The Dunbar

4.8 (283)

$31 to $50

Global, International

732 NW 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601

Make a reservation

The Dunbar

4.8

$31 to $50

Global, International

Gainesville

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 9, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

Step into The Dunbar, a historic Gainesville landmark built in 1936, once the only hotel in the city to welcome Black guests during segregation. Famed musicians like Duke Ellington, B.B. King, and Ella Fitzgerald graced its halls, and today music remains at the heart of every experience.

Our menu changes seasonally and blends classic favorites with globally inspired dishes, offering something familiar yet exciting throughout the year. The space seamlessly combines historic charm with modern design, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for intimate dinners, private events, and community gatherings.

Join us to celebrate history, savor thoughtfully crafted cuisine, and enjoy the timeless influence of music in a space that honors the past while embracing the new.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic, Creole / Cajun / Southern
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(352) 554-4339
Website
https://www.thedunbargnv.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
732 NW 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Neighborhood
Gainesville
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

All Experiences

Tins & Tannins (A Dunbar Event)
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Max. 4 tickets per person
Nov 17, 2026 only
5:00 PM
An evening on the patio featuring curated tinned fish, elevated small plates, four thoughtfully paired wines, and live music.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

BOILED PEANUTS$12.00
Epis, Herb Butter (GF.DF.V)
GRIOT (PORK BELLY) $18.00
Pikliz, Plaintain Chips (GF)
SNACK PLATE$22.00
Olives, Sardine Pate, Pickled Okra, Prosciutto, Artisanal Cheese, Confiture, Dill Oil, Kettle Chips (GF. Upon Req.)
LAMB RIBS$26.00
Tamarind & Mango Glaze, Lamb Crust, Fresno Chili, Scallion
OCTOPUS$22.00
Potato Espuma, Garlic Herb Butter, Ras El Hanout, Nori Dust (GF. Upon Req.)
MUSSEL TOAST$22.00
Nduja Butter, Capers, Parsley, Lemon, Chives
PRAWNS$23.00
Epis, Toast
CAESAR SALAD$18.00
Grated Parmesan, Toasted Breadcrumb (GF. Upon Req.)
ZAN'S SALAD$18.00
Red Beets, Pickled Golden Beets, Goat Cheese, Orange Vinaigrette (GF. Upon Req.)
CAJUN PASTA$40.00
Chicken, Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Pangrattato
JERK CHICKEN$30.00
24hr- Brined Half Chicken, Coconut Rice (GF. Upon Req.) -SPICY
SHORT RIB$49.00
Orzo, Mushroom, Pancetta, Basil (GF.UPON REQ.)
BRANZINO$48.00
Sea Bass, Citrus Butter Broth,Coconut White Rice (GF)
MISO CABBAGE$22.00
Confit, Black Garlic Aioli (Veg.)
LEGUME$25.00
Eggplant, Chayote, Carrots, Tomato, Okra, Mushroom, Watercress, Spinach (V)(GF)
PORK CHOP$38.00
Butter Beans, Chimichurri Butter (GF)
OXTAIL GRATIN$46.00
Mayi, Habanero Oil, Fried Shallots (GF)
NY STRIP STEAK$65.00
16oz, Blue Cheese Sauce (GF)
DAN'S PIE$38.00
Meat Pie (Fri & Sat Only) - A specialty crafted by “Word of the Day” Dan
BLACK RICE (DIRI D'JON-D'JON) $9.00
Haitian Black Mushroom, Lima Beans (GF)
MAC & CHEESE$14.00
Shell Pasta, Cheese Blend, Peppers (VEG.)
BROCCOLINI$15.00
Romesco, Herb Butter (VEGI)(GF.UPON REQ.)
ROASTED POTATOES$14.00
Toum, Herb Butter, Parmesan (VEG.GF. Upon Req.)
BEIGNET TIRAMISU$15.00
Haitian Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, Mascarpone (VEG.)
KREMAS CORNBREAD PUDDING$15.00
Cornflake Crumble, Kremas (contains alcohol) (VEG.)

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Dunbar.

4.8

(283)

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ocala / Gainesville
Best Overall
Ocala / Gainesville
Best Food
Ocala / Gainesville
Best Ambiance
Ocala / Gainesville
Best Value
Ocala / Gainesville
Innovative
Ocala / Gainesville
Hot spot
Ocala / Gainesville
Neighborhood gem
Ocala / Gainesville
Lively
Ocala / Gainesville
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Dunbar offers a "unique dining experience" in Gainesville, with "incredible" food influenced by Caribbean, Asian, African, and Southern cuisines. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" service and "cozy" atmosphere in a historic building. Standout dishes include "jerk chicken" and "cornbread pudding," while live music enhances the ambiance.

