Best Restaurants in Columbia SC

Columbia’s intimate wine parlour earned national stature with a 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Expect esoteric bottles, thoughtful pairings, and a small menu that regulars swear by. Featured by Eater Carolinas and praised by local critics.

A Vista pioneer since 1989, Motor Supply writes a new menu daily, sourcing from Midlands farms and fishers. Readers of Southern Living and The State have long called it a city standard; the bar program is equally careful and seasonal.

Chef Mike Davis’s bistro bridges Southern ingredients and classic technique—think lamb mac, wood-oven pizzas, and seasonal specials—with skyline views over the river. Consistently recommended by Southern Living and Eater Carolinas.

In Cottontown, this neighborhood spot serves whole-hog barbecue and heirloom Carolina dishes like chicken bog and hash, backed by a strong cocktail list. Lauded by Columbia Living Magazine, Discover South Carolina, and Eater.

Weekend-only, lines-out-the-door barbecue from pitmaster Robbie Robinson, a 2025 James Beard finalist. Expect market-style brisket, ribs, house sausages, and sides that sell out. Frequently highlighted by Eater and The State.

A downtown landmark pairing French-inflected cooking with a Wine Spectator–recognized cellar. Monthly tastings and wine dinners draw local enthusiasts; service and hospitality are the calling cards here.

Main Street’s whiskey temple couples Cajun–Creole plates with one of the state’s largest whiskey lists. Frequently featured by Food Network, Garden & Gun, and Eater, it’s a lively, walk-in-only local fixture.

Kristian Niemi’s river-view spot now leans Italian, from arancini to house pastas, with a breezy rooftop bar. Frequently praised by local media; The State covered its 2024 shift from French-ish to Italian.

Chef Jessica Shillato’s beloved lunch café riffs on Southern staples—deviled eggs of the day, fried chicken Tuesdays, and dreamy desserts. A James Beard semifinalist and a regular on Eater’s essentials.

A pan-Asian izakaya and cocktail bar from the team behind Bourbon, serving bao, ramen, okonomiyaki, and tiki-adjacent drinks late into the night. Included in Eater Carolinas’ 2025 essentials and covered by The State.

Neighborhood Italian since 2012, now with a refreshed team, turning out spritzes, hand-cut pastas, and blistered pies. Frequently cited by Eater Carolinas and supported by Fresh on the Menu for local sourcing.

A USC-area institution known for pimento cheese with warm pita chips, stacked deli sandwiches, and bustling weekend brunch. Celebrated by Eater and The State; a rite of passage for Columbia eaters.

Family-run favorite for birria quesatacos, molcajetes, and house salsas, often cited by Southern Living and local writers as a must for authentic flavors. A true community hangout with consistently warm service.