Sample 10 of Tallahassee's favorite and recommended restaurants
Tallahassee's culinary scene continues to bloom.
The innovations of long-standing staples and new up-and-coming restaurants in Tallahassee's evolving dining culture continue to pleasantly fulfill and exceed our taste bud's expectations in 2024. Food gems sprinkled around the city provide a range of culinary masterpieces from American fusion to barbecue, vegetarian to seafood.
We're talking about the places that you're recommending to visitors and where you are enjoying a meal with loved ones, or indulging in your favorite comfort food. These are our favorite go-to places for dependable, delicious dining, from Midtown staple Kool Beanz to soul food in Kleman Plaza.
Here is an alphabetical list of 10 Tallahassee restaurants that consistently uphold high dining standards with style.
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Bella Bella Italian Restaurant
123 E. 5th Ave.,850-412-1114; thebellabella.com
Bubble bread and booze aren’t the only specialties of this prized Italian restaurant. Located in the heart of Midtown, Bella Bella has been a staple for over 20 years. Bella Bella consistently serves saucy pasta delights with a well-executed Floridian twist, acclaimed cocktails and more. Owners and siblings, Marc and Amy Schwartz have jointly operated the restaurant specializing in both front of house and back of house operations which is reflected in their staff. The family-friendly restaurant has been recognized for their homey, yet vibrant ambience from the local art displayed on the walls to the colorful seasonally curated dishes making them a go-to destination spot.
Black Radish Bar and Restaurant
1304 N. Monroe St. Unit B, 850-825-1983; blackradishtlh.com
Innovating and implementing a vegetable forward menu, Black Radish, one of Seven Hills Hospitality Group's ventures, has guests consuming their daily greens in novel ways. The hyper-seasoned dishes, which add a fresh and new feel every time you visit, combined with handmade pastas and house-made draft cocktail has foodies stepping out of their comfort zones. Proving themselves to be more than just a typical vegetarian or vegan focused establishment, head chef Matt Swezey combines natural flavors into a well-executed vegetable medley. From meals like miso grit cake and “spinach tortellini” made with a ricotta herb filling, blistered tomato, garlic oil, butter, Parmigiano Reggiano and basil. Other offerings, including its 24 oz. ribeye dinner, are popular among those who are a little more hesitant about the vegetable menu.
Chuck’s Fish Tallahassee
224 E. College Ave., 850-597-7506; chucksfish.com
One-person-one-vote, and we vote for Chuck’s Fish Tallahassee. Named in honor of his father, Charles Morgan Jr., a prominent civil rights lawyer responsible for implying the one-person-one-vote principle, Charles Morgan III established his prized seafood restaurant with Cris Eddings. The suave seafood restaurant originated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2009 and eventually expanded to Tallahassee in 2020. Treasured offerings of Gulf seafood, naturally-raised beef and an acclaimed sushi bar has helped the business grow in popularity. Ingredients sourced from Morgan’s Harbor Docks puts its fresh-from-the-sea taste as a top contender as one of the capital's favorite seafood restaurants.
Essence of India
1105 Apalachee Parkway, 850-656-7200; essenceofindiafl.com
Essence of India located in the Parkway Center shopping center has introduced foodies to the flavors and delights of primarily Northern Indian cuisine. With over 40 authentic Indian dishes offered, the buffet and restaurant allows patrons to expand their palates. This establishment serves as an introduction to Indian cuisine for some guests by offering a range of dishes prepared with a pleasant blend of herbs and spices. Guests are invited and encouraged to ask questions and share courses with friends. Their most popular dishes are their creamy orange chicken and chicken tikka masala made with boneless chicken pieces broiled in tandoor, cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with diced onions and green papers. They also serve halal lamb, beef and vegetarian options.
