Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, has recently become one of the best cities to visit in the whole United States. That is mainly because of its current food scene that is now buzzing with new kinds of cuisines and a variety of tastes for all kinds of taste buds. Because of that, more and more restaurants are now sprouting like mushrooms all over the city, and a lot of seasoned chefs continue to amaze diners with their mouthwatering culinary creations. With the whopping number of restaurants in Columbia, one might be confused about where would be the best place to dine in the city. With that, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Scroll down to learn more.
1. Pawleys Front Porch
If you’re craving for some good ol’ burgers, then the Pawley’s Front Porch is the best place to satisfy your burger cravings. Ordering your burger at Pawley’s is so simple. You just have to pick the roll, then choose the style, pick out the sides, then choose your fixings. Pair it with a cold beer and some fries then you’re good to go.
Pawley's Front Porch
Address: 827 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205-1001
Website: Pawley’s Front Porch
2. Nonnah's
Nonnah’s is popular in Columbia for its fine desserts. But now, they also serve lunch and dinner. Their lunch menu includes sandwiches, soups and salads. On the other hand, their dinner menu includes delicacies like stuffed portabella mushrooms and 6-ounce (170-gram) filets. Their meals are best partnered with cognac or cappuccino.
Nonnah's
Address: 923 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Nonnah’s
3. Little Pigs Barbecue
Chosen by Southern Living Magazine as the “Best Barbecue in the South”, Little Pig’s Barbecue continues to serve its patrons with the best barbecue in the whole of Columbia. As they say, you haven’t tasted real Carolina barbecue until you have experienced Little Pigs Barbecue. Not only do they serve the best barbecues but they also have a wide variety of lunch-buffet meals like yams, corns, fried okra, baked beans, hush puppies, onion rings, green beans, and a whole lot more.
Little Pig's Barbecue
Address: 4927 Alpine Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Website: Little Pig’s Barbecue
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4. The Carolina Strip Club
Your mouth will water not because of girls but because of their steaks. This oddly-named grade A steakhouse in Columbia is something that you need to try out. They take pride in their Grade A steak that is cut into perfection, prepared excellently to meet the expectations of your taste buds. The 30-ounce (850-gram) Porterhouse in their menu is surely a must try.
The Carolina Strip Club
Address: 902 Gervais St., Columbia, SC
Website: The Carolina Strip Club
5. Motor Supply Company Bistro
The Motor Supply Company Bistro is one of the early pioneers of dining in the vista. Their bizarre menu is of a classic bistro feel that changes every day and every night. Dining in the Motor Supply Company Bistro has an upbeat, urban feeling that is very well combined with great food. This place is very popular for Sunday brunches.
Motor Supply Company Bistro
Address: 920 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Motor Supply Company Bistro
6. Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin, as the name implies, takes pride in seafood dishes as their specialty. Today, the restaurant has managed to add hand-cut steaks, roasted chicken and pasta dishes on their predominantly seafood menu. One of the must-try dishes is the Shrimp and Grits, as well as the Sesame Encrusted Tuna and the Salmon Pontchartrain.
Blue Marlin
Address: 1200 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Blue Marlin
7. Ristorante Divino
Ristorante Divino is popular for its elegant atmosphere and fine-dining experience. They specialize in Northern Italian dishes with the rack of lamb as their signature dish. Aside from that, they also have a very excellent wine roster. They even have won the Wine Spectator award. It is highly recommended to place a reservation beforehand, though it is not required.
Ristorante Divino
Address: 803 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Ristorante Divino
8. Tin Lizzy's Cantina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is one of Columbia’s most popular meeting places for friends and to enjoy a refreshing margarita with some tasty FlexMex dishes. They are truly committed to bringing utmost hospitality just like dining in your own home. Your visit to Tin Lizzy’s Cantina will surely be a great feeling of pure bliss.
P.S. If you’re wondering what “FlexMex” means, it is simply “a blend of everything & Mexican” and “a feeling of belonging and pure awesomeness!”
Tin Lizzy's Cantina
Address: 700 Gervais Street
Website: Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
9. Pearlz Oyster Bar
The Pearlz Oyster Bar is one of the most bizarre yet amazing restaurants in the Vista. They specialize in serving only the freshest seafood while in a very casual dining atmosphere. Pearlz Oyster Bar offers a varied mix of raw shellfish, local seafood, Lowcountry favorites, and some of the most popular dishes from other regions. Their raw bar offers a myriad of fresh, seasonal shellfish and oysters. Their dishes are best combined with their coldest beers and their refreshing cocktails that you can’t find anywhere. Pearlz Oyster Bar is truly a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
Address: 936 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Pearlz Oyster Bar
10. Saluda's Restaurant
Once the largest VFW officers club that entertained and witnessed a lot of celebrations on a grand scale, the building where this restaurant is found is now home to Columbia’s grandest dining experience. With all of their pearly white linen tables, crystal glassware and luxurious, elegant dishes prepared by a five-star executive chef, Saluda’s Restaurant offers you a fine dining experience that you never have done in your whole life. Their dining room even features a solid mahogany bar that actually came from the Blakely Hotel in Philadelphia that was built in the late 1800s.
Saluda's Restaurant
Address: 751 Saluda Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205
Website: Saluda’s Restaurant
Enjoy Columbia's best gastronomic offerings
From burgers to steaks, to seafood, up to fine dining, Columbia indeed has to offer something for every kind of taste bud that comes in the great city. Get to enjoy the best culinary dishes that the city has to offer at these great dining places in Columbia, South Carolina.
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