Planning Father’s Day can feel overwhelming — working around busy work schedules, finding the perfect restaurant or activity, making a reservation and figuring out what will keep the kids entertained.
But we’ve got you covered with a list of Gainesville restaurants and specials to choose from, creating an easygoing day for the whole family that will make dad feel appreciated.
This Father’s Day dining guide is compiled based on Yelp’s list of the best restaurants in Gainesville, along with dining research and my own personal favorites.
Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
LOCATION: Inside Hotel Elio at 1514 SW 14th St., Gainesville
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
PRICING: Meals range from about $14 for sandwiches, burgers and salads to $46 for Angus Ribeye steak.
WHAT TO KNOW: Covey Kitchen offers an upscale setting for an affordable fine-dining experience. The restaurant offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu with Floridian-inspired food and special cocktails.
WHAT TO ORDER: Menu items include the Caesar salad, fried chicken, steak frites, salmon, short ribs, steaks, scallops, fish and chips, burgers and more. Drinks include margaritas, sangria, spritzers and more delightful craft cocktails.
FATHER’S DAY DEALS: All dads receive one complimentary beverage from the draft, bottled beer, wine or signature cocktail menu.
RESERVATIONS: Covey accepts reservations. To book, call (352) 565-3712.
Embers Wood Grill
LOCATION: 3545 SW 34th St., Suite A, Gainesville
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOURS: Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.
PRICING: Meals range from about $26 to $80.
WHAT TO KNOW: Embers offers a fine-dining dinner experience with grilled beef, chicken and seafood. All beef is prime. Embers was also voted one of the best 15 restaurants in Florida in 2024.
WHAT TO ORDER: Menu items include soups, salads, stuffed chicken breast, duck breast, lamb chops, grilled vegetables, braised beef short ribs, sea bass, pork tenderloin medallions, filet mignon, surf and turf, scallops and seasonal fresh fish. My personal favorite is the king salmon with lobster mashed potatoes. The menu also includes an extensive wine list and a complimentary bread basket.
RESERVATIONS: Embers accepts reservations. To book, call (352) 380-0901.
The Top
LOCATION: Downtown Gainesville, 30 N. Main St.
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
PRICING: Meals range from about $15 to $30.
WHAT TO KNOW: The Top offers a casual and uniquely designed dinner atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating and bars. The restaurant is pet-friendly, and don’t forget to check out its outdoor pool table! This spot is perfect for dads looking for incredible, affordable food and a relaxed, yet special environment. The outdoor section is also great for kids!
WHAT TO ORDER: Menu items include steaks, grilled chicken, an array of delicious pastas with added proteins, burgers, sandwiches, salads, salmon, trout and more. It also offers a build-your-own burger menu, cocktails and desserts like chocolate cake and peanut butter pie. My personal favorites are the pesto pasta with chicken, the triple-cheese burger and the chimichurri-grilled chicken with herb-roasted potatoes and broccoli. The bar menu also includes an extensive scotch and whiskey list.
FATHER’S DAY DEALS: The Top offers a happy hour all Sunday, with $2 off spirits, cocktails and wine, and $1 off beer.
RESERVATIONS: The Top offers reservations for parties of two to six in 30-minute blocks from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it takes one reservation for parties of seven to 12 once a day at 5 p.m. To book, email calseip.top@ gmail.com or call (352) 337-1188.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
LOCATION: Downtown Gainesville, 201 SE 2nd Ave. #104
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOURS: Saturday 5 – 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 – 10 p.m.
PRICING: Meals range from about $10 to $30 for smaller plates, but prices can vary and exceed this range depending on the number and type of sushi platters.
WHAT TO KNOW: Dragonfly is perfect for seafood and sushi lovers. Dragonfly offers an upscale, modern Japanese environment and menu that is also great for a date night, with or without the kids!
WHAT TO ORDER: Menu items include spicy tuna crispy rice, pork dumplings, salads, edamame, ramen, miso soup, beef tataki, braised ribs, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon, various sushi rolls, sashimi and more. Dragonfly also offers a bar with cocktails.
RESERVATIONS: Reservations are not offered on Friday or Saturday. On Sundays, you can reserve your table through Toast Tables up to 30 days in advance.
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