8 Best Restaurants in Tallahassee, The Panhandle

Much of the menu consists of vegetable-focused small plates meant for sharing. Graze on bang bang potato bubbles and a cheese plate. There are options for larger meat dishes and a wine list that tilts toward organic, sustainable, and biodynamic labels. Although there are a few traditional tables, much of the seating is out on a patio or at a food bar, including one where you can watch the chefs at work. Expect a wait.

Tallahassee has its fair share of popular pizza emporiums, but many put Midtown's Decent Pizza at the top of their favorites list. A couple of Florida State University grads opened this simple pizzeria, which became an instant hit with those on an undergraduate budget: slices and salads start at $6.50 and $6, respectively. Choose from 35 toppings for your build-your-own pie. Bring your patience; lunchtime lines can be out the door.

With lattes called Roger That and a coffee blend named Depth Charge, you'd be right to think proprietor Chris Smith is a veteran and former law enforcement officer. But he has a sweet side that manifests itself in a penchant for creating delicious pastries at his shop. Giant frosted cinnamon buns are a customer favorite, but you'll want to give one of his ooey gooey Hello Cakes a try. 

Locals in the know come to this counter-service spot for superb salads, homemade soups, and sandwiches. Opt for a chunky chicken melt, walnut Gorgonzola salad, or garden vegetarian sub. The spearmint ice tea is a must-have, as is the chewy Congo Bar for dessert. Two more Tallahassee locations can be found at 1660 N. Monroe St. and 1208 Capital Circle SE.

The food is as eclectic and comforting as is the atmosphere at this locals' favorite, where you can dine indoors, alfresco, or belly up to the bar and watch the magic happen in the open kitchen. The menu changes daily, but you can always count on a fusion of flavors. Save room for dessert—like the entrées, no two menus are the same, but whatever the pastry chef creates is sure to delight.

Although this old-school ice-cream parlor and candy shop serves salads, sandwiches, and other savory dishes, it's best known for its extensive menu of sodas, frappés, and egg creams and its generous brunches featuring classic waffles and omelets, as well as a homemade hash that is deliciously different. The ice-cream choices are delectable, and it's hard to take your eyes off the candy makers as they handcraft the confections. Lofty also sells jigsaw puzzles, toys, and board games, which customers have been known to play while dining.

If you're passionate about coffee, be sure to stop in at this or one of the five other branches of this local chain to find your new favorite brew. Friendly, knowledgeable staffers are happy to explain the flavor profiles of the different house-made coffee varieties and roasts. You can't go wrong with the customer favorite Goat Tracks. Pastries and other edibles are freshly made at Lucky Goat's in-house bakery.

Savour embraces elegance and comfort, providing the perfect backdrop for its short menu of seasonal dishes that are creatively prepared and beautifully presented. The Cast Iron BBQ Shrimp appetizer and New York Strip Steak Frites are favorites. Finish off your meal with a homemade dessert (Spiced Rum and Bananas Foster Crème Brûlée, perhaps?) and a tableside pour-over coffee.