For the first time ever foodies can find two of Tallahassee’s very own restaurants on one of the world’s most respected restaurant guides.
The fine dining, vegetable focused restaurant Black Radish and The Huntsman, an upscale casual restaurant which prides itself on its foraged, hunted, and farmed ingredients, are now listed among the recommendations on the official Michelin Guide website.
Since the 1900s, the internationally esteemed restaurant and hotel guide has been known to name drop “gastronomic destinations around the world” helping diners discover standout restaurants and talents everywhere.
You really want to know where to dine? Go straight to the guide because they’re the real deal.
On the afternoon of May 28, the The MICHELIN Guide hosted a virtual ceremony to reveal the inaugural statewide restaurant selection for Florida. It marks the first time in the guide’s history that the selection has been expanded statewide honoring 200 restaurants across the entire Sunshine State.
Each restaurant named was evaluated by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, who visited on multiple occasions to test cuisine using five criteria: product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine and consistency over time and across the entire menu.
Java Ingram, the hostess for the 2026 Michelin Guide Restaurant Ceremony for Florida, said the recommended restaurants “represent the heart and soul of Florida’s culinary landscapes, each a testament to a chef’s passion for quality ingredients and unforgettable dining experiences.”
“Each restaurant brings something unique to the Florida culinary scene, showcasing the diverse flavors and creativity and dedication that make this state a standout for food lovers,” she added. “It is clear that every chef and team has earned this through their hard work and passion.”
As news spread, fans and foodies in the capital city couldn’t be more proud of these establishments including long-time Tallahassee resident and public relations consultant Rick Oppenheim.
“Wow. Tallahassee is about to have TWO restaurants included in the esteemed Michelin Guide,” he said in a post. “Both are known for unique and creative executions and memorable dining experiences. Congrats to both — and to Tallahassee diners who have enabled them to thrive.”
Other foodies promise to make their way to both restaurants to try them out and share in the celebration.
Black Radish
1304 N. Monroe St.; 850- 825-1973; blackradishtlh.com
Black Radish owner and head chef Matt Swezey said he had just finished a shift at his restaurant on North Monroe Street when he heard the news.
Though hopeful, he tried not to get too excited in case the recognition did not come through. But the moment Black Radish was announced, he and his fiancée embraced in tears, screams and celebration.
“We’re honored,” he said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat following the announcement. Happy and excited are a few other emotions he dropped, you could tell they were all true from the upbeat pace of his voice.
He says he plans to take in the moment before making an official announcement tomorrow and celebrating with the staff he says helped make it possible.
“This is a great thing for Tallahassee,” he adds, saying there are a lot of other greats to shine light on in the city as well and this is only the beginning.
Swezey said he never imagined Michelin recognition would be possible when he opened the Seven Hills Hospitality venture four years ago — not even a few months ago when he submitted the restaurant for consideration.
He often reminds himself and his team that they are not defined by articles, awards or accolades, stating that “the support is what keeps us,” and that Tallahassee is who they do it for.
But he admits national recognition never hurts.
The Huntsman
320 East Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887; huntsmantallahassee.com
The local restaurant is on a roll this month from a Michelin Guide recognition to another Hunstman restaurant opening in Panama City Beach.
Owner Daniel Renninger says the whole team is “very happy” to be a part of Tallahassee culinary history and glad its gotten the recognition.
Like Swezey, Renninger says when they opened four years ago as well, they didn’t think it would be possible. But they applied to be reviewed anyway. When the news was relayed to him by their bar manager, he didn’t believe it and thought they might be getting pranked.
The Huntsman’s name and photo on the official website immediately cleared all of his suspicions.
The restaurant also celebrated the announcement in a Facebook post thanking both staff and patrons.
“This recognition is a reflection of the passion, creativity, and relentless dedication of our entire team,” the post read. “To our guests: thank you for supporting independent restaurants, trusting our vision and filling our dining room night after night. This simply would not be possible without you.”
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 article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: These two Tallahassee restaurants land a spot in the Michelin Guide
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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