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  5. Gainesville

Mildreds Big City Food

4.8
4.8
517 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (352) 371-1711

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Bert Gill

  • Catering

    All catering events are tailored to the guest's budget and specifications. We offer everything from box lunches to casual buffets and heavy hors d'oeuvres to multi course dinners. Please contact us at (352) 371-1711 for more information.

  • Private party facilities

    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.

  • Private party contact

    April Williams: (877) 649-5531

  • Neighborhood

    Gainesville

  • Cross street

    University Ave and 34th Street

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 517 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Overall

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Food

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Service

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Value

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Good for business meals

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Innovative

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Healthy

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Neighborhood gem

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Great for fine wines

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Lively

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  1. GeraldineN

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The food was uniformly, good, but with the exception of the steak, not at all outstanding. The salad dressing was a bit too vinagry, although the salad was lovely to behold. Desserts were very good.
  2. nolavine

    New Orleans

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service, selection and food. Would definitely go back!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated birthdays for two of our friends. Lovely evening with great food and service.
  4. Beachfoodie

    Key West

    55 reviews

    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    This was my first time at Mildred’s. They offer a three course menu for $39, with soup or choice of 3 salads for the first course; numerous selections (meat, fish, veg) for the 2nd course, and a choice of desserts. The wine list was fairly priced and had some adventurous choices (sparkling wine from Armenia? It was good!). Portions were generous. My scallops were delicious, but my partner’s hen (dark meat) was dry- surprising because the waitress highly recommended it as very moist. Maybe just an off night. Anyway, I’m ready to give it another try soon.
  5. AmandaU

    Atlanta Metro

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delightful!!! Everything perfect. Food, service, ambiance-a true gem!!!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Ordered a 3 course that came w salad, entree, and desert, as well as an appetizer and an a-la-carte dish. The escargot lacked flavor, but when soaking the foccacia in the juices of this appetizer, it came together nicely. The turnip bisque, I believe that was our "salad", was exquisite. The steak, ordered medium-rare, came out a bit too pink in my opinion, but the mushrooms and fried mashed potato balls were fantastic. The salmon came with a crepe filled with -(we forgot what it was on the menu and it slipped our mind to ask), as well as some fruit; overall, my girlfriend was quite content with her dish. The meal ended off with a chocolate cheesecake of sorts, I believe with strawberry, that my girlfriend quite enjoyed. Service was attentive and polite, and the overall aura of the staff was positive. Ambiance was nice, but the decorations contrasted with the low lights and the music -granted, this is a cafe-by-day if I'm not mistaken. There was also a large dinner party tucked away that couldn't be seen, but was definitely heard, and wasn't asked to pipe down until they reached quite a high decibel. The value of the restaurant was fair for the final price. Overall, satisfied with the dinner as the Valentine's Day restaurant. I would opt for another restaurant for a special occasion, but I would dine here again for more of a casual dinner.
  7. lindsb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Have been coming for years, never been disappointed. From the ambiance to the food, everything is wonderful. They pay great attention to detail and I can’t wait to go back. Thank you for keeping Gainesville local and fresh.
  8. MeghanM

    Jacksonville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here and it did not disappoint! Everything was excellent.
  9. SharonS

    Jacksonville

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience celebrating Valentine’s Day! Food was amazing and our server was charming.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meal (scallops and duck leg) were delicious. The waitstaff were very attentive, well versed on the menu and wines, and efficient. We have been coming to Mildred‘s for many years, it never fails to impress!
  11. Alyson

    Orlando

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This is our go to for date night!
  12. MaryAnne

    Jacksonville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mildred’s chef and the entire staff continue to provide the best food and service in Gainesville.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Service was excellent, and food was really good. The prix fix menu was really nice and plenty of food. The desserts were huge and so many to choose from.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch and super tasty, as always. Thank you for your commitment to quality on every level !
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    We had fun and the food was great, but our service was not as good usual. (“Usual” is excellent at Mildred’s, but not last night.). Our server was slow with everything. We waited 20-30 minutes to get our bill, meaning our total dining time was close to 3 hours. The chairs are not well padded and not comfortable for 3 hours of sitting. Fortunately we had good company and good food and so the night was overall a success and we still love Mildred’s.
  16. MildredsFan

    Orlando

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful as always
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, very personable atmosphere.
  18. BarbaraS

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a gem! We were passing through Gainesville and just happened to see the good reviews for this spot. They were right! The food is creative and delicious. We will go out of our way to stop there again.
  19. Jedimom

    Atlanta Metro

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I normally don’t do reviews but making an exception for Mildred’s Big City Food. Their food is amazing. So happy we chose this restaurant.
  20. Kalli

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have excellent service and delicious food at Mildred’s.
  21. Maggie

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been enjoying this restaurant for many years. The food is fantastic and so is the service. I picked this for my birthday dinner… my 91 year old mother in law was treating and it was perfect in every way.
  22. DukeP

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome locally owned iconic place to eat!! We love it there!
  23. Sherylgee

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and service. The 3 course dinner is a great idea and we’ll worth it! I ordered the lamb neck, which tasted similar to a MidEastern dish. Very tasty. The side dish wasn’t as good. Can’t remember what it was. The Caesar salad and dessert were both excellent. Nice wine and beer choices.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great. Amiable and knowledgeable staff, superb food, and wine.
  25. gdsquared

