Food is one of the essential things in life. If you don’t have your health, you’ll have nothing. That being said, my taste buds have the most discerning palette you have probably ever encountered, so my opinion on “the best restaurants in Gainesville” matters more than you think. Let me take you through Gainesville’s top 10 most delicious restaurants and show you why they make the cut.
Embers Wood Grill
Embers Wood Grill has become a popular spot in town, located on SW 34th St in Gainesville, FL. They have been in business for over 12 years now. And the menu is full of barbecue classics and house specialties with a twist.
With plenty of seating and a patio, you can find the perfect spot to spend your time on special occasions. And you don’t have to worry about crowds or noise because their restaurant accommodates those who want to have a quiet meal as those who just want to have a good time.
The menu has a wide variety of great food for everyone’s taste, from salads to seafood and steaks. Don’t even let us start on their whooping 420 selection of wines and 2 Sommeliers on staff!
I had a great steak. It was tender, and it tasted incredible! And the service was excellent.
I asked for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bartender pointed out that they also had an excellent Shiraz on hand and recommended that as an alternative. Well, it turned out to be one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted. Needless to say, I converted to Shiraz!
In summary, if you’re going to have a good bottle of wine at a restaurant, ask what they recommend! You might be surprised by what they bring you!
Crane Ramen
Crane Ramen is a trendy ramen shop. It is popular among both locals and students of the University of Florida.
The food is not only delicious but also presented beautifully. Although the restaurant is small, it has an elegant atmosphere that makes it appear larger than it actually is. The decor features plenty of dark wood accents covered with warm browns and creams, which creates a genuine feeling for guests.
For a legitimate experience, don’t forget to order the Tonkotsu or Shio ramen. For those unfamiliar with ramen, Tonkotsu broth is typically made by boiling pork bones for hours. It is rich, creamy, and flavorful. Shio broth is generally lighter in flavor and color because it is made with sea salt instead of pork bones. Both types of broth are delicious!
The prices are fair for the amount of food you receive, especially if you share. It’s nice that the restaurant offers a wide selection of salads and rice bowls, so you don’t feel limited by the choices. They offer the same version of each dish in a smaller portion, making it easier to share. Finally, consider reserving a table near the window if you’re planning a date night. After all, sharing is caring!
I love their juicy Chicken Kara-Age with the rich curry rice bowl as well as their comforting Miso Tonkotsu!
Be sure to check out their Instagram feed to get some delicious dishes and drool-worthy photos. But if you’re in Gainesville near the college town and want some excellent ramen to eat on a Sunday brunch, this is a perfect place to go.
Satchel’s Pizza
Are you visiting Gainsville for the first time? Be sure to stop by the famous pizza spot – Satchel’s Pizza. It has a penny press machine at the entrance of the shop. The device has been around for a very long time and is still working great today!
The food is terrific. The restaurant is clean and comfortable. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends or over a family dinner. They serve pizza (duh) and salads. It’s the best place where you can get a great pizza and happy hour beer for the price of a large pizza at other restaurants. Hence, they’re an excellent spot for college students.
The best part is that you can order your pizza by the slice or order by the pound. You can make your own or choose from Satchel’s selections on display. They also have vegetarian options.
There’s an incredible variety of toppings, including spinach, feta cheese, pineapple, and more.
This place is like a shrine to 1970s culture with a rustic and whimsical playground and some locally-made art, making it an all-time favorite restaurant for the youngins. I will get the classic deep dish pizza here, but the salads are also a local favorite.
They have live music sometimes on Wednesday, Friday, and even Saturday. What else could you ask for when there are homemade sodas and cheesy pizzas? I’ll be there every night!
https://www.satchelspizza.com/
I’d mention Manuel’s Vintage Room and Emiliano’s Café, but both are permanently closed now.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
If you ever come to a place and you’re not even sure what to order. This is the place. Dragonfly offers a wide range of famous Japanese food made with the purest ingredients and authentic spices in downtown Gainesville. Their menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, nigiri to sashimi, makisushi rolls, many vegan options, and more.
What will be hard to miss is the Kurobuta Pork Belly Steamed Buns. They are so delicious! Yet the portion is small enough; it leaves you hungry for more. Next comes the Beef Tataki, which will make you come back.
Smoky Dragon sushi rolls were delicious. The lemony flavor and eel sauce give them such a nice kick.
And if you still have room, I’d recommend my favorite Tempura Fried Ice Cream and Tempura Fried Cheesecake!
https://www.dragonflyrestaurants.com/gainesville-florida/
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille is a popular seafood restaurant serving up Southern-inspired cuisine. They have a diverse range of dining options that are made from scratch daily. Their menu features fresh local seafood, hand-cut steaks, chops, pasta, and house-made desserts.
This restaurant has been around for three decades and is known for its upscale seafood dishes. Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille boasts a high-quality menu, but the prices are not as high as one would think.
