Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Columbia

OpenTable

Updated July 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!

Top of Carolina

4.9

4.9 (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.

Mill Pond Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (1744)

$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

Mary

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Great food and service! Love this place. Highly recommend

MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia

4.8

4.8 (277)

$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

Kevin

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and service. Love Nibble as well. A must try.

Saluda's

4.8

4.8 (4164)

$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

JudyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent!!! Always a treat to dine at Saluda’s! Food, service, and atmosphere was great! Keep up the good work!

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The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining

4.8

4.8 (159)

$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

Michelle

Dined 1 day ago

Great waitress...Very attentive and pleasant. Beautiful location on the water. Thank you for seating us at a window table.

The Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.7

4.7 (1253)

$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

Sarah

Dined 1 day ago

The 4 course experience was unlike any other dining experience, I’ve had. Food was delicious and the desserts were heaven! 😍

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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

Coa Agaveria y Cocina

4.8

4.8 (10)

$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

Mary

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent service, drinks and food but really noisy Even though it wasn't fully packed and we were at the end of the dining area.

Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz)

4.7

4.7 (1276)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Columbia

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Gina

Dined 5 days ago

What a lovely dinner my husband, daughter, and I had at Braza this evening. The atmosphere and service are impeccable; Ray took attentive care of our table all evening and was so kind to our daughter. The well stocked buffet is clearly labeled with delicious fresh foods (the mashed potatoes and spring salad are particularly excellent). And the service from Paulo and Santiago as they brought cuts of meat to the table was a delight. I definitely recommend the picanha and alcatra are particularly excellent. This was our second time here and we will be sure to make it a more regular event. The food is excellent but it's the people who work here that make this place extra special and set it apart.

Chophouse of Chapin

4.7

4.7 (1124)

$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

steve

Dined 3 days ago

Every time we have been here the service is excellent! Drinks are great and the food is exceptional. Their burger is phenomenal. This is a Chapin Gem!

Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse

4.6

4.6 (180)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Join us at Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse, where we pride ourselves on our unique offerings and commitment to quality. Our House Dry Aged Steaks are a true labor of love--aged for 30 days in our own Dry Age cooler, hand-cut to perfection, and featuring show-stopping Tomahawks that will leave you speechless. Pair your meal with a selection of over 140 rare bottles and a curated wine list of 60 hand-selected varieties. And for seafood lovers, our menu delights with Crabcakes, Seared Ahi Tuna, and Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

Brunch on weekends features indulgent options like Eggs Benedicts and savory delights like Shrimp and Grits. Wash it down with mimosas for the perfect brunch experience!

During Happy Hour, enjoy half off our wine selection and Buffalo Trace specials. Explore our upgraded spirits collection, including the sought-after Weller collection, for a truly elevated experience.

Join us and savor the flavors that will leave you craving more!

Top review

Robert

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

One of the best places to get a great steak. Also the Japanese chicken appetizers are best!

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