The Ten Best Places to Eat in Gainesville

If you have recently rented a luxury apartment in Gainesville, Georgia, you are probably looking to get to know your neighborhood a little bit better. That includes finding the best places to eat in Gainesville. While the city itself has a long tradition of providing high-quality delicious Soul Food, that is one of the many culinary traditions you’ll find in this hip, fast-growing area.

Cuisine has always been an essential component of southern living. But as the city of Gainesville continues to grow—and continues to become a more essential component of the broader Atlanta Metropolitan Area—the number of options available to choose from has considerably expanded.

As a result, Gainesville has become a sort of culinary Mecca. With, literally, hundreds of different restaurants available to choose from, people who have recently moved to the Gainesville area can find delight in the vast array of available choices.

Keeping this in mind, whether you are living in Gainesville long-term or are passing through, here are ten fantastic culinary destinations that are worth exploring.

  1. Recess Southern Gastro Pub

As the old saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In other words, if you are looking for a great place to eat in the South, it never hurts to start with some classic southern cuisine. Recess is the self-proclaimed ‘first known Southern Gastro Pub,’ which focuses on offering a unique twist to southern dining traditions with an ongoing commitment to quality ingredients. The atmosphere, expansive food and drink menus, and dedicated staff are all worthy of praise.

  1. Luna’s Restaurant

Luna’s very well might be the best Mexican restaurant in the entire state of Georgia. Whether you are looking for something more traditional or something with a bit more of a modern twist, the authentic food served at Luna’s remains second to none. We recommend trying their delicious fajitas, as well as their expertly-crafted margaritas.

  1. 2 Dog Restaurant

If you are new to the Gainesville, Georgia area, it will only be a matter of time before a local recommends checking out the fantastic 2 Dog Restaurant. The wide-reaching menu features plenty of comforting, southern classics, as well as a delicious series of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. If you are with a group that can’t agree on a single location, ‘2 Dog’ might be the best place to get started.

  1. Avocados Restaurant

Located right in the heart of the city, Avocados has played a significant role in establishing Gainesville as a go-to destination for regional foodies. One of the factors that helps separate Avocados from the rest of the crowd is their relentless commitment to offering fresh ingredients in everything they create. Though loosely classified as modern American cuisine, Avocados has great options for just about everybody—alongside a remarkable cocktail and craft beer menu.

  1. Atlas Pizza

Of course, there can't be a list of top-notch restaurants that doesn’t include at least one pizza place. And Atlas Pizza might very well be the best pizza option available, not only within the city limits of Gainesville but also within the greater Atlanta area. Fresh ingredients combined with a signature New York pizza style have helped Atlas become one of the most well-known names in the area. Other excellent menu options include signature calzones, strombolis, and more.

  1. Kiku Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

When it comes to Japanese food in the greater Gainesville area, Kiku is about as good as it gets. While the restaurant is mostly known for its carefully crafted, wide-ranging sushi selection, the expansive menu goes much further. The restaurant offers plenty of other delicious selections, including steaks made in a variety of traditional Japanese cooking styles. Additionally, the drink menu features both Asian and American selections that can appeal to just about any palate.

  1. Longstreet Cafe

Any well-rounded citizen of Gainesville cannot forget about the most important meal of the day: breakfast. And, as many long-time locals will agree, the Longstreet Café is quite possibly the best place to get it. This unique café, styled like a traditional diner with plenty of higher-end touches, is the perfect place to get your day started with excellent egg- and meat-based dishes, as well as plenty of lighter options. Yet, if you are looking for something a little bit later on, the impressive sandwich/lunch menu is also worth exploring.

  1. The Collegiate Grill

The Collegiate Grill, in many ways, is like a portal into an earlier era. The Grill—which opened its doors in 1936 and has experienced many changes over time—is a well-known stomping ground for locals and visitors looking to buy quality, affordable hamburgers, and other classic American staples. Be sure to try one of their classic chocolate milkshakes in order to get the full experience.

  1. Inman Perk Coffee

Inman might very well be the most well-known coffee shop in Gainesville. Though the wait can sometimes be rather long during certain times of the day (Sunday morning, for example), it is undeniably worth it. Inman Perk Coffee uses high-quality beans and, when combined with its eclectic atmosphere, is certainly worth experiencing while in Gainesville.

  1. Luna’s on the Square

Luna’s On the Square has a menu that is notably different from the aforementioned ‘Luna’s.’ This particular establishment is widely appreciated for its tremendous Mediterranean food, which includes handmade falafels, gyros, kabobs, and more. If you are hoping to indulge in some tremendous Mediterranean flavor, then this is undoubtedly the place you want to be.

Conclusion

Of course, these are just a few of the restaurants you might consider visiting while living in Gainesville, Georgia. As the city continues to expand—and become enriched with new types of people—the culinary scene continues to expand. At Treesort, we will continue to keep you updated with changes in the city’s dining options and will continue to work to help you find your next favorite spot.