Restaurants in Florence
Florence, South Carolina is a progressive city that maintains its Southern charm and hospitality. This small city of nearly 38,000 people was transformed from a farmland and an old railroad depot into a vibrant urban center with big-city amenities.
Known for being a restaurant-crazy city, Florence has become a dynamic destination for people who travel far and wide for a taste of authentic Lowcountry cooking and contemporary cuisine with eclectic culinary influences.
With dozens of restaurants in the city, choosing becomes a challenge, so hopefully this list we’ve compiled of the best restaurants in Florence will help you decide where to go for your next meal.
Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co.
Image: Tubb's Shrimp & Fish Co. Facebook
Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co. serves soulful southern seafood sourced from local markets. Its farm-to-table approach guarantees that only the freshest seafood fare graces the tables of their restaurant. Although the dishes stay true to Lowcountry cooking, there are menu items inspired by international cuisine. So don’t be surprised to see modern twists to Southern staples like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, oysters, Po Boys, and mac and cheese.
Victors
Image: Victors Website
Victors looks every bit an upscale steakhouse but you’d be surprised at how homey and casual the atmosphere is. In this place, you eat with your eyes first. Clearly, they put effort into the beautiful presentation of food. What’s great is that locally-grown produce and ingredients shine through in their plating. You can’t go wrong with any of their land and sea dishes, but if you find the bacon-wrapped scallops and the beef brisket confit in the menu, you’re in for a satisfying dining experience.
Wholly Smokin’ Downtown BBQ and Ribs
Image: Wholly Smokin' Downtown Website
Known for their traditional smoked BBQ recipes, Wholly Smokin Downtown is not afraid to introduce new BBQ dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palate. That’s to say they do BBQ right, whether it’s chicken, seafood, beef, or pork. Diners come for the St. Louis style BBQ Ribs, but they stay for the full bar that features local and regional craft beers, cocktails, and wine. Don’t miss the chance to try their Jar-B-Q Bowl, which is a creamy mac and cheese topped with spicy BBQ beans and a scoop of delectable BBQ pulled pork. This mouth-watering creation is served in a mason jar.
Red Bone Alley
Image: Red Bone Alley Website
If you want innovative cooking using only the best and freshest ingredients, Red Bone Alley just might blow your mind. They specialize in South Carolina regional cuisine but the French, African, Mediterranean, and West Indian influences are quite evident. It would be a mistake not to try their “Angels on Horseback”, which is a thick-cut braised pork loin chop served with perfectly seared shrimp, creamy mushroom risotto, and succulent succotash. It’s a guarantee you’ll come back for more, so try their aged steaks and signature pasta dishes on your next visit.
Town Hall
Image: Town Hall Facebook
Town Hall hits all the right notes when it comes to food, service, and ambiance. No one leaves this Southern-inspired restaurant without a full stomach. Thanks to their farm-driven food fare prepared in the open wood-fire grille.
For starters, the deviled eggs appetizer is a must-try. For a hearty meal, go for the hanger steak served with fries, truffle aioli, soy-roasted onions, and red wine jus. Wash them down with fine wine, local beer, or a refreshing cocktail.
Cain’s Bar-B-Que
Image: Cain's BBQ Facebook
Cain’s has been around for over 50 years so it’s essentially a Florence institution. There’s plenty of reasons why this family-owned restaurant has staying power and they’re mostly related to BBQ and buffet. Don’t feel underwhelmed by their no-frills simple menu because the food is truly amazing if you’re into traditional Southern fare.
Their fried chicken and old-fashioned chicken bog are as Southern as they come. If you are a southern comfort food purist, Cain’s is a worthy food destination.
The Drive-In
Image: The Drive-In Google Business Listing
What’s not to love about burgers, fried chicken, milkshakes, hot dogs, and grilled cheese? These wholesome food fare is straight-up comfort food that reminds you of your childhood when food is simple but tastes great. The Drive-In excels in serving up these old-time diner favorites. But it doesn’t mean that’s all they’re good for. They also have Gyros, sandwiches, salads, and seafood dishes worthy of your attention.
Rebel Pie
Image: Rebel Pie Website
If you’re a pizza snob that scoffs at ordinary pizza, Rebel Pie is your new best friend. Their pizza are charred to perfection in their wood-fire oven. Ingredients are sourced from local providers so you’re guaranteed fresh toppings every time. The dough is handmade using all-natural ingredients.
You can choose from numerous pizza options with white sauce, olive oil, and red sauce bases. But what really stands out are the chicken fajita, buffalo chicken, and chicken pesto pizzas.
You can build your own pizza and go crazy with all the toppings at your disposal. There are nearly 40 toppings to choose from—from premium cheeses to vegetables to fruits to seafood to chicken to pork to sausages to bacon and more. For the sweet tooth pizza connoisseur, the Pecan Danish pizza and s’mores pizza will make you happy.
Julia Belle’s Restaurant
Image: Julia Belle's Facebook
Nestled in a red big barn in the Pee Dee Farmers Market, Julia Belle’s is like a secret hole in the wall that you want to keep to yourself but the food is so good you want everyone to know where it’s at. This gem of a restaurant serves southern dishes with Lowcountry flavor.
Loyal patrons swear by their shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, and crab cake sandwich. But the real scene-stealers are the BBQ egg rolls and homemade buttermilk biscuits. For hearty options, the country pot roast is just as delightful as the Southern fried chicken. Don’t forget to ask about their delicious desserts from the bakery, there might be a White Russian Pecan Pie with your name on it.
Stefano's
Image: Stefano's Facebook
If you want a taste of Italian cooking, Stefano’s is as authentic as it comes. They take pride in their fresh ingredients and old country preparations. Their hand-tossed pizzas are popular for a reason. Simple one-topping pizza never tasted so good. But you have to go all-in with the gourmet toppings which include fresh spinach, meatballs, broccoli, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers. It’s a flavor bomb in your mouth.
