Great Gainesville, FL restaurants? Or even places to go?

Question

Or even some ethnic markets would be nice...new to the area.

Answer 1

1) Emiliano's Cafe
Cuisine: Pan-Latin
Emiliano's is conveniently located downtown at 7 SE 1st St., a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle. The best seating is found outdoors on the patio, where daytime diners can observe the movement of the city from their alcove and romantics can dine under the stars. My personal menu favorite is the Arroz con Pollo, a deliciously seasoned chicken with rice and black beans, and Amarillo, or sweet fried ripe plantains that tend to melt in your mouth.

2) Chopstix Cafe
Cuisine: Pan-Asian, Vegetarian, & Sushi
Choptsix is famous for two things. The first is its view from the dining hall, which overlooks a portion of Biven's Arm that flows underneath SW 13th Street. Here fishermen cast lines and gators swim freely. The second is its sushi variety - from the standard California roll to a tasty Gainesville original called the "Crispy Gator Roll" that is fried on the outside and holds a pocket of warm cream cheese, vegetables, and meat inside.

3) The Wine & Cheese Gallery
Cuisine: Wine, Cheeses, Sandwiches
One unique feature of The Gallery is its array of imported cheeses, candies, and racks of wine that you walk through before you're seated. Talk about cravings! In a cozy corner with soft music and an astounding wait staff, you'll relish the opportunity to sip gourmet (yet affordable) wines and dine on exotic sandwiches such as The Normandy - Brie cheese, apples, and cinnamon served on hot bread - or The Big Cheese - havarti, Jarlsberg, and Gouda.

4) Maude's Classic Cafe
Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee, & Desserts
Located between the Sun City Center and Hippodrome, Maude's offers up possibly the best coffee and desserts in town. Menu favorites include amaretto or hazelnut flavored "steamers" (warm milk) and their signature desserts, each named after a celebrity. Weekend nights are the best time to lounge on their brick patio. Play board games with friends and listen to the sounds of local jazz bands like Unsafe Sax for mere dollars, courtesy of Maude's.

5) Leonardo's Pizza by the Slice
Cuisine: Pizza/Italian
As one leg of the "Leo Trio" (Leonardo's Pizza, Leonardo's 706, & Bistro 1245 - under the same ownership) that dominates food service on University Avenue, Leo's Pizza is almost as well known as UF football. Don't let the pierced and tattooed employees fool you. Leo's is good for both visiting families and students, who you can sometimes catch in the middle of a poetry reading or jam session. Try the Greek pizza with extra feta cheese and ask to thank Leo himself.

6) McAlister's Deli
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Salads, & Spuds
Though McAlister's is a franchise throughout the United States, it is a staple in the Gainesville area and a favorite for business lunch-goers on the southwest side of town. Located in Butler Plaza, McAlister's offers quick service in comfortable atmosphere complete with round tables, big windows, and memorabilia. Try the Spud Max, a loaded baked potato covered in cheeses, meats, and olives that barely fits on your plate, and don't forget the lemonade!

7) Cafe Gardens
Cuisine: American
Cafe Gardens is hidden away from the University of Florida and downtown chaos, yet just across the street from the campus. Its beautiful courtyard setting has won it awards in the past. Not typically a student hangout, Cafe Gardens provides a laid-back atmosphere for adults and business people. Wine lovers can attend the wine tasting on Fridays, and patrons can bask in the taste of hand-pat burgers and Cafe Gardens' famous sweet potato fries for lunch or dinner.

8) Gator's Dockside
Cuisine: American, Beer
Gator's Dockside is a neighborhood sports bar and restaurant frequented by families during the day and locals at night. Aside from the draws of massive, two-story tall televisions broadcasting sports and liquor that keeps flowing, Gator's Dockside has one very unique menu item: gator tail. It's the real thing, batter-fried and served with the house dipping sauce. I'd tell you it tastes just like chicken, but you won't believe me until you've try it.

9) Dragonfly
Cuisine: Sushi, Asian
Dragonfly Sushi has a truly serene ambience. The music is never too loud, and the wait staff is both diligent and personable. Prices are mid-range. The food is decadent and served in large portions. And to top it off, any Asian cuisine lover will find it hard to choose from so many scrumptious menu items like sushi, noodles, and other entrees. Just remember to save room for dessert.

10) Burrito Brothers
Cuisine: Mexican
Burrito Brothers is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that has managed to thrive in the Gainesville scene for about 30 years. Though it has changed locations recently, its fans still follow and dine. The burritos speak for themselves, and the prices are more than affordable for the portion sizes served up. Even when you leave Gainesville, you don't have to leave behind your burritos. A service is available to ship their frozen burritos by FedEx with tasty red sauce included.

http://gainesville.about.com/od/food/tp/Top102006Eats.htm

Answer 2

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
14 reviews - 5 stars
110 SE 1st St
Gainesville, FL 32601

[phone] - close call
hookedonharrys.com

Maude's Classic Cafe
14 reviews - 5stars
101 SE 2nd Pl # 101
Gainesville, FL 32601

[phone] - close call
afn.org

Burrito Brothers Taco Co
15 reviews - 5 stars
1402C W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32603

[phone] - close call
burritobros.com

Answer 3

Great Town, walk down Main St. College area, great Pubs!!

Answer 4

You might get some good tips on the Florida discussion board at chowhound.com