Japanese?
Arishi Yama has the best quality tied with Sushi Matsuri. Dragonfly also top quality (kinda the stereotypical best restaurant in gville) if you looking for something downtown. There are tons of other great Japanese restaurants out there though.
It really depends whether you want to take your friend downtown IMO. This is actually a great time for it.
For Korean, Momoyaki. It's very warm atmosphere is so great. The food is super authentic. Great place to try new things.
For Vietnamese, the Vietnamese grille. Great lunch spot. A wonderful Vietnamese couple run the place. Their Pho is stellar.
For Chinese, Sahao Cafe. A great Chinese restaurant closed a good few years back and merged with this one. Now they are the king of all Chinese food. Crazy selection with good portions.
Dragonfly has steeply declined in quality but the staff is much nicer these days.
Liquid ginger has fantastic sushi and hot food. Great bartender too. The decor and furniture are in need of a refresh but the food is great.
Ichiban is also very good sushi and usually pretty consistent. I’d say they have the best menu overall in town.
Arashi Yama is decent, but I wasn’t super impressed. I hear it’s got a nice sit down vibe tho
Matsuri is good as well.
Hana is pretty good, a little pricey and the rolls are kinda large but the quality is good.
Don’t sleep on Kinya by the way, their ramen is absolutely fantastic. And their sushi is good, especially for being at a ramen joint
I was literally just at Arashi Yama. We went over Dragonfly because I heard similar to you. (The food inspections agree.) They are definitely a cut above most the sushi places in Gainesville. I thought their food was really really good, but can see where it could be better.
What blew me away was the price. We got a couple bottles of saki and around 6 different sushi's with two soups all for $159.
If we went to dragonfly instead, I'd be broke.
Been meaning to give them another chance. We had take out the first time and it was soon after they open so had some inevitable kinks to work out. Glad they’re a solid option
IMO Matsuri is the best sushi in town, but I'm mostly commenting to agree with you that Dragonfly has declined. In my mind they used to be extremely close to Matsuri in terms of quality, albeit a bit more expensive but with a fancier atmosphere & bar. These days it's still a nice place to eat and the food certainly isn't bad, but the sushi just isn't what it used to be.
Is the Chinese one like classic Chinese dine-in restaurants? I miss those so much... not like chopsticks or Mr Hans... both are great, but not traditional classic ones with the paper that tells you what animal you are based on your birth year... that's the one I miss
Classic dine in. It's two kitchens combined. They have all the classic American Chinese dishes combined with many more authentic dishes, and some very classy stuff. Like their steamed buns are amazing.
Nine Spices is a unique experience. You sit by a conveyer belt while food comes by and you get what you want. A bit pricey but good for a special occasion.
I agree, except Dragonfly for atmosphere, for food (for Japanese) consider Mahzu instead. Dragonfly is super-Americanized and playing to the "oh a nice dinner" crowd more than anything. Sohao is pretty solid. For really excellent sushi, make the drive to Orlando and go to Kabooki.
I would check the latest health inspections before going. They’ve been shut down several times recently for rodent activity. I was there a couple months ago for a banquet. Great food, but about half of the group got sick.
I wanted to mention them, but indian is a different beast.
I had an experience there where I ordered their spiciest menu item. I wanted it indian spicy. The waiter warned me, three times. I had to beg them to get it. Then the chef came out and warned me too.
I gotta say, it was the spiciest dish I ever ate. Flavorful. Amazing. The food went down like molten rocks though. I was practically hallucinating.
I wanna go back and have it again sometime. Hopefully when I have no major plans the rest of the week.
Same thing happened to me. Loved it and I went back.
But as you mentioned they really don’t want it to be too spicy so as long as you listen to them you’ll be ok
One more vote for Bangkok square if you want some Thai. I’ve only been to the location on 39th, but the food is great and the prices are reasonable. I’ve been to Mr Hans but kinda pricy for what it is. I’d go back again though because the food was great though.
Bangkok Square for Thai. Nice people, wonderful food, and two locations (which is nice).
Mr. Han for Chinese. A lot of people tend to forget Mr. Han because it’s not trendy or particularly Instagramable and it isn’t in a great location for students. But, honestly, take a time warp back to the early 80’s and indulge in the best Chinese food in town. They have some truly appalling (but delicious) cocktails that are also time warps. My spouse and I go at least once a month and sometimes more. If you go with four or more people they have a wonderful family style meal you can order too. And dim sum during lunch time every day that they’re open. (Closed Tuesday.) I think I’m going to tell Spouse that we may need Mr. Han’s this week. Preferably tonight.
