Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. That being said, some of the city’s favorite restaurants are booking fast ahead of Feb. 14.
From specialty dinners and cocktails, thematic brunches and more, the city is full of romance this time around. With the holiday falling on Saturday this year, you have the whole day to celebrate.
So, use this as a reminder to book that table for two and treat that special someone. You may fall in love at first bite. This guide is here to help you cut your search short by letting you know what offerings are still on the table for a special day together. Make sure to call ahead or visit the restaurant’s site to set your reservations. The sooner the better.
Did I miss any Valentine’s deals or dinners? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com.
Black Radish
1304 N. Monroe St.; 850-825-1973; blackradishtlh.com
Black Radish, the fine dining, vegetable-focused restaurant located on North Monroe Street, makes every visit feel like the first time — perfect for a date night meant to feel like the first. This Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering four courses for you and your boo at $80 a person at three different time slots. Start the night with your choice of a strawberry or sugar snap pea salad. The third course or entree choices includes “Gemeli Pasta with Pork Sausage Ragu Bianco” or “Green Goddess Pasta” made with mafaldine noodles, “Green Goddess Sauce,” garlic breadcrumbs, lemon zest and basil. If you want, you can even top it with whipped ricotta and Parmesan. Wrap up the night with two spoons and a shared indulgence: chocolate tart or cherry cheesecake. You pick.
Casa Tapas & Cantina
2705 Apalachee Parkway; 850-765-1770; casatapasandcantina.com
“Love is in the air” at tapas bar and restaurant, Casa Tapas & Cantina. This Valentine’s Day they’re whipping up something sweet for you and your guest. The Apalachee Parkway restaurant offers an attractive, upscale setting with a warm ambiance and helpful staff, along with aesthetically pleasing setups for its brunches. Every dish and specialty cocktail to pair offers the perfect ambiance for a date or a night with the girls.
Charlie Park
801 S. Gadsden St.; 850-759-4300; charlieparkrooftop.com
The dining and drinking destination Charlie Park, located atop the AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol is ready to help you celebrate “love on the rooftop.” Embrace the scenic overlook of the 24-acre Cascades Park from the comfort of sand-colored plush seats, or from the outdoor bar top. The seasonal chef-curated dishes and crafted cocktails they’ve whipped up for the holiday are as pretty as the view. Specialty cocktails available from Feb. 2 to Feb.15 include “Love Shots” made with Empress Gin, orgeat, lemon and bitters ($8). Dinner specials are available including the Oysters Charlie — cornmeal-fried oysters, creamed spinach, crispy whipped garlic, shallot butter and a kiss of caviar ($24) — are available Feb.13 and Feb. 14. End the night with a “Chocolate Lovers Tart.”
Clusters and Hops
1866 Thomasville Rd; 850-222-2669; winencheese.com
If it’s too late to book that trip out of town, no worries as Clusters and Hops, the chic bistro best known for its selection of imported wines and an eclectic menu is known to transport people to a new world. From its tasteful charcuterie board ($24/$38) and other dining courses which range from a truffle macaroni and cheese ($12) or Colorado grass-fed elk carpaccio salad ($22), you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats, Clusters and Hops recently shifted its dessert menu so whether you’re looking to sip something sweet or devour it, they’ve got plenty of options for both.
Connors Steak and Seafood
1415 Timberlane Road; 850-201-4546; connorsrestaurant.com
Nothing says “I love you” more than being served your favorite premium cut of meat from fine dining establishment Connors Steak and Seafood. From the mesquite grill that sizzles as premium cuts of meat are prepared, to nearly a dozen of noted Tallahassee artist Dean Gioia’s nature paintings, this northeast establishment has all the bells and whistles you can imagine in the name of fine dining flare. If you’re impressed just from reading this, just imagine how wooed that special someone will feel when you invite them out. “Reservations are filling up fast – don’t wait to book your table,” they say.
Damas
1600 Miccosukee Road; 850-228-5611; damastlh.com
The woman owned and operated culinary fixture invites foodies to enjoy locally sourced ingredients, which they note include items grown and foraged right on the property for its brunch services hosted Wednesdays through Saturdays. Seasonal dishes are paired with “the nation’s first wine list composed exclusively of female winemakers,” a facet they take great pride in. In addition to brunch, Damas offers other dining and spirited experiences for all including Chef’s Table dinners and elevated happy hours.
The Edison
470 Suwannee St.; 850-765-9771; edisontally.com
The Edison, located in the heart of Cascades Park offers views that “overlook the natural watershed, the lovely rolling hills of the park greens, and Tallahassee’s iconic open-air amphitheater.” How romantic is that! The park overlook deck makes the experience even more surreal, the entrees and cocktails they offer are just the cherry on top. This Valentine’s Day, The Edison is offering a three-course brunch menu which includes beignets and chocolate covered strawberries, a lobster benedict and confit duck and waffles for $45 a person from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From 2 p.m. to close, they will be offering a four-course, chef-curated dinner menu at $100 per person. Main entrees include “Leg of Elk” served with Gruyere potatoes au Gratin, asparagus and cherry demiglace. Another option includes the Parmesan crusted salmon with angel hair pasta.
Hayward House
228 S. Adams St.; 850-825-7081; haywardhousetlh.com
Hayward House, which adds a modern twist to the historic building located in the heart of downtown, offers a moody dining space with a full bar and a menu with global as well as family influences. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, dinner served shortly after. The specialty brunch menu includes New Orleans style shrimp and girts ($23) made with “Bradley’s Stone Ground Grits, Nola Sauce, Bradley’s Sausage,” blackened Gulf shrimp and grilled lemon. Another offering includes the “Southern Benedict made the “Hayward way” with Texas toast, fried chicken, poached egg, Calabrian chili braised greens and hollandaise ($20). Rest assured: if the weather permits, you can linger over cocktails and conversation in the sprawling, umbrella shaded patio. Hayward House’s prices range from $10 for a bowl of soup to $64 for a 10-ounce prime bone-in fillet frites.
JoEllen’s
215 W. College Ave; joellensorder.com; 850-999-1779
Love is in the air at JoEllen’s, a Southern comfort restaurant pulling out all the stop this Valentine’s Day. At this upscale eatery located in Kleman Plaza, couples can enjoy a three-course meal to pair with a complimentary wine or mocktail ($100 for two), or you can start the day early with their “Sweetheart Brunch Buffet.” Offerings include shrimps and grits, customizable omelets and a dessert station.
Zaan Indian Cuisine
1019 N. Monroe St.; thezaan.com; 850-825-1238
Zaan Indian Cuisine offers a sophisticated, moody ambience and a hefty menu fit for the occasion. If you’re looking to expand your palate you can explore some new culinary adventures with your partner. Cheers to love with their specialty Valentine’s Day handcrafted cocktails like “Love Potion #7” and “Scarlet Romance,” made with La Marca Prosecco and wild berry liqueur. Each drink is guaranteed to make you “fall in love one sip at a time” they say. Pair these specialty cocktails with a dish to share, the fine dining eatery on North Monroe has plenty of options to choose from.
It’s complicated…casual offerings
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 10 romantic restaurants to book for Valentine’s Day in Tallahassee
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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