If you are looking for authentic Indian cuisine, vegan pizza or sweet and savory brunch meals, a variety of new eateries coming to Gainesville are sure to satisfy your craving.
The new restaurants to be on the lookout for around town include Indian Aroma, First Watch and Wild Pie.
Here is what we know about the restaurants:
Indian Aroma, 1310 SW 13th St., Suite A, hosted a soft opening on Nov. 8 in the former home of Blue Gill, which moved recently to the Butler Town Center.
The restaurant serves authentic Indian Cuisine such as samosa, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, roti and more.
Rajyalakshmi Tumati, co-owner of Indian Aroma, said the restaurant is locally-owned and is her first project.
Tumati said she and her husband were commuting to other cities to eat authentic Indian food, so she decided to open a restaurant in Gainesville.
“I’m a big foodie and I miss the authentic Indian food in Gainesville,” Tumati said. “I had to travel to Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando to get my favorite Indian food, which is not available here, and we call it biryani. I work full time so I was trying to figure out if this was something I wanted to really do or not, but the stars aligned.
After Blue Gill moved out, Tumati said she fell in love with the space and signed a lease immediately.
“We want to give the best food and best service to Gainesville,” Tumati said. “We are reasonably priced and we are not compromising quality. We want to bring the best from India and have the people here taste it”
Indian Aroma also offers catering services and a banquet space for parties and events.
Tumati said the restaurant plans to have its grand opening in about a week, and the bar at the restaurant will be open within about a month.
Indian Aroma is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
BAMBUU Asian Eatery
BAMBUU Asian Eatery is set to open this week in Gainesville and it will be the restaurant’s second location. Its other location is at Vero Beach in southeast Florida.
The soft opening in Gainesville will be Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the grand opening will be Nov. 21 at 3606 SW Archer Rd.
BAMBUU Asian Eatery offers dine-in and takeout opportunities and serves spring rolls, mixed veggies, cream cheese rangoons and more.
On Nov. 21, BAMBUU will be giving out 90 free four-bowls and a fountain drink to the first 30 people entering at 10 a.m. then again at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
The restaurant is offering free bowls for healthcare workers, first responders, the University of Florida staff and educators of all grades on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3.
El Indio Mexican Food
El Indio Mexican Food is set to open another location in north central Florida.
The restaurant is planning to open in Jonesville on 143rd Street behind the Publix shopping center, according to a resident on EAT GNV.
The restaurant has two locations in Gainesville at 5011 NW 34th Blvd. and 407 NW 13th St.
El Indio Mexican Food has been in Gainesville since 1992 and serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchilada, nachos, taco salads, and more.
After months of anticipation, First Watch, a cafe chain that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch meals, is set to open in front of the Target on Archer Road at 3729 SW 40th Blvd.
The restaurant, which opens Nov. 18, is known for its “Million Dollar Bacon,” fresh ingredients and delicious brunch cocktails. Its menu rotates five times a year, and it offers gluten-free and vegan options.
First Watch features a variety of classic breakfast options such as bacon and eggs, omelets, waffles and French toast. Those who stop in for lunch can enjoy a Monterey club sandwich, turkey burger, ham & gruyere melt, soups, salads and more.
People will have the chance to stuff their faces with plant-based pizza before stuffing their faces with turkey later this month.
Wild Pie a 100% plant-based pizzeria, will hold its grand opening sometime before the Thanksgiving holiday, pending inspections.
Wild Pie is located on the ground floor of The Hub on Campus Gainesville 3rd Ave at 309 NW 13th St., Suite 10.
Dallas Mesa, director of operations for Wild Pie, said the restaurant is going through its final stages of inspection and is looking forward to opening its doors to the Gainesville community.
“We’re very excited,” Mesa said. “We will live and breathe by the student population and we are by a good campus. We are bringing a new niche to the market. We offer fresh and clean eating. Pizza is the best thing in the world to eat — we just change the toppings.
All cheese on Wild Pie pizzas are dairy free and a gluten-free cauliflower crust is available for an additional charge.
The restaurant offers several pizza specialties like The Meatless Lover, Phony Pepperoni, Veg Out, Power to the Pesto, Kale Me Maybe and more.