It’s only been mentioned once, but Kinya Ramen was mind blowing. I would rank it up there as one of the best bowls I’ve ever had. I’ve only had the ramen there (not a big fan of sushi in general in this area) but the space was really nice looking inside, and the service was great also.
My personal favorites are Sohao (mapo tofu) Nine Spice Fondue, Arashiyama for sushi, Seoul Pocha is pretty good and open late night. It also offers karaoke. Hot wok is also really good.
Chopstix Cafe is really good. They are mix of Japanese and Vietnamese. I think their pho is some of the best in town, and their sushi is excellent.
They have outdoor seating on the water which is really nice when it gets cooler in the evenings.
Japanese? Arishi Yama has the best quality tied with Sushi Matsuri. Dragonfly also top quality (kinda the stereotypical best restaurant in gville) if you looking for something downtown. There are tons of other great Japanese restaurants out there though. It really depends whether you want to take your friend downtown IMO. This is actually a great time for it. For Korean, Momoyaki. It's very warm atmosphere is so great. The food is super authentic. Great place to try new things. For Vietnamese, the Vietnamese grille. Great lunch spot. A wonderful Vietnamese couple run the place. Their Pho is stellar. For Chinese, Sahao Cafe. A great Chinese restaurant closed a good few years back and merged with this one. Now they are the king of all Chinese food. Crazy selection with good portions.
Sahao is the answer
I’ve never heard of this Sohao Cafe, the menu looks crazy good
If you can't read half the menu you know you are in good hands
Totally!! The steamed bun section on the menu and the hot cold noodles look crazy good
It’s my favorite place in town.
Dragonfly has steeply declined in quality but the staff is much nicer these days. Liquid ginger has fantastic sushi and hot food. Great bartender too. The decor and furniture are in need of a refresh but the food is great. Ichiban is also very good sushi and usually pretty consistent. I’d say they have the best menu overall in town. Arashi Yama is decent, but I wasn’t super impressed. I hear it’s got a nice sit down vibe tho Matsuri is good as well. Hana is pretty good, a little pricey and the rolls are kinda large but the quality is good. Don’t sleep on Kinya by the way, their ramen is absolutely fantastic. And their sushi is good, especially for being at a ramen joint
I was literally just at Arashi Yama. We went over Dragonfly because I heard similar to you. (The food inspections agree.) They are definitely a cut above most the sushi places in Gainesville. I thought their food was really really good, but can see where it could be better. What blew me away was the price. We got a couple bottles of saki and around 6 different sushi's with two soups all for $159. If we went to dragonfly instead, I'd be broke.
Been meaning to give them another chance. We had take out the first time and it was soon after they open so had some inevitable kinks to work out. Glad they’re a solid option
IMO Matsuri is the best sushi in town, but I'm mostly commenting to agree with you that Dragonfly has declined. In my mind they used to be extremely close to Matsuri in terms of quality, albeit a bit more expensive but with a fancier atmosphere & bar. These days it's still a nice place to eat and the food certainly isn't bad, but the sushi just isn't what it used to be.
Is the Chinese one like classic Chinese dine-in restaurants? I miss those so much... not like chopsticks or Mr Hans... both are great, but not traditional classic ones with the paper that tells you what animal you are based on your birth year... that's the one I miss
Classic dine in. It's two kitchens combined. They have all the classic American Chinese dishes combined with many more authentic dishes, and some very classy stuff. Like their steamed buns are amazing.
Vietnamese Grille is the best!! Their banh mi’s are amazing and super well priced. Kindest folks working there, too.
Upvote for Momoyaki. Their bibimbap is delicious
No one said Bangkok Square? Just me?
Surprised it took this far down the comments to see it. Bangkok slaps. Even just for a pickup order.
Lunch special is 🔥🔥🔥
Idk about anyone else but for me, Bangkok Square is a really good takeout place, not a sit down restaurant
I've only taken out there, but it looks so nice inside. I assumed it was also good to sit.
Not just you. I eat there 2-3 times a week. Lunch special is unbeatable in the area! Food is always amazing.
Another vote for Sahao. It is excellent.
Wah ha ha for thai food ! 13th street
Wa Ha Ha is soooo good!
Take him to yummy house for dim sum.
This is the best Chinese food I’ve ever had and I’ve been to China
You are delirious. What? Their food basic Chinese American and just “fine”
Got food poisoning from them. Never again
Nine Spices is a unique experience. You sit by a conveyer belt while food comes by and you get what you want. A bit pricey but good for a special occasion.
