10 Great Restaurants in Columbia

If you’re looking for (self-proclaimed) “Frenchish” fare in West Columbia, you can’t beat Black Cockerel—brought to you by Columbia restauranteur, Kristin Niemi. Expect French bistro classics with a Southern twist, from escargots and steak frites to a Royal with cheese, and you can wash it all down with an affordable French wine.

Black Cockerel is an impressive sight as you head over Gervais St bridge, but the atmosphere inside is friendly and relaxed. One of the best features must be the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy sunset views and sip a French-inspired cocktail. The rooftop is open from 4.30pm and is first come, first served, so get there early to grab the perfect sunset spot.

One of Columbia’s top chef-lead restaurants, Motor Supply Company Bistro serves farm-to-table produce in the Congaree Vista District. There’s a daily-changing menu of delicious New American fare featuring lunch and dinner options with influences from Creole, Cajun, Southern, French, and Asian cuisine.

Looking for a weekend brunch spot? Motor Supply has a tempting menu on offer with house-smoked salmon boards, breakfast sandwiches, and low country crab cakes—as well as a killer cocktail list including “Columbia’s best Bloody Mary”. Plus, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Grab a seat on the heated outdoor patio to watch the world go by.

Part of a chain of South Carolina restaurants, Halls Chophouse has an enviable address on the corner of Main and Gervais Street, close to the South Carolina Statehouse. The striking glass-fronted building, high ceilings, and long bar will add an air of fine-dining sophistication to your experience.

With a focus on high-end surf and turf, this is one of the best spots in Columbia to find locally sourced seafood and the finest prime steaks. If you’re a steak connoisseur, you’ve come to the right place with 14 prime cuts to choose from, cooked to the temperature of your choice and served with delicious sides and sauces.

A Columbia institution in city centre, Cola’s is certainly worth a visit for the experience as much as the food. Housed in a restored 1930's RC Cola bottling plant, the interior has exposed brick walls, leather seated booths, and a 40-foot-long bar. Plus, there are two garage doors that open up so diners can enjoy views of the statehouse.

But it’s not all about the restaurant building, Cola’s boasts an eclectic menu of delicious seafood—from shrimp savannah to whole crispy flounder—as well as steaks, salads, and sides. Those with a sweet tooth should save space for a rich, chocolatey dessert.

Saluda’s has been a long-standing highlight of the Columbia dining scene and is popular for its refined food and professional service in an attractive setting. Serving up classic Southern fare with continental influences, you can expect a mouthwatering menu of dishes such as sautéed shrimp and grits or filet mignon with parmesan mash.

Located in Five Points in city centre Columbia, Saluda’s is visited by locals and tourists alike, for the atmosphere as much as the food. Think white linen tablecloths, a long mahogany bar, and welcoming staff. The high-quality food, setting, and service are sure to make it feel like a fine-dining experience, Southern style.

Blue Marlin promises a taste of the Southern Low Country with simple, delicious dishes influenced by African, West Indian, and Caribbean flavours. There’s a great choice of seafood such as crab cakes, flounder, or calamari, along with burgers, soup, salads, and more. Just make sure you leave space for a slice of cheesecake or Key lime pie.

It’s located in the historic Seaboard Railway Station in the Congaree Vista District—a great Columbia area for eating out, shopping, and galleries. There’s so much to see in this area near the Congaree River, and as Blue Marlin is open daily for lunch and dinner, there’s no excuse not to stop in for some classic Southern seafood.

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is an award-winning “Churrascaria” with a great location on Columbia Main Street. Choose from 16 prime cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb sliced tableside by Gauchos, along with 6 different Brazilian hot dishes and a 30-item salad bar buffet—all you can eat—there’s no way you’re leaving this joint hungry.

This meat-lovers paradise is a decadent and unique experience for any visit to Columbia. If you’re travelling with children, you can benefit from cheaper kids’ prices, and under 5s eat free. It’s a popular place so make sure you reserve a seat or consider their takeaway menu.

Located on Blanding Street, close to the Columbia Museum of Art, Villa Tronco is the oldest restaurant in South Carolina and run by three generations of the Tronco family. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional family-owned Italian trattoria with red gingham tablecloths, cosy seated booths, and walls cluttered with family photos.

The menu features all the irresistible Italian favourites, from seafood pasta to Mama Tronco’s homemade pizza. It would be a crime not to save some space for a gelato or Tiramisu—perhaps with a shot of limoncello or grappa. Plus, there are regular Broadway and opera music nights to enjoy with your food, but it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.

For top-notch French-inspired cuisine in Columbia, head to the Hampton Street Vineyard housed in downtown’s historic Sylvan Building. The philosophy here is to offer only the freshest local ingredients, using classic techniques to create French classics such as escargot, mussels, ratatouille, steak frites, and many more.

The restaurant is open daily with a long weekend brunch (please note that dinner is not served on Sunday) and serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes with quality service and an extensive wine list. This is quality French fine dining for those looking for something special. The menu changes quarterly so you can try a variety of new dishes if you decide to treat yourself to a return visit.

If you want to treat yourself to a special dinner in Columbia, Smoked offers an exciting menu of Southern-inspired dishes—combining the elements of seafood, meat, and smoke. From oysters and lobster to Japanese Wagyu, this is fine dining at its best. There are also lunch and brunch menus with plenty to choose from.

With a stylish outdoor patio, Smoked is the perfect place to kick back and people-watch on Main Street. If you don’t have time to eat, grab a drink—the restaurant has its own microbrewery, handcrafted cocktails, and a great choice of old and new-world wines. Plus, there’s a daily happy hour on selected food and drinks 4–6pm on weekdays.