10 Best Restaurants In Columbia, South Carolina

restaurants in columbia south carolina usa
Ryan Joshua
Ryan Joshua 
Updated
| 4 min read

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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7. Ristorante Divino

restaurants in columbia south carolina usa | ristorante divino
Source: instagram

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

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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

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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

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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

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Enjoy Columbia's best gastronomic offerings

Cafe Gannet Fine Dining, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa (20514438901)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ryan is a Computer Engineer with a heart for traveling and writing. Born in Pasay City, Philippines, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he is now based in the Philippines' City of Smiles, Bacolod...Read more

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