The Best Tallahassee Restaurants: 18 of the Finest in Florida's Capital

By Eric Barton

The first time I visited Tallahassee, I was a fresh-faced college kid on a pilgrimage to watch Florida State football dominate whoever had the misfortune of showing up that weekend. I’ve been back since for less glamorous reasons (and less successful FSU performances)—mostly to write about the Legislature.

Over time, I’ve found that the city’s dining scene is a lot like its politicians: occasionally inspired, occasionally maddening, and full of surprises. Here are the top restaurants you should visit while in Florida’s capital.

Edison

1. Il Lusso

The power brokers’ go-to for sealing deals over dry-aged steaks, Il Lusso has mastered the art of downtown fine dining. Chef Terry White’s Italian-inspired menu hits the high notes with dishes like the black truffle risotto and a pork chop tender enough to make a legislator change that upcoming vote. The white-tablecloth service doesn’t disappoint, and the sleek interior whispers, “This meal costs more than you planned.”

2. Liberty Bar and Restaurant

Equal parts Midtown pub and culinary haven, Liberty is where comfort food meets sophistication. The brisket mac and cheese could probably bring about world peace, and the smoked old fashioned is a reason to stay long after the plates are cleared. It’s the kind of spot where the staff knows your name—or will after your second visit.

3. Blu Halo

Blu Halo is Bannerman Crossing’s answer to fine dining, with a menu that feels as polished as its modern interior. The blackened grouper with citrus beurre blanc is the kind of dish you wish you could replicate at home but know you never will. Bring someone you want to impress—or just yourself and a big appetite.

4. Café de Martín

For a taste of Peru in Tallahassee, Café de Martín in the northeast corner of the city is an unmissable gem. The menu highlights classic Peruvian dishes, from the citrusy tang of their ceviche mixto to the rich, savory perfection of lomo saltado. Chef Martín's passion for authentic flavors comes through in every bite, and the cozy, family-run vibe makes it feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s home for dinner. Pair your meal with a pisco sour and let the vibrant flavors transport you straight to Lima.

5. Black Radish

Black Radish in Midtown is where plant-based cuisine takes center stage without feeling preachy. This upscale vegan spot from chef/owner Matthew Swezey crafts dishes so imaginative that even carnivores might find themselves doing a double-take. The crispy maitake mushrooms, drizzled with a miso glaze, are a standout, while the beet tartare manages to be both earthy and elegant. The chic, moody interior is perfect for a date night or a solo meal where you feel quietly smug about your choices. The curated natural wine list pairs effortlessly with the menu, proving that vegan dining can be anything but boring.

6. Table 23

If fried chicken could run for office, Table 23’s would win in a landslide. Served with a honey hot sauce that could easily double as currency, it’s crispy, juicy, and the kind of thing you daydream about. Set in a converted house in Midtown, this Southern spot nails the homey-yet-upscale vibe, making it equally great for dinner dates or debriefing after a chaotic day at the Capitol.

7. Edison

The first time I ate at Edison, my wife and I had just fled an oncoming Miami hurricane, and we found ourselves at a welcoming restaurant smack in the center of the picturesque Cascades Park. Luckily, the menu is as good as the view. The blue crab beignets are a standout, and the shrimp and grits might make you wonder if they were designed in a lab to maximize comfort. It’s worth sticking around for a cocktail as the sun sets over the park.

The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery Tallahassee

8. The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery

Midtown’s Hawthorn Bistro serves up European charm with a side of freshly baked perfection. The duck confit hash is a brunch all-star, and their almond croissants might just ruin you for the grocery-store version forever. Arrive early; this place gets busy for good reason.

9. Izzy Pub & Sushi

Izzy Pub & Sushi is where Japanese precision meets gastropub creativity. The menu is a mix of pristine sushi rolls—try the Izzy Roll with spicy tuna and crispy tempura shrimp—and shareable plates like Korean BBQ ribs that might outshine the fish. The sleek, modern interior of this Midtown spot is inviting without being stuffy, and the sake menu is extensive enough to make you rethink your usual cocktail order. It’s proof that sushi in Tallahassee can hold its own.

10. Lucilla

This tiny spot tucked into a strip mall proves the old adage that big things come in small packages. The seasonal menu at Lucilla is as personal as it gets, with chef Joe Richardson in the kitchen turning out dishes like seared scallops over sweet corn risotto that make you rethink why you ever settled for chain restaurants. The space is cozy enough to feel like you’re crashing a dinner party—an incredibly delicious one.

11. Savour

Downtown’s Savour is the place you go when you want bold flavors without the pretension. Chef Brian Knepper’s smoked duck breast is proof the city’s food scene is catching up to bigger markets. Grab a glass from the impressive wine list and settle in; you won’t want to rush this meal.

Georgio's Fine Food & Spirits Tallahassee

12. Georgio’s Fine Food & Spirits

For Mediterranean-inspired dishes that feel both upscale and unpretentious, Georgio’s is the go-to. Georgios and Karen Koikos started the restaurant in 1995, and Grant Beane has served as chef since the beginning. Georgios Koikos was born in a small Greek village during times of war and emigrated to the United States in the 1960s knowing no English. At 90 years old, Georgios has handed off the business to his daughter, Leni Koikos Spears, who’s continuing her father’s traditions, like Georgios’ signature extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and herb sauce. You’ll find that sauce on the dish pictured here, the Grouper Nikoleta. I’d come for the family’s story alone, but well executed dishes, polished service, and an elegant dining room seal the deal.

13. Hummingbird Wine Bar

Hummingbird Wine Bar in Midtown feels like your cool friend’s living room—if your friend had impeccable taste in natural wines and mid-century furniture. The curated wine list leans funky and biodynamic, with options you’ve never heard of but will want to order again. Pair your glass with one of their thoughtfully assembled charcuterie boards, or skip the food altogether and bask in the low-key vibe. It’s the kind of place where the playlist is just as good as the wine.

14. The Bada Bean

Breakfast and lunch get the star treatment at The Bada Bean, a local staple where the crab cake Benedict and sweet potato pancakes rule the menu. It’s unpretentious, satisfying, and exactly the kind of place you wish existed in your own town.

15. Real Sarap

Real Sarap is a celebration of Filipino comfort food that feels as warm and inviting as a family gathering. The pork sisig is a must—crispy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent—while the golden-fried lumpia shanghai are served with a sweet chili sauce that might just make you order a second plate. Don’t leave without trying the halo-halo, a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors that will redefine dessert. This spot is all heart, and the flavors deliver every bit of the joy promised in its name.

16. Zaan Indian Cuisine

Zaan Indian Cuisine brings a modern, upscale twist to Indian cuisine. The menu reimagines traditional dishes with a contemporary flair, like their butter chicken, which comes velvety smooth and perfectly spiced, or the lamb biryani, layered with fragrant basmati and tender, slow-cooked meat. The sleek, minimalist decor contrasts beautifully with the bold, vibrant flavors on the plate.

17. Madison Social

College Town’s MVP, Madison Social, has managed to transcend the game-day chaos to become a must-visit spot even for those who didn’t spend four years avoiding Tallahassee’s parking tickets. The BLT dip is legendary, and the cocktails are surprisingly good for a place where the vibe screams “party.”

18. Shell Oyster Bar

For all its new hotspots, Tallahassee still knows how to do old-school. Shell Oyster Bar is the kind of seafood shack where the walls are lined with decades of memories, and the fried grouper sandwich is a perfectly imperfect masterpiece. Come for the oysters, stay for the locals who might just tell you the best fishing spots.