THINGS TO DO
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MASA ★ For another year, Masa earned the title as the Best Sushi in town — and with good reason. This Japanese fusion restaurant packs bold, delicious flavors into each finely crafted, authentic roll. Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm & 4:309:30 pm, Sat-Sun 12-3 pm, 4:30-9:30 pm. 1001 N. Monroe St. (850) 847-0003. $/$$ L D OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR ★ Rated Best Hibachi for 2015, Osaka provides dinner and a show with chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. It’s a meal that’s sure to leave you satisfied as well as entertained. Sun-Thu 11 am-10:15 pm, FriSat 11 am-10:45 pm. 1690 Raymond Diehl Rd. (850) 531-0222. $$$ D SIAM SUSHI Thai one on at this fine eatery and you will be left wanton for more. An expansive menu includes starters, soups, salads, fried rice, noodles and a host of signature dishes — some ducky, some not — ranging from “Rock the Wok” to Chirashi Sumocombo, a substantial, edible work of art. Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-10 pm. 1700 N Monroe St. (850) 391-9021. $$$ L D
BBQ SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q ★ Nothing satisfies a rumblin’ stomach quite like a plateful of hot, savory barbeque; and if you’re looking for the tastiest grilled dishes, 2015 Best Barbecue winner Sonny’s has them in spades. 3101 Dick Wilson Blvd. Multiple locations. Hours vary. $ L D UP IN SMOKE PIT BBQ While their barbecue is certainly succulent, Up in Smoke’s other menu options — including fried green tomatoes, meatloaf and grilled salmon — cater to even the pickiest of palates. Sun-Thu 7 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 7 am10 pm. 402 Tennessee St. (850) 597-7964.
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BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY THE EGG CAFÉ AND EATERY ★ When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Made-to-order items use the finest ingredients. Voted Tallahassee’s best 14 times, including the 2015 award for Best Breakfast. Light breakfast fare is available at The Egg Express, a second downtown location in the R.A. Gray building. Tue-Sun 7 am-2pm. In Evening Rose at 3740 Austin Davis Ave. (850) 907-3447. $$ B L THE LUNCH BOX This iconic little café conveniently nestled at the corner of Mahan and Magnolia offers up homestyle breakfasts and plenty of lunch items to choose from. Dine in, take out and outdoor seating is available. 295 N. Magnolia Dr. (850) 942‑9766. $ B L
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COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE ★ This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2015 brings the best of the Bayou State right to your table. The menu is jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Not in a Cajun mood? Coosh’s also offers classic hamburgers, salads and chicken wings. Mon-Tues 11 am-10 pm, Wed-Fri 7 am-10 pm, Sat 8 am-10 pm, Sun 8 am-9 pm. 6267 Old Water Oak Rd. (850) 894‑4110. $$ B L D
CANTINA TALLAHASSEE The menu includes all your South of the Border favorites — tacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and more — along with $5 and less fast-food options as well as sharing-sized Platos Con Amigos. CollegeTown, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 273-4002. $ L D
CATERING KLASSIC KATERING ★ The culinary masterminds behind Klassic Katering know how to transform an event from drab to fab. With a ton of flavor and a pinch of panache, this Best of Tallahassee winner will cater to all of your foodie needs. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun Closed. 6753 Thomasville Rd #108. (850) 894-0423.
DESSERT THE CAKE SHOP ★ From your plain vanilla and chocolate to specialties like Snicker’s Candy Bar and Chunky Monkey, The Cake Shop provides delicious cakes, cookies and cupcakes for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. It earned honors for Best Bakery and Best Dessert in our 2014 AND 2015 readers’ choice polls. Mon-Fri 8:30 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, Sun Closed. 1908 Capital Circle N.E. (850) 386‑2253. $
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EL JALISCO ★ In the mood for sizzling enchiladas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2015 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection. Multiple locations. Hours vary. $ L D TACO REPUBLIK An authentic taqueria, Taco Republik specializes in creating tacos and burritos in abstract and delicious ways. Located in the heart of Midtown, this restaurant is beloved for bold flavor combinations and walletfriendly prices. Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun Closed. 1122-8 Thomasville Rd. (850) 559‑5464. $ L D
SEAFOOD/STEAK CHOP HOUSE ON THE BRICKS This family-owned upscale restaurant serves local organic and sustainable meats, seafood, poultry and produce. Craft beers, fine wines and specialty drinks complement house specialties like Bone-In Ribeye, Plantation Quail and the Chop House Burger. Their Knob Creek Bourbon Bread Pudding is a dessert favorite. Tue-Sat 5-9:30 pm, Sun-Mon Closed. 123 N. Broad St., Thomasville, Ga. (229) 236-2467. $$ D
GEORGIO’S If George Koikos is in the house, you can count on a visit to your table from him during your meal. His hands-on commitment to quality, food, service and a personal touch have kept his restaurants in business for more than 45 years. Mon-Sat 4-10 pm, Sun Closed. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 877-3211. $$$ D MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAKHOUSE ★ Dining at Marie Livingston’s is upscale yet comfortable and always a special treat. Not just a restaurant that serves up savory cuts of prime rib or marbled steaks, this 2015 Best Steakhouse winner is a Tallahassee tradition, and newcomers owe it to themselves to make it a priority to visit. 2705 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 562-2525. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 pm & 5-9 pm, Sat 5-9 pm, Sun Closed. 2705 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 562-2525. $$ L D SHULA’S 347 The legendary Miami Dolphins’ head coach brings the quest for perfection to the dining table at his namesake restaurant, located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with Premium Black Angus Beef burgers or a gourmet salad or opt for one of their signature entrées — “Shula Cut” steaks. Reservations are suggested. Sun-Thu 5-10 pm, Fri-Sat 5-11 pm. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D SOUTHERN SEAFOOD ★ Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, these guys have you covered. The 2015 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee’s front door. Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 12-6 pm. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 668‑2203.
SAHARA GREEK & LEBANESE CAFÉ ★ Our 2015 Best of winner for ethnic eats, Sahara’s fusion of Greek and Lebanese cuisines is unmatched in the area. A large menu and friendly staff cater to all tastes. And don’t forget to order the falafel! Mon-Wed 11 am-9 pm, Thu-Fri 11 am- 10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun Closed. 1241 E. Lafayette St. (850) 656‑1800. $$
ITALIAN/PIZZA BELLA BELLA ★ Take your taste buds to Italy with a trip to Bella Bella, voted Best Italian by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2015. This locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings. Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm, Sat 4-10 pm, Sun Closed. 123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D
JOE MAMA’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA Crisp toppings. Freshly prepared pizza dough. Traditional Tuscan wood-fired oven. What more could you ask for? Joe Mama’s offers quintessential casual Italian dining. 307 N. Monroe St. (850) 577-1231. $ L D MOMO’S ★ After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2015 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. From the black-and-white photos to the bathrooms decorated in album covers, the restaurant has an unmistakable and enjoyable “hole in the wall” vibe. Multiple locations. Hours vary. (850) 224‑9808.
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JASMINE CAFÉ In the heart of downtown you can enjoy artfully crafted sushi rolls, authentic stir-fry, specialty salads, shareable appetizers and a well-stocked wine, craft beer and saki bar all with a view of bustling and beautiful Tallahassee. Eat, drink, hangout and just roll with it. Mon - Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm. 109 E College Ave. (850) 681-6868.