Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Columbia

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia

4.9

4.9 (274)

$31 to $50

Asian

Columbia

About the restaurant

Welcome to MOA, downtown Columbia's exclusive destination for authentic Korean BBQ dining. Our upscale establishment prides itself on delivering an unforgettable culinary experience, where the vibrant flavors of traditional Korean cuisine meet the highest quality ingredients, including our signature dry-aged beef. Sit back and relax as our dedicated service team expertly handles the grilling for your table, ensuring every bite is perfection. Join us for a memorable dining adventure at the only Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown Columbia, where every moment is filled with warmth, flavor, and genuine hospitality.

Top review

Simon

Dined 1 day ago

Services good but the bbq is okay. Meat is blend and hot dishes are not having enough taste. I have lot of leftover.

Mill Pond Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (1740)

$31 to $50

Steak

Rembert

About the restaurant

Window seating is first come, first serve depending on how early you make your reservation. Parties larger than 5 are unable to be seated next to the window. We do our best to accommodate all requests but aren't always able to seat everyone that requests a window seat by the window.

Mill Pond Steakhouse is the only up-scaled steakhouse in the midlands. We have a well developed staff that is committed to your dining needs. It starts from the time you pick up the phone to make a reservation to when you are welcomed at the front door and lasts forever. When you arrive to the Mill Pond Steakhouse in Boykin, SC you take a step back in time. Mill Pond Steakhouse offers rustic elegance with southern hospitality and a one of a kind dining experience.

Parties of 6 or more are required to call the restaurant at 803-425-8825 and ask to speak to management.

If you can't make your reservation on time, please call to let us know or else your table may be given to someone else. Thank you!

Top review

TeresaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Happy to be nearby for a welcome back repeat experience of friendly greeting to beautiful views of the pond and critters. Huey made an appearance swimming! Chad took great care of us and was able to remind me of my fave wine! The oysters Rockefeller were delish and we enjoyed the 20oz dry aged rib eye along with succotash and Mac n cheese. The mixed fruit cobbler and ice cream definitely ended our date on a spectacular note! Thank you also to sweet Bella who kept us happy with cornbread and extra needs! ❤️

Chayz Lounge

4.9

4.9 (43)

$31 to $50

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Chayz Lounge is more than a venue — it’s a boutique destination where smooth jazz meets culinary artistry, and every moment feels like a special occasion.

Nestled in the heart of West Columbia’s River District, we offer a curated escape that blends signature small plates, fine wines, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, intimate, upscale setting.

Each experience is intentionally designed, from wine tastings and the Chef’s Dinner Series to Vino & Vinyl nights and Sunday Jazz Brunch, offering something far beyond entertainment: atmosphere, enrichment, and unforgettable moments.

Like the iconic spaces once curated by tastemaker B. Smith, Chayz Lounge is where culture, class, and intention converge. It’s a space for discerning guests, devoted music lovers, and those drawn to the finer things—and the elegant setting to savor them.

Whether you're savoring Signature Tasting menu, enjoying wine and vinyl, or taking in a live performance, Chayz Lounge invites you to indulge in the moment.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Everything about this experience was lovely. Our waitress, Shay, was superb! My husband told me to make another reservation next month for monthly brunch date.

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Experience

Sunday Jazz Brunch

The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining

4.8

4.8 (156)

$30 and under

Southern

Colonel Creek Landing

About the restaurant

The Retreat located on Lake Wateree in Ridgeway, South Carolina is inspired by celebrating family and the community. This scratch kitchen showcases locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in their cozy lake front restaurant. Chef Blake Hartwick's approach and belief in representing local farmers drives the refined southern cuisine served at The Retreat. The southern charm extends through the whole restaurant as Heather's dedication to exceptional experience will provide you with a warm welcome in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere paired with attentive service.

Top review

Melissa

Dined on May 24, 2025

We were enjoying a Winthrop College reunion and celebrated at the Retreat. We enjoyed every bite and the surprise dessert! Thanks for a lovely evening! One of our favorite spots!

Coa Agaveria y Cocina

4.8

4.8 (5)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Columbia

About the restaurant

Escape to Coa Agaveria y Cocina, Columbia's upscale Mexican haven. Savor our family recipes, crafted with bold flavors from across Mexico. Indulge in small plates, exquisite tequila and mezcal cocktails, and specialty dishes that tantalize your taste buds. Our cozy ambiance creates the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. Join us for a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Mexico.

