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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Gainesville

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mildreds Big City Food restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(645)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Gainesville
Booked 4 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 Prime & Pearl restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(872)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gainesville
Booked 18 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 35 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.Enjoy a local, hand-selected 25-ounce Porterhouse ribeye perfectly dry-aged on-site. Taste an array of oysters from our own gulf waters up to the shores of New England and Canada. Choose a unique steak knife that reflects your personality. Quench your thirst for originality with a personalized Prime & Pearl Bourbon or Whiskey. Whatever you do, don’t eat ordinary.
A photo of Sensei Asian Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(219)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Gainesville
Sensei Asian Bistro is a great choice for special occasions. With reviews mentioning perfect dining experiences, special touches to taste and presentation, and excellent service, this restaurant clearly knows how to make your day memorable. Plus, it's a sophisticated setting with a contemporary Asian twist that makes any celebration feel extra special.
A photo of Shula's Steak House - Gainesville restaurant
4.1
Excellent(600)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Gainesville
Booked 3 times today
Shula's Steak House in Gainesville is a special occasion hotspot. Reviewers rave about the perfect ambiance, excellent food, and high-quality service. It's a place where special events are celebrated with 'special touches' that leave a lasting impression. The steaks are consistently praised as 'amazing', with one reviewer stating that it's 'one of Gainesville’s best restaurants'. It's the go-to place for a memorable meal, whether it's an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special occasion.
A photo of Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - Gainesville restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1371)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gainesville
Booked 24 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 Amelia's Italian Cuisine restaurant
3.7
Very Good(1428)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Gainesville
Booked 2 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 Dave & Buster's - Gainesville restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(84)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gainesville
Booked 16 times today
Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Renee
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We did the Thanksgiving experience, fabulous! Every course was a mouth explosion. The sake flight was fun and informative. We really enjoyed it all.
    More info
    Sensei Asian BistroPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Gainesville
    4.8
  • Jeanne
    Orlando / Central Florida East •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We went on Thanksgiving and we enjoyed it very much. We had reservations and we were seated immediately. The staff were friendly and attentive. The oysters were amazing, I had the fire roasted with garlic/butter and Parmesan while my partner and my sister had raw. We all had the Thanksgiving special. It was very good and we left completely stuffed. We are already making plans to go back.
    More info
    Prime & PearlPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gainesville
    4.7
  • Diana
    Orlando / Central Florida East •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Mark's is always a favorite. Whether it is for a special occasion or just for an evening out, it is one of our top three favorites in Gainesville. The restaurant itself is beautiful with a very nice ambience. The chef and his crew do a spectacular job on preparing food and in presentation. And they change things up, so there are always some wonderful specials.  Our server last evening was Jeremy very pleasant, engaging, efficient and professional. He was happy to explain things and make suggestions. His partner Ryan was great, very accommodating and pleasant. We often enjoy Mark's while sitting in the bar area which is delightful. 
    More info
    Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood - GainesvillePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gainesville
    4.8
  • Molly
    Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Amazing food and desserts, great presentation, phenomenal service, and it was the perfect place to take my partner for his birthday! New favorite dinner place :)
    More info
    Mildreds Big City FoodPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Gainesville
    4.7
  • Sharon
    Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 5, 2024
    The food was delicious and the customer service was top notch! Our waiter was prompt and fun.
    More info
    Shula's Steak House - GainesvillePrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Gainesville
    4.1

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Gainesville

Discover the perfect venues for celebrating special occasions in the vibrant dining scenes of Ocala, Gainesville, and Orlando/Central Florida East. Whether you're marking an anniversary, a birthday, or any other significant event, these restaurants offer an unforgettable experience with their exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and ambient settings tailored to make each occasion memorable. Each location prides itself on attention to detail, from beautifully presented dishes to thoughtful personal touches that enhance the dining experience. The dining scene in Gainesville, in particular, is renowned for its high-quality steakhouses and sophisticated eateries that specialize in making every celebration special. These establishments are celebrated for their ability to consistently deliver both excellent food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for food enthusiasts and celebrants alike, these restaurants ensure that every special occasion is met with unparalleled hospitality and a truly festive environment. Choose one of these top-rated spots to ensure your special occasion is as splendid as the cuisine.

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