25 Essential Gainesville Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Gainesville.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Florida
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza – Archer (Tower Rd)
Florida
Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Five Star Pizza
Florida
No-frills, counter-serve operation specializing in pizzas, pepperoni rolls & chicken wings.
Newk's Eatery
Gainesville, Florida
Regional chain offering a menu of salads, pizzas & sandwiches in a casual setting.
Mahzu Sushi & Grill
Gainesville, Florida
Relaxed, modern outpost for Japanese grilled fare, sushi, creative rolls & sake bombs.
El Indio Mexican Restaurant 13th St
Gainesville, Florida
Laid-back, fast-food joint dishing out Mexican standards such as burritos, tacos & enchiladas.
V Pizza + Sidecar
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: Delivery, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
The TOP
Gainesville, Florida
Hip, casual spot serving burgers, beer & modern American fare, with vegan & vegetarian options.
Peppino's Pizza
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Chuy's
Gainesville, Florida
Chain serving "big as yo' face" burritos & other Tex-Mex dishes in kitschy, eclectic settings.
Momoyaki
Gainesville, Florida
Bento boxes, sushi & Korean favorites offered in a relaxed, Asian-inspired setting.
43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Serves local specialty. Popular for.
Sonny's BBQ
Gainesville, Florida
Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.
Five Star Pizza
Gainesville, Florida
No-frills, counter-serve operation specializing in pizzas, pepperoni rolls & chicken wings.
Edo Japanese Steakhouse
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Mac's Drive Thru
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: Outdoor seating, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Five Star Pizza
Gainesville, Florida
No-frills, counter-serve operation specializing in pizzas, pepperoni rolls & chicken wings.
El Indio Mexican Restaurant 34th St
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: Outdoor seating, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great dessert.
I Love N.Y Pizza
Gainesville, Florida
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights.
Seoul Pocha Korean Pub/Grill
Gainesville, Florida
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Gainesville, Florida
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Hogan's
Gainesville, Florida
Founded in 1983, this basic shop serves subs & classic deli sandwiches, plus draft & bottled beer.
La Tienda
Gainesville, Florida
Innovative & traditional Mexican chow dished in a simple counter-serve spot with porch seating.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Gainesville, Florida
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
4th Ave Food Park
Gainesville, Florida
Lively open-air haunt featuring vendors doling out snacks such as pizza, tacos & sandwiches.