As a small business marketing team, we know firsthand how tough it can be for local businesses to get noticed — and restaurants are no exception. That’s why we created this Gainesville Small Restaurant Directory: to make it easier for you to discover and support the incredible local spots that give our city its unique flavor.

Whether it’s a family-owned café, a food truck with a cult following, or a hidden gem serving up unforgettable dishes, these businesses thrive when we show up, share, and spread the word.

If you know a local restaurant that should be featured here or if you’re having trouble finding them, reach out to us directly or send us a Facebook message. Let’s keep Gainesville cool!

Latin/Caribbean Cuisine

• Flaco’s Cuban Bakery (Facebook) – Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and late-night eats.
• Abuelas Cocina Latina (Facebook) – Home-style Latin comfort food.
• Vecinos Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar (Facebook) – Latin-inspired bar food and community events.
• Mi Apá Latin Café (Website) – Authentic Cuban dishes like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and café con leche.
• La Tienda Latina (Website) – Traditional Mexican dishes with a focus on tacos, burritos, and tamales.
• El Indio (Website) – Mexican street food with a focus on tacos and burritos.
• Las Margaritas (Website) – Mexican restaurant serving enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas.
• Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant (Website) – Traditional Mexican dishes with Latin American influences.
• Arepas Milko (Facebook) – Venezuelan arepas and other Latin comfort foods.
• El Toro (Website) – Popular Mexican restaurant offering a wide variety of traditional dishes.
• La Pasadita (Website) – Small Mexican eatery with homemade tacos and burritos.
• Cilantro Tacos (Website) – Mexican-inspired eatery offering tacos, burritos, and bowls. Praised for its fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas.
• Muñecas Taco Garden (Website) – Trendy taco spot with a lively atmosphere, known for its inventive taco creations and craft cocktails.
• Tela – Latin Grill (Website) – A vibrant eatery offering a fusion of Latin American flavors, known for its grilled specialties and lively atmosphere.
• Peruvian Food Blessing (Facebook) – Authentic Peruvian dishes featuring traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, bringing the taste of Peru to Gainesville.
• Nopal (Facebook) – Mexican restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, in a casual setting.
• Linda Vista (Website) – Family-owned Mexican restaurant serving classic dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and homemade tortillas.
• El Morro Bakery (No Digital Presence) – Puerto Rican bakery offering traditional pastries, including guava pastelitos, quesitos, and sweet breads.
• Boca Fiesta (Website) – Eclectic Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant with creative tacos, burritos, and craft cocktails in a quirky setting.
• TonyDillas (Website) – A fast-casual spot specializing in quesadillas with a variety of Latin-inspired fillings, including pork, beef, and vegetarian options.
• Sublime Tacos (Website) – A taco spot known for its gourmet, street-style tacos with Latin and Caribbean influences, offering vegan and gluten-free options.
• Tinker Latin Street Food (Website) – A family-owned restaurant in Gainesville, Florida, offering a variety of Latin American dishes inspired by countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. 
• Caribbean Queen (Facebook) – A local favorite for authentic Caribbean cuisine, known for its flavorful jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail. The cozy, no-frills spot is perfect for those seeking hearty comfort food with bold island spices.

