Embers Wood Grill

Very spacious and dimly lit calm ambience. Service was outstanding, with Melvin as our server. He was very attentive and helpful.
We were pleasantly surprised to snag last minute reservations for dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thought the environment was very nice however I thought the food could have been better, especially given the price. The medium rare was too rare or too medium. The staff was very friendly and accommodating though!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Best restaurant in Gainesville. Amazing food and service. Pricey but worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was amazing for the most part. I ordered the chicken expecting a fine dining experience type meal ie small artful delicious food my chicken breast was massive the flavor was good but the size of the breast made the meat tough and dry even though it was brined and stuffed with goat cheese. Other than that the experience was good except my first drink ordered they didn't shake the cream and there were curds in my drink. My suggestion is to move to a smaller breast size like a 7oz and actually hammer the meat stuff it then roll it to a more pleasing appearance and fine dineable size. Otherwise a good night even though our anniversary was missed by the server. Next time will definitely go to Mark's Prime instead

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

This is a fancy restaurant in Gainesville. Staffs are well-trained, very professional. Steaks are great. I had a grilled fish, but when I return next time, I'll go for the steak. The steak, my wife ordered, wad so good. She got the ribeye, and you never fail with that. I was happy that she said she wall full quite early, so I was able to finish the rest of it. I'm happy that she eats little portion of foods (just joking). Anyway, when you are in a steak-mood, come check this place out. It's worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding place! The food was great, the coursing and service was very professional overall, and the ambience was very cozy for all kind of occasions, will definitely go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very nice meal and vibrant at Spark.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

First, the ambiance and service from Steve was excellent. The background music was slightly louder than expected for an upper end restaurant, but nice.

This review is for my meal only. There were five (5) of us and the other four people highly enjoyed their meals; of which two had the Bronzed Colossal Diver Scallops and two split the Pepper Crusted Heritage Pork Tenderloin Medallions dinner. The only complaints I heard from my companions were how the Sautéd Wild Mushrooms side dish was over salted, as was the complimentary bread.

The Coconut and Panko Fried Shrimp appetizer with orange marmalade was very good and worth the $14.00 price tag. The $12.00 Orange and Blue Salad sounded good, but mandarin oranges and blueberries were not a great mix. You do get spiced pecans; however, candied pecans would help this salad. Definitely not a favorite and worth skipping.

I went for the $36.00 Mahi Mahi special and selected Lobster Mashed Potatoes, and the Mac and Four Cheeses with Truffle Oil as my sides. The Mahi Mahi was seriously one of the most blandest fish I’ve had and dried out from overcooking; though not burnt. The mashed potatoes were okay, and while the name sounded good, in my opinion, lobster and mashed potatoes don’t mix well taste wise. The Mac and Cheese was bland like the fish.

We topped off dinner with the banana foster cheesecake which was delicious, despite having old banana slices on top. NOTE: I am very picky when it comes to bananas.

I had seen comments about the restaurant being overpriced before making reservations, but assumed or was disgruntled patrons who didn’t like their meal. I now am in full agreement with those reviews regarding prices. These meals were NOT worth the $281 (not including tip) for four meals.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

So enjoy going here, the steaks are wonderful but I have to say the blue crab bisque is DELICIOUS and the lobster mashed potatoes are a MUST!!! This place is wonderful!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service was incredible! We had Steve and he was really kind and helpful. Walked us through everything and quick to fix any problems we had. Steve also brought over a Somme to help select our desert wine course, I believe Jerry was his name, also really great and attentive. We would come back to sit with them any day. The wine selection is incredible here as well. Thanks so much for a great time Steve and Jerry!

Before dinner we sat at the bar for a cocktail and the bartender there was really kind and helpful, honestly the whole place does service very well. We’re really grateful

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Flaming Creme Brulee, Sesame Tuna, Grilled Caesar Salad

From beginning to end the service was out of this world, we had such a great time with everyone that worked here. It’s unfortunate that the food did not match the quality. Everything was lukewarm and bland. The crab cocktail is so mild in taste that the cracker it is served with, overpowers the palate. The crackers were delicious but I don’t think you want it to over power the flavor of the cocktail. The soup was cold. When it was brought back out it was warm. Flavor in the soup was good. Our entrees also came out lukewarm with cold sides. By this point I was too embarrassed to say anything again. The flaming creme brûlée was awesome. We’d give this place another shot if we are back in town just because our service was so good and the wine selection was great. Being that this is a low star review, I will not name the servers, they deserve 10 stars

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

My boyfriend and I celebrated my birthday there and we had a wonderful time. I got the blackberry martini, an appetizer of their margherita flatbread, an entree of duck, and crème brûlée for desert. Everything was delicious.
My partner got the stuffed chicken with the Mac and four cheeses. He got the chocolate torte for dessert. He said everything was perfect.
Our server Eric (or Aaron; he only said it once) was very sweet and attentive.
Overall we will definitely be returning!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great steaks! Large portion side dishes. Good desserts. Good price high quality prime grade steaks. Want to go back!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Actually ate at Spark which is the smaller place, but still part of Embers (the meals include sides vs paying separately). Service was good, food was excellent, and so was my drink. We will return again. This place and only 1 other in town that I have found have made my steak exactly how I wanted it!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful service and a great meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5