Update: Date Night 06 Aug 2025
The BLUF (Bottom Line Upfront) | Black Radish was outside of our Top 10 Best Restaurants in Tallahassee and now #5.
The Location | Parking is always going to be a PITA because of the odd location. We parked in the lot across the street and had to cross Monroe before and after dinner.
The Service | Excellent. Hostess was informative and listened well. Becca, our server, bounced in and out a couple of times, didn't hover, and had good energy. There are five chefs on the board and we engaged with two of them. Matthew, the head chef and co-owner, chatted us up and told us how they get the tofu so crispy. So cool of Matt to share the intell. Seems like a really good dude.
The Food | Sangria (3/5), Zest on the Beach (3/5), Bubble Potatoes (5/5) Geez!, Shrimp Aquachile (3/5), Tofu Wraps (5/5) Amazing (Suggestion: Chop the Peanuts; Thanks to the chef who chopped ours), and Orange Olive Oil Cake (5/5) Wow.
The Expense | $103 and consistent for dinner for two compared to 28 Oct 2023.
[review from 28 October 2023]
Black Radish has been on The List for 12+ months and on a Thursday night.
The Location | It is tucked away in a nondescript building with the logo as the only marker. It is off of North Monroe St and the entrance is facing north, so GPS helps more than usual. It shares parking with a few other restaurants and a mini strip mall so parking isn't abundant.
The Space | There are three distinct areas: the main dining area has high ceilings, feels cool & drafty, potted plants on the floor, and the kitchen spans the south wall; the bar area in which the bar spans the south wall; and outside. We sat in the main area because we didn't know there was an outside area until we were already comfortable.
The Service | When we walked in the door, Logan greeted us and seated us. He then proceeded to engage: ask questions, give info on the menu, ask for drink & appetizer orders. It wasn't until we had received our entrées that Sage came over and greeted us as the person waiting our table. Logan and Sage were friendly, knowledgeable, smiling, and engaging. Given how they interact with customers and each other, it is obvious - to me - that the staff enjoy themselves and that the restaurant is well managed.
The Vibe | Chill & easy going. All about the Customer. In the main area the centerpiece is the open kitchen where - from the tables - you can watch the chef prepare the food but you cannot actually see the food being prepared. There is bar seating at the kitchen and sushi bar style, you could watch it all.
The Food | Vegan. Vegetarian. Limited menu because most of the products are sourced locally from Farmers that we know and love. Vegan, Veg, or whatever you call it, it was good.
We ordered two dranks, two appetizers, two pastas, and a dessert.
• Mangy Parrot. It was ok. • Daisy Mule. Very good. Had two. Asked for the recipe. • Bubble Potatoes. Wow. A sprinkle of finishing salt along with that sauce and they are Phenomenal! Easily the star of the dinner. • Stone Fruit & Burrata. Tasty but lacking something. The creaminess of the burrata + the almost ripeness of the peach was good but it needed more: something salty with texture, an acid, some peppery heat, or an umami component that captured it all. Something. • Spinach Tortelloni. Would order again. Favorite of the two pastas ordered. Well done. Nicely balanced with the roasted tomatoes. • Mushroom Campanelle. A vegan dish and we added Parmesan. Least favorite dish of the dinner. The mushrooms were lost in the (cashew cheese) sauce which was too thick and cloying. • Carrot Cake. Oh yeah! It was vegan but outstanding. The little crunch bits on top were memorable.
The Price | $105 before tax & tip.
The Summary | The Black Radish is a restaurant that we will return to. The Menu is limited and vegan/vegetarian but changes seasonally. We...
Read moreI've eaten at Black Radish a few times before and always been impressed, but I feel the need to leave a review after my experience there with my mother this past Wednesday evening.
Our entire time there was an 11/10, no notes, flawless dining experience. Jordan, our server, was kind, personable, fun, and knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu. She recommended wines, plates, deserts. She knew which chefs were responsible for which items on the menu.
We just came for a snack before going to a movie, so we shared the Bubble Potatoes (a must-eat every time i go) and the Scotch Egg (per Jordan's recommendation). The only thing more beautiful than the presentation of each of those dishes was the way they tasted. Matt, the owner and executive chef, came out to check on our table (as I noticed him doing with most if not all of the others). It was a perfect table touch- genuinely interested in our experience, in no way overbearing.
As sweets lovers, we split the Orange cake and the Strawberry Cornbread cake. The Orange Cake is one of my favorite deserts in town right now, vegan or otherwise. Jordan steered us in the direction of the Strawberry Cornbread as well (another perfect recommendation), and it blew us away.
The pacing never felt rushed or lazy, the atmosphere was calm but festive, and everyone working looked like they were comfortable and happy to be there. That alone would be remarkable enough to leave a five star review! In a town and industry that can be punishing for its employees, everyone on staff at Black Radish looked engaged, comfortable, and professional. That's excellent management.
The level of cleanliness, attention to detail, and incredible staffing made me feel like I was eating at a brand new restaurant trying to prove itself on a Saturday night. That's quite a feat for a restaurant that's been open for years at 5:30 on a Wednesday. The entire establishment clearly cares about the experience of every table, even just a mom and daughter having a snack in the middle of the week.
It's truly a testament to Matt and his management staff. Kudos all around. I'm...
Read moreDuring a recent trip to Tallahassee for the Iota Delta’s 50th Anniversary reunion weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of dining at Black Radish Bar and Restaurant. From the moment we walked in, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.
As a party that includes enthusiastic vegans, finding a restaurant with not just one or two but a plethora of incredible vegan options was a delightful surprise.
The food at Black Radish is a testament to the creativity and passion that goes into vegan cuisine. Each dish we ordered was not only visually appealing but packed with flavors that danced on the palate. It's rare to find a place that can cater to various dietary preferences without compromise on taste, but Black Radish did just that and with flair.
What truly set our experience apart was the warmth and attentiveness of the host and the staff. In a bustling environment, they made us feel welcomed and valued, attending to our needs with care and efficiency. It was a personal touch that added to the already positive ambiance of the restaurant.
The highlight of the evening was when the chef took the time to visit our table. Having the opportunity to express our appreciation directly and hear about the inspiration behind the dishes made our dining experience feel intimate and unique. It's evident that the team at Black Radish is not just about serving food but creating memorable moments for their guests.
Black Radish has undoubtedly earned a special place in our hearts, and it will be our go-to spot every time we're in Tallahassee. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and visit Black Radish. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience that you'll want to relive every time...
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