American Cuisine & Gastropubs

• The Top (Website) – Trendy American fare with vegan and vegetarian options, plus a lively bar scene.
• Public & General (Facebook) – Gastropub offering casual eats, craft drinks, and a neighborhood vibe.
• Crafty Bastards (Website) – Pub-style dining with a focus on craft beer and hearty comfort food.
• Embers Wood Grill (Website) – Upscale steakhouse known for its wood-fired cuisine and premium cuts of meat.
• Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que (Website) – Southern BBQ spot with smoked meats and an extensive whiskey bar.
• Paramount Grill (Website) – Fine dining with innovative American dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
• Metro Diner (Website)– Classic American diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.
• Loosey’s Downtown (Website) – Pub with a strong community vibe, offering American-style food and craft beer.
• Mark’s Prime Steakhouse (Website) – Upscale American steakhouse featuring premium meats and seafood.
• Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausages (Website) – A hidden gem specializing in hand-crafted sausages made with locally sourced ingredients. Known for creative flavors and house-made condiments.
• Original American Kitchen (OAK) (Website)– A modern take on classic Southern American comfort food. Known for its hearty dishes like fried chicken, BBQ, and mac & cheese, served in a cozy atmosphere.
• Mom’s OG (Facebook) – An Irish-American sports bar offering classic American pub food like burgers, fries, and wings. A popular spot for watching games with daily specials and a welcoming vibe.
• Cry Baby’s (Facebook) – A retro-inspired burger joint and bar serving classic American comfort food, including generous burgers, fried chicken, and crispy fries. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and creative cocktails.
• Germains Chicken Sandwiches (Website) – A fast-casual restaurant specializing in gourmet chicken sandwiches. It has become a local favorite for its flavorful menu and welcoming atmosphere.
• Big Mill’s Cheesesteaks (Website) – Known for their Philly-style cheesesteaks and loaded fries. A Gainesville staple for hearty American eats.
• Sandy’s Place (Website) – A true Gainesville institution known for its home-cooked comfort food and friendly atmosphere. Locals rave about their hearty breakfasts and Southern classics.
• Prime & Pearl (Website) – Upscale steak and seafood restaurant offering a refined dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails.
• The Paper Bag (Website) – A retro-themed sandwich shop and deli serving massive sandwiches, homemade sides, and nostalgic vibes.
• The Midnight Underground (Facebook) – A unique late-night spot combining food, drinks, and a cool underground vibe. Known for its creative cocktails and eclectic menu, The Midnight Underground is a go-to for night owls seeking something different from the typical Gainesville bar scene.

Pizza & Italian Restaurants

• Satchel’s Pizza (Website) – Eclectic pizzeria known for its unique atmosphere and creative pies.
• Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza (Website) – Popular for its stone-baked pizzas and Italian specialties.
• Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper (Website) – A Gainesville institution, known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas.
• V Pizza (Website) – Traditional Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Peppino’s Pizza & Pasta (Website) – Family-owned restaurant offering NY-style pizzas, pasta dishes, and subs.
• Pomodoro Café (Website) – Italian-American cuisine, including pizzas, pastas, and classic Italian dishes.
• Blue Highway a Pizzeria (Website) – A locally loved spot with unique pizza options and an extensive Italian menu.
• O Sole Mio Cucina Italiana (Website) – Authentic Italian restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and seafood.
• Humble Wood Fire Pizza (Website) – Artisan wood-fired pizza made with fresh, local ingredients. Known for its crispy crusts and unique topping combinations.
• SquareHouse Pizza (Website) – Specializes in Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, crispy crust and rectangular shape. 
• MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company (Website) – Situated in Celebration Pointe, MidiCi brings Italy’s original Neapolitan wood-fired pizza recipe to Gainesville.

Asian Cuisine

• Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co. (Website) – Upscale Japanese sushi and small plates with an extensive sake menu.
• Liquid Ginger (Website) – Asian fusion restaurant featuring creative dishes in a modern setting.
• Bangkok Square (Website) – Authentic Thai cuisine known for flavorful curries and noodle dishes.
• Yummy House (Website) – Chinese restaurant known for its dim sum and large portions.
• Beque Holic (Website) – Korean BBQ spot where guests grill their own meats at the table.
• Garlic & Ginger (Facebook) – Specializing in authentic Korean cuisine, including bibimbap and bulgogi.
• Volcanic Sushi + Sake (Website) – Contemporary sushi bar with a variety of rolls and a sake menu.
• Pho Hanoi (No Digital Presence) – Vietnamese restaurant offering pho, banh mi, and other traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Red Rice Kitchen (Website) – Asian fusion restaurant offering a mix of Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean dishes. Popular for its red curry and signature rice bowls.
• Mini Momo (No Digital Presence) – Korean fusion restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist. Popular items include Korean fried chicken and bibimbap.
• Chopstix Café (Facebook) – An Asian fusion restaurant offering a diverse menu that includes sushi, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Known for its waterfront location, providing a serene dining experience. 
• Pho House (Facebook) – Specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly pho noodle soups, along with other traditional dishes like banh mi and spring rolls.
• Tup Tim Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar (Website) – Offers authentic Thai cuisine alongside a variety of sushi options. Popular dishes include Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and fresh sushi rolls. 
• Momoyaki (Website) – A Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant known for its sushi, hibachi, and Korean BBQ dishes. Offers a modern dining atmosphere with a diverse menu.
• Taste Pho & Noodle House (Website) – Authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls.
• Seaoul Pocha (Website) – Trendy Korean street food spot with unique dishes like cheesy corn dogs, fried chicken, and soju cocktails.
• Nine Spices Hot Pot (Facebook) – Interactive dining experience where guests cook their own meals in individual hot pots with a variety of broths and fresh ingredients.
• Mr. Han’s Restaurant (Website) – One of Gainesville’s oldest Chinese restaurants, known for its classic Chinese-American dishes and elegant atmosphere.

