At Owen Title Company, we believe it is of the utmost importance to love where you live and support your local community. As such, we make it a point to frequently highlight local places in Tallahassee that deserve your attention, along with new developments in our community.
New Tallahassee Restaurants Offer Intriguing Dining Options
Guest Blogger, Rochelle Koff, Tallahassee Table
Tallahassee’s dining scene is always evolving, but this year the capital city has taken a big leap forward. If you think of pizza, chicken wings, and tacos as our local cuisine, you’ll find some fun surprises.
Plant-centric dishes, wild game, tapas, creative bar food, and Southern-style home cookin,’ are among the new culinary choices in town. We’ve picked out five Tallahassee places that have opened in the past year that are especially intriguing. You won’t want to miss them.
Photo credit: Tallahassee Table
Black Radish has been receiving raves as a top destination since it opened in May 2022, winning over fans with its urban design, farm-fresh ingredients, top-notch cuisine, and friendly service. The menu, which changes seasonally, features vegan and vegetarian small plates, handmade pasta, and a couple of sharable meat dishes, (generally steak and chicken). Bubble potatoes, miso grit cake, and spinach tortellini are just a few highlights. At the helm of the restaurant is chef co/owner Matthew Swezey, business partner with Jesse Edmunds, owner of the Seven Hills Hospitality Group, (Liberty Bar & Restaurant, Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery, Bar 1903, and El Cocinero). The restaurant provides dinner and a late-night menu, inside and outdoor dining, and a bar specializing in natural wines and craft cocktails. 1304 N. Monroe St.; 850-825-1973; https://blackradishtlh.com/
Photo credit: Casa Tapas & Cantina, Facebook page
Casa Tapas & Cantina, located in the former home of Marie Livingston, is the third dining establishment from owners Genaro Ramírez and Claudia Oseguera, but don’t come here for their Mexican favorites. Casa Tapas offers a Spanish and Mediterranean menu that showcases signature dishes such as paella (chicken and chorizo or seafood) served family style, empanadas, ceviche, and Spanish-style meatballs called albondigas. Mojitos, margaritas, and house-made sangria are on their list of spirits. Open since May, Casa Tapas serves lunch and dinner and there’s outdoor seating. 2705 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-402-0733; https://casagrandebarandgrill.com/
Photo credit: Tallahassee Table
The Huntsman, a hot dining reservation since its July opening, presents one of the most unique menus in Tallahassee. Nestled in the former home of Cypress Restaurant, The Huntsman gets the most attention for its selection of game, including venison, antelope, and wild boar with an emphasis on ethical sourcing. But it’s not just a mecca for meat eaters. Vegan and vegetarian fare also play a starring role. While the menu changes, look for dishes as varied as Moulard duck cassoulet, winter vegetable mei fun, iron-seared grouper, and grilled axis deer sauerbraten. Another option: Choose a five-course tasting for either hunters (seasonal fare), gatherers (plant-based dishes), or primalists (a wood-fired carnivorous experience). A global wine list, sophisticated cocktails, and local beer complement your meal. A tip: the Happy hour and late-night food and drink menus are a good bet. 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887; https://www.huntsmantallahassee.com/
Photo credit: Tallahassee Table
Photo credit: Tallahassee Table
JoEllen’s is a new venture in Kleman Plaza but the owners, and some of the cuisine could be familiar. Teresa and Joe Nix grew up in the now-historic neighborhood of Smokey Hollow in Tallahassee. They were the owners of the homey breakfast-lunch nook called Caring with Care or CWC Catering located on South Monroe Street. They’ve since merged CWC with their new establishment, JoEllen’s, a more upscale location with sleek decor and a dinner and cocktail menu. JoEllen’s opening is a historic one because it’s the only operating Black-owned brick-and-mortar restaurant downtown. The restaurant now offers breakfast, lunch – and a lunch buffet – and dinner. Look for soul food favorites with additions such as catfish, rib-eye, seared salmon, and a New Orleans-style jambalaya Alfredo, for dinner. Kleman Plaza, 215 W. College Ave.; 850-999-1779; https://www.facebook.com/cwccafeandcatering/
Photo credit: Tallahassee Table
Ology Brewing Company’s new, gleaming Northside addition has been a big deal for the company, the community, and the brew scene. The branch, launched in July, is the third location for Ology. There’s a large tap room where you can order the brewery’s favorites and the small batch craft spirits made in its own distillery. But food is part of the experience. The from-scratch menu was created by chef Randy Blass, who has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality business. The menu includes a turkey gouda (with 48-hour brined turkey breast) or veggie press, brats, soup, melon and goat cheese salad, and pimento cheese dip. Northside has a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night menu and features hand-brewed coffee drinks from Ology’s java pro Jason Card, who also runs the coffee show in Midtown. Northside has event space, an outdoor patio, and late-night menu. 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy.; 850-296-2809; https://www.ologybrewing.com/
GUEST BLOGGER, Rochelle Koff is the creator of the Tallahassee Table website and she focuses on food, dining, and the farming community in her local food blog which is often published in the Tallahassee Democrat. She is a former restaurant critic for the Miami Herald in Broward County. Follow Tallahassee Table on Facebook or at https://www.tallahasseetable.com/.
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