Columbia is the capital of South Carolina but it is oftentimes passed over for its neighbors, Charleston and Greenville. However, over the past couple of years, the Columbia food scene has experienced a renaissance of sorts. With a surge in farm to table type restaurants and unique twists on southern classics, Columbia is beginning to feel like more than just a college town. The restaurants listed here just begin to scratch the surface of Columbia’s food scene. Here are just 10 of the amazing places to eat in Columbia, South Carolina.
2617 Devine Street
As the name suggests, Cinnamon Roll Deli specializes in homemade cinnamon rolls. However, these are not just any cinnamon rolls, they are about the size of your baby’s head and come in several unique flavors such as Bourbon Caramel or Black Bacon Maple Glaze. The shop, which opened only a couple of years ago, is run by a mother-son duo. They wanted to create an atmosphere that made locals feel at home. Everything here is made fresh and the ingredients are locally sourced, so you can feel good while you stuff your face. Besides just cinnamon rolls, the New Jersey natives offer a wide selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches that are to die for, each served with its own mini cinnamon roll.
620 Gervais Street
Gervais and Vine is a Spanish-style tapas bar that offers a wide variety of dishes and over forty different wines. The outdoor patio is softly lit by string lighting. When mixed with the live musicians that come every Monday and Wednesday, it creates the perfect atmosphere for a date night. If the weather is too cold to eat outside, the dining room is just as cozy and offers a view of the cooks preparing the homemade brick oven pizzas. My advice is to go on a Wednesday when you can enjoy their weekly wine tasting with a complimentary cheese plate for just $8.00.
655 St. Andrews Road
Inakaya has an unassuming exterior, but inside is the best sushi in Columbia. Located in a small shopping center, Inakaya can oftentimes be overlooked. However, Columbia natives know this is the best spot to get a wide variety of sushi and other Japanese dishes. Once you enter you are greeted by beautiful authentic Japanese décor, all the way down to party rooms offering traditional floor cushion seating. If you do not want to sit on the floor, I recommend sitting at the sushi bar and watch the chefs artfully create their delicious rolls. There are so many different types of places to eat in Columbia, South Carolina!
2421 Bush River Road
Like Inakaya, Real Mexico does not seem like much on the outside. The restaurant is a little outside of the downtown area. However, due to the raving word of mouth reviews, Real Mexico has become the staple Mexican place in Columbia. I suggest getting one of their specialty margaritas and the loco bean dip.
342 Pickens Street
DiPrato’s is a popular lunch place in Columbia because of their delicious variety of deli sandwiches and salads. But, they are perhaps most known for their famous pimento cheese. It is the best in Columbia and is served with their homemade fried pita. They also offer one of the best weekend brunches. Think homemade sausage with cheesy scrambled eggs, it’s just like home. Just be sure to get there early because there is almost always a line and it is first come first served.
1531 Richland Street
Spotted Salamander specializes in innovative Southern cuisine. They are primarily a catering company but made the list because of the café lunches they offer Monday through Friday. Their lunch menu is always changing based on what’s in season because they only use the freshest local dishes. They offer a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, and small plates but are perhaps best known for their deviled eggs and their Fried Chicken Tuesday. Think chorizo or asparagus and bacon deviled eggs paired with their homemade fried chicken sandwich covered in melty pimento cheese and bacon.
920 Gervais Street
The restaurant itself is set in a renovated engine supply building, dating back to the 1800s. It has been a local favorite since the doors opened in 1989. The success of the restaurant is most likely due to their expansive menu, which changes daily. They offer a mix of French, Asian, American, and Italian cuisine. Really it’s just whatever the chef is feeling that day and what fresh ingredients they are able to get from local suppliers.
2123 Greene Street
Although New York City and South Carolina have little in common, this small pizza place gives you a taste of the city life. Nicky’s is surrounded by USC’s most popular college bars, making it a late night staple. You can meander in after a night out and get a slice of pizza the size of your face served on an un-sturdy paper plate. The restaurant itself is very low-key, offering a couple of tables inside and outside but on a Friday night, there will be lines outside the door.
2013 Greene Street
Publico calls its eclectic cuisine Lat-Asian. They have everything from tacos and fried plantains to spicy bulgogi and ramen. The result is a place unlike any other. Every dish at Publico is delicious and you can tell a lot of thought goes into it. All of their ingredients are fresh and organic, which means you can feel good while you indulge.
1004 Gervais Street
Menkoi Ramen House is another late night favorite in Columbia, however, you can pretty much go at any time and there will be a line. Despite its hole-in-the-wall style, Menkoi has become a popular local spot. They offer several different types of traditional ramen that you can pair with one of their delicious appetizers, such as gyoza or salmon filled rice balls.
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