Went for my birthday dinner last night. I wanted a place where you dressed for dinner in a place with atmosphere. Embers did not disappoint on any level. The attention to detail and the dining experience is second to none. Our server, Donnie, was just the best. Knowledgeable and friendly, attentive without being obtrusive. I plan on asking for him again. All the servers are the best of the best in my observation. The menu is varied and the choices are what youd wxpect in a high end restaurant. The food is sublime! We had the crab bisque to start, and the fresh ingredients are obvious. I had the divers scallops in a lemon beurre blanc and they were delicious and cooked to peefection. My husband had a 10 oz Filet mignon and he said it was also perfect. We both had the lobster mashed potatoes (yum), I had roasted asparagus which was tender and flavorful and he had sautéed wild mushrooms and those were just wonderful. The portions are big, so be prepared to bring some home. They are boxed and bagged well. Our only disappointment was having no room for dessert, although Donnie brought out a homemade mango sorbet with a raspberry sauce which was delicious and a perfect finish. I plan on leaving room next time, I have to try the flaming creme brulee! All in all, the best dining experience I've had in a long long while and I can't wait ti go back!
I have the filet mignon and was cook to perfection, also the crab bisque very tasted,Sides the tomatoes with blue cheese out the world, lamb chop were really good the only bad thing was cork fee of $ 50.00 very
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Selection, Crab Bisque
Robert Anderson
I'm going to start with, this was not our first trip to Embers. It's a true special occasion when you spend $50 plus dollars per steak for a meal. The crab bisque was Ah-mazing! The pepper crusted steak however was not good. No where on the menu does it tell you that the pepper crust was mixed with brown sugar. Now I don't know about you but, I found it off putting and coyingly sweet. Our server was mostly attentive certainly not overly hovering. When she brought the steaks she came back to follow up and I asked for salt thinking it was just me. I got the salt and it only made it nearly inedible. I didn't ask for a re-fire, I didn't ask for a comp. I couldn't eat it and felt like it was my fault for ordering it that way. But truth be told with a $200 ticket and a half eaten steak I would have thought they would have re-fired at least a to go portion. They compd $20 and gave us a free dessert which was sweet. I will say this, I've certainly had better steaks and I was terribly disappointed. I really wish the menu had stated it was pepper crusted with brown sugar because I wouldn't have ordered it that way. Our bill would have been $235 and I paid $270 with tip because I wasn't going to hold our server hostage over the bad steak. After comp she received $70. All I suggest is update your menu. No one wants to ask for a re-fire on such a beautiful steak, I just wish I could have eaten it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Vincent Kong
Came for dinner to celebrate an anniversary. We made reservations ahead of time just in case. We were greeted by friendly staff and the ambiance inside was on par with other steak houses (i.e. flemings, ruth chris, etc.). The wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Cocktails, appetizers, entrees (NY Strip and Ribeye) and sides (Lobster mash potatoes!) were all exceptional. We'll definitely be back!Please note: the steaks are USDA prime, but not "aged" (wet or dry). Either way they were of high quality imo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandon Magee
This place is phenomenal. We love any chance we get to go here. Great place for a date, particularly at Spark! Love the menu, and the option for intamacy, business, or larger dining hall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole M. Rivera Pabón
Went to celebrate my husband's birthday It was our first time at Embers, and they did not disappoint ?? our waitress Jillian was so sweet and informative about the menu and wine selection and our food, The Mahi Mahi and King Salmon were perfect.And for dessert we got the Crème Brûlèe and they even wrote Feliz Cumpleaños for him. ? Definitely would recommend this place to anybody.
We always have a great experience at Ember’s. We happened to want to grab something to eat on a Monday this week and everything in Celebration Point was closed. I suggested Spark, Ember’s exceptional bar. Usually, there are tables and seats at the bar available (unlike space in the main dining area without a reservation). We took a chance and were pleasantly surprised there were both options opened. We ordered drinks, appetizers (duck wings, blue crab bisque, Cesear salad), and entree (salmon and risotto). If you want a delicious meal in a more casual environment, this is the place to go!P.S. some days they will allow you to order off the main restaurant’s menu if you’re lucky!Parking: Parking is easy to find in the lot around the shopping center.Wheelchair accessibility: From the front of the shopping center you can easily navigate to the front doors. Handicapped parking spaces are limited. There is also a ramp up to the restaurant from the parking lot behind the building.
