Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Columbia

"Like many communities, visitors will find national food chains featuring subs, pizza, seafood, chicken, pasta, tacos, burgers and donuts. The true “taste” of Cayce-West Columbia, though, can found in our homegrown diners, cafes and restaurants serving country breakfasts, lunch and dinner, plus ethnic cuisine like Greek, Mexican, Chinese and Thai, among others. Always feel comfortable in asking our residents where they dine or if they’ll recommend a local favorite."

"If you’re on Main St on a week night or the weekend, you’re likely to see a huge crowd around Bourbon and for good reason!. This modern restaurant brings a unique scene to downtown with its craft cocktails and urban vibe. Don’t fear the community table either, you’ll probably meet someone new and have a great time."

"Forgot the bartenders name but he made an incredible Old Fashioned and was kind enough to teach us a little bit about all... (803) 403-1404Order online. Superb218 Reviews4.5"

"Set in a century-old building in the heart of the vibrant Five Points neighborhood, Saluda's Restaurant has been one of Columbia’s top dining destinations for more than 20 years. Boasting an antique mahogany bar and white linen tables, Saluda’s serves an innovative, seasonal menu of classic Southern fare with a continental twist. The creative food is accompanied by a curated selection of fine wines from around the world, signature cocktails made with imported spirits, and craft beers on tap and by the bottle."

"Over the last two decades, Saluda’s has become the backbone of Columbia’s culinary scene, serving as a flawless venue for exclusive fine dining. The restaurant is set in the gorgeously renovated Veterans of Foreign Wars Officers’ Club, with the most charming tables situated on the balcony. If places fill up outdoors, the elegant, crystal glass-decorated white-linen tables ensure a more-than-ideal indoor setting for this upscale dining experience."

"Chockablock with independent eateries, bars and boutiques, Five Points is infused with university students, professionals, families and empty nesters alike. Overlooking the lively neighborhood from their balcony, Saluda’s serves up American and Southern staples like filet mignon and shrimp + grits. A post shared by A L I 🌻 (@alisavage_) on Jul 5, 2016 at 8:09pm PDT"

"The restaurant was opened in 2006 by owner and award-winning chef Mike Davis, whose heart and passion for excellence show in everything he does. The venue is a slow-food paradise, receiving seasonal ingredients directly from local farms to ensure freshness and quality. The menu changes daily and follows the local supplies."

"Upscale and stylish, with exposed brick and a warm color palette, Terra has developed a following among local foodies who appreciate the cooking and the..."

"House-churned ice cream (we recommend the Makers Mark) paired with the cookie of the day + those legendary views from the Terra dining room."

"Just a stone’s throw from Terra, Al’s has been dishing up skyline scenes and Italian viands like pappardelle bolognese and eggplant parmigiana since 1979. Tucked away on the second level of an unassuming brick building, this hidden gem makes you feel warm and cozy like your favorite sweater."

"The view from the second floor of this West Columbia restaurant will take your breath away. The main dining room features a wall of large windows overlooking the Congaree River and downtown Columbia. You won't find a more romantic setting to drink in the lights of the city."

"-Window seat requests are not guaranteed on the weekends or holidays-Please, no children under 5 years old on the weekends.-Private dining rooms available, please call 803-920-9406"

"Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine & Bar is at the top of our list because who can hate a great sushi bar that is also all-you-can-eat?. Living up to its reputation as having the best and freshest sushi in Columbia, Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine & Bar serves up interesting sushi rolls and appetisers that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Regulars recommend The Godzilla Roll, which is a massive deep-fried tuna roll, the Sexy Jalapeno, a creamy and spicy appetiser, and the Salmon Sushi Pizza."

"This Mexican-inspired restaurant offers the best late night tacos in town. Cantina 76 always has a monthly special worth trying and alcoholic beverages that go perfectly with your order. This spot is child friendly and offers spots around the bar where you can have a drink with a small group of people."

"This has been our go-to spot for tacos and margaritas here in Columbia. We love to come during happy hour and sit on the patio downtown when the weather is nice. I also love that they have daily taco specials where you can always try something new."

"One Eared Cow Glass is a gallery that presents pieces of art from glass. All models of vases, bowls, paperweights and bottles are hand made by glass sculptors and can be admired by people. The masters use some old techniques that date back thousands of years."

"If you’re looking for enthralling but unusual things to see in Columbia, you’ll want to check out the Never Bust Chain. It’s a work of art by Blue Sky, an artist of South Carolina who also did Tunnelvision, located in downtown Columbia. No city approval was sought, only approval from the owners of the buildings involved, but it gained immediate government approval thanks to the renown of the artist."

"Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization aiming to protect the city’s extensive cultural and social past, which it does by preserving a number of historical buildings and landmarks around the city. The Historic House Museum is one of these buildings, a site consisting of four different properties, all with fascinating and intriguing backstories. The Woodrow Wilson Family Home here, for example, was once the home of the USA’s 28th president, who lived in the mansion in 1871."

"This elegant Classical Revival townhouse Robert Mills designed in 1823 for Ainsley Hall, a wealthy Columbia merchan, and his wife Sarah, was one of the very few private homes this prominent American architect designed. He was much more famous for his public buildings such as the Washington Monument. The house originally served as a seminary and a bible college until 1961 when it was meticulously restored and opened as a historic house museum."

"The Robert Mills House and Gardens are truly amazing spots for sightseeing, especially if you see lots of fun in architecture and arts. The home building is the creation of the titular Robert Mills, and it’s a townhouse in the style of Classical Revival elegance. It was made in 1823 for a wealthy merchant of Columbia named Ainsley Hall and his wife."

"If you love fresh Mediterranean fare, Ariana’s on Sunset Blvd in West Columbia is always on the mark. Moe, chef and owner, knows his way around a kitchen and prepares Souvlaki, lamb dishes, Chicken Karahi, traditional Gyro to perfection."

"One of the only organic, vegan restaurants in South Carolina, Good Life Cafe is a truly unique and original spot in which to grab a quick bite in Columbia. Serving an assortment of fresh fruit juices and an exciting menu of burritos, sandwiches, burgers and salads, this restaurant has something for all tastes. With the food being both healthy and flavorsome, diners are free to browse the substantial list of cold-pressed cocktails without feeling too guilty."

"Good Life Cafe is one of the romantic places in Columbia that offers a wide variety of vegan options. Fresh fruit juices, salads, burritos and hamburgers – here everyone can choose their own food to taste. Because their food is both healthy and flavorful, visitors are free to browse the extensive list of cold-pressed cocktails without feeling overly guilty."

"One of the most reputable places to visit for such fare in South Carolina is the Good Life Cafe!. It serves organic food that is fully plant-based and is one of Columbia’s only eateries to do so. What’s the menu like?"