Where the locals go 

We asked for favorite spots in Gainesville and received nearly 200 different recommendations. These spots popped up the most in respondents’ lists of favorite places to eat and drink in Gainesville. Check out what the locals love about these gems.

No. 1 - The Top

Survey takers love the food and vibes at this stalwart spot in downtown Gainesville. From corn nuggets to vegan chocolate cake, The Top’s staples and specials are served with style.

    • Quirky but consistent and delicious.

    • It's cozy, a little weird, but has good food and drinks. It's easy to spend time with friends.

    • It’s consistent in both food and service, with a fun atmosphere. It’s also great for any age group.

No. 2 - Afternoon

This breakfast/lunch spot hawks stickers that proclaim, “I spent all of my tuition money at Afternoon and it was worth it.” This hip local eatery also draws plenty of year-round Gainesville residents with its unique, changing menu and coffee roasting.

    • Very cute location, consistently good food, has a nice rotating/seasonal menu so there's usually something new every time I go. Great coffee too!

    • Delicious food, good service, worth the wait.

No. 3. - Dragonfly Sushi

Another downtown staple, Dragonfly beloved for it’s cocktails, upscale feel, and sushi.

    • Great ambiance and delicious food and drink. Have had great service there and always am satisfied leaving.

    • The food is GREAT and the drink menu is interesting. It is also fun and feels contemporary

The Head Ball Coach’s restaurant in Celebration Pointe mixes drinking with sports memorabilia with displays featuring Steve Spurrier’s Heisman trophy, bowl rings, and dozens of visors. Survey participants called the winning weekend brunch.

    • Elevated ambiance, great drinks and service.

The convenience and multiple locations boost the popularity of this pizza joint, a Florida-based chain.

    • Good food, good service, close to home.

No. 5-7 (tie) Satchel’s Pizza

This eastside spot is perhaps as beloved for its eclectic mosaics and quirky vibes as its garlic butter-brushed pizzas and fresh house salad.

    • Local history, ambiance, great pizza.

One of the youngest restaurants on this list, Superette specializes in wine with a menu that ranges from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern cuisine.

      • Love the ambiance, wine selection always great, outdoor seating, yummy food.

No. 8-10 (tie)

Bingo Deli & Pub

Located just south of downtown Gainesville in the South Main Station area, Bingo focuses on locally-sourced dishes and creative cocktails.

    • Creative menu and ambiance.

No. 8-10 (tie) Embers Wood Fired Grill

Gainesville’s top steakhouse is beloved for its food and atmosphere that can accommodate a night on the town or lower key vibes.

    • Upscale and casual.

No. 8-10 (tie) Public & General

This eastside eatery has a laid-back feel with counter service, creative cocktails, and an impressive wine selection.

    • Love the food vegan and vegetarian options.

Other Spots Gainesville Loves

They didn’t make the the top 10, but these locales also come highly recommended.

Restaurant photos from The TOP Restaurant, Afternoon Restaurant, Dragonfly Sushi, Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill, Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza, Satchel’s Pizza, Superette Wine + Provisions, Bingo Deli & Pub, Embers Wood Fired Grill, and Public and General.

Previous

Why we dine
Next

Where we talk food