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Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Columbia

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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 Saluda's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3980)
$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
Elainevip
Dined 2 days ago
Great date-night restaurant. Tables are not crammed together, noise level is better than most places, and food is delicious.
A photo of Bistro on the Boulevard restaurant
4.8
4.8 (892)
$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
Greg
Dined 3 days ago
Greeted warmly at the front and they pulled up my reservation immediately. We were seated right away and our waitress greeted us at the table. Everyone seemed to enjoy their jobs and it showed in their actions / service. The food was outstanding. Overall we had a great experience and would recommend you check it out yourself.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Columbia SC restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1220)
$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
Lindsay
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful experience with family and the food and service were excellent. Really enjoyed our server who was extremely polite and engaging. I don’t remember his name but he turns 24 this week.
A photo of The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining restaurant
4.8
4.8 (120)
$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
Jeff
Dined 5 days ago
The Retreat never fails to provide a first rate meal and experience. Last night we had a great cauliflower soup, burger, and Nashville chicken. Each dish was excellent. Can't recommend the Retreat any more highly. You will see the difference between a cook and a chef. Not that the food is overly fancy or exotic, it's just perfectly prepared and delicious. Check it out.
A photo of Chophouse of Chapin restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1013)
$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
Neil
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Food was excellent, appetizers, and drink were great. Service awesome. Just a great dinner experience.
A photo of Kao Thai Cuisine restaurant
4.5
4.5 (414)
$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
Russell
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Excellent food, service and location. I will be a repeat customer.
A photo of Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1611)
$31 to $50
Brazilian Steakhouse
Columbia
About the restaurant
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!
Top review
Mark
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
Little loud but good service and food. Would go back.
A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant
4.4
4.4 (2472)
$30 and under
American
Columbia
About the restaurant
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.

Top review
Kedrick
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience, great staff and quick service 10/10
A photo of Travinia Italian Kitchen - Myrtle Beach restaurant
4.4
4.4 (384)
$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
Jeff
Dined 5 days ago
The atmosphere is relaxing. Service was attentive aand excellent. Food Pollo Isabella was delicious!
A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC restaurant
4.3
4.3 (372)
$30 and under
American
Columbia
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Judith
Dined 5 days ago
This is a great place. The food was wonderful, and the service was fabulous! It is a definite must to add to your dining experience.
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