Italian Restaurants in Columbia SC (2025)

Successor to longtime Ristorante Divino, this Vista stalwart leans elegant—house pastas, a deep Italian wine list, and polished service. Covered by Free Times for its move and rebrand, it remains a special‑occasion favorite with local roots.

Family‑run since 1940 in a former firehouse, Villa Tronco is as Columbia as it gets. The State has chronicled its cultural status—from introducing pizza locally to an honorary street name—while regulars swear by chicken Villa Tronco and the cheesecake.

Devine Street’s neighborhood Italian since 2012, with spritzes, house‑made mozzarella, and Roman‑leaning pizza. Voted Best Italian by Free Times readers, it’s where locals linger on the patio over a bottle and a bowl of carbonara.

A Forest Acres favorite where the pastas and sauces are made daily and the vibe is warmly local. Recognized by Best of Columbia, it’s an easy pick for generous portions, a neighborhood patio, and a true family‑owned feel.

A tiny Cottontown shop turning out disciplined, wood‑fired pies; the margherita and mushroom pizzas are destination‑worthy. La Cucina Italiana spotlighted its simple, ingredient‑driven approach led by Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins.

Locally owned since the late ’90s, Za’s pairs wood‑fired pies with Italian‑inspired plates, brunch, and a lively bar. Regularly highlighted by local magazines, it’s an anytime hangout that still feels distinctly Columbia.

A Columbia original known for its thin crust, old‑school square‑cut pies, and beloved cheese salad. The State has chronicled its decades of loyal crowds—come for nostalgia, stay for the five‑minute pizza that locals grew up on.

Across the river, this independent spot balances NY‑style pies with house pastas, risotto, and seafood. COLAtoday’s guides regularly point diners here for dependable Italian with genuine hospitality.

An Italian American deli and market turning out formidable chicken‑cutlet parms, meatball subs, and cannoli. When In Columbia tracks its move to Olympia Mills and celebrates it as a lunch essential with real Italian imports.

Forest Acres standby for New York–style pies and red‑sauce classics. The State’s pizza roundup has long included Schiano’s, and locals still pile in for garlic bread, chicken parm, and late‑night slices.