8 Great Restaurants in Gainesville FL You Must Try
From upscale farm-to-table establishments to hole-in-the-wall diners, the Gainesville FL restaurant scene is tasty and worth exploring. This college town is packed with incredible pizza joints, late-night eats, brunch you’ll actually want to get out of bed for, and even a few hidden gem restaurants. We hope you’re hungry, because we’ve rounded up several of the great restaurants in Gainesville that should definitely be on your list.
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Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
If you’re a sushi fan, look no further for the freshest sushi in town. Dragonfly in Gainesville, FL, is an upscale, modern izakaya, or Japanese pub. It’s a fantastic gathering spot for friends and family to come around the table and enjoy bites like Maitake Mushroom Fritters, skewers of seafood and grilled meats, Japanese Scallop Shooters, and Short Rib Miso Ramen. Or, choose one of the restaurant’s curated menus for a taste of everything.
Of course, Dragonfly is known as having the best sushi in Gainesville, and has been a staple community restaurant for years. An impressive happy hour (5-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday), top-notch service and an inviting atmosphere make Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company an all around win.
Satchel’s Pizza
While there are many delicious pizza restaurants scattered around town, Satchel’s Pizza might just be the best pizza in Gainesville, FL. It’s also the most colorful. One wall is completely crafted from handmade stained glass windows, while the inside walls are adorned with art galore and mosaic tiles. Guests can sit in a van, under a plane, (yes, you read that right), or in a greenhouse. There’s a playground for kids and a stacked calendar of live music, and to top it all off — Gainesville’s best pizza.
Satchel’s is known for their thin crust pizzas with a wide array of toppings to choose from, as well as hefty calzones, fresh salads and homemade soda concoctions. While not always available, you can call ahead to reserve a Satch Pan Pizza, a massive pie with a buttery crust that feeds four easily.
Ballyhoo Grill
Another spot with a focus on fresh seafood, Ballyhoo Grill has been serving Gainesville surf n’ turf since 1998. The restaurant’s island theme is fun, with thatched roofs covering their large outdoor seating area. A fun environment and kids menu make Ballyhoo a Gainesville family staple, and kids under 10 eat free on Mondays!
Whether you’re in the mood for fresh or fried seafood, Ballyhoo has you covered. Everything from piles of fried calamari and po boys to grouper sandwiches and cedar plank salmon is on the menu here, plus fresh Gulf Coast oysters and make-your-own burgers. Grab a beer or house margarita and kick back — you’re on island time.
Embers Wood Grill
While there are endless places to eat in Gainesville, FL, Embers Wood Grill may just be the best for hand-cut steaks and the area’s freshest seafood. As the only USDA Prime Cut steakhouse in Gainesville, FL, Embers serves its guests classic steakhouse offerings along with unique tastes of Florida, all in classy yet unfussy digs. Some menu favorites include the Gulf of Mexico Blue Crab Bisque or the Crispy Florida Gator Tail to start, while the Bone-in Cowboy Cut Ribeye is a winner every time. And don’t forget the lobster mashed potatoes!
Not only does Embers of Gainesville, FL, dish out incredible food, but the restaurant also is serious about its vino. Embers boasts an award-winning wine list with more than 400 varietals.
For those looking for a quick cocktail and bite to eat, head next door to Embers’ sister restaurant, Spark, churning out buzzy cocktails and more casual eats.
Yummy House
For authentic Chinese in Gainesville, look no further than Yummy House. The menu is extensive, and huge portions of steamy favorites like orange chicken, beef with broccoli and lo mein are served.
However, Yummy House truly shines with its dim sum. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, Yummy House Gainesville features its well-loved dim sum lunch service. Servers come by with carts loaded up with buns, dumplings, steamed rice rolls and even mango mochi. We recommend you gather a group of friends and try a little bit of everything. The restaurant is clean and casual, and the service is always excellent. It’s not one to miss, and easily one of the best restaurants in Gainesville.
The Top
With many great restaurants in downtown Gainesville, FL, The Top stands out as a favorite. Located right on Main Street, the hip and eclectic restaurant stays open late for University of Florida students to grab a late night bite. The Top is just effortlessly cool, and diners can choose to sit indoors or on their festive patio while sipping on a well-made cocktail from the bar. For those who don’t imbibe, they have a menu of delicious spirit-free cocktails to choose from.
Speaking of menus, the dinner menu is inventive and has offerings for everyone at the table, including several choices for vegans and vegetarians. A signature burger menu features a dozen unique burgers, and guests rave about the chocolate cake. The restaurant does get busy, so come early or make a reservation!
Afternoon
Afternoon makes a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Gainesville by doing brunch right. This small, hip brunch spot is counter service only and does not accept reservations, so it’s best to get there early so you can sink your teeth into some of the best brunch in Gainesville.
The menu is small but fresh with favorites like the Dutch baby with oranges and thyme and the crispy potatoes (seriously, don’t miss the crispy potatoes). Afternoon makes their pastries in-house and their offerings change daily, so be sure to check the case. Finally, their coffee is roasted in-house, and locals stop by just for their lattes.
Country Foodly
Tucked away in a strip mall, Country Foodly is one of the more underrated places to eat in Gainesville, FL. This small, unassuming diner is known for its Korean twist on classic breakfast favorites. Try the bulgogi beef omelette or the Korean tacos, or opt for some Korean chicken and waffles. No matter what you order, it will be amazing. Plus, everything is very affordable, so you and your wallet will leave satisfied.
With exceptional service, everyone who steps in the door feels like a regular. Country Foodly is a hidden gem, and easily the best breakfast in Gainesville, FL.