Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Gainesville

As always, the food is terrific. The decor and rooms are beautiful. The service is outstanding.

Super food in the perfect atmosphere of elegant countryside.

Great presentation, great flavors, great service. Valentine's Day three course plus wine pairing is pricey, BUT the regular multi-course price fixe options are reasonable (i.e., not on holidays). Yum!

We had an amazing experience at Ivy by the Lake! We stopped by on Valentine’s Day after a concert and were warmly greeted and seated right away. To start, we ordered the hummus with lamb, which was absolutely delicious—rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. For hookah, we went with the waitress’s recommendation, Poison Ivy, and it did not disappoint! Smooth, well-balanced, and truly elite. The DJ was phenomenal, playing a mix of music that kept the entire place vibing. I found myself dancing in my seat all night! The atmosphere, service, and overall experience were top-tier. I’ll definitely be back for more great food, hookah, and vibes!

Once again, Magnolias at the Mill hit a home run. This time with their Valentine's Day dinner. The Prix Fixe menu was very good, with quite a selection. Service, as usual, was very good. We weren't rushed through our meal, and the timing was good. Our waiter, Bryan, did an outstanding job. Friendly and capable, he was willing to explain the dishes to us. Honorable mention goes to Chad. Although he didn't have our table, he recognized us from a past party we had there and was very welcoming. Of course, Alex at the front desk is always a welcome sight, a gracious and welcoming presence. Tyler Barrett was overseeing it all, and everything seemed to he running smoothly. Many thanks to Magnolias and everyone who made this holiday dinner special for my wife and I.