We accept limited reservations Monday – Saturday

Standard Tables: Parties of 2 to 12 guests
High Top Tables: Parties of 4 to 12 guests
Patio Tables: Parties of 2 to 12 guests

If not available smaller parties are served on a first-come, first served basis, and larger parties over 12 must call for a reservation.

Our private dining room can accommodate up to 24 guests. Please call 803-851-5965 or email privatedining@coaagaveria.com to reserve.

Top review

Dined on May 31, 2025

Great to find a non-chain Mexican style restaurant of this quality. Delicious food and extensive tequila selection.

Kao Thai Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (448)

$31 to $50

Thai

Columbia

About the restaurant

Our menu offers modern Thai eats that are commonly found on the streets of Bangkok as well as a mix of creative pan-Asian and Asian-American fusion dishes that are fresh and exciting. With a rotating menu of specials, we hope to continuously bring new flavors and dishes to the Main Street District!

Top review

Lydia

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Our food was phenomenal and nicely portioned. Our server, Gavin, was very welcoming and attentive. It was the first time for my date and he was very impressed and bragged to his friends about the food and his experience. The ambience was perfect for a date night. And it was nice to have interesting drink option that were non-alcoholic. I grew up with a lychee tree in my front yard so it was nice to share my fruit with my date so he could get a taste of my childhood. We will definitely be back!

Saluda's

4.7

4.7 (4149)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Five Points, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capitol building, Saluda’s has been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since it opened to much fanfare in 1996. Saluda's has created an exciting menu intermingling classically prepared dishes with cutting edge techniques and ingredients. Saluda's menu is built around mixing locally grown seasonal products with luxurious ingredients from around the world. Saluda's features Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences to create a menu both familiar and new. Our professional and courteous staff serves all of our guests with true Southern hospitality.

Top review

Brett

Dined 2 days ago

Everyone’s food was great. Like the new vertical fried green tomatoes. Pork cheek is a new favorite. Homemade meatballs in pasta de jour were excellent.

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4.8

4.8 (144)

$50 and over

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other as you ascend to the pinnacle of indulgence at the Top of Carolina rotating restaurant for Sunday brunch. Nestled high above the cityscape, our panoramic views are only rivaled by the sumptuous spread awaiting your arrival. As you sip on mimosas and bask in the morning sunlight, let the world below become a mere backdrop to the feast unfolding before you.

From the first bite of freshly baked pastries to the last sip of artisan coffee, every detail is meticulously curated to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your brunch experience to new heights. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, from savory classics to inventive culinary creations, all while being gently spun around to witness the ever-changing landscape below.

Join us at the Top of Carolina, where Sunday brunch isn't just a meal—it's an unforgettable journey through taste and sight, leaving you with memories as delightful as the dishes themselves.

Top review

Erica

Dined on May 11, 2025

My son treated me to the Mother's day Brunch, very beautiful atmosphere, food was excellent and service was top notch.

The Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.7

4.7 (1250)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Columbia

About the restaurant

Experience a new way to dine when you make The Melting Pot in Columbia your next dinner destination. From the first bite of our delicious artisan cheeses, to the last bite of our decadent chocolate fondues, you will know you have made the right decision! Whether you want to have the full four-course adventure or you are in the mood for perfectly crafted cocktails and cheese fondue, you can find what you crave on our tables. Our friendly staff specializes in creating your perfect night out. Come join us today at The Melting Pot.

Top review

Nancy

Dined on May 28, 2025

Such a wonderful, unique experience. Allows lots of time to talk and no cell phones. Food was excellent, along with the service. Would highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Popular dish

Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue

Chophouse of Chapin

4.7

4.7 (1116)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chapin

About the restaurant

Chophouse of Chapin is an upscale steakhouse located in Chapin Commons - featuring aged steaks, delicious desserts, a large selection of spirits & an in-house wine sommelier

An in-house Tallow aged steak - a Chef selected ribeye encased in rendered steak trimmings, then aged for 60 days and handcut to perfection. The Chophouse has a full bar with a wide variety of spirits hand selected by our award-winning bar staff. And an on-premise Wine Sommelier that will help pair your menu selection with the best wine from our extensive menu to please your palate.

Top review

Joe

Dined on May 29, 2025

The food was prepared perfectly, taste was simply delicious. The wait staff were all very attentive, pleasant and professional. We’ll be back soon for another amazing dinner.

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