Best food near me in Gainesville, FL

Prime & Pearl is the best restaurant in Gainesville. Period. The other so-called high end steakhouses are good, but they don't hold a candle to P&P, which is consistently perfect. My wife is a pescatarian (vegetarian who also eats seafood), and even she agrees. P&P is much more than a steakhouse. The oysters are phenomenal (where else are you going to find fresh oysters from Canada in Gainesville?). The sides are amazing. Everything is just so fresh. I got the filet, medium rare. You almost don't need a knife to cut it, and it has just enough seasoning on the perfectly cooked exterior. The silky mashed potatoes and haricot vests were the perfect pairing of sides. My wife got the Sea Bass. She literally said "this is the most perfectly cooked fish I've ever tasted!" I tried it and I agree. I might go for it instead of a steak next time! It was so nice of them to give us each a complimentary glass of champagne since it was our anniversary. The perfect way to start our evening, along with the magically fluffy bread they bring you, served with blueberry butter. The service is outstanding. Friendly and attentive, but not obtrusive. And I have to mention the exquisite artwork hanging on the walls. We loved it so much that we scanned the QR code under the painting (which was an incredibly thoughtful touch). I see this artist's work adorning the walls of our home in the near future. Yes, it costs more than a chain restaurant. But compared to some of the "fine dining" we've had in bigger cities, it's a great value. You get what you pay for, and more. I've spent just as much at other restaurants in Gainesville and walked away disappointed. We walked away from P&P with big smiles and full bellies!

Best restaurant in Gainesville. Period. Food, ambience, service—it’s all perfect. Had a wonderful evening celebrating my husband’s birthday. I have never had a disappointing meal there. Steak or fish, it’s all been wonderful.

Neo was our server for a part of 10 on the patio. A perfect venue with outstanding service for our large group just before the UFDC commencement. Food quality excellent as was the presentation. The shaved brussel sprouts salad adding grilled local shrimp, the burger, blackened fish and the cuban were big hits. We would go back....

Great ambiance, food is delicious and staff were very pleasant. I love the decor and the specials, always a fresh fish option. My only complaint is the 12% service fee added to every check. Seems very high and unfair. I’m not really sure how it works but it seems like a way to not raise menu prices but pass on the higher costs to customers.

Very good food and service. Nice sit-down atmosphere. Went on Tuesday when it would be typically uncrowded which made the meal all the more enjoyable.