BBQ

Mojo Hogtown BBQ offers a variety of menu items for hungry eaters. You can enjoy pulled pork, North Carolina pork, beef brisket and more on their platter or sandwich options that are sure to satisfy your appetite!

Mojo’s has it all from traditional American favorites like ribs & chicken wings as well as delicious sides including beans with chunks of smoky bacon in them (seriously). Whether you’re looking to get stuffed after work or just want something light during lunchtime these bbq joints will make every meal satisfying right down until the last bite is gonzoe!

If you’re looking for a delicious BBQ restaurant, Mojo Hogtown is your best option. They have a variety of menu items to choose from including pulled pork and beef brisket. You can also enjoy their food on a platter or sandwich.

11. Amelia’s

If you’re in the mood for delicious pasta, try Linguine with clams or Fettuccini Alfredo. If it’s beef December 26th and 27th all day long at Amelia’s! This is a locally owned Italian restaurant that makes every menu item by scratch using only fresh ingredients since 2000—they’ve been serving Gainesville residents their high quality food this way ever since they opened up shop back then so make sure to stop by before your next big event because these goodies will not disappoint (especially if vegan requests are involved).

Amelia’s is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood for some delicious pasta. They have a variety of pasta dishes to choose from, including Fettuccini Alfredo and Linguine with clams. They also have vegan options available.

12. Satchel’s Pizza

If you’re in the mood for some delicious pizza, Satchel’s is your best option. They have all types of pizzas, including vegetarian and vegan options. They also have a variety of toppings to choose from, so you can get the perfect pizza for your taste buds.

Satchel’s Pizza is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a delicious, well-cooked pizza with good customer service.

13. Beque Holic

What would you rather have? A juicy burger or a fresh salad with chicken and noodles. Why not both! Beque Holic offers diners the chance to customize their own meal at this restaurant, choosing from an ALL YOU CAN EAT COMBO MENU option as well as individualized menus for those who just want one thing on theirs. They also offer vegetarian choices like tempura vegetables on grilled portobello mushrooms topped off by shrimp chips in soybean oil; which sounds good enough already but that’s not all there is available when it comes time for dinner reservations so call them up today before another customer gets first dibs because these deals don’t last long here.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers a variety of menu items, Beque Holic is your best option. They have an all-you-can-eat combo menu and individualized menus. They also have vegetarian options available.

14. India Palace

India Palace is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood for Indian food. You can eat traditional dishes like chicken tikka masala and vegetable biryani, or try something new like the shrimp vindaloo (which is very spicy). They also have a variety of vegetarian options available.

India Palace is your best option if you’re craving some delicious Indian cuisine with great customer service to match.

15. Taste of China

Taste of China is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an all-you-can eat buffet that has traditional Chinese options like fried rice and chicken wings as well as sushi, soup, salad bar, fruit bar with fresh fruits available daily (including mangoes), desserts and more! They also have a children’s buffet for those who are under the age of 12 and would like to have their own variety of tasty options.

If you’re looking for an all-you can eat Chinese restaurant, then look no further than Taste of China. This place has it going on and they’ll feed your soul with delicious dishes made from some of the best ingredients in town!

These are the15 best restaurants in Gainesville. Everyone should try these places at least once—you won’t be disappointed!

What are the native local foods in Gainesville?

The native food in Gainesville is a mix of Southern and Caribbean cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and jerk chicken.

Where to find a good coffee shop in Gainesville?

The best coffee shop in Gainesville is Brew-Haha Coffeehouse. They serve classic coffees like macchiatos, espressos and lattes as well as smoothies and chai tea.

What are some of the must try foods in Gainesville?

Some of the must try foods in Gainesville include sweet potato fries with marshmallow dipping sauce, fried green tomatoes and shrimp po’ boy sandwiches.

Suggestions for Cheap and Quick Lunch Spots in Gainesville

Here are some suggestions for cheap and quick lunch spots in Gainesville:

• Burrito Brothers on University Ave.
• The Gator Dawg on West University Ave.
• Papa John’s Pizza on SW Archer Rd.
• China Express on NW 16th Ave. (Chinese food)
• Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse on SW 13th St. (Sushi and Hibachi)

Tips for going to Gainesville Restaurants

Here are some tips for going to Gainesville restaurants:

• Make a reservation if the restaurant you want to go to offers one.
• Be aware of dietary restrictions and allergies before going to a restaurant. Many restaurants have menus online that list which items are gluten free or vegan.
• Check out restaurant reviews online before making a decision.
• Browse restaurant discounts and deals online before going to a restaurant. Many restaurants offer coupons through websites like Groupon or LivingSocial that can save you money on dining out.
• Avoid driving around the University of Florida campus. There are usually a lot of people walking everywhere, so it is easy to get turned around and lost if you do not know your way around already.
• Make sure to go early for dinner because there will be long lines once everyone gets out from classes or work for dinner time (around 17-18hrs).
• If you are looking for a place to eat late at night, the options are limited. But, Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse is open until 23 hrs on weekdays and 00 hrs on weekends.

What are some other things to do in Gainesville?

Here are some other things to see in Gainesville:

• The Harn Museum of Art
• The Florida Museum of Natural History
• The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Entomology
• Shands at the University of Florida (hospital)
• Lake Alice on the University of Florida campus (great place for a nature walk)
• The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History (a must see!)
• Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, also known as “The Swamp” (home to the Florida Gators football team)
• Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

There are many things to do and see in Gainesville, so make sure you take the time to explore all of the city’s offerings!

Conclusion

Gainesville is a great place to live, work and play. The food scene here offers something for everyone at every price point. Whether you are looking for an upscale fine dining experience or just want some good barbecue, the restaurants in this list have it all!

These are the best places to go to in Gainesville for food that will tantalize your taste buds. With such a variety of restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs and desires. So make a reservation today and get ready for an amazing culinary experience!