Fodor's Expert Review Emiliano's Café

Linen tablecloths and art deco–style artwork create a casual, elegant feel at this Gainesville institution that has been serving Pan-Latin cuisine since 1984. Start with the Spanish stew (a family recipe) and then move on to one of the chef's signature dishes such as mofongo or paella (Spanish saffron rice with shrimp, clams, mussels, fresh fish, chicken, artichoke hearts, peas, asparagus, and pimientos). Emiliano's also offers an extensive tapas menu with nearly 20 items to mix and match, and tempting desserts like the original chipotle brownie cake. Dine indoors or beneath the stars at the sidewalk café. Live jazz fills the air Monday and Wednesday nights. Weekends feature a brunch with $5 Bloody Marys and mojitos, and entrées such as the breakfast Cuban with eggs, roast pork, ham, and Swiss on pressed Cuban bread.