A Gainesville institution serving authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food from a beloved community market and restaurant. The falafel, hummus, and baba ganoush are made fresh daily, and the gyro sandwiches are among the best in Florida. A University of Florida institution beloved by students and faculty alike.
The Daily Bread Marketplace at 621 NW 13th St in Gainesville, Florida, is a beloved community institution combining a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grocery market with a full-service restaurant, operating at the intersection of the University of Florida campus and Gainesville's diverse residential community. Founded by a Lebanese family, The Daily Bread has become a Gainesville landmark over decades of operation, drawing students, faculty, longtime residents, and visitors with a combination of exceptional food quality and budget-conscious pricing that makes it one of the best values in North Central Florida dining. The restaurant kitchen produces falafel from scratch — the chickpea fritters fried to crispy gold with a moist, herbed interior — and serves them in pita with house-made tahini, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables in a preparation that has few peers in Florida. The hummus, made in house daily with dried chickpeas rather than canned, has a depth of flavor and proper texture that commercial versions cannot replicate. The gyros combine properly seasoned lamb-beef blend rotisserie meat with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki in a warm pita. The baklava is made fresh and served in generous portions — honeyed, walnut-filled layers of phyllo that make a compelling case for Greek pastry as a legitimate dessert art form. The market side stocks imported Middle Eastern pantry ingredients, fresh pita, olives, cheeses, and specialty items that serve Gainesville's diverse international community.
Good to know
- Hours
- Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
621 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
29.6528, -82.3465 View on map
Highlights
- House-made falafel — fresh-fried daily with herbed chickpea interior, among the best in Florida
- Daily hummus made from dried chickpeas with depth and texture that commercial versions cannot match
- Fresh-made baklava in generous portions from honeyed phyllo and walnut layers
- Combined restaurant and Middle Eastern grocery market serving Gainesville's international community
- University of Florida proximity making it the campus area's most reliable quality Middle Eastern option
Tips for visiting
- The falafel sandwich is the essential order on the first visit; the house tahini sauce elevates it significantly.
- Arrive for lunch (noon–2 PM) for the freshest selections; some items sell out by mid-afternoon.
- The market side has imported Middle Eastern pantry items worth browsing — especially the olive selection.
- The gyro is second only to the falafel as a reliable Gainesville meal; the lamb-beef blend is properly seasoned.
- Baklava is priced by the piece; order two — one honey-walnut and one honey-pistachio if available.
Accessibility
The Daily Bread Marketplace is at street level on NW 13th St with accessible entry. The restaurant and market areas are on one level and accommodate wheelchair users. Street parking and accessible parking are available on NW 13th St adjacent to the building.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Daily Bread Marketplace a restaurant or a grocery store?
It is both. The Daily Bread operates as a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grocery market with a full-service restaurant kitchen. Customers can eat a prepared meal or purchase groceries, or both.
Is The Daily Bread near the University of Florida?
Yes. The restaurant is at 621 NW 13th St, approximately half a mile west of the University of Florida campus. It is a fixture of the UF student and faculty community.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. Much of the menu is naturally vegetarian or vegan — falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, salads, and most market items are plant-based. The Daily Bread is an excellent option for vegetarian and vegan diners in Gainesville.
What are the operating hours?
The Daily Bread is typically open Monday through Saturday, roughly 10 AM to 8 PM. Confirm current hours directly as they may adjust seasonally around the university academic calendar.