If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Tallahassee, then look no further than these locally owned restaurants.
One of the benefits of being a resident is the abundance of great restaurants in Tallahassee. Particularly locally owned and operated restaurants. Below we’ve compiled some lists of some of Tallahassee’s top restaurants. And the best part is, every single one of them is locally owned. From Italian to Mexican, brunch spots to outdoor dining, the capital city’s food scene is bursting with flavor.
In fact, Tallahassee also is host to many amazing food festivals and events that occur throughout the year including the Greek Food Festival, the Jewish Food Festival and Brewfest. For more information about Tallahassee’s festival scene, visit our festivals & events page.
Locally Owned Italian Restaurants
Skip the Olive Garden! For locals in the mood for authentic Italian, any of these eateries will surely hit the spot.
Bella Bella
When it’s time to celebrate, locals look for Tallahassee restaurants with private rooms, and the staff at Bella Bella knows how to throw a party in theirs. Most nights, you’ll see Amy Schwartz running the front of the house, while her brother and owner, Marc, makes magic happen in the kitchen. Enjoy the funky ambiance while chowing down on some of their famous bubble bread – it’s so addictive, you’ll have to come back a second time.
Riccardo's
This Italian restaurant has been a midtown Tallahassee favorite for more than 20 years, and while it’s their secret bread recipe that foodies love, it’s their customer service that keeps locals coming back for more. In fact, the owner’s mother, Tina, has even been known to walk babies up and down the restaurant so parents could get a few bites in!
Tour of Italy
Do not let the strip-mall exterior fool you! Local residents, particularly those living in the northwest, love the Tour of Italy. Pro tip: don’t get the same thing twice because everything is delicious. Start with the Stuffed Shells Trio (or the eggplant parmesan for vegetarians) and work your way down the menu from there. It’ll be tough, but save room for dessert because the chocolate mousse cake is to die for.
Delicious Mexican Restaurants
While Mexican-fusion joints are all the rage right now, sometimes you just can’t beat the original thing. Here’s a list of 3 delicious and authentic locally owned Mexican restaurants in Tallahassee.
San Miguel
With its unique roofline and bright yellow exterior, you can’t miss San Miguel! Felipe Reynosa wanted to bring a taste of his hometown of Coahuila Mexico to Tallahassee so in 1995, he started the restaurant with his wife and 3 kids and he hasn’t looked back. The cozy “ranchero” style of the inside and the brightly colored tile tables that adorn the outdoor patio make a fun dining experience for locals and visitors alike. While there’s plenty of delicious items on the menu, the fish ceviche ranks supreme.
Loco's
When it’s time to celebrate, locals look for Tallahassee restaurants with private rooms, and the staff at Bella Bella knows how to throw a party in theirs. Most nights, you’ll see Amy Schwartz running the front of the house, while her brother and owner, Marc, makes magic happen in the kitchen. Enjoy the funky ambiance while chowing down on some of their famous bubble bread – it’s so addictive, you’ll have to come back a second time.
Maria Maria
Maria Maria serves homemade Mexican food in the heart of Midtown, Tallahassee. From “family recipe” dishes first enjoyed by both Marias (grandmother and mother) in Mexico to their homemade conchas (sweetbreads), they don’t compromise on either the preparation or cooking process. Whether you choose the Taco Dorado, Maria’s Tostada, or Chicken Mole, you can be assured that it is created for you using only the freshest ingredients.
Tallahassee Coffee Shops
If caffeine is your thing, then you will love the abundance of locally owned Tallahassee coffee shops! No matter what side of town you're on, you're sure to find a cup of joe within your reach. With delicious drinks and adorable decor, it's worth trying every place to discover your favorite drink.
Black Dog
Black Dog Cafe is a community coffee shop located on Lake Ella, selling wonderful single origin and blended roasted coffee’s, espresso drinks, locally made baked goods and ice creams.
La Florida
La Florída Coffee & Wine has a metropolitan vibe making it the perfect place to grab a cup of locally roasted coffee or a delicious bakery item, when you’re in downtown Tallahassee.
Lucky Goat
Lucky Goat Coffee was founded in Tallahassee in 2010, and has now expanded to multiple locations throughout the city and the state. Enjoy one of their signature flavors like the Billy Goat or Goat Tracks.
Tallahassee Breweries
If you think the Tallahassee restaurants scene is great, Tallahassee's craft beer scene is something you MUST experience! With multiple breweries, and a number of locally owned & operated tap rooms there are plenty of options to find the perfect cold beverage even on the hottest summer days. And if you really want to stay in the know on the Tallahassee breweries scene, be sure to check out the Tallahassee Beer Society on Facebook, where they post about events, festivals, the Tallahassee Brew Bus and more.
Amicus
Amicus Brewing Ventures nurtures a deep appreciation for that sublime feeling of sitting around a table drinking great beers, in a welcoming space, with friends engaged in lively conversation. Invigorated, the brewery finally committed to offer its version of this experience to the Tallahassee community and all of the wonderful people that cross its path. Visitors will love enjoying a cold one in the Old City Waterworks building near Cascades Park!
Proof
Founded in 2012, Proof Brewing Company prides itself on being an industry leader of innovative beers. Their operation includes a tasing room, beer garden and production brewing.
DEEP
Explorer, risk-taker, brewer and purveyor of fine ale and lager— join the DEEP brewing adventure and dive into their next delicious beer!