Let your taste buds run wild through Greater Gainesville, where the dining options are as diverse as the population. From fine Italian restaurants to casual barbeque joints and everything in between, Greater Gainesville has the perfect dining location for any occasion.
Start your day off right at one of Greater Gainesville’s many breakfast spots. When it comes to homemade biscuits, omelets and hot cakes, the Pearl Country Store and Barbecue in Micanopy does it right. For creamy grits and Southern charm, make your way to the Flying Biscuit Cafe. If you’re looking for an outside-of-the-box breakfast experience, Country Foodly serves up classic American breakfasts with a Korean twist. Have Sunday brunch at Emiliano’s Cafe, where Latin flavors meet American flare. With food this good, the only thing you’ll be wondering after breakfast is, “What’s for lunch?”
You don’t have to travel south of the border to enjoy real Mexican food. You can find the harmonious blend of lime, cilantro, onions and tomatoes right here in Greater Gainesville. Local favorites like La Tienda Latina in Gainesville, Cilantro Tacos in Newberry, and El Molino in Waldo offer casual Mexican-style settings where you can sit outside, take a crunchy bite out of a freshly prepared tostada and enjoy a light Mexican beer.
If you want to be licking barbeque sauce off your fingers by the end of your meal, Greater Gainesville has over 100 places you can go to. Adam’s Rib Co., Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que, and Newberry’s Backyard BBQ are a few popular establishments firing up smokers and offering fall-off-the-bone ribs capable of pleasing even the pickiest of eaters.
Great news for coffee lovers: Coffee culture is growing all over the country, and Greater Gainesville is no exception. If you’re trying to avoid the dreaded midday crash, there are a variety of coffee shops waiting for you to walk in and sample their premium roasts. In downtown Gainesville, you will find two local favorites, Maude’s Classic Cafe and Volta Coffee, Tea and Chocolate.
The dynamic aroma of ginger, garlic and chilies sizzling away in a pan is popular throughout Greater Gainesville. With over 50 Asian restaurants to choose from and an infinite number of flavors to try, you will feel like you are halfway across the world. Visit Fuji Sushi in Newberry or Dragonfly in downtown Gainesville for a taste of Japan in an ideal date-night location. If you crave sautéed vegetables, fluffy white rice and stir-fried beef short ribs, head over to Yummy House for authentic Chinese cooking.
In Greater Gainesville, Italian food is easy to come by but hard to forget. For an upscale dining experience featuring creamy sauce, fine wine and roasted garlic, try Manuel’s Vintage Room. If you’re seeking a rustic, fun experience with your kids, make your way to Satchel’s Pizza, where upcycled pieces of art abound in every corner.
The mix of lively college students and cultured locals provides for a diverse bar scene in Greater Gainesville. From cocktail bars like Whiskey House to breweries like Swamp Head, you are sure to find the perfect spot to please your taste buds and wallet.
To see a list of restaurants, go to guidetogreatergainesville.com.