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Columbia isn’t just the headquarters of South Carolina’s legislative doings. It’s also a hub of gastronomical commerce, a place where South Carolinians and visitors converge to experience the distinctive flavors of the capital city. Dining here is lively, diverse and often unforgettable.
Here is a sampling of dishes deemed crave-worthy by patrons of some of Columbia’s best restaurants. From apps to desserts, these menu superstars might just become your next dining obsession.
342 Pickens Street
(803) 779-0606
Fan Favorite: Bacon Gouda Pimento Cheese
The neighborhood vibe at Di Prato’s may be inviting, but it’s their tantalizing pimento cheese offerings that have put them on the culinary map. Creamy and tangy, these inspired spreads are as dreamy slathered on a house-made pita chip as they are dolloped on a burger. While customers can take a purist approach to pimento cheese here, there’s an overwhelming number who choose to go rogue with the Bacon Gouda Pimento Cheese. It’s just that tasty.
2617 Devine Street
(803) 465-4947
Fan Favorite: Black Pepper Bacon Maple Glaze
Tearing into a warm, homemade cinnamon roll is always special. But when that cinnamon roll is topped with black pepper, crispy bacon and a maple glaze, “special” doesn’t quite capture the full measure of the sweet-salty-buttery experience. But truth be told, every cinnamon roll is a treat at Devine as they are made from Hawaiian sweet bread dough. Still, there’s a reason the Food Network and many others hold the peppery, maple-y, bacon-y roll in such high esteem.
2001 Greene Street
(803) 254-7828
Fan Favorite: Oyster Appetizer
Mr. Friendly’s is renowned for its focus on freshness. Perhaps no other dish reflects that aesthetic more deliciously than their oyster appetizer. For countless patrons, biting into a flash-fried, cocktail sauce-dipped Gulf oyster is the only way to begin a meal at Mr. Friendly’s. While the offerings rotate seasonally, these crusty-tender gems have a permanent place on the menu thanks to customer demand.
1635 Main Street
(803) 606-1968
Fan Favorite: Cacio e Pepe
Creamy, cheesy, peppery pasta pillows—if that sounds heavenly, you best get down to Lula Drake Wine Parlor (recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its wine program) and taste the dish that will make you think you’ve earned your wings. Pasta dishes are impeccable here but it’s the house-made ricotta gnudi—light-as-air gnocchi—that will keep you coming back. Take it as is or topped with Iberico ham.
1531 Richland Street
(803) 556-2197
Fan Favorite: Oatmeal Cream Pie
While Spotted Salamander has long mastered the art of decadent deviled eggs, the oatmeal cream pie is vying for the top spot in the hearts of this café’s clientele. Each day, Jessica Shillato, a 2019 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, bakes up moist oatmeal cookies to make these cream-filled beauties. One bite, and you may never spring for those grocery store snack cakes again.
All Locations
Fan Favorite: Blackberry cobbler
Head to any one of the many locations of this Columbia-based, family-owned and -operated country cooking restaurant. Then, dive into some fried chicken, pot roast or meatloaf. Just make sure you leave room for a time-honored customer fave: a bowl of warm blackberry cobbler. A scoop of ice cream on top is the crowning, satisfying touch.
300 State Street, West Columbia | 309 South Lake Drive, Lexington
(803) 794-6634
Fan Favorite: Hangover Hash Browns
You don’t just need them. You really want them, too: Crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar, onions, banana peppers, tomato and sour cream topped with two eggs your way. Add a cup of coffee, and you’ve got the makings of a delicious wake-me-up meal. Of course, Hangover Hash Browns is not just reserved for folks needing to “clear the fog” with a filling breakfast or brunch. If you like hash browns with all the accoutrements, opt to bypass that nationally known diner chain and discover Cafe Strudel’s way with this rib-sticking, layered breakfast dish.
