If you know me at all, you know I’ve never really been one to branch out with what I eat. Being the world’s pickiest eater started when I was a child and basically refused to eat anything other than pasta. I’d like to think that as I’ve grown up, my taste buds have matured as well, but I am sorry to report that that is not the case. Now it’s not that I necessarily don’t like a lot of foods; it’s just that I rarely like trying new ones in the first place, so I guess I’ll never really know what I don’t like. On the rare occasion that I do try a new food, I somehow convince myself that I’m allergic to it the second I eat it. I would try to explain this, but I can’t. Moving on.
As a picky eater, moving away to go to college meant I was moving away from all the restaurants in my hometown. This meant I had to find all new restaurants to go to with friends, go on dates, and get takeout. You can always look up well-rated restaurants in the area, but everyone has different likes and dislikes, and it doesn’t make sense to just keep trial and error-ing your way through all the restaurants in town until you find the ones you like.
So, for you picky eaters who’ve just moved to town and are eating only on-campus Chick-fil-A (not that there’s anything wrong with Chick-fil-A), here is my very niche list of local restaurants. Please keep in mind that the restaurants in this list are in no particular order; that would be like choosing my favorite child.
Little Masa
I said I couldn’t pick a favorite, but I lied. This is my favorite! Located in College Town, this East meets West Asian fusion is right in the middle of all the fray and makes it an easy go-to whether you live on or off campus. If you need a picky eater’s rec, the chicken fried rice and crab rangoons are my go-to. Sometimes I get an order of “Yummy Fries” with Yum-Yum sauce if I’m feeling wild.
Il Lusso
This restaurant is on the fancier side, but this is my favorite spot for a celebratory dinner. Smack dab in downtown Tallahassee, this restaurant serves beautiful Italian food with delicious steak and insanely amazing pasta. They have a bunch of other dishes that I’m sure are delicious, but this isn’t the “adventurous eater’s guide.” You won’t catch me eating Squid Ink Mafaldine any time soon.
The Edison
Like Il Lusso, The Edison is also a great date night spot that offers Valentine’s Day deals. It’s even a go-to for celebratory brunches as well. Overlooking Cascades Park, this cozy restaurant is located in the Old City Electric building which was built in 1921, giving it a cool historic vibe. Their menu is full of basically every food you could think of, but my absolute favorite is the pasta carbonara. Delicious.
Iron Daisy
I literally ate this right before sitting down to write this article. Call it method acting but for writers, if you will. This hidden gem is located on Gaines Street near Railroad Square. Since Iron Daisy offers a mix of Mexican and Floridian fare, my go-to is a buffalo chicken taco.
Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
This tiny little restaurant is located on the corner of Bronough Street and Tennessee Street. Now because I’m a picky eater, I of course do not eat the oysters they are known for, but my father (who is very picky with his seafood) has given these oysters his stamp of approval. My unoriginal go-to is a burger and fries; they’re classic for a reason. Other than food, this quaint dive bar offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and comedy shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Midtown Caboose
This accurately named restaurant is located in Midtown and offers a wide variety of unique burgers. From the “Oh Canada” with hashbrowns, eggs, and waffles to the “PB & J” which is exactly what it sounds like, this restaurant has no shortage of foods for the adventurous eater. For the picky eater, however, they have a delicious appetizer of buffalo chicken wings and possibly the best cheeseburger I have ever had. Do yourself a favor and ask for the burger on their sourdough bread. You’re welcome.
Unfortunately, I have finally refined my list of favorite restaurants in Tallahassee right before I graduate. But for those of you picky eaters who have a couple of years left in town, check out these places. I’d love to hear what you think! Happy eating!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest!