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Best Restaurants in Downtown Gainesville, FL

Wine pouring

Whether you are on a day trip from Homosassa or Crystal River looking for places to eat and things to do in Gainesville, FL, or a local looking for a new place to refuel after coming back from a long day of adventuring in Suwanee Valley, we can help. Explore our favorite downtown Gainesville restaurants below and get a taste of what Gainesville has to offer.

The Top

The Top has everything, and is praised by locals for the well-crafted burgers and cocktails. This restaurant serves up standard American menu items like buffalo chicken sandwiches and pasta, as well as vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes like fried kimchi cauliflower and the veggie reuben sandwich. Come hungry!

Alpin

Get a taste of France and the rest of western Europe at Alpin, without feeling intimidated by an overly stuffy atmosphere. Alpin uses local and seasonal ingredients to bring casual European dishes, cheese boards, and tapas, as well as beer and wine, to downtown Gainesville. Be sure to save room for the chocolate mousse.

Manuels Vintage Room

For a romantic date night in Gainesville, a family dinner, or special occasion, go to Manuels Vintage Room and bask in the comfort of perfectly executed Italian dishes. Treat yourself to the lobster ravioli, lamb bolognese, or the catch of the day, paired with a wine from Italy, France, California, Australia, or Chile.

Dragonfly Sushi & Sake

Get your sushi fix at Dragonfly Sushi & Sake, an enjoy the rest of their dishes such as steamed buns, soups, noodles, sashimi, seasonal menu items, and more. Enjoy the sublime flavors, excellent service, and relaxed atmosphere. If you can, take advantage of happy hour cocktails, appetizers, and sushi for a great price.

Southern Charm Kitchen

While a bit outside the downtown area, Southern Charm Kitchen is the place to go for southern-style dishes, from chicken and waffles to grits to Dolitas Meatloaf Revenge. And yes, there is even a solid lineup of vegetarian dishes like country fried seitan right alongside the fried catfish and bbq goat.

Mi Ap Latin Caf

Also technically west of downtown Gainesville, we would be remiss if we didnt talk about Mi Ap. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serve traditional Cuban dishes, as well as top-notch coffee, juices, and desserts. Try the fried green plantains, chow down on a classic cubano sandwich, or enjoy Venezuelan-style hot arepas!

More From Big Bend Chevrolet

Feel free to contact us at Big Bend Chevrolet for any more questions or recommendations, like Gainesville FL hotels, or how to get your vehicle ready for a road trip to the Ocala National Forest.

Photo Credit: Alpin Bistro on https://www.alpinbistro.com/

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