Are you looking 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, and 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 these ten best restaurants in Gainesville will give you the plate of a lifetime!
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At a Glance (Best Restaurants in Gainesville, Florida)
- The Keys: Grill and Piano Bar: It’s authentic, fresh seafood restaurant that reflects the unique feel of Florida. (Try the Mallorca Shrimp and Grits)
- Yummy House: Its consistency in delivering flavor and quality is why I love this spot (Try the Chicken in Black Bean Sauce)
- Ember’s Wood Grill: It’s Gainesville’s classic steakhouse (Try the Flaming Crème Brulé)
- The Top Hub: Has a hometown vibe with classic American dishes (Try the Fried Green Tomatoes)
- Sensei Asian Bistro: Probably THE best restaurant in Gainesville, Fl (Try the Lobster Wonton and the Wagyu Fried Rice)
Keep reading to find out why these are my favorite places to eat in Gainesville.
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. They can adjust to your dietary needs and even prepare special requests, provided you give them a call beforehand.
Not to mention an extensive wine list with an onsite sommelier (wine expert) to help guide you to the best option and curate the best wine for you!
Why Embers Wood Grill Is Worth the Trip
The steaks are top-notch and seared to perfection and I loved the aromas of the wood fire grill. It smells absolutely amazing and tastes even better.
The bread is so fresh and tasty, just be careful not to fill up too much on it so you can save room for all the unbelievably good food.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Prime Beef Tenderloin Tartare
- Blackened Shrimp and Spicy Prosciutto
- Flaming Crème Brulé
Location: 3545 SW 34th St A, Gainesville, FL 32608
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, especially during their daily happy hour.
This is a true local favorite for its delicious burgers and gnocchi.
The menu is as unique as The Top’s quirky and cool vibes. Making it one of the best restaurants in Gainesville, Florida.
Why The Top Is Worth the Trip
The Top has an arcade bar, a fancy bar, and caters to special events and meetings plus an indoor and outdoor bar.
It is also a dog-friendly place, so you won’t have to bother about looking for a dog sitter while you make plans.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Angry Clams
- Gnocchi Carbonara
- Chimichurri Grill
Location: 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
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 it’s Tampa Bay location 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).
It is delicious and yummy food at a great price and definitely lives up to its name. You won’t be disappointed.
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.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Salt And Pepper Tofu Paired with Braised Eggplant
- Chicken In Black Bean Sauce
- Honey Glazed BBQ Pork
Location: 3102 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
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4. Dragonfly
Sit in a high-spirited ambiance and treat yourself to authentic Japanese flavors at Dragonfly.
It is 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.
Why Dragonfly Is Worth the Trip
Dragonfly focuses on bringing modernity to traditional Japanese flavors, resulting in a menu so exemplary, that you’ll be licking your fingers.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Sushi Shrimp Tempura roll
- Pork Belly Buns
- Tempura Fried Cheesecake
Location: 201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601
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.
Why The Keys Is Worth the Trip
There are a lot of reasons to love The Keys!
The endless entertainment, a relaxing environment with chill and laidback vibes, a pet-friendly patio, and the outdoor courtyard tables are the perfect touch.
It may be located in the heart of Celebration Pointe but it has you feeling Key West vibes.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Mojo Pork with Nachos
- Mallorca Shrimp and Grits
- Cuban Sandwich
Location: 4860 Celebration Pointe Ave #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
6. Chopstix Café
This family-owned business has been serving authentic Asian cuisine for 30 years and has become a favorite amongst locals.
If you are looking for comfort food that’s filling and absolutely delicious the huge pan Asian menu at Chopstix Café is the answer to all your questions.
Why Chopstix Café Is Worth the Trip
Chopstix Cafe has seriously nailed the game of soups; locals recommend the restaurant because the broths are always well-spiced and come in huge portions.
Not only that but they have flawlessly put together a wide variety of salads and fresh appetizers to indulge in.
Their pan Asian specials like Penang, House Hung Pao, and Tempura have become favorites.
You may come in for the food but will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing lakefront views and relaxing atmosphere.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Spicy Short Rib Soup
- Dumpling Noodle Soup
- Chicken Pho Soup
Location: 3500 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
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.
Why Mr. & Mrs. Crab Is Worth the Trip
You definitely get your money’s worth here. The snow crab and clams with the signature sauce and Cajun Crab Boil seasoning is a trip you must take.
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?
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Crabfam Classic (½ lb. Snow Crab, ½ lb. Shrimp (No Head), ½ lb. Sausage)
- New England Clam Chowder
- Catfish Bites
Location: 3246 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
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.
Why Cry Baby’s Is Worth the Trip
Cry Baby’s fast food is one of the best you’ll ever taste. The Al Pastor Tacos have been taking the town by storm, and it’s about time you were swept off your feet too.
It’s also a great stop for late-night food and the craft cocktail bar pours out some of the most innovative and creative drinks.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Big Baby Smash Burger
- Al Pastor Tacos
Location: 1 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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9. Public & General
Public & General is an appetizing gastropub with a soft cottage core aesthetic.
Here it’s a bit different. You place your order at the bar, take a number, and then seat yourself.
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.
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.
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Drunken Cedar Key Clams
- Buffalo Chicken Hoagie with bleu cheese dressing
- Fried Green Tomatoes with whipped goat cheese and corn relish
Location: 1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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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.
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.
Not only is the vibe perfect for us Florida Hipsters, you will be able to pick anything off of their menu and be completely satisfied.
My favorite dish is the Sichuan Chili Chicken that comes with asparagus, peanut, dried chili, soy espagnole…chef’s kiss!
Top Dishes on the Menu at This Gainesville Restaurant
- Lobster Wonton
- Mongolian Tenderloin Steak
- Tiramisu
- Sichuan Chili Chicken
- Wagyu Fried Rice
Location: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way Ste 10, Gainesville, FL 32608
Here are a few honorable mentions that I also wanted to include in this list:
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My Final Thoughts on Eating at 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.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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- What’s the BEST Lunch in Gainesville? These Top 10 Places Will Help You Decide!
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Get More Gainesville travel planning tips right here!
(Original Article Date: September 16, 2021/Updated by Editor on January 9, 2024)
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!