Romance is in the air at these Tallahassee restaurants
Valentine’s Day inspires a yearly search for a romantic dinner destination. But what makes a restaurant romantic can vary, depending on the couple. It might be the site of a first date or a memorable night out..
Still, there are some restaurants that help set the mood. Maybe it’s the cozy setting, the attentive service or the fine meal — likely a combination of all three.
To help your search, here are several places that offer that special something. Some of these places may be booked but it doesn’t hurt to check on cancellations. Some places don’t take a reservation. Also, consider a Friday night dinner, and keep these places in mind for a future night out with your honey. Find the place, and let love do the rest.
Much of my story appeared in the Florida Politics publication, In Session.
Bar 1903
The charming downtown restaurant and bar, located in the storied David S. Walker Library, features an eclectic menu and a book-size compendium of cocktails. The Valentine’s Day menu will offer special drinks and dishes that will be available on Feb. 13 and 14th. Reservations will be accepted on those days.
209 E. Park Avenue; 850-354-9739.
Black Radish
Known for its vegetable-focused menu and small and large plates, Black Radish is usually a first come, first served establishment but they are taking reservations on Valentine’s Day. There are three seating windows: 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., 7 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. Reservations are for 90-minute dinners. For reservations, visit their website or check their Facebok page.
1304 N. Monroe St.; 850-825-1973.
Blu Halo
The upscale restaurant, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026, exudes a romantic but comfortable atmosphere. For Valentine’s Day, Blu Halo will feature specialty cocktails and an option for a 3-course preset menu along with a condensed version of its regular menu. If you haven’t been there lately, Blu Halo has expanded, adding a 65-seat dining room.
3431 Bannerman Rd.; 850-792-7884.
Cafe de Martin
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Cafe de Martin is giving away romantic dinners for two couples. 
Here’s their information: “To participate, simply follow these steps: Make sure you’re following us on our social media. Leave a comment telling us what you enjoy most about Café de Martín. Your comment should reflect a real experience or preference — we’d love to read it. Winners will be announced on February 14 at 12:00 PM.Good luck, and we hope to celebrate this special night with you.” Even if you’re not a contest winner, the Peruvian restaurant is a spot for a romantic dinner all weekend. On Friday, Feb. 13, Cafe de Marin is kicking off Valentine’s weekend with live music by Madison Avery. Rhys Bennett and Karlen will be performing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
2743 Capital Circle NE (Esposito’s plaza); 850-900-5969.
Clusters & Hops
Savor a fine glass of wine and European-inspired fare in an intimate bistro with a retail gourmet shop, all from longtime owner, Kent Steels. Valentine’s Day specials, offered on Feb. 13 and 14, will include a Portuguese and Spanish prosecco Sangria, grilled oysters and a black cod special. Charcuterie and cheese boards are perfect for a shared experience. Look for decadent desserts, made in-house, such as cheesecake and pecan pie, chocolate-coconut cake and peanut butter pie with toasted bourbon pecan whipped cream. Clusters & Hops has added more days to its schedule so it’s now open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
1866 Thomasville Rd.; 850-222-2669.
Damas
Set in a historic cottage on the grounds of Goodwood Museum & Gardens, Damas is a lovely space for a romantic evening. The from-scratch destination, from restaurateur Amanda Morrison with chef Jasmine Dunn, is presenting a four-course dinner on Friday, Feb,. 13. Damas features a curated wine list with choices from female winemakers. Stop by for brunch on Feb. 14.
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
1600 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-228-5611.
Hayward House
Owner Ashley Chaney has created a contemporary flair in this iconic location, where diners will find a varied menu with dishes such as French onion soup, steak frites, halibut roulade and braised short rib ragu. Hayward is now serving the lavish caviar brand, Regiis Ova, from award-winning chef Thomas Keller.
