We didn’t forget bakery goodies or cozy wine bars to celebrate romance or friendship
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and it’s time once again to find the perfect spot for you and your sweetie. We’re here to help. We’ve assembled a list of 30 venues plus local bakeries that are either offering Valentine’s Day specials or else feature a romantic atmosphere.
Of course, we all have our own ideas of romance. Is it a place with soft lighting and white tablecloths? A menu with sexy dishes. Or simply a restaurant that has meaning for you and your special person. That could also be your friends. We haven’t forgotten Galentine’s Day – and neither have many of our venues.
We’ve compiled a list that should satisfy a wide variety of tastes whether you want African or French fare, pasta or Peruvian, a lavish dinner or French toast.
Chocolate-covered strawberries from Peterbrooke Chocolatier (Photo / Peterbrooke)
Valentine’s Day would not be complete without chocolate or another confection so we’ve included some few suggestions for delicious goodies to take home or send.
One strong suggestion: Whatever you decide, make a reservation ASAP. These places are likely reservation-only for Valentine’s Day, and you’ll want to confirm the hours.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. And don’t despair. Expressing a heartfelt message or doing something thoughtful is priceless.
And before you get overwhelmed trying to do your best, remember this quote from Frozen: “Some people are worth melting for.”
Bar 1903
209 E. Park Ave.; 850-354-9739; https://bar1903tlh.com
The intimate downtown restaurant is offering a reservation-only experience with three time blocks to choose from: 5-6:30 p.m.; 7-8:30 p.m.; 9-11:00 p.m. Bar 1903 will be adding special Valentine’s cocktails and offer split bottles of Laurent Perrier for $30.
Photo / Black Radish
Black Radish
1304 N. Monroe St.; Unit B, 850-825-1973; https://www.blackradishtlh.com
Chef/co-owner Matthew Swezey will be presenting a reservation-only, four-course menu to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Three seating windows will be 5 to 5:30 p.m., 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 to 9 p.m. Black Radish is known for its homemade pasta and vegetable-driven menu though there will also be meat options.
Photo credit / Tallahassee Table
Blu Halo
3431 Bannerman Rd., 850-792-7884; thebluhalo.com
The high-end restaurant is serving Valentine’s Day dinner specials and live music on Feb. 13, 14 and 15. Specials include surf ‘n turf dishes with sides ranging from $75 to $105. Blu Halo has indoor and outside dining plus a full bar.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Cafe de Martin
2743 Capital Circle NE; 850-900-5969; cafemartin.com
Bring your friend or lover to the Peruvian cafe for live music with CJ Beach from 6 to 8 p.m. and sample the flavorful fare of chef/co-owner Martín Araujo Bohorquez, who is originally from Lima. The extensive menu includes ceviche, ají de gallina (a stew with ají peppers, chicken and a cream sauce) and the stir-fry lomo saltado. There’s a full bar and a lovely outdoor patio.
Carrabba’s Italian / Photo credit Carrabba’s
2779 Capital Circle NE., 850- 297-1100;carrabbas.com
The Italian restaurant chain is offering a special Valentine’s Day, four-course dinner for two available starting Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 19 for $65.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Casa Tapas & Cantina
2704 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-765-1770; https://casatapasandcantina.com
Savor Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American tapas with a special cocktail selection for the evening, with live music. RSVP by Feb. 12. The restaurant will also be serving a Valentine’s Day-themed brunch on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost $25, $15 kids. Call for reservations. Top cocktail photo credit / Casa Tapas
Photo credit / Chuck’s
Chuck’s Fish
224 E. College Ave., 850-597-7506; chucksfish.com
Look for Valentine’s Day specials and themed cocktails at this seafood and fish specialist. Dinner is served from 4 to 10 p.m. FYI, Chuck’s is open for lunch until March 9 (during the legislative session) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Clusters & Hops
707 N. Monroe St., 850-222-2669;
Share a charcuterie board, Duck Duck Lavosh or perhaps a Colorado grass-fed carpaccio salad at this romantic bistro or pick out your own wine (there’s a stock of 3,000 bottles) and cheese accompaniments – add caviar, smoked duck and other options – from Clusters & Hops retail shop. Open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m.
Photo credit / Dave’s Pizza Garage
Dave’s Pizza Garage
2887 Kerry Forest Pkwy., 850-597-9456; https://www.eatdavespizzagarage.com
If you celebrate Valentine’s Day at home, consider getting a heart-shaped pizza from Dave’s Pizza Garage. Order online.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Eve on Adams
101 S. Adams St., 850-521-6018; eoatally.com
Toast your Valentine as the sun sets with a rooftop view of the city. The restaurant and bar will be offering dinner and drinks. For the menu, visit www.eoatally.com/menus. For reservations, see www.eoatally.com/reservations
Photo / Food Glorious Food
Food Glorious Food
1950 Thomasville Rd., 850-224-9974;foodgloriousfood.com
Open more than 40 years, FGF is a modern, arty space known for its eclectic menu and lavish desserts such as Perfect Chocolate Cake, Turtle Truffle Torte and pecan pie. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Georgio’s Fine Food & Spirits
2971 Apalachee Parkway; 850-877-3211;georgiostallahassee.com
A Tallahassee institution, Georgio’s is a fine dining setting specializing in Greek classics and Mediterranean cuisine plus steak, seafood and vegetarian fare. Sit indoors or on the covered patio. Georgio’s will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Photo / Halisi Africa
Halisi Africa
625-17 Railroad Square, +1 850-739-3129; https://www.halisiafrica.com
Halisi is one of Tallahassee’s most intriguing restaurants. The cafe is a cozy space tucked into a boutique. Halisi serves dishes inspired by Ethiopia and North, West and East African cuisine. On Valentine’s Day, the cafe will be open from noon to 8 p.m. (the dining room will close from 3 to 4 p.m.)
