Tallahassee’s culinary landscape offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from Southern classics to inventive fusion dishes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these must-try restaurants in Tallahassee provide memorable dining experiences.
Please note that operational hours shown below are from the date this blog post was written. Always look online or call to verify.
1. The Egg Café & Eatery
Located in the heart of downtown, The Egg Café & Eatery is a breakfast and brunch haven known for its inviting atmosphere, welcoming vibe, and hearty portions. Signature dishes like the Philly cheesesteak omelet (peppers, onions, mushrooms) and creamy cheese grits have garnered rave reviews.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
2. Food Glorious Food (FGF)
A Tallahassee staple, Food Glorious Food offers a seasonal menu that blends comfort with creativity. Favorites include the blue lump crab cake and the unique fried green tomato and shrimp salad, one of the most unusual dishes I’ve ever had. The chilled shrimp and tomatoes are combined with goat cheese and spicy ranch dressing.
Don’t miss their hummingbird cake for dessert. Cocktail drinkers will swoon over their creative adult libations and extensive wine menu.
Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner (5:30 PM to close)
3. Midtown Caboose
This eclectic eatery with a railroad vibe (duh!) is celebrated for its inventive burgers and sandwiches. The PB&J burger is a must-try at Midtown Caboose, featuring melted peanut butter, cheddar cheese, bacon, and your choice of jam (grape, blueberry, or strawberry). In contrast, the award-winning pulled pork wontons with cream cheese and jalapeños are sensational.
Open Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
4. Shell Oyster Bar
This no-frills seafood joint has been serving the community since 1945. Shell Oyster Bar is a local favorite known for its fresh oysters, fried shrimp, and homemade cocktail sauce. Baskets come with two sides (cheese grits, coleslaw, macaroni salad, etc.), a main entree, and two hushpuppies —and are reasonably priced.
Bonus: Shell Oyster Bar is BYOB and may serve Tallahassee’s best food.
Open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
5. Uptown Café and Catering
Uptown Cafe is a cozy spot offering a diverse menu with standout breakfast options like omelets, pancakes, and the Uptown Benny. My favorite is Rod’s Grit Bowl, which features scrambled eggs, breakfast meat, and cheese over a bowl of creamy, delicious grits.
Patrons appreciate the outdoor seating and attentive service.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
6. The Edison
Situated in Cascades Park, The Edison Restaurant provides a scenic dining experience with a menu highlighting upscale regional cuisine. Popular dishes include the Ruskin BLT with tomato jam and candied bacon jam spread over the sourdough bread or the chicken & flapjacks.
If you’re coming for brunch, I recommend making reservations.
Open Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
7. Lofty Pursuits
If you’re looking for a sweet start to your day in Tallahassee, Lofty Pursuits is a must-visit. This quirky, retro-inspired spot is part soda fountain, part toy store, and fully delightful.
While everything on the menu tempts your taste buds, the blueberry pancakes are truly unforgettable—they’re fluffy, perfectly golden, and bursting with fresh blueberries that seem to melt in your mouth with every bite. Pair them with a hand-crafted soda or old-fashioned milkshake for a nostalgic breakfast that hits all the right notes.
Brunch served Sunday to Thursday from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
8. Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Bringing New Orleans flavors to Tallahassee, Harry’s, a beloved local chain, serves up dishes like jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and blackened redfish. The wrap-around balcony and stylish decor complete a charming dining atmosphere.
Harry’s does feature a lunch menu with smaller portions and lower prices than dinner. Save room for Bananas Foster, an utterly satisfying dish that is sharable.
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (11 PM on Friday and Saturday)
9. The Melting Pot
For a unique dining experience, The Melting Pot offers interactive fondue meals, including cheese and chocolate options. It is ideal for special occasions or a fun night out.
Whether you splurge for the entire meal at Melting Pot (cheese fondue, salad, entree, & dessert) or go for cheese and/or chocolate fondue, you will have a lovely time and satisfy your cravings. Read more about the Melting Pot in this post.
Hours vary for dinner daily.
Here are more fun places to eat your way through the Sunshine State: