When you feel like dining out, you’ll have more options than you can choose from with Greater Gainesville’s active foodie culture. From fine dining and wine to casual food truck rallies and local breweries, Greater Gainesville has the perfect dining location for any occasion.
Kick off your week with a leisurely brunch at one of many breakfast spots. If you’re looking for great atmosphere, homegrown ingredients and a space for your children to play, try One Love Café in Magnolia Parke. Complete with a stage for live music, a fire pit, swing seating and surrounded by greenery, One Love Café is the perfect place to bring the whole family (and the dog) when you’re in need of some weekend relaxation.
For an elegant take on southern brunch visit the Sweetwater Branch Inn’s restaurant, The Sweet Tea. Situated in a quaint and beautifully revived Victorian home, The Sweet Tea features timeless Southern specialties such as fried green tomatoes with buttermilk basil dressing and a southern catfish po’boy with candied jalapeños.
If Latin flavors are more your style, have Sunday brunch at Emiliano’s Café. 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 barbecue sauce off your fingers by the end of your meal, Greater Gainesville has over 100 options. Adam’s Rib Co., MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que and Woodyard Grill are a few popular establishments firing up smokers and offering fall-off-the-bone ribs that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
If you live a meat-free lifestyle, don’t fret. Gainesville has its share of vegan and vegetarian options. Known for its falafel and pickled onions, Sababa has many options for vegans and vegetarians ranging from vegan shawarma to veggie schnitzel. Located in the Sun Center next to the Hippodrome Theatre, you can enjoy your meal before seeing a play.
In the mood for pizza? Head over to Satchel’s for a funky atmosphere and a fresh pizza. With vegan-friendly pesto sauce, vegan-friendly crust, vegan cheese and tempeh toppings, what more could you want?
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 impressive number of flavors to try, you will feel like you are halfway across the world. Found in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Dragonfly has been a staple of sushi lovers since it first opened its doors in 2000. Promoting a modern and stylish atmosphere coupled with a large assortment of fresh sushi rolls and delicious entrees, Dragonfly is the perfect spot for a date night or just a casual outing with friends and family. If you need to grab a quick meal but don’t want to sacrifice quality and taste, look no further than Bento Café.
For fine dining, a local favorite is Embers Wood Grill. Featuring a real wood grill and a select combination of woods, Embers is sure to delight. The Chef’s Table even offers a personalized menu. Or visit Mark’s Prime Steakhouse, serving a quality dining experience since November 2002 and offering beef, fresh seafood, vegetables and premium wines.
In Greater Gainesville, Italian food is easy to come by and hard to forget. For an upscale dining experience featuring creamy sauce, fine wine and roasted garlic, try Manuel’s Vintage Room. And don’t forget Francesca’s Trattoria for lunch, brunch or dinner complete with live jazz on most days. For a more a casual experience, Blue Highway Pizza is the perfect place for you to grab your friends to watch a game. The variety of Sicilian-style pizza is sure to rouse the taste buds. And be sure to check out O Sole Mio in Jonesville for an authentic, hand-prepared Italian meal with the freshest regional ingredients.
No matter what you are in the mood for when you decide to eat out, the Greater Gainesville area has the perfect place for every palate. Whether you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere of downtown or sample sushi on a lake, Gainesville will make you feel at home.