Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or are a college student, Gainesville has great restaurants that will satisfy your cravings. This beautiful city is home to an awesome culinary scene that is only getting better with time and we want to share the best of it with you. Trust us, we at Liv+ Gainesville went out and found the best places for you to enjoy some good grub and hangout in Gainesville. We made sure to include restaurants that offer great specials and dining experiences worth every penny. The following are some of the best restaurants you’ll find in Gainesville:
The Top
The top is the best restaurant in Gainesville where you can enjoy some burgers, beer, and other modern American fares. Every meal is served with an elegant twist that compliments the restaurant’s great atmosphere. The Top also boasts of serving up a unique cocktail menu that varies every weekend. The restaurant makes sure to change up the cocktail menu so that customers can always try something new. The Top also hosts great events throughout the year to keep the great vibes going. The best part about dining at The Top is that you can choose whether to sit at a regular table, the bar, or a great spot outdoors.
Restaurant Style: American Cuisine
Location: 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Restaurant Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday: 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Monday: Closed
Perks
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Happy Hour Food
- Nightly Specials
- Outdoor Seating
- Vegetarian Options
Tips and Tricks
The spot features some awesome nightly specials all week long in case you’re always looking for some deals. Now, if you’re more concerned about the customer traffic, the restaurant usually starts filling up around 8 p.m. Try heading in around 10 if you want to catch a special, dodge a longer wait, and enjoy the environment.
Satchel’s Pizza
Satchel’s Pizza has been the best restaurant to order some delicious pies in Gainesville since 2003. Don’t worry, we know of plenty of places that claim to be the best pizzeria, but Satchel’s really tops them all. Besides serving up some amazing food, you can also enjoy your plate in a van, under a plane, or in a greenhouse (You’ll find out what we mean). The restaurant also includes a playground for children, local art, and live music for everyone to enjoy. So next time you’re in the mood for a classic or modern pizza, head over to Satchel’s Pizza because they won’t disappoint!
Restaurant Style: Pizzeria
Location: 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Restaurant Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
Perks
- Homemade Sodas
- Live Music
- Outdoor Seating
- Vegetarian Options
Local Favorites
- Calzones
- Custom Pizzas
- Desserts
Tips and Tricks
Make sure you take enough cash because Satchel’s is a Cash Only Restaurant! You can also try heading over to Satchel’s in between lunch and dinner time if you want to avoid longer waits. Other than that, be prepared to enjoy a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Mi Apá Latin Café of Gainesville
Next on our list of the best restaurants in Gainesville is a Cuban spot that focuses on serving the freshest, tastiest ingredients. From classic Cuban Sandwiches to some delicious Cuban Coffee, Mi Apá Latin Café will give you one of the best tastes and feels of the Cuban culture. Even if you’re on the go, you can always pick up your choice of sandwich with some fried plantain chips on the side.
The restaurant has strong Cuban roots that originate from the Miami area and now focus on tending to the community through amazing food and good deeds. Next time you’re in Gainesville, head over to Mi Apá Latin Café and check out what the restaurant is all about.
Restaurant Style: Cuban Cuisine
Location: 114 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607
Restaurant Hours
- Sunday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Perks
- Catering
- Delivery
- Online Orders
- Vegetarian Options
Local Favorites
- Cuban Coffee
- Cubano
- Pastelitos
- Traditional Cuban Plates
Tips and Tricks
Mi Apá Latin Café is a popular place to enjoy some breakfast, so you can expect a bit of a wait during the first half of the day. You can also stop by or order in the afternoon if you really want to avoid the extra wait.
Ichiban Sushi
From spicy Thai curries to mouth-watering sushi, Ichiban Sushi everything it takes to be one of the best restaurants in Gainesville. The restaurant also serves every dish with an elegant twist which adds on to the excitement of waiting for the tasty grub. Ichiban Sushi is also a great place to enjoy a family dinner, romantic date, or just hang out with a group of friends.
Restaurant Style: Sushi and Asian Cuisine
Location: 4401 NW 25 Pl, Gainesville, FL 32606
Restaurant Hours
- Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Perks
- Vegetarian Options
Local Favorites
- Sushi
Tips and Tricks
Dinner time is the most popular time of the day at Ichiban Sushi. You can always try dining in during lunch if you want to enjoy a more private meal and avoid a longer wait.
Boca Fiesta
Are you looking for the best Mexican restaurant in Gainesville? Boca Fiesta always has a great atmosphere where you can enjoy some great tacos, burritos, and freshly made margaritas and cocktails. The best thing about Boca Fiesta is being able to enjoy some dinner accompanied by some fun Boca specials throughout the week. You can enjoy karaoke on Monday nights or check out the rest of the nightly events if you’d like. Add some of the restaurant’s specialty drinks to your order and you’ll find out what all the buzz is about. Any of the weekly events is enough to treat you to a great night out in Gainesville. The restaurant is also popular for its special Friday lunch and Sunday brunch.
Restaurant Style: Mexican Cuisine
Location: 232 SE 1 St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Restaurant Hours
- Monday: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Tuesday – Saturday: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Perks
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Happy Hour Food
- Live Music
- Outdoor Seating
- Vegetarian Options
Local Favorites
- Margaritas
- Tacos
- Tex-Mex Dishes
Tips and Tricks
We highly suggest you check out the restaurant’s calendar before choosing a night to dine in at Boca Fiesta. We want you to get the most for your dollar so choose a night that offers the most for you!
9 and 10 p.m. are also the busiest times of the day in case you’re looking to avoid long waits.
Adam’s Rib Co.
Head over to Adam’s Rib Co. if you’re looking for the best barbecue restaurant in Gainesville. The restaurant is dedicated to perfecting the best tasting ribs you’ll find in Florida. Their homemade side dishes include baked beans, collards, coleslaw, and mac-n-cheese, just to name a few. If that’s not enough, Adam’s Rib Co. also cooks up some overwhelmingly delicious home-cooked breakfast you’ll want to try out. Adam’s also has two very convenient restaurant locations in Gainesville in case you were wondering.
Restaurant Style: Barbecue
Location
- 1515 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
- 2109 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609
Restaurant Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Perks
- Alcoholic Beverages
Local Favorites
- Ribs
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tips and Tricks
Lunch hour is the most popular time of the day at Adam’s Rib Co. You can try heading in a bit later if you want to avoid a long wait.