Harry’s offers indoor and outdoor seating on the patio, and all of the space is available for private events such as weddings, family reunions, and business gatherings. Come in for dinner and enjoy their award-winning wine list, craft beer selection, or a hand-crafted cocktail made with a custom blend of bitters.
They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, so join them and order your Harry’s Signature Crab Cakes!
https://hookedonharrys.com/location/gainesville/
La Tienda Latina
This Latin eatery is Gainesville’s hot spot for locals. Popular dishes include a variety of beans and rice dishes and fresh seafood with a side of fried plantains. The menu is filled with plenty of traditional Latin cuisine, sure to please a bunch of picky eaters.
La Tienda Latina restaurant is a small, family-owned business, a popular Mexican destination for locals and visitors. Southern food is known for its rich flavors and is often considered comfort food. Southern Cooking is not just one cooking style but encompasses many regional types and variations, from Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
The Came o Pollo Fajitas is my favorite, but anything else on the menu is such rich dishes that would give your cholesterol a little spike. The best part is that it’s open until 10, so if you get hungry after a movie or a late night out, this is the place to go.
With an extensive menu to choose from, good food, and great price, you are sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House
The 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House restaurant is rated 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor with over 110 reviews! The best-tasting breakfast in Gainesville is the ‘critical point’ that most customers mention.
The restaurant is open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM and is an excellent alternative to Cracker Barrel. This all-American restaurant offers breakfast and lunch choices, including omelets, grits, pancakes, hash browns, french toast, skillets, wraps, and sandwiches.
Gainesville residents love the 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House for their extensive selection of breakfast dishes and the cozy atmosphere that comes with it.
One of my favorite things to get here is the Country Fried Steak. The portions are large, and the prices are reasonable. Deli & Breakfast House has so many delicious food items on their menu that you can’t go wrong with anything you order. Really.
https://www.43rdstreetdeli.com/
Mi Apá Latin Café
Mi Apá Latin has grown into a Gainesville staple, offered homemade authentic Colombian, Peruvian & Cuban food. Their menu features a wide selection of all your favorite South American dishes, including classic Cuban sandwiches, ceviches, burritos, tamales, and others.
You can also choose from their delicious breakfast menu for either dine-in or takeout orders. They also offer a wide range of drinks from Salvadorian juice to all flavors of smoothies, shakes, and Cuban espresso.
My favorite besides their coffee is Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) with Cuban sauce and Cubano (sandwich with pulled pork.) The restaurant also serves a variety of appetizers, including empanadas, croquetas, yuca frita, and tostones.
They have hosted many community events and sourced the freshest ingredients to capture the region’s tastes.
https://www.miapalatincafe.com/
Adam’s Rib Co.
Adam’s Rib Co. is one of the most famous restaurants in town for their mouthwatering ribs and their lively atmosphere. The menu offers delicious options, like their signature ribs, smoked to perfection and served with fresh coleslaw.
Great favorites like BBQ chicken or pulled pork sandwiches and sides like fries or baked beans are what keep people coming back again and again.
There is no better way to enjoy the warmth of Florida than spending time at this restaurant with friends and family around you. Adam’s Rib Co. has a casual, neighborhood feel that I love. Many of the menu items are great for sharing or taking home, so it’s easy to get a variety of different things to try without over-ordering.
Adam’s Rib is most famous for its signature sauce, a tangy concoction loaded with herbs and spices that coats everything from burgers to chicken fingers. Adam’s Rib boasts that it sells more than 1 million bottles of the sauce every year. Don’t you think it’s time to find out for yourself?
Paramount Grill
Paramount Grill restaurant in Gainesville, Florida, is a well-known establishment that takes pride in its exquisite food and exceptional service. The menu includes all of your favorite American and Italian dishes, and they offer both dine-in and takeout options for those looking for convenience.
One of my favorite dishes is the roast beef sandwich with roast beef piled high on fresh bread with the juicy, spicy, beefy gravy poured over the top. It’s so tasty! The baked chicken with stuffing and cranberries is another favorite, and the crab cakes that come with coleslaw as one of their sides.
Their previous owner, Chef Clif Nelson, passed away last year, but the staff has since taken over his legacy. And they do an exceptional job of it.
A farm-to-table restaurant will source its ingredients locally and be transparent about what it serves on its menu. A chef who has raised his own beef on a nearby farm can speak with authority on how it was raised. And that is Paramount Grill.
Their menus change according to season-sourced ingredients to bring the freshest to your table, so check them out when you’re in town and see what they have in store!
https://www.paramountgrill.com/
Take a look at the ten best restaurants in Gainesville.
You may ask, what the holy heck is the point of this article? Quite simply, to gain some knowledge on where some of the best restaurants in Gainesville are. Also, some people might just want to know what tacos are.
There are several exceptional dining options in this college town. Whether you’re looking for a good seafood restaurant or a romantic place to take your date, you’ll find many choices. We hope this list will suffice.
