Discovering University of South Carolina – Restaurants

College Town Favorites

Enjoy dining in the land of the USC Gamecocks, named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Thomas Sumter’s nickname.

Café Strudel

Café Strudel is a trusted destination for breakfast and dessert, no matter what time it is. They offer delicious meals served in a modern, art-filled atmosphere.

Phone Number: (803) 794-6634
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BLD Diner

BLD Diner is a modern take on the classic neighborhood, made-from-scratch diner; offering a laid back dining experience in a casual setting.

Perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner spot for students, alumni and visitors to Columbia!

Phone Number: (803) 931-3595
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Di Prato's

Have a tried and true favorite, or choose from a delicious array of breads, spreads, toppings, and cheeses to build your own taste-worthy sandwich.  Stop by for the perfect pimento cheese or join them on the weekend for the best brunch in town.

Phone Number: (803) 779-0606
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The Gourmet Shop

You’ll find shelves stocked with fine wines, aged cheeses, specialty coffees, gourmet items, made-in-the-South foods, cigars and kitchen accessories. The store also boasts a wonderful little café where you can fill up on creative sandwiches.

Phone Number: (803)-799-3705
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The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

Listed as the Best Breakfast in South Carolina by People Magazine and featured on the Food Network for the Cinnamonster, The Diving Cinnamon Roll’s menu includes one of a kind specialty cinnamon rolls and unique low country grit bowls that are not to be missed!

Phone Number: (803) 465-4947
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Drip

Drip’s mission is to provide high-quality service and superior coffee and espresso-based drinks in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a unique coffee based drink such as a honey habanero latte earlier in the day or grab a beer or glass of wine later in the day. A place to enjoy all day long!

Phone Number: (803) 799-0067
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Tsunami

Tsunami is a classy and welcome addition to The Vista. The decor is fashionably sleek and contemporary, with pendant lighting, original artwork, and lots of shiny surfaces. Sushi is a major draw, but there are plenty of options if you prefer cooked food, from teppan yaki steak, shrimp or chicken to tempura veggies to udon noodle bowls.

Phone Number: (803) 312-9911
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Good Life Café

A world tour of organic, raw, and vegan cuisine and cold-pressed juices found in a welcoming and energetic spot in downtown Columbia!

Phone Number: (803) 726-2310
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Pearlz

A fun, eclectic restaurant serving the very best in fresh seafood, including an assorted mix of raw shellfish, local seafood, Lowcountry recipes and regional favorites. The raw bar offers a variety of Lowcountry and Gulf oysters as well as specialty oysters, in addition to fresh seasonal shellfish.

Phone Number: (803) 661-7741
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Kaminsky's Dessert Café

Kaminsky’s entices visitors into its cozy atmosphere with a rotating selection of delectable desserts made in-house daily, in addition to heaping milkshakes, specialty coffees and cold beverage creations. Delight in over-the-top varities of classic child desserts, signature hot spirited specialties, dessert martinis and hot toddies.

Phone Number: (803) 550-9979
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Salty Nut Cafe

An integral player on the Five Points eats & drinks scene, The Salty Nut is a great place to kick back on their deck. Aside from a terrific list of brews, this casual joint is also known for serving up some pretty fantastic noshables, ranging from corn dogs and burgers to boiled shrimp platters.

Phone Number: 803-256-4611
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M Vista

Like American culture, M concept has evolved from regional Shanghai and Szechuan cuisine to a melting pot of northern and southern Chinese cuisine, Korean style BBQ, Vietnamese- and Thai-influenced dishes and Japanese sushi. Our company has combined gourmet, healthy and unique foods and recipes from all over the world. The shape of the “M” logo symbolizes a mountain and we strive to reach the apex in every aspect of our company every day.

Phone Number: (803) 255-8878
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Motor Supply Company Bistro

Enjoy an eclectic blend of American, French, Italian and Asian cuisine with everything either provided from local farms or house-made, such as stocks and sauces, desserts and house-butchered and smoked meats at this upbeat, cosmopolitan restaurant!

Phone Number: (803) 256-6687
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Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe

Great Food, Great Service and Great Wine! Mr. Friendly’s serves New Southern Cuisine in a sophisticated, yet casual environment using only the freshest ingredients and simple preparations.

Phone Number: (803) 254-7828
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Blue Marlin

Columbia’s best for seafood, Blue Marlin serves fresh Lowcountry favorites in a refined but comfortable atmosphere. Shrimp and grits, crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, she crab soup, Tilapia Charleston (pan-seared tilapia with shrimp and crab cream sauce) are standouts.

Phone Number: (803) 799-3838
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River Rat Brewery

This brewery features a tap room and outdoor spaces including decks, rooftop bar, party rentals. Great food & wine list: tacos, burgers, wings – lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Phone Number: (803) 724-5712
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SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar

Fresh Sushi. Flavorful Grill. Creative Cocktails. Saki is a fusion restaurant with a menu featuring sushi made from fresh fish delivered daily along with delectable grilled items such as the Kobe Burger, Saki-Salmon, Lobster Wontons and more! Want brunch? Don’t miss out on one of the best Sunday brunches in Columbia!

Phone Number: (803) 931-0700
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California Dreaming

Awarded Best Salad, 18 years running -Free Times reader survey, 2018 & The State, 2017 and Best Business Lunch -The State, 2017; Best Restaurant to Take a Date and Restaurant to Take your Parents -The Daily Gamecock, 2016

Phone Number: (803) 254-6767
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The Southern Belly BBQ

Voted Best BBQ in Columbia by Yelp and TripAdvisor and Top 50 Best BBQ restaurants in America by Yahoo!, The Southern Belly BBQ delivers a hit combination of perfectly smoked meat and scratch made sauces with inventive flavors to compliment the sandwiches.

Phone Number: (803) 764-3512
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Mediterranean Tea Room

The best Mediterranean in town!

Phone Number: (803) 799-3118
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Liberty Tap Room & Grill

Liberty Tap Room & Grill provides patrons with creative twists on traditional American fare, served alongside signature Liberty Ales, unique draft beer and craft brews. Well known for its tasty and satisfying food, Liberty Tap Room & Grill is an easy place to relax with friends and let the friendly, attentive service take over.

Phone Number: (803) 461-4677
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Grill Marks

Home of the FreakShake! Milkshakes go wild at Grill Marks, featuring BeerShakes, FreakShakes, Spiked Floats, Shake Tails along with their famously grilled burgers. Bring your dog along and enjoy patio seating complete with a bag of treats for your dog!

Phone Number: (803) 661-8932
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Village Idiot Pizza

Hang out at Village Idiot Pizza where something fun is always going on! Enjoy hand tossed NY-style pizza along with nightly food and drink specials, trivial, sports action on tv and more!

Phone Number: (803) 252-8646
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