Restaurants near Riverbanks Zoo And Botanical Garden

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanPizzeriaFusion / Eclectic

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Columbia restaurant

1. Tupelo Honey - Columbia

4.6

Exceptional(220)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Columbia

Booked 52 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.If you do not see your desired party size or time available please see our website for additional reservation availability. https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/frisco/reservations/

A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant

2. California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

4.4

Awesome(2738)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Columbia

Booked 41 times today

Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside the historic 1902 Union Station, California Dreaming welcomes guests with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of the rail tracks, stretching from the inactive platform to the main terminal. Paired with our hearty, made-from-scratch menu, it's no wonder California Dreaming has been a beloved local institution since 1984. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including online ordering with curbside pickup.Celebrating 40 years, California Dreaming has been a valued part of the Columbia community. Union Station, its historic home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.**We provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 8. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

A photo of Melting Pot - Columbia SC restaurant

3. Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.7

Exceptional(1253)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Columbia

Booked 23 times today

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.

4. Saluda's

4.8

Exceptional(4164)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Columbia

Booked 36 times today

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.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia restaurant

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia

4.4

Awesome(2915)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Columbia

Booked 23 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef. Broiled in a trademark 1,800° oven & served on a plate heated to 500 degrees, your steak is presented sizzling hot at your table.Additionally, the menu includes select fresh seafood & other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like foie gras, buffalo strip & scallops. A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience. Ruth's Chris never fails to please!

A photo of MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia restaurant

6. MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia

4.8

Exceptional(277)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Columbia

Booked 12 times today

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.

A photo of Prohibition - Columbia restaurant

7. Prohibition - Columbia

4.4

Awesome(183)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Columbia

Booked 12 times today

Prohibition Columbia opened in the spring of 2024 and is brought to you by the same team behind Prohibition Charleston, which opened in 2014, and Repeal 33 in historic Savannah, Georgia. While many of the food and drink items can be found at all three locations, special considerations have been made to tailor a unique experience in each city.As part of the ever-growing Main Street District, Prohibition brings innovative cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and live music to the heart of Soda City.

A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC restaurant

8. Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC

4.1

Excellent(474)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Columbia

Booked 4 times today

Welcome to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, where you'll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere.

A photo of Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia restaurant

9. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia

4.3

Awesome(1651)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Brazilian Steakhouse • Columbia

Booked 3 times today

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is an unique, all you can eat “Churrascaria” featuring a full Salad Bar with over 30 items, 6 Hot Dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, chicken, pork and lamb sliced at your table by our Gauchos. Along with a full bar, we have a beautiful walk-in wine cellar with fine selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, California and our Brazilian Flavored Martini Menu. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience!

10. Top of Carolina

4.9

Exceptional(144)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Columbia

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.

Dining near Riverbanks Zoo And Botanical Garden at a glance

Updated on 7/8/2025

Top of Carolina

4.9

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From verified diners like you

T
Tracey
1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was great and our server was fabulous! Such a great place to celebrate our son’s birthday!
More info
Tupelo Honey - ColumbiaPrice: Moderate• Southern• Columbia
•
4.6
S
Sarah
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The 4 course experience was unlike any other dining experience, I’ve had. Food was delicious and the desserts were heaven! 😍
More info
Melting Pot - Columbia SCPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Columbia
•
4.7
M
MarilynVIP
Southwest Florida •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Love She Crab soup and California Dreaming salad !!!
More info
California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority SeatingPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
•
4.4
L
LB
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent experience as always at this restaurant… Very professional service from the staff in all aspects. Highly recommended 10/10 rating.
More info
Ruth's Chris Steak House - ColumbiaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Columbia
•
4.4
R
Ron
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 2, 2025
Absolutely delicious from start to finish. Our waitress made great menu suggestions and was very helpful.
More info
Prohibition - ColumbiaPrice: Expensive• American• Columbia
•
4.4

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