Cafes & Breakfast Spots

• 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House (Website) – Local favorite for breakfast and brunch, offering a wide variety of breakfast classics and hearty portions.
• Curia on the Drag (Website) – Trendy vegan-friendly cafe and coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere and unique menu options.
• Afternoon (Website) – A hip cafe serving both sweet and savory breakfast dishes, with highlights like their Dutch Baby pancake.
• Luke’s New York Bagels (Website) – Offering authentic New York-style bagels, with popular varieties like Spinach & Sausage Focaccia.
• East End Eatery (Facebook) – Neighborhood eatery serving delicious breakfast options like breakfast burritos and blueberry waffles.
• Wyatt’s Coffee (Website) – Sleek coffee shop specializing in espresso drinks and cold brews, with a minimalist aesthetic.
• Opus Coffee (Website) – Local coffee roaster with several locations around Gainesville, known for their commitment to quality and community.
• The Bagel Bakery (Website) – Long-standing favorite for fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
• Karma Cream (Website) – Coffee and ice cream shop that caters to vegan customers with plant-based options.
• Maude’s Classic Cafe (Facebook) – Downtown cafe known for its quirky vibe and excellent coffee.
• Pascal’s Coffeehouse (Website) – Cozy cafe popular with students, featuring ethically sourced coffee and teas.
• Coffee Culture (Facebook) – Local cafe offering a warm, inviting space to enjoy coffee and light breakfast options.
• Bagels & Noodles (Facebook) – Unique combination of a bagel shop and Vietnamese pho restaurant, serving breakfast all day.
• Bagel Land (Facebook) – Bagel shop with a cult following, offering New York-style bagels and a variety of flavored cream cheeses.
• SweetBerries Eatery & Frozen Custard (Website) – A delightful combination of American fare and frozen custard desserts. Their menu features sandwiches, salads, and a variety of frozen treats, making it a great spot for a casual meal or dessert.
• Raining Berries Gainesville (Website) – A café specializing in açaí bowls, coffee, and other beverages. With vegan options available, it’s a popular choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a refreshing treat.
• Kava Gator Coffee Shop (Website) – Found Bo Diddley Plaza, Kava Gator offers a unique selection of kava, coffee, and other beverages. 
• The Honeybee Café (Website) – Known for its peaceful garden setting and specialty drinks like the honeybee latte. Guests can enjoy their beverages in hammocks and explore a mini store offering local honey and farm-fresh eggs.
• Uppercrust Bakery (Website) – A French-inspired bakery offering artisan breads, pastries, and desserts. A local institution.

Seafood & Southern

• Blue Gill Quality Foods (Website) – Southern-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant with fresh seafood and comfort food.
• Cedar River Seafood (Website) – Classic Southern seafood spot known for its fresh catches and fried seafood platters.
• Lucille’s Southern Kitchen (No Digital Presence) – Authentic Southern and soul food dishes like smothered turkey wings, fried catfish, and oxtails.
• Wahoo Seafood Grill (Website) – Southern and Cajun-inspired seafood with signature boils featuring crawfish, shrimp, crab, and lobster.
• Northwest Grille (Website) – Locally loved for its fresh seafood and traditional Southern dishes.
• The Yearling Restaurant (Website) – Located just outside of Gainesville, specializing in Southern classics like fried mullet and gator tail.
• Hook Fish & Chicken (Website) – Specializes in fried seafood and chicken dishes, offering a variety of options including catfish, shrimp, wings, and more. Known for generous portions and late-night hours, it’s a popular spot for comfort food cravings.
• Ballyhoo Grill (Website) – Ballyhoo Grill offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and sushi. With a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating, it’s a great place for both casual dining and special occasions.
• Adam’s Rib Co. (Website) – Renowned for its authentic Southern BBQ, including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Known for friendly service and hearty portions, it’s a local favorite for classic barbecue fare.
• Terrell’s Barbecue (Website) – A Gainesville institution, serving up some of the best barbecue in town for decades. Known for its tender ribs, pulled pork, and smoky brisket, Terrell’s is a must-visit for anyone craving classic Southern BBQ with a homemade feel.

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