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Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Columbia

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best value 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!

A photo of The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining restaurant

The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining

4.9

4.9 (114)

$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. Menu items that have remained on the menu since day one, Hickory Smoked Pork Chop, the Retreat Burger, and Buffalo Cauliflower.

Top review

M

Michele

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

We love to come to the Retreat when we are staying at our lake house. It is more upscale than the other options on lake Wateree. The food is always good and we enjoy the atmosphere. Highly recommend!!

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A photo of Thirsty Thursday Locals Night of a restaurant

Thirsty Thursday Locals Night

A photo of Bistro on the Boulevard restaurant

Bistro on the Boulevard

4.8

4.8 (864)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Irmo

About the restaurant

Exciting New American Restaurant & Full Bar featuring casual neighborhood atmosphere.
FRESH FOOD PREPARED FROM SCRATCH. And nightly Chef Specials too!
Large covered patio for outdoor seating.

Various Live Entertainment on Weekends, Thursday Night Live Jazz,
Trivia Tuesdays!

Top review

L

Lori

Dined 2 days ago

Great meal and experience as usual! Excellent singer, Chris Reed is always amazing!

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A photo of Crispy Pork Chop of a restaurant

Crispy Pork Chop

A photo of Bistro Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Saluda's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3924)

$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

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing meal, superb service as always. The halibut was especially delicious.

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A photo of Steak Tartare of a restaurant

A photo of Steak du Jour of a restaurant

A photo of Mill Pond Steakhouse restaurant

Mill Pond Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (1608)

$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

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Food was great as always. Service was not quite up to the standards they have usual had. We had to ask one of the wait staff twice for a new fork after we had dropped it on the floor. He said he forgot about. They were not that busy last night. Also we told them that we were there for our aunt and uncles 50th anniversary. At those prices you would think they would at least offer a piece of cake to acknowledge it. Oh well.

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A photo of Ribeye Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Crab Cakes of a restaurant

A photo of Travinia Italian Kitchen - Myrtle Beach restaurant

Travinia Italian Kitchen - Myrtle Beach

4.6

4.6 (358)

$31 to $50

Italian

Columbia

About the restaurant

For casual and elegant Italian fare in an open restaurant with private patio and lounge seating, visit Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For lunch, you can enjoy a Roasted Chicken Flatbread, Goat cheese salad and our fan favorite Italian Nachos. Dinner at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar offers authentic Italian cuisine such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Margherita pizza, Pan Roasted Chicken, Filet Mignon and Beef Short Rib Rigatoni.

Vegetarians and gluten sensitive individuals are not left out at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. A numerous amount of menu options can be accommodated for any guest's needs. Try the gluten-free tenderloin medallions for a meaty entrée or indulge in the Cauliflower Vegetable Pizza.

Top review

G

Glendavip

Dined 3 days ago

We had an excellent dinning experience. Service was great. We had Calmari, salad, and Lasagna and all were very tasty!

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A photo of Lasagna Bolognese of a restaurant

Lasagna Bolognese

A photo of Pesto Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of Sinatra Chicken of a restaurant

Sinatra Chicken

A photo of Kao Thai Cuisine restaurant

Kao Thai Cuisine

4.6

4.6 (405)

$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

J

Jon

Dined 5 days ago

Love Kao Thai! The roti and yellow curry and the crispy brussel sprouts are some of my favorite bites of food in Columbia. The pork belly is great as well. So much good food. Very talented chefs. Awesome menu! The garage door wall was rolled up so we could hear the fans cheering at M.O.M. Across the street. It was the right amount of celebratory noise but we could still carry a conversation easy. Gorgeous night!

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A photo of Pad Thai of a restaurant

A photo of Crab Fried Rice of a restaurant

Crab Fried Rice

A photo of Green Curry of a restaurant

A photo of The Melting Pot - Columbia SC restaurant

The Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.9

4.9 (1202)

$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

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 27, 2024

This was a wonderful experience. The staff guided us through the ordering process as this was our first time. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We had the four course meal and it was very good. I will say be prepared to spend a little over 150 if you are on a date but well worth the experience.

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A photo of Pure Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Pure Chocolate Fondue

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

Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Thursdate of a restaurant

A photo of Chophouse of Chapin restaurant

Chophouse of Chapin

4.7

4.7 (991)

$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

EC

EdwinC

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

Always great food and service. Love the bourbon selection and wine list.

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A photo of Steak Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Bacon Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Angell Bros. 1801 Grille restaurant

Angell Bros. 1801 Grille

4.4

4.4 (481)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Welcome to Angell Bros. 1801 Grille, the Capital City's exciting new restaurant concept from brothers Jon and Dan Angell. We're located at 700 Lincoln St #200, across from the Colonial Life Arena in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

Top review

D

Demond

Dined 5 days ago

I really enjoyed the food at 1801 Grille. I was treated kindly and quickly. The food was wonderful as well.

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