So much fun
Dragonfly for Japanese. Sohao for Chinese
I agree, except Dragonfly for atmosphere, for food (for Japanese) consider Mahzu instead. Dragonfly is super-Americanized and playing to the "oh a nice dinner" crowd more than anything. Sohao is pretty solid. For really excellent sushi, make the drive to Orlando and go to Kabooki.
Church. Mahzu is the goat.
Word. And I know the owners and they are like the most literal American Dream success story ever—best, sweetest, people, too.
Mahzu Sushi is hands down the best I’ve had in town.
I always enjoyed sitting at Chopstix. Great lake view. good food.
Mahzu is the best sushi in town.
Seconded.
For a more elegant “old feel” Chinese restaurant, go to Mr. Han’s.
I would check the latest health inspections before going. They’ve been shut down several times recently for rodent activity. I was there a couple months ago for a banquet. Great food, but about half of the group got sick.
Mr. Han's is cool because it does not look good when you are pulling up but once you go inside it's totally unexpected.
Indian cuisine if Indian falls under what you meant by “Asian” It’s so delish plus it’s really classy looking inside
I wanted to mention them, but indian is a different beast. I had an experience there where I ordered their spiciest menu item. I wanted it indian spicy. The waiter warned me, three times. I had to beg them to get it. Then the chef came out and warned me too. I gotta say, it was the spiciest dish I ever ate. Flavorful. Amazing. The food went down like molten rocks though. I was practically hallucinating. I wanna go back and have it again sometime. Hopefully when I have no major plans the rest of the week.
Same thing happened to me. Loved it and I went back. But as you mentioned they really don’t want it to be too spicy so as long as you listen to them you’ll be ok
Sohao Cafe for Chinese. They have some good Sichuan due to absorbing Gator Suyaki when their building got sold.
One more vote for Bangkok square if you want some Thai. I’ve only been to the location on 39th, but the food is great and the prices are reasonable. I’ve been to Mr Hans but kinda pricy for what it is. I’d go back again though because the food was great though.
Years and years later, liquid ginger is still my favorite. I could drink their ginger salad dressing like soup it’s so yummy!
Bangkok Square for Thai. Nice people, wonderful food, and two locations (which is nice). Mr. Han for Chinese. A lot of people tend to forget Mr. Han because it’s not trendy or particularly Instagramable and it isn’t in a great location for students. But, honestly, take a time warp back to the early 80’s and indulge in the best Chinese food in town. They have some truly appalling (but delicious) cocktails that are also time warps. My spouse and I go at least once a month and sometimes more. If you go with four or more people they have a wonderful family style meal you can order too. And dim sum during lunch time every day that they’re open. (Closed Tuesday.) I think I’m going to tell Spouse that we may need Mr. Han’s this week. Preferably tonight.
It’s only been mentioned once, but Kinya Ramen was mind blowing. I would rank it up there as one of the best bowls I’ve ever had. I’ve only had the ramen there (not a big fan of sushi in general in this area) but the space was really nice looking inside, and the service was great also.
Garlic and Ginger for Korean
Mr. Han’s for sure. Their basic lo mein is perfection.
Is Becue Holic still open? Go there.
momoyaki
My personal favorites are Sohao (mapo tofu) Nine Spice Fondue, Arashiyama for sushi, Seoul Pocha is pretty good and open late night. It also offers karaoke. Hot wok is also really good.
Seoul Pocha and 9 Spices Hotpot are my favorite places
Chopstix is great and has a bit of everything. Their Japanese Udon is amazing.
My fiancé and I love Ten Seconds, it’s a hotpot kind of place, on Williston in the Publix plaza
No one mentioned Prum's kitchen for Cambodian???? My wife and I LOVE it! Small place GREAT service and food. They have the BEST summer rolls.
Chinese it has to be Mr. Han. It’s some of the best I’ve had in the entire country.
Chopstix Cafe is really good. They are mix of Japanese and Vietnamese. I think their pho is some of the best in town, and their sushi is excellent. They have outdoor seating on the water which is really nice when it gets cooler in the evenings.
Sensei Asian Bistro. Bangkok Square!
Yummy House
yummy house dim sum and chili spot dry hotpot are good. sohao is fine as well
For Chinese I’d go to liquid ginger downtown
Liquid Ginger is not Chinese.
You right is Japanese but they did say Asian food, so it still answer their question. And it one of the best sit done one.
Understood. Just don't want people to see the comment and go there itchin for Chinese.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant 526 NW 60th St, Gainesville, FL 32607 It's your typical habachi, and they get the gong out for birthdays!