Best Restaurants in Tallahassee (2025)

A spirited Midtown landmark since 1996, Kool Beanz draws crowds for daily-changing, globally inflected plates and a lively, art-filled room. Frequently praised by Southern Living and covered by Frommer’s, it’s where locals bring visitors to taste Tallahassee at full color.

Chef Terry White’s neighborhood spot blends French technique with North Florida produce—house charcuterie, carefully sourced steaks, and seasonal sauces. Recognized with a Golden Spoon from Florida Trend, it’s refined without feeling fussy.

Downtown’s elegant Italian steakhouse from the Sage team pairs handmade pasta with prime cuts and a deep wine list. Highlighted by Visit Tallahassee and celebrated as a Best New Restaurant by Florida Trend, it’s a special-occasion favorite with local roots.

Brothers Jesse and Tyler Rice run a farm-in-the-back, restaurant-in-the-front concept where on-site gardens drive the weekly Garden Creations menu. Lauded by Visit Florida and Southern Living, it’s the city’s clearest expression of farm-to-table done by actual farmers.

A chic downtown room for Gulf seafood, seasonal plates, and a strong cocktail program, Savour has earned consistent love from diners and local critics alike. It’s the place for celebratory dinners before a show or a nightcap by the park.

Under moss-draped oaks in Midtown, Table 23 serves polished takes on Southern staples—think sweet tea–brined pork chops and pecan old fashioneds. Honored with a Golden Spoon by Florida Trend, it’s beloved for warm service and porch dining.

An intimate bistro with contemporary Southern flavors, Lucilla wins fans for pimento cheese fritters, vinegar chicken, and hospitality that feels personal. Recognized among the city’s Golden Spoon honorees, it’s a locals’ pick for date night without pretense.

Chef Martín Araujo Bohorquez channels Lima with bright ceviches, lomo saltado, and weekend music on a festive patio. Featured by Southern Living and embraced by locals, it’s a flavorful snapshot of Peruvian hospitality in Tallahassee.

A veg-forward, chef-driven kitchen known for handmade pastas, clever vegetable plates, and natural wines. Praised by Tallahassee Table, it expands the city’s palate with late-night bites and thoughtful sourcing without excluding carnivores.

Cash-only, bring-your-own-beer, and proudly old-school since 1945, this seafood shack is part of Tallahassee lore. Tallahassee Magazine profiled its enduring spirit; locals come for raw or “nuked” oysters, grouper sandwiches, and pure Panhandle character.

A Tallahassee stalwart for more than three decades, known for brunch, desserts, and a globe-trotting seasonal menu. Cited as a Golden Spoon Hall of Fame restaurant, it’s where milestones are toasted and sweet tooths are spoiled.

A raucous, beloved hangout for Gulf oysters, hefty burgers, karaoke, and live music—spotlighted by Southern Living when talking Tallahassee nights out. It’s equal parts seafood joint and community stage, and very much a local tradition.