19 of The Best Restaurants In Tallahassee, FL That’ll Blow Your Mind!
Tired of the same old restaurants in your area? If so, you’re in luck! We have compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in the area. From sushi to pizza and everything in between, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Situated in the Northwest panhandle region of Florida, Tallahassee serves as the capital city of Florida. Yet, this region is arguably less well-known and less-visited as the more populated cities of Orlando and Miami. This doesn’t mean that there are not a lot of amazing dining experiences just waiting! Whether you are in Tallahassee for work, a state convention, or on vacation, there is a wide variety of unique and amazing cuisine. Below is a list of the 19 places to eat in Tallahassee, Florida.
19 Best Restaurants In Tallahassee, FL That’ll Blow Your Mind!
Central District
Gaines Street Pies
Gaines Street Pie is a hot spot in Tallahassee if you are looking to curb that pizza desire. This restaurant was originally established by two founders whose goal it was to find the best, freshest ingredients.
Part of their success is their willingness to be creative and try new combinations that you likely haven’t seen on pizza before. Each month, the restaurant offers unique pizzas of the month, so there is always something to look forward to.
This restaurant also offers up salads, calzones, and appetizers like their bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Gaines Street Pies is so popular that they have expanded to three locations around the area. Come check them out at one of their three locations, but you can start with 603 W. Gaines Street. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 11a-1a, Friday and Saturday from 11a-3a, and Sunday from 11a to 1a.
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill
Located in the heart of Tallahassee, FL, Harry’s Seafood BBQ and Grill is a unique New Orleans-style restaurant. The menu caters to many tastes with fresh seafood options like oysters, shrimp, and crab legs. Try one of their signature dishes such as the French baked scallops or the crab-crusted redfish royale.
Not in the mood for seafood? Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill also serve steak dishes, such as their well-liked New Orleans ribeye or beef tenderloin medallions.
For dessert, you can ask for one of their delicious oreo beignets. Visitors can also enjoy signature bar drinks or draft beers. Planning to spend a lot of time in Tallahassee? This place also offers a unique loyalty rewards program. Sunday thru Thursday they are open from 11a to 10p. Friday and Saturday they are open from 11a to 11p.
The Iron Daisy
Craving tacos, quesadillas, or chimichangas? Then head on over to The Iron Daisy restaurant at 507 W. Gaines Street. This restaurant is associated with Gaines Street Pies, which we raved about above.
The Iron Daisy is popular for its cast-iron cooking style and funky and unique artistic vibes that permeate its menu. Serving all fresh ingredients, The Iron Daisy identifies as offering Mexican food with a Florida flair. The Iron Daisy is open from 11a-9:30p Sunday thru Thursday and 11a to 11p on Saturday.
Madison Social
Looking for a more social vibe where you can relax and grab a few drinks with some friends? Madison Social, located at 705 S. Woodward Avenue, is an upscale sports bar and grill in Tallahassee, Florida. If you are in town on Tuesday, they offer a fun trivia night for their guests to participate in.
Trivia starts at 6:30p on Tuesdays. Madison Social offers a great selection of hand-crafted cocktails. They offer burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more. Madison Social truly stands out for its great food as well as its atmosphere.
The restaurant has a casual but classy feel with comfortable seating near the bar or on the patio. Patio dining is also available in their beautiful backyard overlooking downtown Tallahassee. Interested in holding an event here? Madison Social often hosts private and semi-private events. Madison Social is open Monday to Wednesday from 11:30a to 12a, Thursday and Friday from 11:30a to 2a, and Saturday and Sunday from 10a to 12a.
Il Lusso
Sitting close to the border between the Central District and Frenchtown is the popular Italian Il Lusso restaurant. They have an extensive menu that includes a variety of pasta dishes, steak meals, and chops. Il Lusso has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in town by the New York Times, and they have won awards at the Taste Awards in Miami.
The atmosphere is lovely with a large bar, high ceilings, and many windows that allow natural light to pour into the restaurant. You can come to dine in the open atmosphere or reserve their private dining room for your special event. Il Lussa is open Monday to Thursday from 5p-9p and Friday to Saturday from 5p-10p.
Catalina Cafe
Sometimes, you just need a quick sugar rush and some caffeine. Catalina Cafe is an excellent local coffee roaster that serves quality baked goods and amazing sandwiches. They are located at 603 W. Gaines Street and are open Monday to Friday from 6:30a until 6p and Saturday-Sunday from 7a to 6p.
Persis Biryani Indian Grill
The famous Persis Biryani Indian Grill opened their doors on March 23, 2015. The owners were born and raised in India where they learned the art of cooking biryani and other Indian dishes. Persis Biryani Indian Grill, a highly rated restaurant in Tallahassee Florida, is becoming more popular because of its flavorful and colorful food.
