Best Places To Eat in Gainesville

What are the best restaurants in Gainesville, FL? Check out these ten great places to eat in Gainesville. 

Gainesville might be most recognized as the home of the University of Florida and Gatorade, but this vibrant northern Florida city has tons to offer residents and visitors, including award-winning restaurants and delicious food. Considered the largest city in North Central Florida, Gainesville is a beautiful city that is ideal for college students, young professionals, and families. 

Providing a perfect mixture of urban and suburban life, many people choose to move to Gainesville for its booming real estate market, low cost of living, pristine parks, fun things to do, outdoor activities, well-maintained surroundings, and excellent beaches that are only a short drive away. 

Since Gainesville is a bustling college town with tons of fantastic cuisine, finding a great place to eat before class or after work is easy. Home to small cafes, local eateries, and fine dining establishments, there is no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from when looking for a bite to eat.   

With a thriving local food scene that only seems to keep growing, exploring this city's best places to eat will have you feeling at home in no time. Whether you are a new student moving to Gainesville, planning brunch with friends, or making reservations for your next vacation to the area, Gainesville is the place to be for good food and good times. 

Here are the best restaurants in Gainesville 

The Top 

Price: $$ 

Specialty: American

Location: 30 N Main Street

Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM Tuesday - Sunday, closed Monday

Phone Number: (352) 357-1188

The Top in Gainesville is a popular American restaurant that serves burgers, beer, and innovative dishes in a trendy atmosphere. Located in Downtown Gainesville, this casual and laid-back restaurant offers premium service, good music, delicious drinks, and even better food. Also, providing various vegan and vegetarian options, there is always something tasty on the menu for dinner. 

Established in 2000, dine-in, delivery, and pick-up options are available. There is even a beautiful pet-friendly patio so your furry friends can hang out and enjoy the nice weather while you indulge in great food and drinks with friends and family. Since the kitchen stays open until one in the morning, there is a separate bar and late-night menu. Only visitors that are 21 and over are allowed in the restaurant after dinner service. 

There are no reservations since The Top only accepts walk-ins. If you have a party that is greater than 12, be prepared to sit at separate tables. 

Amelia's Italian Restaurant 

Price: $$

Specialty: Italian

Location: 235 S Main Street #107

Hours: 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday - Sunday, closed Monday

Phone Number: (352) 373-1919

Amelia's Italian Restaurant is located in Downtown Gainesville and is a must-visit Italian restaurant known for its great food, portions, and prices. Serving the area for over 30 years, Amelia's specializes in Northern Italy cuisine, including housemade pasta, seafood, and other classic Italian favorites. Some of the most popular dishes are the Veal Masala and the Linguini and Clams. 

With a dress code that is business casual, dining at Amelia's is perfect for a birthday celebration, graduation dinner, gathering with friends, or a romantic date night. Reservations can be made online through OpenTable or over the phone. 

Embers Wood Grill

Price: $$$ 

Specialty: High-end Steakhouse 

Location: 3545 SW 34th Street, Suite A 

Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Monday - Thursday, 5 PM to 10 PM Friday - Saturday, closed Sunday 

Phone Number: (352) 380-0901

As one of the best places to eat in Gainesville, Embers Wood Grill serves high-quality food in a high-end setting. Providing exceptional service with a full bar and outdoor seating, Embers Wood Grill serves USDA prime-cut meats and fresh-caught seafood. Featuring an extensive list of wines to pair with your meal, dining at this popular restaurant is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind experience. 

This fine dining establishment uses a natural wood grill with the perfect combination of pecan, cherry, and hickory woods to create flavorful, mouthwatering dishes. Reservations can be made over the phone, and private dining is available for your next celebration or event. 

Paramount Grill

Price: $$

Specialty: American

Location: 12 SW 1st Avenue 

Hours: 11 AM to 9:30 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 11 AM to 1:30 PM and 5 PM to 9:30 PM Friday, 5 PM to 9:30 PM Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM Sunday, closed Monday 

Phone Number: (352) 378-3398

Situated in Downtown Gainesville, Paramount Grill is the place to be if you crave Mediterranean cuisine. This fine dining establishment has been serving the area since its opening in 2001 and is owned by Clif Nelson, who is also the chef. Serving innovative dishes made with fresh ingredients, all menu items are made in-house. 

Featuring an extensive list of beer and wine, complimentary parking, and delicious dishes that are all reasonably priced, Paramount Grill provides excellent service in a classy atmosphere. Offering frequently changing menus that use all locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, there is always something new to try when dining here. 

Reservations can be made over the phone to ensure a table. 

The Swamp Restaurant 

Price: $$ 

Specialty: Traditional American 

Location: 1104 SW 2nd Ave 

Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM Monday - Thursday, 11 AM to 2 AM Friday - Saturday, 10 AM to 11 PM Sunday 

Phone Number: (352) 377-9267

Considered to be Gainesville's best bar and grill, The Swamp Restaurant is an iconic landmark with historic charm, a front lawn, and live music and events. Situated between the University of Florida and Downtown Gainesville, this iconic restaurant is a popular hangout spot for college students and residents for its lively atmosphere, great food, and cold drinks. 

