The Columbia food scene is buzzing with new and exciting restaurants popping up all the time, while seasoned chefs continue to marvel diners with their culinary creations. Read along for more info on the culinary scene in the capital city.
In Five Points stop in for lunch at The Gourmet Shop. Order up their famous chicken salad with a glass of sweet tea. The Vista is a standout option with dozens of bars and restaurants across several blocks, from Motor Supply to Cola’s Restaurant. The tree-lined Devine Street is the perfect setting for outdoor dining (add the quaint courtyard at Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar to your list).
Head to Main Street and you'll find Lula Drake, a cozy yet vibrant, old-world wine parlour bookends the other side of downtown. Nestled in between, you’ll find coffee shops, bakeries, a vegan café, fast-casual eateries, and a family-friendly Mexican restaurant. Snag an outdoor table year-round and enjoy our lively, tree-lined downtown.
Lexington County also has a wide selection of delicious options. Venture just across the Gervais Street Bridge to try the acclaimed Terra in West Columbia or get dinner with a view at Liberty on the Lake in Irmo. All that said, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for gems tucked away in unexpected places, like Inakaya, an authentic Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located in a strip mall in northeast Columbia. Or, Duke's Pad Thai in Cayce. With mouth-watering Duke's Tacos and Street Eats on the menu, it's no wonder Duke's boasts the title of one of the best Thai restaurants in the area.
Here, you can get used to surprises – the good kind.
Whether you’re looking for tried and true Southern comfort food or fresh and contemporary dining, we do it well in Columbia. And you really can’t beat our affordable prices, hometown pride, and good old-fashioned kindness.
