CITY GRIT

If there is one culinary destination you cannot miss when exploring Columbia’s historic Vista neighborhood, it’s CITY GRIT. The concept first made waves in New York City as an influential private dining club, dubbed an “off-Broadway James Beard House” by The New York Times for hosting the nation’s rising star chefs. Today, founder Chef Sarah Simmons has brought that same tastemaking energy home to South Carolina, creating a vibrant, multi-concept space that earned CITY GRIT Hospitality a 2023 James Beard Award Finalist nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur.

What makes CITY GRIT a true standout in Columbia’s food scene is its unique dual identity. By day, it functions as a relaxed lunch counter and market, serving up daytime favorites like elevated paninis on bread baked fresh in-house overnight alongside select signature dinner dishes, seasonal soups, and artisanal pantry items. When night falls, the space transforms into an electric wine bar and restaurant featuring a full menu inspired by European travels, blending Spanish, French, Italian, and Modern American flavors. Guests can indulge in an extensive raw bar, elevated seafood, house-made pastas, and small plates built specifically for wine pairing.

Beyond the menu, CITY GRIT operates unlike any other spot in town. It serves as the bustling central prep kitchen for local favorite smallSUGAR, hosts monthly “Finer Dining” educational nights to train and inspire its staff, and leads impactful community feeding programs. Pair all of that with a beverage list boasting over 22 wines by the glass and one of the finest grower champagne collections in South Carolina, and you have an unmissable staple of the capital city. Plan your trip to the Vista with Experience Columbia SC today.