Tallahassee restaurants we wish made USA Today Restaurant of the Year
Every year USA Today releases its best restaurants list, here is a few Tallahassee restaurants we think should be added to it.
Tallahassee’s most established and beloved yearly food event is back.
The 2025 Greek Food Festival gives residents a culinary journey of the Mediterranean with a taste of exceptional Greek food like gyros, souvlaki and baklava. Beyond the authentic fare, guests will be treated to live music, dancing and a glimpse into the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church’s rich culture and history.
The festival runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. both Friday and Saturday on the church grounds with an array of tasty treats, beverages and dancing. Greek wine, beer, or a glass of ouzo are available.
If you’ve never been, feta late than never. It’s the perfect chance to try something new and step outside your comfort zone. Still on the fence? Here’s a quick look at what’s on the menu this year.
PastriesBaklava: If you’re attending the festival, Baklava is a must-have and luckily you have sweet varieties to choose from. The quintessential pastry is a sweet, flaky pastry made with layers of filo dough that is then filled with cinnamon, sugar, walnuts and honey syrup ($5). That’s the Greek way. You can also try it in a sweet combination with cheesecake ($7) or go for the original 1983 “Patmos Baklava ($5).Diples: This deep fried dough is sprinkled with honey, cinnamon, sugar and chopped nuts making a crispy golden treat ($5).Paxmadia: For $10, you can snag a dozen of these toasted cookies with a prominent flavor of cinnamon. They pair nicely with a hot cup of joe.Finikia (Melomakarona): There’s more honey and cinnamon on this menu which is also featured in this cookie, it is then topped with walnuts ($3).Koulourakia: For another $10 you can indulge in another dozen of the crispy and buttery sesame sprinkled cookies often enjoyed with coffee or tea.The Athenian DinnerSpanakopita: We were in sweets, now its time to move onto the savory side. The flaky, buttery filo dough is stuffed with spinach, feta cheese and herbs (4 for $6).Greek Salad: This fresh salad which comes in a small ($6) or large ($13) is made with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cucumbers. The veggies are then tossed in a vinaigrette dressing and then topped with feta cheese, Kalamata olives and Salonika peppers.Moussaka Dinner: This rich, layered dish is made with ground beef and sliced eggplant completed with béchamel sauce, a creamy white dressing. The dinner comes served with a bread roll and green beans steamed and sprinkled with virgin olive oil and lemon juice.In the Platia (outside under the tents)Gyro: This is one we all know and love. The gyro is made with thin slices of seasoned beef and lamb wrapped up in a toasty Pita that is then topped with onions, chopped tomatoes and a yogurt-based Tzatziki sauce ($12).Tiropita: Another savory pastry made with a feta cheese mixture wrapped in the flaky, buttery filo ($5).Dolmades: This savory dish is grape leaf stuffed with ground beef and rice and spices ($5).KafeinoGalaktoboureko: This one is another pastry but instead the filo dough is stuffed with a custard and glazed with syrup ($5).Karidopita: For more dessert you can get the walnut honey cake with traces of cinnamon ($5).If you go
What: Tallahassee Greek Food Festival
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church, 1645 Phillips Road
Dining and Cooking