Photo credit / Hayward House
Hayward House
228 S. Adams St., 850-825-7081; https://haywardhousetlh.com
Celebrate Galentine’s Day all weekend at this new restaurant in the former home of Andrews Downtown. Enjoy the event’s signature cocktails including The Haze (The French Blonde: Taylor Swift’s Signature Cocktail) and The Bee’s Knees. Hayward will also be serving rosé all day Friday-Sunday at a discounted price of $8. Also this weekend, Chef Blake Shine has prepared a charcuterie board special for this weekend only. Hours this weekend are: Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo credit / House of Music
House of Music
2011 S. Monroe St., 850-629-9526; https://houseofmusictally.com
Start your Valentine’s Day on a high note, listening to music by acclaimed British guitarist Clive Carroll. The evening starts with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Options include surf & turf, bison meatloaf, blackened catfish or eggplant or chicken parmigiana. Dinners include Caesar salad and dessert.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
The Huntsman
320 E. Tennessee St., 850-765-1887; https://www.huntsmantallahassee.com/
Despite its masculine-sounding name, The Huntsman is a sophisticated dining space with a menu to suit carnivores as well as vegetarians and vegans. The upscale restaurant also has a stellar wine list, with a separate bar and happy hour and late-night specials.
Photo credit / JoEllen’s
JoEllen’s
Kleman Plaza, 215 W. College Ave., 850-999-1779; joellens.com
“Wine, Dine and Sway” is the message from chef-/co-owner Joe Nix and his wife Teresa because they will offer guests a Valentine’s Day celebration with live jazz and a three-course meal from 6 to 9 p.m. The downtown restaurant is known for its Southern-style cuisine served in an attractive space.
Photo credit / Kool Beanz Cafe
Kool Beanz Cafe
921 Thomasville Rd., 850-224-2466; http://www.koolbeanz-cafe.com/
For nearly 28 years, Kool Beanz has been a go-to spot for its food, service and fun atmosphere. It’s easy to feel comfortable in a restaurant with the motto: “eat, drink and talk loud You’re among friends.” Kool Beanz is bound to be a good pick for couples or for a Galentine’s gathering. Don’t miss dessert! Kool Beanz is open on Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Il Lusso
201 E. Park Ave., 850-765-8620;illussotally.com
The downtown Italian steakhouse is a fine dining destination serving dry-aged steaks, pasta and seafood in an elegant space with indoor and outside dining. Il Lusso offers an extensive wine list and creative cocktails. The restaurant is open on Valentine’s Day from 5 to 8 p.m.
Photo / Little Paris
Little Paris
1355 Market St., 850-765-7457; littleparistallahassee.com
French chef Herve Alcesilas and his brother Loic will be presenting a three-course meal for dining in or takeout. Entrees are either salmon tournedos or confit beef cheek, both with sides. Dessert – raspberry crunch with pistachio whipped cream – is sure to be a highlight. The dinner is $59 for food only, $108 with wine pairings. It’s open on Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Lucilla
1241 E. Lafayette St., 850-900-5117; lucillatallahassee.com
Owners chef Joe Richardson and partner Lara Hooper are offering a four-course menu on Feb. 14 for $95 per person plus tax and gratuity in this sweet setting. Entree choices are either cast iron seared filet mignon or bronzed snapper with sides. The dessert duo will be triple chocolate brownie and raspberry pots de crème. Call or email [email protected] to snag your spot.
Photo / Tallahassee Democrat
Mimi’s Table
1311 Miccosukee Rd., 850-999-8406; mimistabletally.com
Executive chef/owner William Lawson presents French, Italian and Southern-inspired cuisine in this cozy spot. The space is relaxing and friendly but it has a more intimate feel with white tablecloths, candlelight and fresh flowers. Mimi’s is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market
225 S. Adams St., 850-320-4552; https://www.pocovinowine.com
Whether you’re here with your sweetie or on a Galentine’s celebration, this event pairs a perfect duo. It’s the third annual Wine Loves Chocolate tasting. This tableside tasting will explore three craft chocolate pairings with three dessert wine styles. Cost: $35 per person, $30 for wine club members. It’s from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets at Eventbrite: http://tinyurl.com/2dnkhcd7
Photo credit / Sage
Sage
3534 Maclay Blvd. S., 850-270-9396; sagetallahassee.com
The restaurant, a cousin to Il Lusso, has a classy vibe with a friendly full bar. Sage’s cuisine is described as New American Cuisine rooted in French technique. The restaurant is known for its seafood, steaks, chops and items such as escargot and jumbo lump blue crab cakes. Sage is open on Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to
Photo / Savour
Savour
115 E. Park Ave., 850-765-6966; https://www.savourtallahassee.com
Savour’s tables are booked for Valentine’s Day but there’s plenty of availability the rest of the week. A tip from management: The best chance to secure a reservation if you haven’t already is to download the @OpenTable app and set up a notification for your desired party size and dining time. If anyone cancels, you will be immediately notified if there is availability for your party.
