Chopstix Cafe

Their pho comes as close to the quality my friend's parents made for us about 8 years ago. I'm obsessed with it to the point that I've committed to making my own at home even though it takes 9 hours. The service is always impeccable and the drinks are the right amount of sweet.

This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Great food, excellent ambiance, friendly staff. This is our "can't miss" place whenever we're in Gainesville!
If you go in nice weather, the patio view across the lake is very relaxing. I usually order off the Thai part of the menu and have yet to be disappointed.

Quality Japanese cuisine with a friendly family atmosphere. Boasts quite affordable prices for lunch and dinner. Also, there's a beautiful lakeside view that offers frequent alligator sightings! Exciting!!

Great food with one of the few good views in Gainesville. The service, however, is by far some of the worst around. On a slow night, it was several minutes before we were even noticed by the hostess and seated. Then we waited and waited to order, waited and waited more to get the food, waited and waited even more to get the check, and waited and waited more still to check out. With better service, it could easily be one of the top places in town. In the meantime, it's not really worth going out of your way for.

Most towns have a place that locals love and visitors hope to discover. Family owned, great service and great food.
Bonus, it's lakeside so the views are amazing.

Several vegetarian and gluten free options are available.