Gainesville has some of the state’s eateries. It is the home of the University of Florida.
With over 50,000 students enrolled, this vast campus and its famed mascot, the Florida Gators, play a role in Gainesville’s culture.
Charming brunch restaurants in Gainesville are suitable for Instagram photos, casual dining establishments are ideal for students on a budget, and cuisines from many different countries are around town.
Unfortunately, certain Gainesville stalwarts like The Swamp Restaurant, Leonardo’s By The Slice, Larry’s Giant Subs, and Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria have closed due to the epidemic, according to The Gainesville Sun (though The Swamp is fortunately in a different section).
If you graduated from UF a few years ago and are looking for spots in town (whether they are still open or new) and want to avoid driving up to Felipe’s to find it closed, this post is for you.
Summary of the 12 best restaurants in Gainesville
Exploring the city’s top spots will help you feel more at ease, and you can taste some delicious meals. Here are the top restaurants in Gainesville, Florida.
1. Paramount Grill
Paramount Grill is a new American fine-dining establishment in downtown Gainesville.
It is one of the most well-known restaurants in downtown Gainesville, having received the Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend magazine in 2019.
This café is an excellent family-friendly dining option, serving wood-fired pizza in many unique combinations, including gyro pizza!
The patio is along Colby Ave. You may be watching and participating in a spectacular night downtown.
If you’re more of a morning person, they also serve a casual breakfast.
Paramount Grill is ideal for special events, with a continuously changing menu of fresh, local foods.
Address:12 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13523783398
2. Original American Kitchen(OAK)
If you go through Downtown Gainesville around 11 a.m. and see people sipping mimosas and eating amazing brunch tacos, eggs, and avocado toast, you’re looking at Original American Kitchen (OAK).
This one of the restaurants in Gainesville serves brunch and dinner with elevated staples such as wild mushroom ravioli, the tastiest grilled cheese and tomato soup (no joke), fried green tomato sliders, and bottomless mimosas.
Satisfy your sweet taste with handmade bread pudding, pecan pie, and fried Oreos.
You can sit inside, outside, or at the bar.
Address: 15 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13522838646
3.Satchel’s Pizza
Satchel’s Pizza is one of those places that you almost don’t believe exist until you visit.
Mosaic tiling covers every inch of this pizza parlor, from floor to ceiling.
Tiles cover the interior, exterior, patio area, all outdoor tables, and converted truck.
Getting a van seat is a sought-after experience and an excellent photo opportunity.
Satchel’s isn’t just about the odd décor; the food is fantastic.
If you’re from New York or New Jersey and have found yourself in Florida, Satchel’s Pizza may have the best pizza in the state.
The handcrafted sodas and delectable sweets are tasty here.
Even if you like dessert, you must request the dessert menu.
Address:1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Phone: +13523357272
4. Dragonfly Sushi
Dragonfly Sushi, a trendy Japanese one of the restaurants in Gainesville, serves fresh and authentic sushi and sashimi. Their menu offers a variety of salads, soups, platters, and rolls.
We adore the energy here. It’s genuine and exudes a handcrafted quality.
We adore the energy here. It’s genuine and exudes a handcrafted quality.
When you walk in and look around, you’ll understand what we mean when you see the barman making a blended beverage. It is art.
A vegetarian menu is with small meals, grilled vegetables, and vegetarian sushi rolls.
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Address:201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13523713359
5. Gators Den Sports Grill
If you’re searching for a calm spot away from the noise and bustle of the rest of the city, you might want to visit Anniversary Park.
The big game can be more enjoyable when you’re out of the sun. Come to the Gators Den Sports Grill and support the Gators to victory.
We are the Fall Football Headquarters! With a TV at each table, you’ll have a front-row seat to your favorite team on game day!
Why is Gators Den Sports Grill a local favorite?
Ice-cold beers, drinks, steaks, burgers, Wings, and more for game time. Nine large-screen televisions. Venue to watch college or NFL football. Table-side personal TVs In addition to the full bar, we serve a delicious selection of appetizers and meals at unbeatable pricing.
Address:4200 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606, United States
Phone:+13523314875
6.La Tienda
La Tienda serves as one of the authentic Mexican restaurants in Gainesville.
If you’re a new student trying to impress your new friends by taking them to a terrific local Mexican restaurant other than Chuy’s (sorry Chuy’s, we really do love you), go to La Tienda.