Featuring Monday margaritas, bottomless mimosa brunch, sorority socials, and gameday tailgates, The Swamp Restaurant is more than just a favorite local restaurant, bar, and event venue. Serving the Gainesville community for over 25 years, this restaurant in the Innovation District offers brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, as well as a game day, kids, and even a dog menu. 

Alpin Bistro 

Price: $$ 

Specialty: French 

Location: 15 SW 2nd Street 

Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 5 PM to 11 PM Friday, 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday 

Phone Number: (352) 204-2873

Serving classic French cuisine in Downtown Gainesville, Alpin Bistro is a must-visit for high-quality food, beer, and wine. With an eclectic atmosphere full of hip and trendy decorations, this beloved French restaurant serves tasty dishes that are made fresh every day. By sourcing ingredients locally from farms, bakeries, and coffee roasters that are organic and all-natural, visitors get to enjoy only the best when it comes to good food. 

Featuring happy hour on Tuesday, buy one get one free drinks on Wednesday, fresh pasta on Thursday, and brunch on Saturday, there is always something exciting happening at Alpin Bistro. From small plates and classic cheese boards to signature dishes and desserts, there is a menu item for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy. 

Mark's Prime Steakhouse 

Price: $$$$

Specialty: Steakhouse

Location: 201 SE 2nd Avenue #102

Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 5 PM to 10 PM Friday - Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday 

Phone Number: (352) 336-0077

Mark's Prime Steakhouse is highly rated in Gainesville and known for its prime meats, seafood dishes, and classic sides. This unique dining experience has served the Gainesville area for over ten years, providing dine-in and takeout options. With two locations, one in Gainesville and one in Ocala, there are more ways than one to enjoy this restaurant's menu items. Reservations can be made in advance online through OpenTable. 

Original American Kitchen (OAK) 

Price: $$

Specialty: American

Location: 15 SE 1st Avenue 

Hours: 4 PM to 10 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 4 PM to 11 PM Friday, 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 3 PM to 11 PM Saturday, 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 3 PM to 10 PM Sunday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM Sunday

Phone Number: (352) 283-8646

Serving Downtown Gainesville for eight years, Original American Kitchen is best known for its southern cuisine, original craft cocktails made from scratch, and 16 rotating taps of self-pour craft beer. Using only locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, this favorite restaurant prioritizes quality and service. 

Featuring specials throughout the week, including happy hour Monday through Friday between 4 PM to 7 PM, mule specials on Monday, ladies' night out on Thursday, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas, make sure to visit this restaurant for its delicious food and drinks. Reservations can be made online. 

Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Company 

Price: $$$ 

Specialty: Japanese 

Location: 201 SE 2nd Avenue #104 

Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday - Thursday, 5 PM to 11 PM Friday - Saturday 

Phone Number: (352) 371-3359

Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Company is a fantastic Japanese restaurant in Gainesville with a contemporary atmosphere and tapas-style Japanese pub fare. With a menu full of sushi, sashimi, robatayaki, and other globally inspired dishes, this is the place to dine for quality service and fresh ingredients. 

Home to a full sake bar with an extensive happy hour menu, vegetarian options, and desserts, including ice cream and tempura fried cheesecake, it is no wonder that this Japanese restaurant is one of the best in Gainesville. Reservations can be made online through OpenTable. If you are interested in learning about private dining for your next event or celebration, various options are available, and more information is available on the website. 

Satchel's Pizza 

Price: $$ 

Specialty: Pizza

Location: 1800 NE 23rd Avenue

Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM Tuesday - Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday 

Phone Number: (352) 335-7272

Specializing in thin-crust pizza and calzones, Satchel's Pizza should be your next destination for lunch and dinner. Featuring housemade sodas, desserts, live music performed by local artists, an art installation, a playground, and a gift shop, Satchel's Pizza is more than just a classic pizza shop. 

First opened in 2003, visitors can eat in a van, in a greenhouse, under a plane, or on an artsy patio. Also serving beer, wine, and kombucha, this popular pizza place is a great hang-out spot after work and with friends and family on the weekend. Curbside pickup is available if you would rather take your pizza to go. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about the best places to eat in Gainesville. 

What is Gainesville, FL, famous for? 

Gainesville, Florida, is famous as the home of the University of Florida, the largest and oldest university in the state. 

What is the most expensive area in Gainesville? 

The neighborhood of Unversity Park is one of the most sought-after and expensive areas in Gainesville and is located on the northern end of the University of Florida campus. 

Is Gainesville, FL, a nice place to live? 

Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, Gainesville is best known for its historic buildings, parks, museums, and natural beauty. 

Is Gainesville, FL, expensive to live in? 

Gainesville has a cost of living that is 1% higher than the state average and 2% higher than the national average, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. 

The Best Restaurants in Gainesville, FL - Final Thoughts 

No matter what Gainesville neighborhood you are in, there is always a delicious restaurant right around the corner. If you are moving to Florida and are ready to officially call Gainesville home, make sure to connect with one of our amazing Real Estate Specialists. UpHomes is here to help conduct your home search and answer any questions. Please feel free to contact us today.