We made a reservation for a 7:00 table. Upon arrival we were surprised at outside look of restaurant. We wanted a classy dining experience for an anniversary and it didn't appear as such. We decided to go in though and were happy we did. The ambience was low warm lights, table linens, candles, nice menus and wonderful attention to detail in decor. So...Arrived at 6:45 and were asked to wait till 7:00 so we went to bar and ordered a drink. Once our table was ready the front of house came and let us know in person. We then paid for our drink and went to sit in main restaurant. The menu for bar was different btw from that of main restaurant. Not a problem, just an observation.Our server was Victor. He was great! We enjoyed his attentiveness and friendly disposition. Numerous times he made recommendations that we followed and these things added to our comfort level and enjoyment of our experience.We had the seafood platter for appetizer. So wonderful! Delish food, attention to detail flavors and huge pieces of shrimp. The crab was also amazing!For meals we had the cowboy steak and filet mignon with scallops added. The addition was a kabob of 3 silver dollar size scallops that were seared and succulent. The steaks were cooked perfectly. No sauce needed. The sear and inner moisture were awesome!Our sides asparagus, sweet potato and Mac and cheese were great!! Definitely worth the stomach room to eat the sides.The bread was brought around by a gentleman with a tray and 3 options. There was also a lovely herb butter.The dessert we chose was flour less chocolate cake and it was decadent!! So yummy. We took it to go and the box was even given attention to detail with the fruit garnish, chocolate sauce drizzle and torched mousse topping.10 out of 10 in everything. The bathroom was clean and so was restaurant.Thank you Victor for a memory dinner out. We will definitely recommend our friends here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jose Torruellas
Food tastes good but I'd say the price misses the mark. I'd say there should be a 20% reduction in prices for what you're buying. The restaurant goes for a fine dining feel but has seating like Chillis. The lighting is so dim that depending on your age you might need to turn on your phone's flashlights. Not to mention that people are so loud it sounds like a high school cafeteria. Again, this is fine if it's a TGIF but if you're going to a place marketed as higher dining you expect a different type of environment when you're not at the bar.
I really enjoyed the food here. Everything tasted amazing. I would recommend trying the Escargot, it tastes phenomenal!Additionally, our waiter was very nice, informative on the menu, and attentive. Definitely the best restaurant in Gainesville I’ve ever been to, nothing really compares. The only thing I did not like was the lighting, it was very hard to see the menu as the lighting was significantly dim. My in laws literally had to use the flash light on their phone to see the menu. Apart from that, everything was great. Highly recommend.
For the past 3 yrs I’ve had to travel to Gainesville pretty regularly. It’s fair to say I’ve tried many eateries here & this restaurant was by far the best one I’ve been to. Food ranges from steak to seafood and is 1st class all the way. Our waitress Samantha was also one of the best I’ve ever had as well. She was attentive, yet did not hover. Gave us time between courses to allow us time to fully enjoy each one. It is pricey but worth it truly !! Will definitely be back!We tried the escargot- perfection; seared yellowfin with fresh spinach & roasted beefsteak tomato; seared U10 diver scallops- so tender and tasteful. Chilean Sea Bass - also prepared to perfection & mushroom sides the best as well!Vegetarian options: All of the sides were made from fresh items. None was over cooked and our entire meal was served still hot and freshly prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flaming Creme Brulee
David Sterman
Ate at Embers last night with 6 guests. Let me start off by saying that the food was excellent. However, we found our server to be rude and even sometimes arrogant. He told us on more that one occasion that "this was not his first rodeo". It took him a long time to refill our drinks and one item I asked for twice he never brought. If not for the server, I would definitely give it 5 stars. We have been to Embers many times and always have had excellent service as well as food. Not this time! In addition, in the past the bread service came around several times but last night only once. It just seemed like we were an after thought for being served.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Ceasar Salad
Sammy Knoxville
Great historic spot, amazing rib eye, sweet potatoes and mushrooms... also, the smoked Manhattan martini is excellent, as is the wine list, coming back for sure! Mike and Sal are great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Selection, Cowboy Ribeye
Stephen Cavin
definitely lives up to its name, the service was impeccable and the food was fantastic. interior gives you small private room vibes even with other parties nearby. extensive wine list with a choice for every palette, i truly cannot wait to return.