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JoEllen’s
215 W. College Ave. #101, 850-999-1779; joellensorder.com
JoEllen's, located in Kleman Plaza, brings us Southern delights inspired by the love of a mother and son. The soul food establishment deemed as downtown Tallahassee's only operating Black-owned restaurant in 2022, offers patrons down-home delicacies including fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, candied sweet potatoes, collard greens and more. The upscale soul food eatery owned by couple, Joe and Teresa Nix from Catering With Care, uses love as the foundation of their meals with signature dish names including the “We Belong Together” pasta and “Love and War” pork chop entree.
Kool Beanz
921 Thomasville Rd., 850-224-2466; koolbeanz-cafe.com
You may not know what to expect on the menu when you visit, but one thing’s for certain, the artsy, funky and family-friendly vibe of Kool Beanz cafe remains as a consistent food landmark in Midtown. Opening in 1996, under the ownership of Keith Baxter, Kool Beanz continues to prevail as an award-winning establishment by connecting to the community with its vibrant decor, dynamic dishes, loyal staff and easy-going aura. At Kool Beanz you are always encouraged to follow their motto “eat, drink and talk loud — you’re among friends.” Whenever you can catch it, one of the praised dishes from the dinner menu include its linguini made with shrimp, mushrooms, tasso ham, asiago and roasted garlic cream sauce. Baxter, originally from London, uses the lessons and inspiration from his travels to keep guests on their toes with new menu options rolling out daily.
Mimi’s Table Bistro & Wine Bar
1311 Miccosukee Rd., 850-999-8406; mimistabletally.com
Old World cooking meets a modern twist at Mimi’s Table Bistro & Wine Bar. With French, Italian and Southern inspired cuisine, Mimi’s Table is a capital favorite providing a classy but comforting feel to the bistro. Menu items include owner and executive chef William Lawson's specials like the salmon provençal prepared with sautéed grape tomatoes and tomato confit, olives, capers, basil, citrus sauce, orzo pasta and asparagus with guest's choice of scallops or grilled shrimp. Other menu items include lamb, short ribs and seafood. Their selections of wines, port and beer complement their menu with monthly dinners hosted where guests can enjoy four course meals paired with wines. Bold art, flowers, white table clothes and radiant sunlight add a leisurely and classy feel.
Savour
115 E. Park Ave., 850-765-6966; savourtallahassee.com
A restaurant that many hold close to their heart, serving as the host of occasional date nights, graduation dinners and more, Savour remains a chic and eclectic local gem. The restaurant takes a “traditional classic fare” and puts “a twist on it,” owner Drew McLeod explained in a previous interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. Executive chef Brian Knepper whose culinary resume has been widely recognized among foodies in the city and continues to grow with offerings of chargrilled filet mignon and herb roasted chicken prepared with horseradish smashed red potatoes, sugarcane roasted heirloom carrots and citrus herb butter. The leisurely ambiance that radiates makes guests feel prestigious and cherished when they dine in.
Summers Smokehouse
9330 W. Tennessee St., 850-270-9965; summers-smokehouse-bbq.business.site
At Summers Smokehouse, guests indulge in barbecued treasures all year long. Prized for their juicy brisket, saucy ribs, baked beans and more, Summers Smokehouse is deemed as one of the capital city’s favorite barbecue joints. Offering special menu items, entertainment and fulfilling smoky and savory desires the restaurant on West Tennessee Street is a go-to for all things off the grill. The open lawn used for games, live entertainment and gathering makes for the perfect cookout destination.
Table 23
1215 Thomasville Rd., 850-329-2261; table23tally.com
Nestled under shady oaks in the heart of Midtown is Table 23. The restaurant with a Southern hospitality touch is enjoyed for its outdoor front-porch seating, cocktails and comfort dishes. Favorite dishes include their shrimp and grits and prosciutto wrapped filet made with crispy prosciutto, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, basil and marsala wine sauce, served over smashed garlic potatoes and asparagus. Owner Joe and Mandy Lemons have brought an inviting Southern ambiance to Midtown serving as the perfect host for an intimate date night or casual lunch with friends.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Sample the top 10 favorite Tallahassee restaurants
