Restaurants in Columbia
Over the years, culinary experts from nearly all walks of life have found a home in Columbia, and as such, the city has blossomed with diversity and exotic food experiences.
If you are passing through Columbia, or even planning on spending a few days in the Capital City, you should absolutely take the time to experience the unique culinary landscape. Here is our list of the best restaurants in Columbia for you to try.
Featured Restaurant
929 Kitchen & Bar
Enjoy delectable Korean cuisine in the heart of Columbia at 929 Kitchen and Bar. 929 is Columbia’s premier destination for Korean dishes with a modern twist.
From traditional favorites like bibimbap and kimchi to innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, the menu is the perfect blend of bold flavors and culinary creativity. Pair your meal with handcrafted cocktails or Korean-inspired libations from their extensive drink menu. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two, 929 Kitchen and Bar is sure to satisfy your appetite and provide a memorable experience.
The War Mouth
Image: The War Mouth Facebook
The War Mouth is a classic gastropub that offers all of the traditional southern staples you might expect to find in South Carolina. From monstrous racks of ribs, to small plates of crispy fried pork belly. Instead of trying to invent a ‘new’ take on southern classics, The War Mouth sticks to tradition and does it in a fantastic way.
In addition to the amazing food, The War Mouth is also a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy a drink. With a great beer and drinks menu, you are sure to find something to suit your drink palette. The cozy gastropub style atmosphere is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet night out, and some down home cooking that will really leave you stuffed.
The Grand on Main
Image: The Grand on Main Facebook
The Grand on Main is more of an experience than an actual restaurant. Their cuisine is definitely more geared towards the ‘late night’ category with plenty of sides and finger foods to munch on. The real experience is the atmosphere itself. The Grand on Main is part self-serve tap room, and part bowling alley. Guests are able to serve themselves at the tap, which has an exceptional variety of craft beers, while they munch on house made snacks and finger foods and enjoy a game of bowling.
You will be able to enjoy all of your bar favorites, from loaded fries to shrimp scampi and quesadillas. But don’t worry, The Grand on Main does offer a full entree menu as well. So no matter how big your appetite, you will be able to eat well here. If you are looking for a night filled with fun, laughter, self service on beer, and amazing late night food, The Grand on Main is the place to be!
Bourbon
Image: Bourbon Website
Bourbon is a truly awesome place to try if you are a whiskey lover. It boasts the largest whiskey menu in the entire state. They have over 400 different types of Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, rye, and other varieties of exotic whiskeys to try. This is a certified heaven for those who love their amber, neat or on the rocks.
But there is more to do at Bourbon than just drink whiskey. In fact, the restaurant also boasts one of the tastiest menus in town. Their cajun styled menu is full of creole and cajun dishes that really pack a punch. You can try their famous jambalaya egg rolls, or even their gumbo bowls and Lady Edison pork chops. Bourbon is the best place in town for spicy cajun food lovers, who also love their whiskey.
Blue Marlin
Image: Blue Marlin Website
Blue Marlin offers visitors a classic ‘Low Country’ dining experience, with a South Carolina spin. This fine dining restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner with a loved one, or even a fancy getaway by yourself, or with family. Expect every bite of your meal, and dining experience to be top-class and exquisite.
With a menu that is predominantly seafood, you will have the chance to dine on their mouth watering blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared scallops, or even the firecracker flounder with grits. This is Low Country dining like you have never experienced before. The classic mix of Low Country cuisine with the South Carolina flair is surely something that you do not want to miss.
Motor Supply Company Bistro
Image: Motor Supply Co Website
At Motor Supply Company Bistro, diners never know what they are going to get when they walk through the door. Seriously, they have a menu that changes every single day. But don’t let that scare you. The Motor Supply Company Bistro has been serving diners in the Columbia area for 30 years now. They have a reputation for delicious, affordable, and diverse foods that keep locals coming back for more.
The cuisine at Motor Supply Company Bistro ranges from classic American, to French, and even some Asian inspired dishes. You can expect to find a fun and diverse mish-mash of cuisine options on their daily special menu. The Motor Supply Company Bistro is a trusted staple of the Columbia community, and a place that you should absolutely pay a visit to. Not to mention, all of their meats and produce are locally sourced and fresh from the farm!
Di Prato's
Image: Di Prato's Facebook
If you are craving a hearty, and mouth watering sandwich for lunch or even dinner, look no further than Di Prato’s. At Di Prato’s, diners will have the chance to hand pick their favorite meats, cheeses, spreads, and topping to load down their massive sandwich with. You can also choose from a variety of their very own signature sandwiches, like their Triple Decker Corned Beef Reuben. Every sandwich at Di Prato’s is loaded to the max with hand picked, fresh ingredients.
Di Prato’s is perfect for anyone who wants to have a heavy lunch, and stuff themselves to the gills with a hearty and dense gourmet sandwich. Or even try it for dinner, and feel yourself still full in the morning. In terms of portion sizes, and flavor, Di Prato’s is hard to beat!
Cafe Strudel
Image: Cafe Strudel Facebook
Columbia has no shortage of top-notch brunch locations. However, if you want the best brunch in the city, look no further than Cafe Strudel. Cafe Strudel has been a staple in the community for over two decades, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu is full of hearty and rich classic breakfast foods that can all be washed down with a nice refreshing mimosa or an ice cold beer.
Perhaps the most famous thing on the Cafe Strudel menu, is their ‘hangover hashbrowns’. Perfect for the morning after a night out on the town, if you know what I mean. This dense meal is packed with hashbrowns, eggs, cheddar cheese, and banana peppers. Paired with a little ‘hair-of-the-dog’ drink of your choice, and you have yourself the perfect weekend cure!