Table 23
1215 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-2261; https://www.table23tally.com
The Southern-inspired restaurant is presenting a Galentine’s contest for ladies only. If you win, you can invite five friends. You all get two rounds of drinks and four appetizers of your choice. To enter, visit Table 23’s Facebook post, tag three friends in the comments. A winner will be picked on Feb. 10 for a seat on Feb. 13. If you’re going for Valentine’s Day, an outdoor table adds a touch of romance.
Photo credit / The Edison
The Edison
470 Suwannee St., 850-765-9771; edisontally.com
850-765-9771 or email [email protected]
Savor a view of Cascades Park while savoring a four-course dinner and a glass of champagne for $99 per couple or order a la carte. Entrees include fried chicken, pasta, steak and pork chops. Another option: Edison also prepares picnic baskets. To order one, fill out a form online, call The Edison, check out https://www.edisontally.com/picnics for a menu or email [email protected]. The Edison is open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Photo credit / The Hub at Feather Oaks
The Hub at Feather Oaks
6500 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-559-0424; https://www.thehubatfeatheroaks.com
The event space is presenting a Galentine’s party and workshop on Thursday, Feb. 8 with MacKenzie Biehl. Cost: $25 (without charcuterie cup) to $37 (with charcuterie cup). Bring an unopened bottle of wine or champagne to turn into a Galentine’s gift.
Photo credit / The Porch on the Green
The Porch on the Green
925 E. Washington St.; 850-997-3043; https://www.porchonthegreen.com
Built in the 1920s, this historic home is the charming setting for a cozy restaurant with outdoor seating and an inside fireplace. The Porch on the Green is serving a four-course dinner on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are required with a $25 nonrefundable deposit.
Photo / Tallahassee Table
Uptown Cafe
1325 Miccosukee Rd., 850-219-9800; https://www.uptowncafeandcatering.com/
Valentine’s Day is the only night that Uptown Cafe is open all year. The restaurant serves “brinner” or breakfast/brunch for dinner. They’ll turn down the lights and have romantic music. Owner Fred will be wearing a fancy tux (pictured). Uptown will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Call for reservations.
Photo credit / Z.Bhardi’s
Z. Bhardi’s Italian Cuisine
3596 Kinhega Dr.; 850-894-9919; https://zbardhis.com
Carefully prepared Italian fare. A bottle of stellar red wine. White tablecloths and attentive service. It’s no wonder that Z.Bhardi’s is one of the most romantic settings in Tallahassee. The outside tables are especially appealing but the place has an intimate appeal inside or out. Don’t skip the homemade pasta.
Bakery treats / Spirits
If you prefer to bring your Valentine a sweet thing instead of going out, our many bakeries are preparing lots of lovely treats. Plus, there are plenty of cozy wine bars that work for a romantic evening.
Some of your top options (and a few of their creations) are:
Photo / Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery
Bakery treats
If you prefer to bring your Valentine a sweet thing instead of going out, our many bakeries are preparing lots of lovely treats.
Some of your top options (and a few of their creations) are:
Au Péché Mignon, chocolates, macarons, pastries, https://www.frenchpastrytallahassee.com.
The Cake Shop Bakery, gift-wrapped chocolate chip cookie hearts, https://tallahasseecakeshop.com
Duck Donuts Tallahassee is offering its “love assortment”: Doughnuts topped with colorful sprinkles and a candied rose. Available until Dec. 16 in-store or online, https://www.duckdonuts.com/
The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery, red and pink mousse cakes shaped like hearts, chocolate brownies with strawberries, macarons; https://www.hawthorntlh.com)
Peterbrooke, chocolate-covered strawberries, boxes of chocolates and other confections, https://www.peterbrooke.com
Tasty Pastry, Valentine’s Day specials and boxes, https://www.tastypastrybakery.com
Treva’s Pastries and Fine Foods, heart-shaped cookies plus an assortment of cakes and pastries, http://www.trevas.net/
Wine Bars
Hummingbird Wine Bar is a sweet Midtown wine bar worth visiting for the food as well as the wine. Charcuterie, paninis and occasional entrees such as lasagna and taco night are available. Don’t miss the homemade ice cream and cookies; https://www.hummingbird.wine/
Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market, located in a lovely historic building in downtown Tallahassee, features wine tastings, retail and events, including wine dinners; https://www.pocovinowine.com/
The Wine House on Market Street is a charming shop and small event space in the Northeast that often offers live music, wine tastings and house made German fare; https://thewinehousemarketst.com/