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner with friends. Two couples. Excellent wine selection at reasonable value. One guest had the 3-course-meal special, but the others were able to order "a la carte" even though specific prices weren't listed. Server was very helpful and obtained info from chef when needed. All food ordered ( escargot, pomme frite/mushroom, spinach salad, pork&salmon&lamb entrees were beautifully prepared and presented, with clearly very fresh ingredients. There isn't really another restaurant like this in Gainesville in terms of vibe and style/quality.
  26. Peggy

    Orlando

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mildred's is a favorite of my dinner group friends. The 3 course meal is a great concept and the choices are excellent. I had the butternut squash and shrimp bisque, which was delicious. The salmon with parsnip puree and carrots was also great. My friends were all happy with their selections, which included the duck and hen entrees. The pumpkin cheesecake is a favorite, and the coconut cake is also delicious. The wine selection, especially the featured wines were a hit. We will definitely come back again and again...
  27. JonB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was excellent, service was slow. It looked like the server may have had too many tables. Beware: When the bill arrived it included a 12% Service Fee for our party of two. This alone would cause me not to return. It's not the money, but rather the business practice that I object to. If they need to charge more for their food, they should say so, and not slide in a service fee that some people won't even notice. I prefer doing business with people who are upfront about what they charge for their product or service.
  28. LeeAnneD

    Jacksonville

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Our server was great. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. Steak was tough and chewy. Flounder was overcooked and bland. Sides were yummy.
  29. KatiC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal with complimentary champagne for our 7th wedding anniversary. Staff was very attentive but not overbearing. Very pleasant and enjoyable evening over all.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a very nice evening and excellent food. Mildred’s is always great!
  31. SeasideC

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Nice birthday dinner. Great service, knowledgeable server (yummy South African Chenin Blanc). We split their brisket fries and I was able to partake without meat because it was in larger pieces on the bottom. My date said the meat was tender & tasty. Then a Caesar Salad and their Salmon dish - cooked perfectly. He had the Snapper and raved. Dessert was their espresso torte cake thing (yummy) and took a piece of their ricotta cheesecake with strawberries home. That was the better sweet. The place was clean, quiet (although many tables were filled) and the price, while on the high side, seemed reasonable given the quality. Recommend.
  32. gdsquared

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious house-made charcudterie plate, with varied offerings. Excellent seasonal soup and beautifully presented and well-prepared entrees.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We didn’t have high expectations going in, the place looks like an old denny’s. Service was exceptional and the food was shockingly good. The octopus frites appt was unbelievable, such creative cooking started the meal off well. The spinach salad and squash soup were 5star. Entries were pork chop and was perfectly cooked and wonderful. The other was the braised lamb and that was a bit less impressive, a bit too fatty and very small amount of edible lamb. Deserts also were just ok, seemed like they were not as fresh and seemed like they had been around a bit too long. Overall very impressed and will be returning.
  34. Beinda7

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We were disappointed in the food this visit. The escargot were tiny and tasteless, and overpowered by the sauce. Escargot with butter and garlic would have been much better. The hen was ok- could have used more spices and herbs. It's the first time eating here that I have been disappointed in the food.
  35. JenniferL

    Naples

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderfully creative menu, every course was delicious from starters to dessert. Terrific and friendly service. We will be back for sure!
  36. DukeP

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous place, highly recommend, awesome, food, awesome service, too bad there is not more like Mildred's!
  37. Maggie

    Charleston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and service. Consistently one of Gainesville’s best restaurants
  38. ConorF

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We will be back!
  39. JonB

    Tampa

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Excellent food and service. Highly recommend. Will be back!
  40. AndresM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Mildred's is consistently some top-tier food. I would even venture saying that this could be on the Michelin list one day! === Food === The food is always a fantastic experience. I am always introduced to new ways of cooking the same exact food and I appreciate the delicious innovation! They have a shrimp and butternut squash bisque that is TO DIE FOR. So creamy and the minced shrimp really takes it to another level. The meal I had this time was a halibut meal. It was fantastic! === Service === I've been two Mildred's a few times now and every single time I have had a positive experience with the "front of house" staff. I also appreciate the fact that the staff are actually paid real wages as evidenced by the service charge. I would gladly pay this and more for the consistent, fantastic service. === Value === Overall, the value of the dining experience is fantastic. If you add on drinks, it may get a little pricey, but it is totally worth it. === Cons === The only thing that I did not really enjoy all that much was the mosquitos in the outside dining area. I know, I know, we are in Florida, but perhaps some sort of non-toxic repellant may help? Not sure how to improve the problem, but this was the only thing that detracted from the experience. Other than this, there were no additional problems.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Mildreds Big City Food offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (352) 371-1711.

Mildreds Big City Food is rated 4.8 stars by 517 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today
Google Map for Mildreds Big City Food

3445 West University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    University Ave and 34th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Gainesville

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Bert Gill

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (352) 371-1711

  • Catering

    All catering events are tailored to the guest's budget and specifications. We offer everything from box lunches to casual buffets and heavy hors d'oeuvres to multi course dinners. Please contact us at (352) 371-1711 for more information.

  • Private party facilities

    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.

  • Private party contact

    April Williams: (877) 649-5531

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