Went for my birthday dinner last night. I wanted a place where you dressed for dinner in a place with atmosphere. Embers did not disappoint on any level. The attention to detail and the dining experience is second to none. Our server, Donnie, was just the best. Knowledgeable and friendly, attentive without being obtrusive. I plan on asking for him again. All the servers are the best of the best in my observation. The menu is varied and the choices are what youd wxpect in a high end restaurant. The food is sublime! We had the crab bisque to start, and the fresh ingredients are obvious. I had the divers scallops in a lemon beurre blanc and they were delicious and cooked to peefection. My husband had a 10 oz Filet mignon and he said it was also perfect. We both had the lobster mashed potatoes (yum), I had roasted asparagus which was tender and flavorful and he had sautéed wild mushrooms and those were just wonderful. The portions are big, so be prepared to bring some home. They are boxed and bagged well. Our only disappointment was having no room for dessert, although Donnie brought out a homemade mango sorbet with a raspberry sauce which was delicious and a perfect finish. I plan on leaving room next time, I have to try the flaming creme brulee! All in all, the best dining experience I've had in a long long while and I can't wait ti go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Wine Selection, Crab Bisque
Wonderful for but we had to wait!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
I have the filet mignon and was cook to perfection, also the crab bisque very tasted,Sides the tomatoes with blue cheese out the world, lamb chop were really good the only bad thing was cork fee of $ 50.00 very
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Selection, Crab Bisque
I'm going to start with, this was not our first trip to Embers. It's a true special occasion when you spend $50 plus dollars per steak for a meal. The crab bisque was Ah-mazing! The pepper crusted steak however was not good. No where on the menu does it tell you that the pepper crust was mixed with brown sugar. Now I don't know about you but, I found it off putting and coyingly sweet. Our server was mostly attentive certainly not overly hovering. When she brought the steaks she came back to follow up and I asked for salt thinking it was just me. I got the salt and it only made it nearly inedible. I didn't ask for a re-fire, I didn't ask for a comp. I couldn't eat it and felt like it was my fault for ordering it that way. But truth be told with a $200 ticket and a half eaten steak I would have thought they would have re-fired at least a to go portion. They compd $20 and gave us a free dessert which was sweet. I will say this, I've certainly had better steaks and I was terribly disappointed. I really wish the menu had stated it was pepper crusted with brown sugar because I wouldn't have ordered it that way. Our bill would have been $235 and I paid $270 with tip because I wasn't going to hold our server hostage over the bad steak. After comp she received $70. All I suggest is update your menu. No one wants to ask for a re-fire on such a beautiful steak, I just wish I could have eaten it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Came for dinner to celebrate an anniversary. We made reservations ahead of time just in case. We were greeted by friendly staff and the ambiance inside was on par with other steak houses (i.e. flemings, ruth chris, etc.). The wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Cocktails, appetizers, entrees (NY Strip and Ribeye) and sides (Lobster mash potatoes!) were all exceptional. We'll definitely be back!Please note: the steaks are USDA prime, but not "aged" (wet or dry). Either way they were of high quality imo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is phenomenal. We love any chance we get to go here. Great place for a date, particularly at Spark! Love the menu, and the option for intamacy, business, or larger dining hall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went to celebrate my husband's birthday It was our first time at Embers, and they did not disappoint ?? our waitress Jillian was so sweet and informative about the menu and wine selection and our food, The Mahi Mahi and King Salmon were perfect.And for dessert we got the Crème Brûlèe and they even wrote Feliz Cumpleaños for him. ? Definitely would recommend this place to anybody.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flaming Creme Brulee, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Wine Selection, Surf and Turf
We always have a great experience at Ember’s. We happened to want to grab something to eat on a Monday this week and everything in Celebration Point was closed. I suggested Spark, Ember’s exceptional bar. Usually, there are tables and seats at the bar available (unlike space in the main dining area without a reservation). We took a chance and were pleasantly surprised there were both options opened. We ordered drinks, appetizers (duck wings, blue crab bisque, Cesear salad), and entree (salmon and risotto). If you want a delicious meal in a more casual environment, this is the place to go!P.S. some days they will allow you to order off the main restaurant’s menu if you’re lucky!Parking: Parking is easy to find in the lot around the shopping center.Wheelchair accessibility: From the front of the shopping center you can easily navigate to the front doors. Handicapped parking spaces are limited. There is also a ramp up to the restaurant from the parking lot behind the building.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Caesar Salad, Flaming Creme Brulee, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Banana Foster Cheesecake, Crab Bisque