283 Reviews

E
Earnest
Tampa1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It is the Best Fine Dining Experience in Alachua County.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
West Palm Beach6 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Everything we ate was incredibly delicious. We always get the Caesar salad. The dishes are unique. Some have a little kick. The server was excellent. He requested a glass of wine that I did not care for so he brought me a new wine. Desserts are good as well.
Is this helpful?
C
Chuck
Jacksonville3 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 29, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious options to consider… we loved the mussels and caper appetizer , and the corn cake dessert! Our cocktails were delightful, waiter was very attentive.
Is this helpful?
L
L
Unspecified1 review
2.0
Dined on October 29, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
We were very excited to try the Dun Bar as we had heard rave reviews about it. We went for my birthday dinner. Unfortunately, our experience was not wonderful. The service was poor, the food was overpriced and the noise level was excessive. Our waitress was inattentive and would look everywhere else when we tried to get her attention, never answering some of our questions. The food was good but highly overpriced and my wine was not a full glass yet cost $15. We were a party of 3 tucked into a tight corner while another table of 3 had a large booth. The noise level was high and resonated throughout the restaurant. We won’t be back.
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M
Melissa
Washington DC1 review
5.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Dunbar is a gem. There is nothing like it in Gainesville. Go!
Is this helpful?
s
symphoney
Atlanta1 review
5.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Compliments to the chef!! The food was no less than Amazing. Everything was seasoned wonderfully and was filling. The service was impeccable and the live music help set the scene for our anniversary. We definitely will be returning.
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on October 22, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A wonderful place to celebrate anything from a good day to a birthday.
Is this helpful?
H
Holly
Washington DC7 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 22, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Service efficient. Food was very good. Enjoyed the Branzino and Shorts Robs with Orzo.
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T
Tracy Gold
Orlando3 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 17, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Unfortunately, we waited a very long time, over 20 minutes to get our wine and within three minutes of our wine arriving all of our food came to the table. We felt rather rushed as everything showed up at the same time. We will definitely go back to try again as the food was quite tasty and actually our server was delightful . I don’t think he had knowledge of how everything came all at the same time .
1 person found this helpful
D
Darlenn Gold
Naples34 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 17, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food and amazing service; we highly recommend
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic, Creole / Cajun / Southern
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(352) 554-4339
Website
https://www.thedunbargnv.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
732 NW 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Neighborhood
Gainesville
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, The Dunbar's warm, moody atmosphere with attentive service and live music makes it a popular spot for dates and anniversary dinners.

The Dunbar feels warm and historic, with moody, elegant dining rooms, comfortable cushioned seating, and live jazz/blues that complements rather than overwhelms the meal.

Smart casual is the guide at The Dunbar, polished but relaxed, with many guests noting they dress up a touch for date nights and anniversaries.

Weekend evenings are a great choice, many guests note live music on weekends and recommend weekend visits for the full experience.

Portions are generous and shareable, guests repeatedly report large servings and sometimes taking home leftovers.

The Dunbar offers a warm main dining room (with sofas and comfortable chairs), a bar, an outdoor patio, plus a private/semi‑private dining room for small groups.

Yes, The Dunbar welcomes families: guests describe Mom‑and‑daughter dates, Mother's Day family gatherings in the private room, and staff who made birthdays and family meals feel special.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

The Dunbar

4.8

$31 to $50

Global, International

Gainesville

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 9, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

The Dunbar

Make a reservation

The Dunbar

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Tins & Tannins (A Dunbar Event)

Uncategorised

BOILED PEANUTS$12.00

GRIOT (PORK BELLY) $18.00

SNACK PLATE$22.00

LAMB RIBS$26.00

OCTOPUS$22.00

MUSSEL TOAST$22.00

PRAWNS$23.00

CAESAR SALAD$18.00

ZAN'S SALAD$18.00

CAJUN PASTA$40.00

JERK CHICKEN$30.00

SHORT RIB$49.00

BRANZINO$48.00

MISO CABBAGE$22.00

LEGUME$25.00

PORK CHOP$38.00

OXTAIL GRATIN$46.00

NY STRIP STEAK$65.00

DAN'S PIE$38.00

BLACK RICE (DIRI D'JON-D'JON) $9.00

MAC & CHEESE$14.00

BROCCOLINI$15.00

ROASTED POTATOES$14.00

BEIGNET TIRAMISU$15.00

KREMAS CORNBREAD PUDDING$15.00

Loved For

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

Is this a good pick for date night?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for The Dunbar?

What is the best day to go to The Dunbar?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

Make a reservation

The Dunbar

Make a reservation