Zeezenia Farm & Sofra — Restaurant in Newberry

Zeezenia Farm & Sofra is a calming oasis with a U-pick orchard and delicious food about 15 minutes west of Gainesville. It is well worth the trip. “Sofra” translates roughly as “inviting table prepared for a meal” and this is precisely what Zeezenia offers: a local farm-to-table experience with masterfully prepared food and knowledgeable, kind hosts.

Owners Fawzy and Zaineb were on hand to greet guests arriving at the covered dining patio adjoining the kitchen and to take food orders. While our order was prepared, Fawzy welcomed us to walk through the orchards to U-Pick from their ample peach and plum trees. In addition to dozens of bountiful fruit trees, the farm cultivates strawberries, blueberries, and a variety of spices.

Returning with our U-Pick fruit harvest, our lunch was ready. Guests are welcome to dine on the breezy and covered patio, which features views of the garden, table games, and adjoins a kid friendly sandbox play area. We took our lamb plate and chicken shawarma to go. Each dish provided a generous helping of meat, rice, and seasoned fries. Okra soup, a tomato and pepper salad resembling pico de gallo, and sauces were included. Each plate was under $20: a very fair price for the quantity and quality of food.

We got home, dug in, and WOW! The perfectly cooked lamb effortlessly peeled off the bone. Both the chicken and lamb were aromatically seasoned and balanced. Rice and fries provided a familiar Mediterranean complement. I love okra, and I inhaled the delicious soup, forgetting to leave any for my wife. Oops.

For those electing to eat in, which we will definitely do in cooler weather, there is an on-site restroom to wash up after visiting the orchard. The covered patio and kitchen are connected by paved ramp to a wheelchair accessible parking - a nice and thoughtful feature for guests with limited mobility.

Overall Zeezenia Farm & Sofra was delightful and delicious. It is an experience worth the trek, and we...

An unforgettable experience just outside of Gainesville—equal parts charming, delicious, and visually stunning. This family-run farm feels like a hidden gem: a working agricultural space with a beautifully designed outdoor dining area that functions like a restaurant. I had the slow-cooked lamb, which was fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.

After the meal, we were invited to explore the grounds, stroll through their fruit and vegetable gardens, and even pick fresh figs straight from the tree. The setting is serene, the hospitality is warm, and everything feels deeply personal and authentic.

Perfect for a romantic date or a family outing with kids. The scenic country drive is part of the magic. Can’t recommend it highly enough—truly a one-of-a-kind...

The food at this restaurant is truly exceptional, offering a delightful experience. ❤️It consistently provides high-quality dishes that are sure to please any palate. I found the flavors to be well-balanced and the ingredients fresh. The overall presentation is also quite appealing, adding to the enjoyment of each meal. I tried the fall of bone lamb, the beef and lamb gyros, eggplant 🍆 salad was delicious. Been a resident of Newberry for a decade and finally found a local restaurant with an authentic flavor 😋 Even my 3 year gave this place a thumbs 👍🏽 up. We highly recommend checking...