College towns are known for cheap fast food, and while Gainesville does satisfy that stereotype with its fair share of Chipotles, Papa Johns, Tijuana flats, and Jimmy Johns, what people may not know is that it is also brimming with one-of-a-kind restaurants that are unique to the city. Many of these restaurants make an effort to cook with local ingredients that are healthy and often not found in college towns.
As a self-proclaimed food connoisseur, I have made it my goal to try as many local places as possible, and have therefore complied this list of a few of Gainesville’s hidden gems that every UF student should try at least once.
Bistro 1245
Conveniently located right on the corner of University Avenue and 13th Street, this tiny mecca is often overlooked by college students who are desperate for Leonardo’s Pizza, which is connected to Bistro. Maybe next time, branch out and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of Bistro, which has a French-chic vibe and a stellar menu. Where else in Gainesville can you get escargot for nine dollars? Or escargot in general, for that matter…The appetizers include delicious seafood such as mussels or crab cakes, in addition to some of the best hummus I’ve ever eaten. Bistro can also be praised for its gourmet salads and flavorful pastas (I recommend the three-herbed pesto), however it’s true genius lies in its sandwiches and soups. For just $10 to $12, Bistro offers decadent flavor combinations ranging from duck to salmon to prosciutto—which simply can’t be beat. For dinner, there are also a variety of delicious entrees such as Bistro sirloin, spiced meatloaf, and maple-roasted chicken. You truly cannot go wrong here, no matter what you order.
The Top
This is a favorite local spot, known for having some of the most uncommon food in Gainesville. The extensive menu combined with local homegrown ingredients and a fun hippie atmosphere is what makes this place worth the (usually long) wait. Some appetizers that you can only find here are fried jalapeño chips and corn nuggets, both of which melt in your mouth. Their wide-spread menu includes unique foods such as tempeh, buffalo, and tofu, which you would expect to find in a hipster restaurant in Chicago, but probably not in Gainesville. If you’re not into the organic foods, they also have just about every salad, pasta, burger, sandwich, or entrée you could ever conceive. Not to mention, an entire “build your own grilled cheese” section of the menu. If that wasn’t enough to sell you entirely, The Top is also known for it’s Sunday brunch where students like to recover after game day.
Manuel’s Vintage Room
This restaurant is great for a special occasion such as date night or when your family comes to town (and your parents are paying). Manuel's is hands-down one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and it’s right here in the heart of downtown Gainesville. It’s a tiny, intimate restaurant that would be easy to miss if not for its incredible food. The menu is exclusive because it is authentic Italian food. Appetizers like risotto cakes, calamari, and pear purses are one-of-a-kind and out of this world when it comes to flavor. You can create your own pasta dish choosing the type of pasta, sauce, and toppings, or select one of the delicious pastas such as lamb Bolognese from the menu. Additionally, they have every kind of chicken: Milanese, macadamia, marsala, piccata, parmesan, the list goes on forever. Their entrees include top cuts of beef, veal, and fresh seafood. Finally, their tiramisu is out of this world. Although it’s a little pricey for a college student ballin’ on a budget, it’s the perfect place to go for a nice dinner out.
The Jones
Known for farm-fresh, organic, local, sustainable food, this is one of my favorite places to eat in Gainesville that consistently delivers delicious, healthy meals. Although I frequent The Jones for lunch, it is well known for it’s lengthy breakfast menu including eggs served every way imaginable, biscuits and gravy, French toast (my go-to), and a variety of bagels. They have tons of sandwiches, burgers, incredible salads, a list of sides a mile long, and last but not least, a section entitled “Etc.” on their menu with some uncommon entrees you can’t find anywhere else. Some of these items are: the mojo chimichanga, wild shrimp and grits, and my personal favorite, the Inca bowl. Honestly you can’t go wrong here because anything you try is guaranteed to be not only delicious, but also farm fresh and made form local ingredients, so you’re also supporting local farmers.
I hope this will inspire some of you to stop eating Sushi Chao and Pita Pit every day and instead venture out of your comfort zone and try some of these unique, amazing restaurants right in the heart of the gator nation.
