5 Best Family Owned Restaurants in Gainesville, Florida to Try

Gainesville, Florida, known for its lively college atmosphere and natural beauty, also boasts a diverse culinary scene rich with family-owned gems.

These restaurants bring warmth, tradition, and a personal touch to every meal, making dining an unforgettable experience.

Here are the five best family-owned restaurants in Gainesville that you absolutely must try.

Satchel’s Pizza

Satchel’s Pizza is a quirky and beloved pizzeria known for its eclectic decor and delicious, handcrafted pies.

Start with their famous Satch Salad, loaded with fresh greens, sunflower seeds, feta, and a house-made vinaigrette that perfectly complements any pizza.

Their Deep Dish Pizza, with a thick, buttery crust and loaded with your choice of toppings, is a must-try for pizza aficionados.

Don’t forget to grab a slice of their homemade Key Lime Pie for a tangy and sweet finish to your meal.

The Top

The Top is a trendy eatery known for its creative takes on classic American comfort food, set in a cozy, vintage-inspired space.

Begin with their Truffle Fries, crispy and drizzled with truffle oil, Parmesan, and herbs, making for an indulgent start.

The Tempeh Rueben, featuring marinated tempeh, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, is a vegetarian delight.

For dessert, try their Vegan Chocolate Cake, rich and decadent, proving you don’t need dairy for deliciousness.

Embers Wood Grill

Embers Wood Grill offers a fine dining experience where each dish is cooked to perfection over a wood grill, enhancing its flavor with a smoky finish.

Start with the Fire-Roasted Oysters, topped with garlic butter and Parmesan, and perfectly charred over their wood-fired grill.

Their Wood-Grilled Ribeye, aged and seasoned to perfection, served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, is a carnivore’s dream.

Finish with their famous Crème Brûlée, creamy custard with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust.

Mi Apa Latin Café

Mi Apa Latin Café brings the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine to Gainesville, offering hearty portions of classic dishes in a casual, inviting setting.

Start with the classic Cuban Appetizer Sampler, featuring ham croquettes, empanadas, and fried yucca, providing a delightful variety of flavors.

The Ropa Vieja, a traditional Cuban dish of shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce, served with rice, beans, and sweet plantains, is a standout entrée.

Don’t miss their Flan, a creamy caramel custard that’s the perfect sweet ending.

Leonardo’s 706

Leonardo’s 706 is a Gainesville staple known for its eclectic menu, combining Italian favorites with innovative twists.

Start with the Bruschetta Caprese, featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on crispy garlic bread, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

The Chicken Marsala, tender chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce, served over linguine, is a delightful main course.

For dessert, savor their Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.