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Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Columbia

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OpenTable
Updated December 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
Saluda's
4.9
4.9 (3999)
$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
RogerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely wonderful experience! The restaurant is very nice inside with a very welcoming vibe. We were visiting Columbia for the first time and totally lucked out. We had a 2 server team as one was being trained and the service was amazing. I wrote down their names but lost my receipt. Food was fabulous. I had the Wreckfish special and my wife had the Lamb Osso Buco and they couldn’t have been any better. If you’re in town this should be a must
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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Steak Tartare of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Tartare
A photo of Sweet & Spicy Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sweet & Spicy Fried Oysters
A photo of The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining restaurant
The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining
4.9
4.9 (124)
$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
Nancy
Dined 2 days ago
We love The Retreat! Always great food, lovely atmosphere and a favorite place to eat!
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A photo of 3 Courses for 29 Our Holiday Restaurant Week of a restaurant
Experience
3 Courses for 29 Our Holiday Restaurant Week
A photo of Bistro on the Boulevard restaurant
Bistro on the Boulevard
4.8
4.8 (893)
$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
Kelley
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
We went to celebrate our anniversary and the place was jumping. Live music, lovely ambiance. I had the duck breast and the wedge salad and both were spectacular. Wait staff and management were attentive but not too much, just perfect. I was pleasantly surprised overall and we will definitely return!
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A photo of Crispy Pork Chop of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Pork Chop
A photo of Bistro Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bistro Burger
A photo of Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz) restaurant
Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz)
4.8
4.8 (1175)
$31 to $50
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
Barry
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Thr wait staff did not seem to be very happy. I've been to other Brazilian restaurants where the wait staff was incredibly energetic which made mediocre food taste incredible.
A photo of Chophouse of Chapin restaurant
Chophouse of Chapin
4.7
4.7 (1026)
$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
William
Dined 3 days ago
The Hostess, Marina, was excellent. She knew how to deliver the menu with its’ specials to draw attention to the starters, entrees, desserts, etc… Marina was friendly, kind, professional and knowledgeable. The food was excellent!
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A photo of Steak Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Salad
A photo of Bacon Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bacon Steak
A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wedge Salad
A photo of Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia restaurant
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia
4.6
4.6 (1617)
$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
Robin
Dined 4 days ago
Fun experience with friends and the food was excellent. Service is great and choices of meats are endless. If you like meat than this is your place.
A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant
California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating
4.5
4.5 (2530)
$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
Ken
Dined 3 days ago
Great service and food!!! Thank you for a great restaurant.
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A photo of Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak
A photo of California Dreaming of a restaurant
Popular dish
California Dreaming
A photo of Kao Thai Cuisine restaurant
Kao Thai Cuisine
4.4
4.4 (416)
$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.
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A photo of Crab Fried Rice of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Fried Rice
A photo of Roti and Curry of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roti and Curry
A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC restaurant
Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC
4.4
4.4 (383)
$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
Rich
Dined 5 days ago
Great bar dining experience The staff were all outstanding They brought everybody in my party, a sample of one of their brews which was great! Food , all 7 dishes were great
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A photo of PUB BURGER of a restaurant
Popular dish
PUB BURGER
A photo of MOROCCAN SALMON of a restaurant
Popular dish
MOROCCAN SALMON
A photo of CHICKEN WINGS of a restaurant
Popular dish
CHICKEN WINGS
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