The best restaurants in Gainesville

69 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 69 places · showing the latest additions first

Gainesville’s own Afternoon Restaurant keeps it casual and delicious, a neighborhood brunch spot built for unhurried mornings and catching…

231 NW 10th Ave

Gainesville’s own Afternoon Restaurant keeps it casual and delicious, a neighborhood brunch spot built for unhurried mornings and catching up with your people. Swing by this week for familiar brunch comfort done right, the kind of plate that makes errands feel optional and afternoons suspiciously nap worthy.

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When the sushi craving hits, Mahzu Sushi & Grill delivers with pristine nigiri, sashimi, and playful rolls like the Salmon and Avocado…

5150 SW 34th St

When the sushi craving hits, Mahzu Sushi & Grill delivers with pristine nigiri, sashimi, and playful rolls like the Salmon and Avocado Pizza, plus an Omakase Special and the Mahzu Love Boat for Two that make weeknights feel celebratory. Treat yourself this week.

From the Gainesville newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Beque Holic keeps Gainesville sizzling with premium beef, pork, seafood, and specialty cuts cooked right at your table, complete with…

3812 Newberry Rd

Beque Holic keeps Gainesville sizzling with premium beef, pork, seafood, and specialty cuts cooked right at your table, complete with banchan and house dipping sauces. Go all-you-can-eat or mix it up à la carte, then linger with friends because turning dinner into an event is the whole point.

From the Gainesville newsletter, August 4, 2026

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When the craving hits for legit smoked meats, Southern sides, and a whiskey list that reads like bedtime stories, Mojo Bar-B-Que, A…

1607 University Blvd W (Jacksonville)

When the craving hits for legit smoked meats, Southern sides, and a whiskey list that reads like bedtime stories, Mojo Bar-B-Que, A Southern Blues Kitchen brings the trifecta together in a good-natured vibe. Treat yourself this week to slow-smoked comfort and a craft cocktail, then thank us later.

From the Gainesville newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Hip spot fixing up New Orleans-inspired fare, from jambalaya to signature cocktails.

110 SE 1st St

Hip spot fixing up New Orleans-inspired fare, from jambalaya to signature cocktails.

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MISSION BBQ

Restaurants

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

8440 Blanding Blvd (Jacksonville)

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

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Easygoing destination offering seafood rolls, noodles & tempura, plus other Japanese standards.

3147 SW 45th St Ste 10

Easygoing destination offering seafood rolls, noodles & tempura, plus other Japanese standards.

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Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

3433 SW Archer Rd

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

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Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

6025 Butler Point Rd #101 (Jacksonville)

Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

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Biscottis

Restaurants

Convivial bistro serving small plates, sandwiches, salads & brunch in a historic, brick-lined space.

3556 St Johns Ave (Jacksonville)

Convivial bistro serving small plates, sandwiches, salads & brunch in a historic, brick-lined space.

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Basic take-out nook offering whole pizzas & slices with a variety of classic toppings.

1728A W University Ave

Basic take-out nook offering whole pizzas & slices with a variety of classic toppings.

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Casual chain known for Nashville hot chicken served as tenders, sliders, and mac 'n' cheese.

3524 SW Archer Rd Ste 110

Casual chain known for Nashville hot chicken served as tenders, sliders, and mac 'n' cheese.

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Upscale restaurant serving steak and other gourmet fare, along with a wine list and cocktails.

11362 San Jose Blvd (Jacksonville)

Upscale restaurant serving steak and other gourmet fare, along with a wine list and cocktails.

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Informal choice for Vietnamese classics such as noodle soups & vermicelli, plus bubble tea.

1921 Lane Ave S (Jacksonville)

Informal choice for Vietnamese classics such as noodle soups & vermicelli, plus bubble tea.

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Sonny's BBQ

Restaurants

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

2700 NE Waldo Rd

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

3760 SW Archer Rd

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

6401 W Newberry Rd

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Chicago deep-dish & NYC-style pies are on offer at this vibrant local pizza pub with pastas & subs.

2677 Forbes St (Jacksonville)

Chicago deep-dish & NYC-style pies are on offer at this vibrant local pizza pub with pastas & subs.

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Scuola Pizza

Restaurants

Laid-back locale serving stone-fired pizza and a variety of Italian and Greek classics.

5240 NW 34th Blvd

Laid-back locale serving stone-fired pizza and a variety of Italian and Greek classics.

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New Southern fare, craft cocktails & self-pour beer & whiskey served in a brick- & wood-lined space.

15 SE 1st Ave

New Southern fare, craft cocktails & self-pour beer & whiskey served in a brick- & wood-lined space.

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Restaurant Orsay

Restaurants

Seasonal French food & creative cocktails meet in this dining room with plush seats & exposed beams.

