Whether you're new to Gainesville or just looking for a new place to eat, Gainesville has a ton of local eats to check out this semester. Make the most of your time here and uncover these Gainesville gems that will give you the best food for your buck.
Mi Apa Latin Cafe
While Flaco's Cuban Bakery & Coffee downtown may be good at 3 a.m., Mi Apa makes everything just the way I like it.
If you're from South Florida, this is the best place to get homestyle meals.
It tastes like the rice my mom makes, and it's the best Cuban bread I've had in Gainesville -- something I've searched for pretty much everywhere. They've even got a drive-through window if you're in a hurry.
Merlion Singapore Cuisine
Driving up to this restaurant doesn't really make you want to eat there, but once you go inside, it is a sight to see.
Elegant decorations surround you while you eat tasty Singapore cuisine.
Terrell's Bar-B-Que
The service is quick, and there isn't an actual restaurant.
But as far as barbeque goes in Gainesville, this place is pretty good.
Both the Northeast 16th Avenue and the South Main Street locations are carry-out only, but the ribs are wonderful. They've been serving Gainesville for years, and their pile of ribs gives you a lot of food for a mere $8.
Take them home or sit on the patio chairs they provide and watch the Main Street traffic.
Szechuan Panda Restaurant
It's your average Chinese food, but the Friday and Saturday buffets are a lot of food for a great price.
The buffet features snow crab legs, every type of Chinese food imaginable and even sushi, all for about $10.
Bento Cafe
While I'm not a fan of sushi, my friends tell me this is good stuff. I think their General Tso's chicken rice bowl is heavenly, and it's a good compromise when you want nothing to do with raw fish.
Their pad thai is great for anyone needing a spicy kick, and their miso soup is the best I've ever tasted. There are two locations in Gainesville â€" one on Archer Road across from Butler Plaza and another on Newberry Road next to Regal Cinemas. Both serve the same food quickly and at a pretty good price.
Leonardo's 706
Jazz. Live entertainment. Great food. I could very easily fill myself up here on their buttery garlic rolls alone, but don't make the same mistake I did.
Leave some room to enjoy every bite of your sure-to-be-delicious entre`. Whether you get a huge salad or a heavy but creamy and delicious pasta, you'll leave happy.
706 features live jazz Monday and Thursday nights and also boasts a fantastic display of desserts that will send you to chocolate heaven.
If you're up early enough, you can even enjoy their Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
El Norteno Mexican Restaurant
Chilis' margaritas are pretty good, but they're nothing compared to an endless pitcher paired with authentic Mexican quesadillas.
This place also makes for a great 21st birthday dinner as the staff sings you "Happy Birthday" and gives you a complimentary shot of tequila.
Saigon Legend Restaurant
Inexpensive, average but tasty Vietnamese food within walking distance from campus.
It's pretty cheap too, and the fried bananas with ice cream keep me wanting more. Servers are always extremely nice and willing to get you anything you need.
Uppercrust Productions
Some of the best guilty pleasures are housed in this charming, quaintly decorated pastry shop.
While they have great desserts and the best chocolate-covered strawberries in the world, what really gets me is their freshly baked bread. Multi-grain, sourdough and everything in between are baked fresh each morning and throughout the day.
Alessandro Ristorante
This beautiful, family-owned authentic Italian restaurant in Northwest Gainesville is one of the city's best-kept secrets.
I've never had to wait for a table or been disappointed with anything I've ordered.
They are a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. Try their penne alla vodka or the vitello piccatta. They're both equally amazing.
The Gelato Company
No eggs, less calories than ice cream and half the fat. The Gelato Company downtown serves Italian ice cream in an array of flavors that change daily.
Sample a little bit of everything before making your final decision because everything is delectable.
If you still can't make up your mind, pick two flavors and enjoy them side by side for the same price. Also make sure to try their paninis. I recommend the turkey, apple and swiss.
D'Lites Emporium
This low-calorie indulgence is perfect for students looking for ice cream without all the extra guilt.
Their smallest serving has a measly 40 calories. A regular fills me up and comes in at just 80 calories without toppings.
Their flavors change daily and range from mint chocolate chip to amaretto cheesecake and everything in between.
After success in their 43rd Street location, they opened a second site in the Publix shopping plaza on Williston Road.