We made a reservation for a 7:00 table. Upon arrival we were surprised at outside look of restaurant. We wanted a classy dining experience for an anniversary and it didn't appear as such. We decided to go in though and were happy we did. The ambience was low warm lights, table linens, candles, nice menus and wonderful attention to detail in decor. So...Arrived at 6:45 and were asked to wait till 7:00 so we went to bar and ordered a drink. Once our table was ready the front of house came and let us know in person. We then paid for our drink and went to sit in main restaurant. The menu for bar was different btw from that of main restaurant. Not a problem, just an observation.Our server was Victor. He was great! We enjoyed his attentiveness and friendly disposition. Numerous times he made recommendations that we followed and these things added to our comfort level and enjoyment of our experience.We had the seafood platter for appetizer. So wonderful! Delish food, attention to detail flavors and huge pieces of shrimp. The crab was also amazing!For meals we had the cowboy steak and filet mignon with scallops added. The addition was a kabob of 3 silver dollar size scallops that were seared and succulent. The steaks were cooked perfectly. No sauce needed. The sear and inner moisture were awesome!Our sides asparagus, sweet potato and Mac and cheese were great!! Definitely worth the stomach room to eat the sides.The bread was brought around by a gentleman with a tray and 3 options. There was also a lovely herb butter.The dessert we chose was flour less chocolate cake and it was decadent!! So yummy. We took it to go and the box was even given attention to detail with the fruit garnish, chocolate sauce drizzle and torched mousse topping.10 out of 10 in everything. The bathroom was clean and so was restaurant.Thank you Victor for a memory dinner out. We will definitely recommend our friends here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food tastes good but I'd say the price misses the mark. I'd say there should be a 20% reduction in prices for what you're buying. The restaurant goes for a fine dining feel but has seating like Chillis. The lighting is so dim that depending on your age you might need to turn on your phone's flashlights. Not to mention that people are so loud it sounds like a high school cafeteria. Again, this is fine if it's a TGIF but if you're going to a place marketed as higher dining you expect a different type of environment when you're not at the bar.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sorbet, Wine Selection
Restaurantji Recommends
I really enjoyed the food here. Everything tasted amazing. I would recommend trying the Escargot, it tastes phenomenal!Additionally, our waiter was very nice, informative on the menu, and attentive. Definitely the best restaurant in Gainesville I’ve ever been to, nothing really compares. The only thing I did not like was the lighting, it was very hard to see the menu as the lighting was significantly dim. My in laws literally had to use the flash light on their phone to see the menu. Apart from that, everything was great. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sorbet, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Wine Selection
For the past 3 yrs I’ve had to travel to Gainesville pretty regularly. It’s fair to say I’ve tried many eateries here & this restaurant was by far the best one I’ve been to. Food ranges from steak to seafood and is 1st class all the way. Our waitress Samantha was also one of the best I’ve ever had as well. She was attentive, yet did not hover. Gave us time between courses to allow us time to fully enjoy each one. It is pricey but worth it truly !! Will definitely be back!We tried the escargot- perfection; seared yellowfin with fresh spinach & roasted beefsteak tomato; seared U10 diver scallops- so tender and tasteful. Chilean Sea Bass - also prepared to perfection & mushroom sides the best as well!Vegetarian options: All of the sides were made from fresh items. None was over cooked and our entire meal was served still hot and freshly prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flaming Creme Brulee
Ate at Embers last night with 6 guests. Let me start off by saying that the food was excellent. However, we found our server to be rude and even sometimes arrogant. He told us on more that one occasion that "this was not his first rodeo". It took him a long time to refill our drinks and one item I asked for twice he never brought. If not for the server, I would definitely give it 5 stars. We have been to Embers many times and always have had excellent service as well as food. Not this time! In addition, in the past the bread service came around several times but last night only once. It just seemed like we were an after thought for being served.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Ceasar Salad
Great historic spot, amazing rib eye, sweet potatoes and mushrooms... also, the smoked Manhattan martini is excellent, as is the wine list, coming back for sure! Mike and Sal are great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Selection, Cowboy Ribeye
definitely lives up to its name, the service was impeccable and the food was fantastic. interior gives you small private room vibes even with other parties nearby. extensive wine list with a choice for every palette, i truly cannot wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5