Are you to try food from the best restaurants in Gainesville? I am so happy to have vacationed there a few weeks ago.
Gainesville is a pretty attractive place for a vacation. You can visit the Butterfly Rainforest, explore fossils and ethnographic collections at the Museum of Natural History, but what takes the cake is the food.
Yes, Gainesville, Florida, has some of the best food you’ll eat, so take your forks and fold your napkins because their ten best restaurants in Gainesville will give you the plate of a lifetime!
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1. Embers Wood Grill
This classic steakhouse and town favorite has been serving hungry locals and tourists with dreamy dishes for over a decade. Embers Wood Grill has an impressive record when it comes to satisfying taste buds, not to mention an extensive wine list with on an onsite sommelier (wine expert) to help guide you to the best option!
Location: 3545 SW 34th St A, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Why Embers Wood Grill Is Worth the Trip: Embers Wood Grill adjusts to your dietary needs and even prepares special requests, provided you give them a call beforehand. It also has two certified Sommeliers who will curate the best wine for you!
Must Try: Indulge in the Banana Foster Cheesecake, Flaming Crème Brulé, Prime Beef Tenderloin Tartare, Blackened Shrimp and Spicy Prosciutto, and Pepper Crusted Heritage Pork Tenderloin Medallions.
2. The Top (Main Street)
The Top Hub or the Top is a casual spot with the perfect Florida Hipster vibe. It’s the best place for catching up with friends, indulging in delicious desserts, and drinking beer.
This is a true local favorite for its delicious burgers and gnocchi. Making it one of the best restaurants in Gainesville, Florida.
Location: 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Why The Top Is Worth the Trip: The Top has an arcade bar, a fancy bar, and caters to special events and meetings. It is also a dog-friendly place, so you won’t have to bother about looking for a dog sitter while you make plans.
Must Try: Try the famous Corn Nuggets, Widow Maker Burger, San Diego Chicken, and Chimichurri Grill.
Recommended: 10 Best Places to Get a Burger in Gainesville, Florida
3. Yummy House
The Yummy House is a thriving Chinese restaurant that has won Top Appetizer in Tampa Bay for its unique but mouth-watering menu. Yummy House’s food is so good, you won’t want to stop eating.
I love just how well they put their ingredients together and you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu (although I do highly recommend the Chicken in Black Bean Sauce dish).
Location: 3102 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Why Yummy House Is Worth the Trip: Yummy House is economical and sends out huge portions of traditional Chinese food. But if you’re really looking for a reason to love Yummy House, its consistency in delivering flavor and quality will do the trick.
Must Try: The Salt And Pepper Tofu Paired With Braised Eggplant is a combination deadly enough to blow your taste buds away. You also have to try the Chicken In Black Bean Sauce.
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4. Dragonfly
Sit in a high-spirited ambiance and treat yourself to authentic Japanese flavors at Dragonfly, a professional but dainty restaurant where even a light lunch becomes special and memorable.
If you’re new to sushi or if you’re a sushi connoisseur, you’ll find something to fit your palate at Dragonfly.
Location: 201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Why Dragonfly Is Worth the Trip: Dragonfly focuses on bringing modernity to traditional Japanese flavors, resulting in a menu so exemplary, you’ll be licking your fingers.
Must Try: Try something from the featured menu; the Beef Tataki and the Sauteed Butter Edamame are some special recommendations.
Recommended: 10 Best Places to Get Sushi in Gainesville, Florida
5. The Keys: Grill and Piano Bar
If you’ve ever dreamed of going back to the old days of Key West and sitting in a seaside café while soothing music plays while you eat, then The Keys: Grill and Piano Bar will make your wish come true. This restaurant has perfected food and music!
Plus, the dueling piano show makes this one of my favorite restaurants in Gainesville.
The three co-owners who have experience with other restaurants in the Gainesville area goal was to create an authentic, fresh seafood restaurant that reflects the unique feel of Florida.
