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Restaurants near Howard Johnson Express Gainesville

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35 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Dunbar restaurant
1. The Dunbar
4.9
Exceptional(163)
$$$$
• Global, International • Gainesville
Booked 14 times today
Step into The Dunbar, a historic Gainesville landmark built in 1936, once the only hotel in the city to welcome Black guests during segregation. Famed musicians like Duke Ellington, B.B. King, and Ella Fitzgerald graced its halls, and today music remains at the heart of every experience.Our menu changes seasonally and blends classic favorites with globally inspired dishes, offering something familiar yet exciting throughout the year. The space seamlessly combines historic charm with modern design, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for intimate dinners, private events, and community gatherings.Join us to celebrate history, savor thoughtfully crafted cuisine, and enjoy the timeless influence of music in a space that honors the past while embracing the new.
A photo of Amrit Palace - Gainesville restaurant
2. Amrit Palace - Gainesville
4.8
Exceptional(43)
$$$$
• Indian • Gainesville
Booked 13 times today
At Amrit Palace, every dish is a tribute to tradition and every moment is crafted for today. We bring together the warmth of Indian hospitality, the richness of timeless flavors, and the pace of modern life.Every item on our menu reflects decades of tradition — recipes passed down, refined through experience, and thoughtfully adapted for today’s palate. From bold, aromatic curries to delicate tandoori finishes, our dishes are crafted to honor heritage while welcoming every kind of guest — whether it’s your first taste or a family favorite.Since 1996, Amrit Palace has been more than a destination for Indian cuisine. It has been a space for celebration, connection, and tradition reimagined. Each visit is a quiet ritual; the warmth of spice, the hum of conversation, the comfort of something familiar yet elevated. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we believe the best meals are the ones that stay with you long after the last bite.
A photo of Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville restaurant
3. Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville
4.7
Exceptional(1516)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Gainesville
Booked 19 times today
We are operating in strict accordance with CDC, State of Florida and Alachua County regulations. We have limited seating in our dining room to ensure proper social distancing. Reservations are strongly encouraged. We are offering take out curb side service for those who would like to enjoy Mark's at home. Delivery is also available through 352Delivery.com. Our wine and beer selections are available for take out. As always, we thank you for your continued support.-Mark's Prime Steakhouse Management Team
A photo of Prime & Pearl restaurant
4. Prime & Pearl
4.7
Exceptional(1095)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Gainesville
Booked 17 times today
Prime & Pearl is a sublime, delightfully original chophouse in Gainesville, Florida that believes unexpected, flavorful pairings lead to something magical. From steaks, dry-aged for 20 days to uniquely crafted cocktails, dining at Prime & Pearl is an experience. One you won’t soon forget.Our focus is on bringing things together—often unexpected things—to make something creative and authentic. We believe a sense of wonder is an integral part of every memorable dining experience in our space.Experience a hand-selected porterhouse or ribeye, dry-aged on-site to perfection. Savor fresh oysters, served raw or roasted, sourced from New England and Canada. Select a steak knife that reflects your personal style, and complete your experience with a carefully crafted cocktail from our bar. At Prime & Pearl, nothing is ordinary
A photo of Amelia's Italian Cuisine restaurant
5. Amelia's Italian Cuisine
new
3.9
Excellent(1392)
$$$$
• Italian • Gainesville
Booked 10 times today
Gainesville's Finest Italian Cuisine for over 30 years! Located downtown in the Sun Center (Behind the Hippodrome). Amelia's brings you back to its Northern Italian cuisine roots with top quality food, service, and ambiance.
A photo of Blue Gill Quality Foods restaurant
6. Blue Gill Quality Foods
4.6
Exceptional(122)
$$$$
• Seafood • Gainesville
Booked 5 times today
One of three successful businesses owned by the Gills, our mission is the same as our sister restaurants: to serve fresh, delicious food made from the best local ingredients. Our gorgeous copper-top bar and spacious dining area make Blue Gill a great place for friends, family, and large parties to enjoy food inspired by southern-style cooking.So come sample our great tasting combinations of food and spirits in a casual, fun atmosphere.
A photo of Covey Kitchen + Cocktails restaurant
7. Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
3.9
Excellent(317)
$$$$
• American • Gainesville
Booked 3 times today
Indulge in Floridian-inspired fare at one of the top Gainesville restaurants, Covey Kitchen + Cocktails at Hotel ELEO, featuring a seasonal menu. Covey's hand-crafted cocktails have earned rave reviews (and many Instagram posts), and the bar features impressive wines and award-winning local beers. In 2022, the restaurant earned a coveted spot on Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in the USA. The elegant culinary experience starts with complimentary valet parking. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 7am-2pm.Live Jazz on Wednesdays.Valet parking is FREE for all guests
A photo of Bonefish Grill - Gainesville FL restaurant
8. Bonefish Grill - Gainesville FL
4.6
Exceptional(26)
$$$$
• Seafood • Gainesville
Booked 8 times today
Your local Gainesville, FL Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. In Gainesville off I-75, exit 384
A photo of Mildreds Big City Food restaurant
9. Mildreds Big City Food
4.7
Exceptional(704)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Gainesville
Booked 5 times today
We are North Central Florida's farm-to-table, local, sustainable foods restaurant. Operated by Bert and Tara Gill, Mildred's offers a seasonally changing menu highlighting what is available locally. Offering quality and freshness with no shortcuts, our team prepares each dish from scratch. We serve local produce and fresh Florida seafood every day. We also feature a full bar, an award winning wine list and homemade cakes and cheesecakes. Mildred's is proud to say we serve Gainesville's best food! We are also in the Golden Spoon Hall of Fame for our dedication to great food and service year after year.Reservations for lunch are not necessary.
A photo of Sensei Asian Bistro restaurant
10. Sensei Asian Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(315)
$$$$
• Contemporary Asian • Gainesville
Booked 2 times today
At Sensei, tradition meets innovation. Our menu blends timeless Asian techniques with modern culinary artistry, all set in a sophisticated yet welcoming space designed for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.Led by Chef Xiaoqian Hu, our kitchen is known for standout creations like our A5 Wagyu tasting, fresh catch flown directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, and refined tasting plates.Golden Hour (4:30 PM–6:00 PM)Savor our exclusive early evening menu featuring hors d'oeuvres, tasting courses, and seasonal seafood sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market—perfectly complemented by sommelier-selected wines, handcrafted cocktails, and premium drafts. A graceful start to your evening awaits.Celebrating something special? Let us know your details—we love creating personal, memorable moments for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and beyond.

