Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Columbia

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

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!

The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining

4.9

4.9 (116)

$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

Ginger

Dined 3 days ago

The Retreat is a peaceful gem on Lake Wateree. We came for brunch today. Redneck Benedict was excellent. And my husband said the Lakeside Breakfast was delicious with crispy Applewood bacon. We sat outside with our little dog. Our server kindly brought him water. It was our first outing of that sort with him, and the staff was so welcoming. We will be back without a doubt!

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Experience

Thirsty Thursday Locals Night

Mill Pond Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (1624)

$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

Sonya

Dined 4 days ago

My husband and I love dining at Mill Pond steakhouse. Food is always amazing and the service is always great !!! 😋

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The Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.8

4.8 (1207)

$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

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

Regan, our waitress was exceptional, she was kind and helpful! Food was very good!

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

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

Popular dish

Black Forest Chocolate Fondue

Saluda's

4.8

4.8 (3950)

$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

jamievip

Dined 5 days ago

My favorite restaurant for visits to USC. 4th time here. Nick was awesome as our server. Wine very reasonably priced. Food is amazing. You have to try the fried green tomatoes.

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MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia

4.8

4.8 (196)

$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

Charles

Dined 7 days ago

Alex was our server and she was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and we enjoyed each of her recommendations. Great flavors and food. Overall, a great dinner experience.

Bistro on the Boulevard

4.8

4.8 (870)

$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

Barrett

Dined on Sep 19, 2024

We had a great time. The food was wonderful and I would definitely return.

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4.7

4.7 (997)

$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

Shannon

Dined 1 day ago

Chophouse of Chapin is amazing! Our waitress, Kim, was wonderful; they very carefully prepared my food to avoid my strange list of food allergies with cheerfulness; all of our food was perfect-beautiful to see and absolutely delicious; the ambiance is refined yet comfortable. This is our favorite place for a special night.

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4.7

4.7 (677)

$30 and under

Low Country

Columbia

About the restaurant

Blue Fin brings the taste of Charleston to Columbia with a Metropolitan flair. With an upscale casual atmosphere, Blue Fin can accommodate any occasion from the everyday to special nights out.

Top review

Rich

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

Food was good and it was karaoke night so a bit loud

Motor Supply Company Bistro

4.6

4.6 (3912)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Congaree Vista Motor Supply has been serving progressive, New World cuisine using classic French culinary techniques for over 20 years. The menu features contemporary New American cuisine, with nods to Creole, Cajun, New Southern, French, Italian and Asian cuisine. We are Columbia's foremost "farm to fork" restaurant, working with local, sustainable farms for produce, meats, SC seafood and more. Seafood is caught off of the Carolina coast, and all of our stocks, sauces and desserts are made on site, including our charcuterie, with house-made sausages, bacon, country pate, and rillettes, all the way down to the pickles and mustard. Our early 19th century, solid-oak bar with marble columns, imported from Europe, serves 180+ fine wines, an extensive list of imported, domestic and local craft beers, as well as an artisan farm-to-shaker cocktail list made from house-infused liquors, handmade bitters, barrel-aged spirits and locally-sourced ingredients and garnishes.

Top review

Bradvip

Dined 3 days ago

Awesome as always. Wish they would bring back the BEC at brunch.

Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz)

4.7

4.7 (1152)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Columbia

About the restaurant

Welcome to Braza do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse, we look forward to seeing you soon

Step into a world of culinary excellence at our amazing Brazilian Steakhouse! 🥩✨ Immerse yourself in Brazil's vibrant flavors and traditions as our skilled chefs serve up a feast for your senses.

Savor the succulent cuts of perfectly grilled meats, from tender sirloin to juicy lamb chops, brought directly to your table on skewers. Each bite is a symphony of smoky, savory goodness, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection.

But our Brazilian steakhouse is not just about the meats—it's a celebration of flavors and textures. Indulge in a colorful array of fresh salads, exotic side dishes, and traditional Brazilian specialties like feijoada and pão de queijo.

Brazil's signature cocktail. With impeccable service and a lively atmosphere, our Brazilian steakhouse promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you returning for more.🍷🔥

Top review

Mark

Dined 5 days ago

Everything was awesome. Paulo with the flank steak kept me full. Always enjoy our time and experience there with you guys.

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