3630 Park St (Jacksonville)

Seasonal French food & creative cocktails meet in this dining room with plush seats & exposed beams.

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Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

4150 NW 16th Blvd

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

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Counter-serve chain eatery featuring Texas-style BBQ, homestyle sides & sweet treats.

3262 SW 35th Blvd

Counter-serve chain eatery featuring Texas-style BBQ, homestyle sides & sweet treats.

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Moon River Pizza

Restaurants

Funky pizzeria offering custom & specialty thin-crust pies plus wine & beer in colorful surrounds.

1176 Edgewood Ave S (Jacksonville)

Funky pizzeria offering custom & specialty thin-crust pies plus wine & beer in colorful surrounds.

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Boca Fiesta

Restaurants

Mexican fare, veggie options & margaritas served amid exposed beams, brick walls & an outdoor patio.

232 SE 1st St

Mexican fare, veggie options & margaritas served amid exposed beams, brick walls & an outdoor patio.

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Casual, enduring bistro with old-world flair offering homemade pasta & other classic Italian dishes.

Behind the Hippodrome, 235 S Main St #107

Casual, enduring bistro with old-world flair offering homemade pasta & other classic Italian dishes.

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Casual eatery for sushi and other Japanese fare plus pan-Asian dishes.

4401 NW 25th Pl. Ste c

Casual eatery for sushi and other Japanese fare plus pan-Asian dishes.

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Mini-chain branch serving Southern BBQ faves & a vast whiskey menu in laid-back quarters.

3572 St Johns Ave (Jacksonville)

Mini-chain branch serving Southern BBQ faves & a vast whiskey menu in laid-back quarters.

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13 Gypsies

Restaurants

An eclectic menu with a Spanish focus is the highlight at this tiny spot with a minimalist interior.

887 Stockton St (Jacksonville)

An eclectic menu with a Spanish focus is the highlight at this tiny spot with a minimalist interior.

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Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.

4062 Plaza Blvd #10

Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.

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Pan-Asian dishes such as pho, ramen, and rice bowls are served in a casual setting.

5835 Normandy Blvd (Jacksonville)

Pan-Asian dishes such as pho, ramen, and rice bowls are served in a casual setting.

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Chophouse chain serving surf 'n' turf, wine & cocktails in a stylish dining room & bar.

3832 Baymeadows Rd #3 (Jacksonville)

Chophouse chain serving surf 'n' turf, wine & cocktails in a stylish dining room & bar.

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Wings, burgers, and seafood dishes, plus beer, cocktails, and frozen daiquiris, offered in a sports-bar setting.

901 King St (Jacksonville)

Wings, burgers, and seafood dishes, plus beer, cocktails, and frozen daiquiris, offered in a sports-bar setting.

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Casual Vietnamese counter-serve eatery serving pho, vermicelli, banh mi & vegetarian-friendly fare.

3117 SW 34th St Ste 2

Casual Vietnamese counter-serve eatery serving pho, vermicelli, banh mi & vegetarian-friendly fare.

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Relaxed local chain serving a range of American breakfast & lunch fare, from waffles to patty melts.

4871 Celebration Pointe Ave

Relaxed local chain serving a range of American breakfast & lunch fare, from waffles to patty melts.

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Sonny's BBQ

Restaurants

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

9213 NW 39th Ave

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

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Mall-based white-tablecloth eatery featuring traditional Italian cuisine & live music nightly.

10601 San Jose Blvd #109 (Jacksonville)

Mall-based white-tablecloth eatery featuring traditional Italian cuisine & live music nightly.

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IHOP

Restaurants

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

3625 SW 13th St

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

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Florida Room

Restaurants

Casual breakfast-and-lunch spot (plus some desserts) featuring omelettes, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches and other classics.

2 W University Ave

Casual breakfast-and-lunch spot (plus some desserts) featuring omelettes, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches and other classics.

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Prime & Pearl

Restaurants

Upscale eatery serving dry-aged beef, steaks, oysters and other seafood dishes, along with wine.

4949 Celebration Pointe Ave Ste 70

Upscale eatery serving dry-aged beef, steaks, oysters and other seafood dishes, along with wine.

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Long-standing option serving Chicago-style pizzas plus pastas & sandwiches in an easygoing space.

4131 NW 16th Blvd

Long-standing option serving Chicago-style pizzas plus pastas & sandwiches in an easygoing space.

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Sonny's BBQ

Restaurants

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

3635 SW Archer Rd

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

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Metro Diner

Restaurants

Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

2130 SW 34th St

Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

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High-end chophouse serves surf 'n' turf & a broad wine list with a full bar & outdoor seating.

3545 SW 34th St Apt A

High-end chophouse serves surf 'n' turf & a broad wine list with a full bar & outdoor seating.