The restaurant offers many different types of Indian cuisine, as well as other traditional dishes that are not typically found in the area.
The lamb biryani––a spicy dish made with rice and meat––is a customer favorite. You can cater, order online, or come into 3111 Mahan Drive, Suite 27, for some of this amazing cuisine. They are open Monday thru Friday from 11a-11p and Saturday and Sunday from 11a-9p.
West Tallahassee
Gordo’s Cuban Cuisine
Gordo’s Cuban Cuisine is located at 1907 W. Pensacola Street. They offer a variety of authentic Cuban dishes including roast pork, grilled chicken, shrimp and lobster.
Their menu is truly extensive. Not sure what to order? Try one of their Empanada samplers! You can also find fried yuca, tostones, and fried plantains on the menu.
Some other popular dishes include the grilled salmon with a garlic lemon butter sauce and the Cuban sandwich with meat or vegetarian options. Don’t miss out on this classic that has been around since 1988!
Frenchtown and North Tallahassee (Including Lafayette Park and Midtown areas)
Savour
Head on over to 115 East Park Avenue for this highly-rated community favorite. In fact, Savour is rated a top 100 restaurant in the United States and the #1 rated in Northwest Florida!
Savour sits at the crossroads of N Monroe and E Tennessee Street. It is no coincidence that this great restaurant, which flourishes northeast between downtown and Frenchtown, serves French and American-style cuisine. Pete Reinwald of Tallahassee Magazine has described this restaurant as ‘eclectic chic’. The owners, Drew and Kim McLeod gave the restaurant its namesake because they want their customers to “savor life”. You are, quite literally, in good hands at this restaurant, as the Executive Chef, Brian Knepper, was a recent top 3 finalist in Florida’s Restaurant and Lodging Associations’ chef of the year competition.
Once there, you may be interested in trying out their local and imported charcuterie and cheese board for an appetizer before you dive into their high-end filet mignon or opt for their more seaworthy approach of Gulf Coast bouillabaisse or miso-glazed yellowfin tuna.
Don’t forget to wrap up your meal with one of their amazing desserts, such as the peanut butter whiskey and bananas foster creme brulee! Alternatively, you may choose to stop by for their wide selection of champagne and wine as you enjoy the beautiful Tallahassee sunset. It might be wise to make a reservation here. Savour is open for dinner Thursday to Saturday starting at 5p, with drink happy hour from 5p-6p.
Bella Bella
Bella Bella is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in the Frenchtown area. They specialize in Italian cuisine and have a varied selection of wines to choose from, with many of their wines coming from small, family-owned vineyards as well.
In addition, Bella Bella has an extensive craft beer menu. The appetizer list features many different sauces and spreads that are made fresh daily. The menu also contains a variety of pasta dishes and meat entrees, along with desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli.
Bella Bella also offers great catering services. You can visit this amazing restaurant at 123 East 5th Avenue. Bella Bella is open Tuesday thru Friday from 11a-10p and Saturday from 5p-10p.
Table 23
Sitting at the corner of Thomasville and E 6th Ave is Table 23, which sits under a large oak tree within the original structure of a 1920’s restored residence.
Their goal is to provide a southern feeling dining experience. Table 23 serves to create a comfortable, relaxed dining experience where you can eat good food while sitting around a table and talking with friends and family. Here, you can order boiled peanuts, cheese curds, or fried green tomatoes to get started.
For your main dish, check out their shrimp and grits or their bayou redfish. Table 23 is open from 4p-8:30p M-Th, 4p-9p Friday, and 10a-2p on Sunday.
Peony River
The Peony River restaurant is one of the best places to eat authentic Chinese food in town. This restaurant is a casual dining experience that specializes in Cantonese dishes.
The restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and it has become a landmark in the Frenchtown Renaissance community.
Here, you will find a wide variety of dishes on their menu, ranging from Chinese vermicelli with minced pork to clams with red hot chili. There is even the option for delivery, or you can come in for pickup for carryout. Peony River is open Monday thru Saturday from 11a-9:30p. They are closed on Sunday.
Kool Beanz Cafe
Kool Beanz Cafe just might be the fanciest “cafe” you have ever eaten at. This restaurant is located on the corner of West Tennessee Street and Thomasville Road in Tallahassee, Florida.
Kool Beanz Café has been serving customers since 1994 and is a family-owned business. They are well known for their coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and full-service meals. Again, don’t let the “cafe” in the name fool you. They serve everything from caramelized salmon to pepper-flanked steak.
