Florida’s sun-drenched, easy-going capital city offers a wide array of attractions, from historic sites and modern galleries to vibrant entertainment and plentiful outdoor activities. Dining is never far away, and many restaurants carry interesting stories — for example, Bar 1903 Library of Cocktails occupies the historic Walker Library on East Park Avenue. When you’re ready to sample Tallahassee’s culinary scene, consider adding these standout eateries to your list.
Backwoods Crossing
Brothers Tyler and Jesse Rice created Backwoods Crossing with a farm-to-table philosophy focused on fresh, locally sourced seafood, meats and produce. The menu features Southern classics with inventive twists, often using ingredients produced on the property, including eggs and seasonal vegetables. After training with top Southern chefs, Jesse paired his culinary skills with Tyler’s engineering background to open a restaurant that highlights both quality and local heritage. Lunch and dinner offerings include stuffed crab rolls, jalapeño catfish bites, farmhouse ribeye steak and Backwoods bread pudding. The beverage program includes a thoughtfully curated wine list and creative cocktails — don’t miss the Floody Mary, made with Reyka vodka, house beet bloody mix and assorted pickled vegetables.
© Visit Tallahassee
Amicus Brewing Ventures
Founded by four local families with a shared love of adventure and craft beer, Amicus Brewing Ventures is located next to Cascades Park in the historic Old City Waterworks Building, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. During its conversion, designers preserved many original features, including exposed brick and woodwork, creating a warm, inviting taproom and beer garden. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the space is family-friendly and offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages — including a house-brewed root beer. Beer selections rotate and have included Fuggles’ Brew, Chocolate Providence Porter, Mi Amigo, Waterworks, Hoppin’ In The Rain and Defying Gravity. Light bites and rotating food trucks on evenings provide satisfying pairings for the brews on offer.
© Visit Tallahassee
Il Lusso
For a refined, full-course dining experience, Il Lusso focuses on beautifully presented Italian cuisine prepared by a skilled kitchen team that often cooks in view of diners. The menu balances classic favorites and regional specialties. Expect dishes such as cacio e pepe, osso buco, and a selection of steaks, pork and veal. More adventurous offerings may include wild boar cacciatore pappardelle with fennel, onion, whipped gorgonzola and pickled sweet peppers; squid ink mafaldine with Fra Diavolo sauce, crab, uni, calamari and mussels; rabbit salsiccia casarecce with pangrattato, pesto rosso and parmesan; and lobster mezzaluna with lemon, crab, lobster sauce and truffle foam. Seating fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Il Lusso serves dinner from 5 p.m., is closed on Sunday, and offers a private dining room for special occasions or business meetings.
© Visit Tallahassee
The Edison Restaurant
The Edison Restaurant occupies Tallahassee’s Old City Electric Building in Cascades Park, a structure that once functioned as a coal-fired power plant. The dining space preserves much of the building’s industrial character, with high ceilings and original brick walls, and includes a striking mural near the main stairway. The kitchen emphasizes “scratch-prepared, upscale regional cuisine” with menu items such as Key West lobster guacamole, Gulf Coast shrimp skewers and Jacksonville shrimp steak. A standout is the Salmon Cortez, an herb- and pecan-crusted salmon finished with white wine lemon butter. On weekends a brunch menu is available, and mornings bring the Power Plant Cafe, where guests can enjoy acai bowls, a variety of smoothies, hot and cold coffee beverages, pastries and freshly made gelato — a perfect stop between sightseeing and evening plans.