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Asian fusion restaurant offering gourmet, street-inspired dishes in a stylish, bustling space.

1001 Park St (Jacksonville)

Asian fusion restaurant offering gourmet, street-inspired dishes in a stylish, bustling space.

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Alpin Bistro

Restaurants

This buzzy French bistro with hip decor & a patio serves seasonal plates with imported beer & wine.

15 SW 2nd St

This buzzy French bistro with hip decor & a patio serves seasonal plates with imported beer & wine.

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superette

Restaurants

Cozy, plant-lined restaurant and wine bar serving a Mediterranean menu, plus brunch.

1511 NW 2nd St

Cozy, plant-lined restaurant and wine bar serving a Mediterranean menu, plus brunch.

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Clock Restaurant

Restaurants

Basic spot serving comfort-food classics such as burgers, Southern fried chicken & Belgian waffles.

2010 N Main St

Basic spot serving comfort-food classics such as burgers, Southern fried chicken & Belgian waffles.

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One Love Cafe

Restaurants

Locally sourced American eats in casual digs with a patio, fire pit & games, plus live music.

4989 Northwest 40th Place

Locally sourced American eats in casual digs with a patio, fire pit & games, plus live music.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

3984 SW 43rd St

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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Gumby's Pizza

Restaurants

Informal chain offering an extensive menu of pizza, wings & Italian comfort food.

2028 SW 34th St

Informal chain offering an extensive menu of pizza, wings & Italian comfort food.

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Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

3021 SW 34th St

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

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Former football coach Don Shula's sophisticated steakhouse chain serving aged beef & other classics.

1714 SW 34th St

Former football coach Don Shula's sophisticated steakhouse chain serving aged beef & other classics.

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Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

3265 SW 34th St Ste. 3

Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

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A comfortable atmosphere for classic pastas, traditional Italian entrees & made-to-order pizzas.

9200 NW 39th Ave #100

A comfortable atmosphere for classic pastas, traditional Italian entrees & made-to-order pizzas.

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Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

4062 Plaza Blvd Ste 20

Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

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La Tienda

Restaurants

Innovative & traditional Mexican chow dished in a simple counter-serve spot with porch seating.

2204 SW 13th St

Innovative & traditional Mexican chow dished in a simple counter-serve spot with porch seating.

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Casual, air-conditioned eatery serving Latin comfort food, burgers and plantains alongside live music.

502 S Main St

Casual, air-conditioned eatery serving Latin comfort food, burgers and plantains alongside live music.

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Creative locavore American fare, plus wine & cocktails, served in serene purple & beige decor.

3445 W University Ave

Creative locavore American fare, plus wine & cocktails, served in serene purple & beige decor.

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New Deal Cafe

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery serving locally sourced pizzas, burgers & sandwiches, plus beer & wine.

3443 W University Ave

Relaxed eatery serving locally sourced pizzas, burgers & sandwiches, plus beer & wine.

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Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

3205 Clark Butler Blvd Ste 50

Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

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Casual, clean restaurant offering a wide array of sushi rolls and grilled entrees, along with cocktails.

6419 W Newberry Rd Ste A3

Casual, clean restaurant offering a wide array of sushi rolls and grilled entrees, along with cocktails.

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Casual sports-pub chain with basics from bar snacks to steaks & a large selection of tap beers.

2881 Bass Pro Shops Blvd

Casual sports-pub chain with basics from bar snacks to steaks & a large selection of tap beers.

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Relaxed Japanese eatery featuring sushi rolls plus teriyaki dishes, fried rice and ramen.

5200 NW 43rd St

Relaxed Japanese eatery featuring sushi rolls plus teriyaki dishes, fried rice and ramen.

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The TOP

Restaurants

Hip, casual spot serving burgers, beer & modern American fare, with vegan & vegetarian options.

30 N Main St

Hip, casual spot serving burgers, beer & modern American fare, with vegan & vegetarian options.

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Prime meats & seafood entrees with traditional sides are showcased in this elegant steakhouse.

201 SE 2nd Ave #102

Prime meats & seafood entrees with traditional sides are showcased in this elegant steakhouse.

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Contemporary izakaya featuring tapas-style Japanese pub fare, plus an assortment of sake.

201 SE 2nd Ave #104

Contemporary izakaya featuring tapas-style Japanese pub fare, plus an assortment of sake.

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Casual, family-friendly Italian restaurant featuring a pizza bar, a bread bakery and a gelato selection.

11112 San Jose Blvd (Jacksonville)

Casual, family-friendly Italian restaurant featuring a pizza bar, a bread bakery and a gelato selection.

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HASS Kitchen

Restaurants

Coffee shop that also serves brunch favorites like avocado toast, and steak and eggs.

1220 W University Ave

Coffee shop that also serves brunch favorites like avocado toast, and steak and eggs.

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