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What types of romantic dining options are available in Columbia, South Carolina?
- The capital city of South Carolina is home to a variety of romantic restaurants that are perfect for quiet dinners and special celebrations.
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Where can you experience farm-to-table dining in Columbia?
- Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and welcoming southern hospitality at 1801 Grille.
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Where can you find Cajun-Creole food and whiskey in Columbia?
- Tuck into Cajun-Creole classics and a variety of bourbon and whiskey at Bourbon.
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Where can you enjoy Northern Italian cuisine in Columbia?
- Try traditional Northern Italian dishes with local twists at Ristorante Divino in the historic Congaree Vista area.
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Where can you find the best romantic dining spots in Columbia?
- Here are some of Columbia’s top spots for romantic dinners and special occasions.
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1. Halls Chophouse Columbia
Halls Chophouse Columbia is the perfect place to go for a romantic date night. Boasting beautiful views, the family steakhouse and iconic dining institution serve a menu of contemporary New American cuisine and fine wines from around the world in an elegant, stylish setting. Tuck into prime 28-day dry aged steaks, grass-fed or Japanese Wagyu filets, or other meat and seafood dishes of bison, duck, lamb, or locally raised trout along with fresh salads, traditional sides and decadent desserts. The refined old-school eatery hosts classic jazz on select evenings and live music every night, as well as soulful sounds during their renowned Gospel Sunday Brunch. Private dining is available in three intimate rooms with set menus for large groups celebrating special occasions. Halls Chophouse is open for dinner Monday through Sunday and brunch and dinner on the weekends.
1221 Main St #150, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-563-5066
2. Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
Founded in the early as a sandwich and cookie shop, Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe has been transformed into a sophisticated, yet casual restaurant that serves a variety of ocean-fresh fish and seafood specials, prime meat, poultry, and game, and other made-from-scratch dishes using fresh locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include Blackened Carolina Mahi, Citrus-Herb Roasted NC Rainbow Trout, Togarashi Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Low Country Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and Rosemary Char-Grilled Ribeye. The cuisine is accompanied by an extensive award-winning wine list and a full bar that serves classic cocktails, imported spirits, small batch Bourbon, and micro-brew beers by the bottle and on tap.
2001-A Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-254-7828
3. Motor Supply Company Bistro
The Motor Supply Company Bistro is an upscale American eatery with a charming outdoor sculpture garden that serves a daily changing menu of New American fare. Set in a beautifully maintained historic brick building that once sold engine supplies, the restaurant prides itself on serving a menu of fresh seafood, prime meats that are butchered in-house, handmade pasta, and fresh salads with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant hosts a popular Sunday brunch, and the cuisine is accompanied by an extensive wine list featuring vintages from around the world, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails. The Motor Supply Company Bistro is open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.
920 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-256-6687
4. Terra Restaurant
Named for the Latin word meaning ‘earth’ or ‘land,’ Terra Restaurant is a casual bistro that serves a Southern-leaning menu of fresh farm-to-table fare prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Boasting breathtaking skyline views, the chef-owned restaurants aim to create harmony and beauty with each plate of food using only the freshest regional produce. Best known for its sweeping views of the Columbia skyline, Terra features an elegant dining room and a charming patio from which the views can be admired. The seasonal, daily-changing menu is paired with a variety of excellent wines, craft beers, and cocktails, and served by the attentive, friendly wait staff.
100 State St, West Columbia, SC 29169, Phone: 803-791-3443
5. Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
Located in the Trenholm Plaza in Forest Acres, Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza is an elegant, relaxed restaurant and bar that serves authentic Italian and New American fare such as wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta, spicy tacos, and freshly made salads. The restaurant has chic décor and a vibrant ambiance with an elegant indoor dining room and beautifully landscaped, wraparound patio for alfresco dining in the summer months. The restaurant offers a variety of hearty fare ranging from appetizers, entrées, and desserts along with an extensive selection of fine wines, handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and specialty coffees. Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, weekend brunch, and dinner Monday through Sunday.
TRENHOLM PLAZA, 4840 Forest Dr #20, Columbia, SC 29206, Phone: 803-782-0760
6. 1801 Grille
Embodying the culture and character of the University of South Carolina, 1801 Grille is a tavern-style restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine and welcoming southern hospitality. The restaurant exudes rustic, historic charm with a cozy and comfortable interior, large mahogany tables, and metal chandeliers. The eatery serves a delicious menu created by Executive Chef Jason Bruner and his culinary team. The mouth-watering menu of Southern-inspired dishes is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and features grilled burgers and gourmet sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, ocean-fresh seafood and sharing plates of calamari, pub chips, sliders, and more. 1801 Grille is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
700 Lincoln St #200, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-777-1801
7. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse is a cozy, brick-walled brewpub with a relaxed ambiance that serves classic pub fare and local, seasonal specialties alongside English-style ales and craft beers on tap and by the bottle. Located a block behind the statehouse at the corner of College Street and Main Street and opposite the street from City Roots farm, the pub offers a menu of hearty burgers, prime steaks, handmade pizzas, fresh salads, and other upscale fare. Guests can choose from a variety of craft beers, as well as easy-drinking wines and rare vintages, classic and modern cocktails, and imported spirits. The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse is open for dinner and drinks, Monday through Saturday.
900 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-748-0540
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