228 S. Adams St.; 850-825-7081.
The Huntsman Restaurant and Bar
If you and your sweetie are game for something different, look for adventurous dining at this sophisticated restaurant. The Huntsman gets attention for its selection of items such as deer, elk and bison, but game is a small part of the menu, which changes. Look for dishes such as wood-fired rib-eye and grilled lobster, duck cassoulet and mojo oyster mushroom steak. On Valentine’s Day, The Huntsman will present a six-course tasting menu. Diners have a choice of a meat-focused or a vegan lineup.
320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887.
Il Lusso
The downtown fine dining destination may be a popular place for a power meeting or a posh night out, but Il Lusso also stands out as an elegant backdrop for a night of romance. Diners will find a menu that includes top steaks and chops, housemade pasta (half or full portions available) and Italian dishes in a gleaming dining room with a big city vibe. On Valentine’s Day, look for specials. Keep in mind you can order custom cakes or make other special requests in advance. Il Lusso offers a stellar wine list and cocktails.
201 E. Park Ave.; 850-765-8620.
Little Paris
French food just seems inherently romantic. Escargot. Crepes. Croissants. It’s the language of love – n’est-ce pas? No wonder Little Paris is a popular destination on Valentine’s Day. Chef Herve Alcesilas will be presenting a special menu on Feb. 14. Or stop by Feb. 15 for a Valentine’s Day jazz brunch.
1355 Market St.; 850-765-7457
Mimi’s Table
Open since 2018, Mimi’s Table is a cozy, white tablecloth setting. Executive chef/owner William Lawson presents French, Italian and Southern-inspired cuisine with dishes such as salmon Provençal, rack of lamb and seafood grill. Look for specials on Valentine’s Day, and leave room for homemade desserts.
1311 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-999-8406
Share a romantic dessert from Monroe pastry chef Anastasia Shine. Photo / The Monroe
The Monroe
One of Tallahassee’s newest dining destinations, The Monroe offers Modern American cuisine in an attractive setting with a fun vibe. The menu features a mix of small and large plates with gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options plus half and full-size portions of pasta. For dessert, you and your honey will want to share The Monroe Wonderball, which is indeed a wonder: a dark chocolate ball filled with soft chocolate mousse, brownie pieces, cashew praline and more, from pastry chef Anastasia Shine. We won’t spill the surprise Wonderball finish.
1320 S. Monroe St.; 448-231-2965
Savour
With tables draped in white linen, chandelier over the bar and a fine dining menu, Savour is an elegant and eclectic space from restaurateur Drew McLeod in downtown Tallahassee. Chef Ashley Mayo serves creative fare with upscale steak and seafood choices, with dishes inspired by the season.
115 E. Park Ave.; 850-765-6966
Al fresco dining is a highlight at Table 23. Photo / Table 23
Table 23
The sprawlng outdoor patio is a lovely spot for a romantic meal under the stars. The building housing Table 23 was built in the 1920s and owned by Fred Carroll, who delivered ice before refrigeration. Dining is also available inside but al fresco dining or sipping your cocktail at the bar has a more intimate ambiance.
1215 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-2261.
Z. Bardhi’s has a tranquil outdoor patio. Photo / Z. Bardhi
Z. Bardhi’s Italian Cuisine
Chef Zeke Bardhi has been at the helm of his lovely Italian restaurant on Kinhega Drive for three decades, serving house-made pasta and bread and fine Italian favorites. The dining room is cozy and eclectic but it’s tough to beat the classic ambiance of dining on the covered patio, with its elegantly appointed tables, enhanced by gardens and the scent of flowers.
3596 Kinhega Dr.; 850- 894-9919.
Formerly of Thomasville, Zaan Indian Cuisine is now in Tallahassee, serving myriad colorful dishes and drinks. Photo / Zaan
Zaan Indian Cuisine
The Indian restaurant doesn’t look particularly inviting from the outside, but inside the dimly lit dining room, flanked by a well-stocked bar, has a more sophisticated, intimate ambiance. The restaurant features Valentine’s Day cocktails, including Love Potion #7, as well as an extensive menu. The patio is also a sweet place for a cozy dinner, with a high fence to keep out the view of the outside and twinkly lights.
1019 N. Monroe St.; 850-825-1238
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