Of course, we have a Red Lobster here in Gainesville, but it's not a place that I would go to. I would recommend that you try Wildflower Cafe, about miles south of Gainesville on U.S. 441. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is casual, and they have a short but well-selected wine list. Prices are very reasonable on both food and wine. Another place in town that's O.K. is Aw Shucks, which has some pretty good chicken wings in addition to seafood. A bit better than Aw Shucks, IMHO, is Leonardo's 706, which has a great menu that includes Italian as well as seafood. Also quite reasonable and casual. Skip the Cedar River Seafood restaurant unless you like lots of batter and greasy food. Ray and Donna's Seafood Grille is popular, but I haven't eaten there in years and can't make any first-hand recommendation. I guess my top two choices would be Wildflower and Leonardo's 706 (not to be confused with Leonardo's Pizza). DJS
Gainesville, FL
Restaurants in Gainesville, FL
I agree with the advice on Leonardo's 706 (great) and Cedar River (standard cheap, greasy seafood). Our favorite seafood place is a new little restaurant called Boston Seafood. Entrees are in the 8.00 - 13.00 range; they have delish fried shrimp and Maine lobster. Very casual, but sometimes busy since it's so small. Seems that when I think about it, everything seems to either have excellent food but be rather unsuitable for kids, or be casual and have so-so food. El Toro is popular for Mexican; my husband loves Mr. Han for chinese. We also like Pasta Market in the Oaks Mall for italian. By all means, if you like burritos, go to a little joint close to campus called Burrito Brothers. They only have ludes Italian as well as seafood. Also quite reasonable and casual. a stand up counter, so do take-out. susan