Uncover the Exciting Culinary Scene in Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, but it is often passed over by tourists who head further south to bigger tourism destinations like Orlando and Panama City. However, the capital is a vibrant cultural destination full of incredible restaurants and a diverse population. If you love food and want to become a culinary professional, cooking schools in Tallahassee are a fantastic place to get your start.

Asian Cuisine

In many cities in the region, Asian cuisine is little more than unauthentic and cheap. Here, however, there are a number of fabulous and traditional Asian restaurants to choose from. From Thai food to Japanese steakhouses, they have it all.

Southern Style and Barbecue

To some individuals, the state of Florida is actually a distinct entity separate from the rest of the Southern United States. In the capital city, however, Southern food is alive and well. Get smoked ribs from Wilson’s BBQ & Soul Food Cuisine, fantastic eggs and grits from Angelette’s Cajun Kitchen or some of the best savory cornbread on the planet from Jim & Milt’s Bar-B-Q. Aspiring chefs who like Southern fare will have no trouble finding classes and courses revolving around this kind of cuisine.

European: French and Italian

Since there are so many international travelers passing through this capital city, it is not hard to find upscale European restaurants. Anthony’s Italian Restaurant serves up homemade pastas and traditional fine Italian dining, and Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant serves up the American-Italian classics that we all know and love. French fare can be found at Chez Pierre, Au Peche Mignon and Albert’s Provence, all of which are run by top culinary professionals who take interns and new graduates under their wings to learn the art of French cuisine.

Mexican and Cuban

Although some of the best Cuban food in the state can be found further south in places like Miami, some of the flavors have made their way up north to the capital. Carlos’ Cuban Cafe and both serve up all the traditional dishes you might find in Havana, and they are incredibly authentic. For tasty Mexican fare, culinary students often get their fix from restaurants like El Tapatio, La Hacienda and Los Compadres.

Seafood and Steaks

Located just a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico, the capital city is a wonderful place to indulge in fresh seafood. Of course, the meat-eating population also has plenty of opportunities to try out a perfectly cooked steak. If it seafood you crave, head to eateries like Calico Jack’s Seafood House and Oyster Bar and Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Emporium. For traditional steakhouses, your answer is Ted’s Montana Grill or Georgio’s.

Becoming a chef is not easy, but living, working and studying in a city where food is diverse gives you a much better chance of success. Tallahassee offers an incredible culinary landscape as well as several cooking schools where you can get the training required for a position in the culinary industry.

Exploring Ethnic Dining in Tallahassee, Florida

With a location firmly within the Southern United States, most visitors to Tallahassee, Florida assume that the city offers primarily Southern or traditional American cuisine. However, this vibrant and diverse city is actually home to a variety of authentic and exotic foods from around the world. Whether you are craving tacos from Mexico, authentic bratwurst from Germany or a traditional Thai green curry, you can find it all in this capital city of Florida. When visiting the city, be sure to stop by and enjoy some of these ethnic favorites.

Mexican: El Patron Mexican Grille & Cantina

Although there are more than two dozen Mexican restaurants in the city, El Patron Mexican Grille & Cantina is routinely considered to be the best option. Staff are attentive and kind, portions are generous and there are a number of truly authentic dishes on the menu. Diners often rave about the bright taste of cilantro in the restaurant’s homemade salsa, a wonderful addition to the complimentary chips or the hearty fajitas.

Japanese: Sakura Japanese Sushi and Grill

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, there are two main cooking styles. The first is teppanyaki, consisting of grilled meats, rice and vegetables. The second is sushi, typically served as rolls or sashimi and featuring raw seafood, among other ingredients. For the best of both Japanese styles, head to Sakura Japanese Sushi and Grill. The Asian-influenced decor and trained sushi chefs make it a top dining destination in the city.

Cuban: Black Bean Cuban Cuisine

There is no shortage of excellent Cuban eateries in the state, but the Black Bean Cuban Cuisine is the perfect combination of upscale and authentic. Most of the chefs and staff are of Cuban heritage, meaning that the menu is entirely authentic. Portions and large and children are welcome. Some of the top dishes to try include the ropa vieja, or shredded beef with lime and garlic, and the hearty rice and bean dish with lots of fresh cilantro for a burst of unexpected flavor.

Indian: Samrat Indian Restaurant

For a taste of authentic Indian cuisine in Florida, there is no better dining destination than Samrat Indian Restaurant. As soon as you walk into the eatery, the smell of spices and herbs is evident. Although the chefs are primarily from Northern India, there are a number of dishes from various regions throughout the Indian nation. The restaurant boasts a Tandoori oven, allowing chefs to recreate some of the most authentic dishes like chicken tikka masala and tandoor shrimp. Vegetarians and even vegans will have plenty of options to choose from, making this one of the top places to eat in Tallahassee.

Italian: Bella Bella

Bella Bella is very popular with local residents for offering high quality foods at affordable prices. The newly constructed wine room is the perfect place to savor a fine vintage or a craft beer before heading to the dining room and enjoying dishes like the capellini marinara, eggplant rollatini and a Sicilian lasagna. Be sure to ask the staff about wine or cocktail pairings, as they are well trained on which drinks to serve with the various entrees to enhance enjoyment.

Thai: Reangthai Thai Restaurant

As one of the top restaurants in the entire city, Reangthai Thai Restaurant boasts some authentic and flavorful dishes featuring a combination of local ingredients and specialty items shipped straight from Bangkok. The decor is upscale, and many diners choose to celebrate wedding anniversaries and birthdays in the tastefully decorated eatery. Some of the best menu items include the sour seafood soup and the pad Thai.

It is clear to see that the city of Tallahassee boasts a staggering number of ethnic offerings for the more exotic and adventurous diner.

If you’re interested in honing your own culinary skills, Tallahassee Florida is a great place to attend cooking school and develop your skills to become a chef.