18 Essential Restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina

"Columbia is famous for pimiento cheese, and DiPrato’s version is the gold standard. In addition to pimiento cheese (best shoveled into the face on the crispy fried pita chips), the deli offers an extensive menu for lunch and brunch. DiPrato’s sandwiches are mouth-watering, and customers love options like panini with marinated and roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, spinach, artichokes, fire-roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, and kalamata olive tapenade, served with a side of basil pesto mayonnaise. Daily specials like Tuesday’s bacon and pimiento cheeseburger with fries are a must. DiPrato’s is essential for tailgate takeout — the wings are unparalleled." - Anne Wolfe Postic