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Dining near Howard Johnson Express Gainesville at a glance

Updated on

Most popular restaurant

popular restaurant

The Dunbar

4.9

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Discover local gems

Exceptional reviews

Most popular cuisine

popular cuisine

Steakhouse

Average check amount

$30 and under

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brenda
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food and dining experience! The food was absolutely delicious! This place is a gem and elevates the Gainesville dining scene to new heights. Not just Gnv ‘good’ but on par with a great meal anywhere! Don’t forget to order dessert - corn bread tres leches a delight!
    More info
    The Dunbar$$$$• Global, International• Gainesville
    •
    4.9
  • Paul
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were celebrating our 47th anniversary and were greeted with bubbly after sitting down. Attentive service and great tasting food. Wine choice by the glass was good with the prices being reasonable. We enjoyed our dinner very much and will definitely be back!
    More info
    Prime & Pearl$$$$• Steakhouse• Gainesville
    •
    4.7
  • Vikram
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This place is absolutely awesome. Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Gainesville. Ambience was fantastic as was service. The food is better than at a lot of Indian places I’ve been to before. Great to see an Ocala staple finally come to Gainesville. Excited to come back!
    More info
    Amrit Palace - Gainesville$$$$• Indian• Gainesville
    •
    4.8
  • Kathie
    Orlando / Central Florida East •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Oh my goodness! We had a great experience. I had the lobster ravioli and my husband had chicken Marsala. The presentation was excellent - both dinners could be featured in a magazine and were absolutely delicious. Our salads were fresh and flavorful. The service couldn’t have been better with everything coming out at just the right time. We shared a bottle of wine and were surprised when our bill turned out to be substantially less than many restaurants we frequent. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Amelia's Italian Cuisine$$$$• Italian• Gainesville
    •
    3.9
  • Linda
    New York City •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 20, 2026
    OMG we ate and drank so much but everything was soooo good! The complimentary bread melts in your mouth and the French onion soup had the perfect combination of cheese, onions, bread & broth. Had petite filets with the lyonnaise potatoes while drinking Mumm’s sparkling (my family’s favorite champagne). Finished it off with bread pudding topped with vanilla Hagen Daz ice cream. A wonderful birthday dinner for my husband!
    More info
    Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville$$$$• Steakhouse• Gainesville
    •
    4.7

Discover best restaurants near Howard Johnson Express Gainesville

The Howard Johnson Express Gainesville stands as a convenient base for travelers looking to explore the vibrant dining scene in this charming city. Where to Eat Near Howard Johnson Express Gainesville? Nearby, you'll find a delightful array of restaurants that cater to diverse palates. Experience casual American dining with creative takes on classic dishes or enjoy farm-to-table freshness featuring local produce and seafood. For barbecued goodness, seek out comforting smokehouse fare that will satisfy hearty appetites. Options range from elegant American cuisine with global influences to cheerful cafes serving lively brunches. Whether you're in the mood for casual bites or a more refined meal, the dining experience near the Howard Johnson Express Gainesville promises to be an enjoyable adventure.

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