Best Restaurants In Gainesville

In the times of fast-food alleys and chain restaurants galore, it can be difficult to find a restaurant with a refreshing menu and good flavor. This infestation of big-name eateries has grown exponentially in Florida, creating a situation wherein there are more options than ever, but it’s never been harder to make a choice. Gainesville, however, has managed to stay ahead of the curve.

Though home to many chains, Gainesville has a shockingly prosperous restaurant scene—home to many original and ‘mom and pop’ restaurants. Somehow small, semi-rural Gainesville manages to beat out bigger cities, such as Jacksonville and Orlando, with a vast selection of various cuisines in a relatively small radius. Perhaps this can be attributed to the University of Florida. Regardless, Gainesville is, in my opinion, one of the best food towns in northern and central Florida. Though there are many restaurants, shops and groceries worthy of mention, I have three definitive favorites:

Sababa 3.

Coming in as my third favorite restaurant in Gainesville, Sababa is an absolute delight. Meaning “cool” in Hebrew, Sababa captures the essence of Israeli street food and casual cuisine. At reasonable prices, you can order shawarma, falafel, schnitzel (the Israeli food trinity), and other traditional dishes such as bamia, bourekas, babka and so on. Located downtown, near the Hippodrome, you can easily stop by and grab a quick, delicious and authentic meal. For those who enjoy Israeli cooking—or those looking to learn about Israel’s diverse cuisine—Sababa is the perfect place.

Vegetarians: look no further! You have just found your new favorite restaurant. Mint Indian Cuisine is, you guessed it, an Indian restaurant that specializes in vegetarian cooking. In fact, I do not know of a single meat dish on the expansive menu. If you are a heavy meat-lover and cringed at the word vegetarian, have no worries! Because you also just found your favorite restaurant. The food here is so delicious that you will forget your meal is meatless. (Trust me, I have multiple testimonies from meat-obsessed friends who fell in love with the place.) Though their prices are on the higher side and the ambience is casual (not exactly a date night spot), I always jump at every opportunity to go there. So, if you are a fan of Indian cuisine but do not know where to start looking, I highly recommend this hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in western Gainesville, near the Oaks Mall.

Oh, Blue Agave—you are my true love and literally everyone’s favorite restaurant. Seriously, everyone I know absolutely loves to eat here. Located in northwest Gainesville off NW 43rd street, Blue Agave is a local, family-owned Mexican restaurant. Let me just say that I have loved everything I have tried on their menu. From appetizers, to entrées, to desserts—you will not be disappointed. In fact, Blue Agave is the best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. (Which doesn’t sound like much since Florida does not have the best reputation for Mexican food, but I believe Blue Agave could single handedly change that.) In addition to food, they have numerous alcoholic beverages and various daily deals, such as BOGO margaritas on Thursdays and BOGO sangria on Wednesdays. Though their prices are not the cheapest, the food is well worth the cost. So, if you even remotely enjoy Mexican food—or just good food in general—Blue Agave is a must try.