5 Local Gem Restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina that Serve the Best Food Ever

Columbia has a booming culinary scene, but the best meals are hidden in the historic districts and just across the river. Skip the crowded university spots and hit these five local favorites.

Spotted Salamander

Tucked right into Columbia’s Historic District, Spotted Salamander started as a catering company and evolved into the city’s favorite lunch secret. Chef Jessica Shillato brings serious creative flair to traditional Southern cuisine, using hyper-local ingredients to elevate every dish. The dining room is always bustling, the vibe is perfect, and the food is uncompromisingly fresh.

City Limits BBQ

You have to plan ahead for this one, but it is entirely worth the effort. Located in West Columbia, this family-owned joint is only open nine hours a week. Led by a James Beard-nominated chef, they serve perfectly smoked meats and classic Southern sides out of a modest setup. It is elite, Texas-level barbecue wrapped in a hometown South Carolina feel.

Camon Japanese Restaurant

Old-school, quiet, and completely exceptional. Hidden downtown on Assembly Street, Camon is a cozy sushi spot that has been meticulously run by the same owners for years. The service is incredibly attentive, and the fish is as fresh as it gets. It is the perfect relaxed atmosphere when you want high-quality sushi without the chaotic club-like vibe of newer restaurants.

The Hollow

A stunning forest-to-table restaurant planted right in the Vista District. The Hollow specializes in rustic American cooking, highlighting proteins you rarely see on a menu. They serve up incredible dishes featuring bison, wild boar, rabbit, and walleye salmon, all paired with wild mushrooms and rich grains. It is a uniquely wild culinary experience right in the capital city.

Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe

Located in Historic Five Points, this spot started as a humble sandwich and cookie shop in the 1980s. Today, it has evolved into a New Southern powerhouse. They take classic Southern comfort food and turn it completely on its head. The ingredients are local, the dishes are heavy and satisfying, and the hospitality makes you want to become a regular.