Location: 4860 Celebration Pointe Ave #30, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Why The Keys Is Worth the Trip: There are a few reasons to love The Keys: endless entertainment, a relaxing environment, and the food which takes you back to the good old days.
Must Try: The Mojo Pork with Nachos, the Cuban sandwich, and the Mallorca Shrimp and Grits have won many people’s hearts.
6. Crane Ramen
Looking for something comfier, nostalgic but straight up popping? The Crane Ramen is the answer to all your questions. Indulge in hot ramen made so flawlessly; even Naruto would be jealous. Itadakimasu!
Location: 16 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Why Crane Ramen Is Worth the Trip: Crane Ramen has seriously nailed the game of noodles; locals recommend the restaurant because the broths are always well-spiced and come in huge portions at a low price.
Must Try: Trust me with this; ask for a shio broth ramen and pair it with a light cocktail; you’ll be singing Crane Ramen’s praises for days.
7. Mr. and Mrs. Crab
No, Mr. & Mrs. Crab isn’t from SpongeBob, but the restaurant is so groovy, you will feel giddy as a child. This restaurant has an amazing staff and an even better menu, which will give you ecstasy for days.
Location: 3246 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Why Mr. & Mrs. Crab Is Worth the Trip: This Gainesville restaurant keeps its customers satisfied and promises them a dining experience they won’t forget. They’re also seriously cooperative and understanding; who doesn’t want that?
Must Try: The snow crab and clams with the signature sauce and Cajun Crab Boil seasoning is a trip you must take.
8. Cry Baby’s
Scrumptious, economical, rewarding, and momentous, that’s Cry Baby’s for you. Serving hot buns with the juiciest meat inside and chilled cocktails to cool you off, Cry Baby’s will not disappoint you.
Location: 1 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Why Cry Baby’s Is Worth the Trip: Cry Baby’s fast food is one of the best you’ll ever taste, and if you’re looking for a family-friendly place to take the kids, then there isn’t anywhere like Cry Baby’s.
Must Try: The Al Pastor Tacos have been taking the town by storm, and it’s about time you were swept off your feet too. You also must try the Soft Shell Crab Sando served with Old Bay fries!
9. Public & General
Public & General is an appetizing gastropub with a soft cottage core aesthetic. You can munch on a few sandwiches outside and then visit the gourmet market. It’s really the cutest dating spot and one of the best restaurants in Gainesville.
Location: 1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Why Public & General Is Worth the Trip: Public & General keeps up to its name because there isn’t one person in town who wouldn’t delight themselves with the menu. It’s truly appealing.
Must Try: Take a bite of a fancy charcuterie, the steak frites, and the brisket sandwich, and then link it with a cool beer from the inventive pub.
10. Sensei Asian Bistro
Sensei Asian Bistro is an inviting place with a creative menu and a hip atmosphere. It serves really great Asian food, so if you’ve had a craving for Asian food for a long time, this place will fill you right up.
Location: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way Ste 10, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Why Sensei Asian Bistro Is Worth the Trip: Sensei Asian Bistro is underrated; the food here will definitely be one of the best you’ll taste. There’ll be no doubt why this is among the ten best restaurants in Gainesville.
Must Try: The Wagyu Beef and Noodle, the lobster wontons, and Mongolian ribeye are electrifyingly brilliant.
Here are a few honorable mentions that I also wanted to include in this list:
Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Gainesville, Florida
You may not have been looking for perfection, but these ten best restaurants in Gainesville will serve you exactly that.
Each of these restaurants has an imaginative palate with the desire to create excellence, and you’ll only need to step in the place once to be convinced why they are the ten best restaurants in Gainesville.
Happy Florida Travels!
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NikkyJ
One of my preferences if you’re looking for Italian is Pomodoro Cafe 9200 NW 39th Ave #100, Gainesville, FL 32606. So far they haven’t missed a beat. Everything if tried there has been excellent.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Great information looking forward to visiting 10 best restaurants in Gainesville
Thanks!