You won’t have to worry about navigating the moderately tense drive-through situation at El Indio. You won’t have to worry about navigating the moderately tense drive-through situation at El Indio (which serves wonderful Mexican food but has only a few tables outside).
This location is on SW 13th Street, beyond Shands Hospital, so it’s not easily accessible from campus, but it’s a quick two-minute drive (or jump on a scooter).
Address: 4120 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Phone: +13523365077
7. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Even though Gainesville is two hours from the shore, you can still find seafood here.
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant serving seafood and steaks, ideal for a memorable supper with family or friends.
This restaurant is one of the more premium in town, making it great for a birthday meal, graduation celebration, or family visit. Harry’s, located downtown is known for its original and delicious crab cakes.
The New Orleans ribeye steak is tender and juicy, and the French-baked scallops are here.
Address: 110 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13523721555
8. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery
Do not be misled by the name. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery serves delicious lunches and dinners.
The Cuban sandwiches make the ideal lunch, and the arepas are a proven hangover cure.
Flaco’s is one of the best restaurants in Gainesville, an ideal intoxicated snack if you’re out Downtown.
Following a Downtown pub crawl (Midtown is another story), this restaurant is one of the more premium in town, making it great for a birthday meal, graduation celebration, or family visits. Harry’s, located downtown, is known for its original and delicious crab cakes.
The New Orleans ribeye steak is tender and juicy, and the French-baked scallops are here.
Address: 200 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone:+13523712000
9.Luke’s New York Bagel Shop
This modest Gainesville bagel store provides the most authentic New York bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
The business exterior recently had a fire engine red renovation, making it easy to identify if you’re driving around. Parking in the neighboring lot is here because Luke’s parking lot will be with people waiting for their coffee and bagels.
If you want the Gainesville experience, you can park for free in the Depot Park parking lot across the street. Then, go over to Luke’s, grab your meal, and lay up a picnic blanket in the idyllic Depot Park to enjoy your breakfast (don’t worry if you forgot your blanket. Plenty of picnic tables are here).
Address: 620 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone:+17322789557
10 . Mi Apá Latin Café
Mi Apá Latin Café (often known as Mi Apá) is a sensation. Mi Apá, located just off NW 34th Street, is ideal for an after-class pick-up.
You can get the café with leche and the stuffed arepa (filled with scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese).
If you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, we recommend eating one of the dishes and getting rice and beans on the side (If they are not with your meal).
The menu is extensive but not overwhelming, so everyone will find something they enjoy.
Mi Apá’s pricing is quite student-friendly, and the drive-through queue is quick and convenient, so if you’re a busy student on the go, this restaurant is ideal.
Address: 114 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607, United States
Phone:+13523767020
11. Afternoon
Weekend brunch in Gainesville often means fighting for a reservation, but the short wait at Afternoon is always worthwhile.
This brunch place is one of the restaurants in Gainesville on NW 10th Avenue, yet most locals know its quality.
The afternoon is a Pinterest girl’s dream.
Mint green design accents, rose gold lighting, a record player playing music, and a stunning feature wall are just a few of the elements. They take part in this restaurant’s outstanding ambiance.
However, the pleasant vibes don’t stop with the decor; the food is equally fantastic.
The coffee options are excellent, and the brunch alternatives are very unique. In addition to coffee, we recommend the matcha tea latte, a spritz (an alcoholic bubbly beverage), and a butterfly flower lemonade.
Some tried-and-true main course options include the Dutch baby, mushroom tartine, poached eggs, shakshuka, and the classic breakfast.
Address: 231 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13527277604
12. Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
Football is one of the best restaurants in Gainesville, not for everyone, and it is here.
You may not recognize the name Steve Spurrier.
Spurrier is a famous University of Florida football player, having earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1966.
After his playing career, he became a college football coach.
He eventually returned to coach at his alma university, leading the Gators to the SEC championship in 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 2000. Spurrier is essentially a Gainesville legend.
We recommend either the raspberry lemon drop martini or the spicy mango mocktail. It is also a place for folks who are gluten-free.
Address: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Phone: +13525004422
Final words
From a dinner date to a diner where accomplishments are honored, Gainesville restaurants provide a pleasant setting for genuine interaction.
For traditionalists, white beautifying spread bistros are the model assurance of a genuine blowout.
This college town has many fantastic restaurants to eat at.
Whether you want quick service, comfort cuisine, vegan options, or something to fulfill your sweet tooth, we’ve recommended some restaurants to visit on your next trip to Gainesville.