Eat Like a Local: Columbia, South Carolina Classics

By: TLP's Partners

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In the heart of South Carolina, you’ll find the capital city of Columbia. Home to not only movers and shakers, and innovators and lawmakers, but also some of the most creative culinary minds. Here, Southern comfort and multicultural flavors meet to create a diverse palate for food lovers. The city has received national acclaim in recent years for its renowned hospitality and exceptional dishes. While the recognition may be fresh, for those who call Columbia home, this is nothing new. Long-standing establishments have stood the test of time and lived in the hearts of locals for decades.

columbia SC Bianca Crawford Shelton Ambassador — Image courtesy of Forrest Clonts

The Gourmet Shop, located in the Five Points district, has been a community staple since 1979. Enjoy a hot-pressed panini or the Famous Chicken Salad with a side of the beloved tomato bisque on their patio, then peruse the attached shop of fine wine, cheeses, kitchen supplies, to-go bites and more.

If the flavors of Greece are what you crave, Mediterranean Tea Room just up the road on Devine Street is a can’t-miss destination. You’ll find the usual fare like gyros and falafel, but their signature salmon is a menu showstopper that immediately becomes part of diners’ regular rotation.

Did you know that Columbia is home to South Carolina’s oldest restaurant? Located in a historic 19th century firehouse, Villa Tronco in the Main Street district has been serving up authentic Italian dishes since 1940. Family-owned and operated for five generations, you’ll find both the hospitality and the cuisine to be warm and comforting. And don’t forget to order a whole cheesecake for your next get-together!

For an unforgettable farm-to-table experience, head over to Motor Supply Co. Bistro in the Vista. Their menu changes daily, sourcing the freshest selections from local farms. Their consistency and commitment to serving the highest quality of ingredients is what’s earned them the honor of being named a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

Just over the river from downtown Columbia, you’ll enter Lexington County, which is a culinary destination in its own right. In 1972, two brothers purchased what was once Mama Mia’s Pizza and transformed it into The Kingsman Restaurant in Cayce. They kept some of the original Italian dishes on the menu and added in some new items that would become specialties. Today they’re known for the pimento cheeseburger, Taz’s Taters, spaghetti night and hearty locally-aged ribeyes. A further drive into the Town of Lexington is Old Mill Brewpub. Located in Lexington’s old cotton gin that was built before the turn of the century, you’ll find a wide selection of beers as well delicious burger creations and classic bar food bites.

We’ve only scratched the surface of what Columbia’s culinary scene has to offer, and it’s well worth planning a trip to taste it for yourself. Learn more and start planning your meals on the Experience Columbia SC website.