If you like a loud, vibrant atmosphere, this may be the place for you. Kool Beanz wants you to “eat, drink, and talk loud” as you dine here. Kool Beanz is open in split shifts, from 11a-2:30p and again from 5:30p-10p Monday thru Friday. On Saturday they are open from 5:30-10p and on Sunday from 10:30a-2p.
Lucilla
Looking for a fancy sit-down dining experience? Lucilla, located at 1241 E Lafayette Street in Northern Tallahassee, specializes in French-American fusion.
They have some amazing seafood dishes on their menu, including blackened wahoo, grouper St. Charles, and herb-crusted salmon. You might also be in the mood for their wild mushroom and eggplant fra diavolo or their cast-iron seared filet mignon.
All of their food is presented in an elegant and visually appealing manner. If you are looking to impress clientele, and are in this area, you should call to make a reservation. Lucilla is open for dine-in Wednesdays thru Sundays starting at 6p.
Capitol Cascades and South Tallahassee
The Edison
Sitting in a beautiful two-story brick building with large windows and ample space is The Edison. The Edison restaurant, situated in the Cascades neighborhood at 470 Suwannee Street, is a great place for people to eat outside because of the open-air atmosphere.
The food is excellent too. Their menu ranges from sandwiches, salads, and burgers to steaks and seafood. They also have a well-stocked bar if someone would like to indulge in a cocktail before or after eating. This venue is truly beautiful, and as such, they often host weddings and other events.
They even offer full-service picnic experiences! The Edison is open Monday thru Thursday from 11a to 9p, Friday from 11a to 10p, Saturday from 10a to 10p, and Sunday from 10a to 9p.
East Tallahassee
Azu Lucy Ho’s
Azu Lucy Ho’s restaurant, located at 3220 Apalachee Pkwy, offers a variety of Asian-fusion dishes as it blends Chinese and Japanese styles.
Here, you can sit down to order some of your favorite sushi and try their kon pow chicken or chicken tonkatsu all in the same meal! The restaurant is named after Lucy Ho’s father and grandfather who are originally from Taiwan. Lucy Ho has over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
According to their website, “Asian food enthusiasts go to enjoy Gyoza Dumplings, Crab Rangoon, General Tsao’s Chicken and Szechuan Beef, all in a relaxed setting.” And the setting is relaxing and professional looking! They also offer a full bar. Azu is open Monday thru Friday from 11a to 10p, Saturday from 11:30a to 10p, and Sunday from 10:30a to 9p.
Mr. Roboto Tokyo Grill
Mr. Roboto Tokyo Grill serves a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi rolls, teriyaki beef bowls, and tempura shrimp. The restaurant also had a large variety of American dishes. This restaurant is an excellent place to get a filling meal at a low cost.
They have five locations throughout Tallahassee, which is a testament to their popularity. Their East Tallahassee location is situated at 2042 West Pensacola Street. You can come in to dine or simply stop by for takeout. Mr. Roboto’s Tokyo Grill aims to provide fast and fresh food.
Some of their most popular menu items are their spicy pork, bulgogi beef, and mini spring rolls. You may also be interested in trying out their hibachi variations. Mr. Roboto’s Tokyo Grill is open Sunday thru Thursday from 11a-10p and Friday and Saturday from 11a-11p.
The Bada Bean
“Good homestyle cooking, just like mom used to make” is the philosophy behind The Bada Bean. The Bada Bean is a coffee shop that has also been serving breakfast since 2007.
Located at 2500 Apalachee Parkway, The Bada Bean even has keto-friendly items on their menu! Some of the most popular dishes are their “egg” cellent breakfasts, such as the butchers block or Cassidy’s country fried steak.
They are also well-known for their tasty desserts. The Bada bean is open Monday thru Wednesday from 6:30a-2p, Thursday and Friday from 6:30a-3p, and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30a-3p.
Mayuri Indian Restaurant
Mayuri restaurant is a great place to have Indian food. They have a wide variety of dishes, including many different types of curry and an array of meats, vegetables, and other ingredients.
If you like lamb or goat, then this might be the place for you, as they have several dishes that serve both. The menu also offers a wide array of vegetarian options for those who cannot or do not eat meat. Mayuri restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere with its elaborately decorated tables and colorful walls.
It’s a great place for families or large groups because there are plenty of seating areas to accommodate many people. This restaurant is located at 1108 South Magnolia Drive. Mayuri is open in split shifts every day, from 11:30a-2:30p and then again from 5:30p to 9:15p. Serving up some of the best food in Tallahassee for sure.
Conclusion – Best Restaurants in Tallahassee
If you’re ever in Tallahassee, Florida, be sure to check out these 19 amazing restaurants. From fine dining to casual eateries, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Tallahassee. So next time you’re in town, be sure to give one of these great restaurants a try!
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