Columbia’s identity as a college town has long made it fun, but in the last several years it’s become a genuinely interesting food city, too.
A new wave of restaurants is mixing Midwestern comfort, global flavors, and a sense of playful creativity. These five newer or newly revitalized spots show off the best of modern CoMo dining.
1. Barred Owl Butcher & Table
Barred Owl combines whole‑animal butchery with a thoughtful, seasonal restaurant and bar.
The interior is rustic‑industrial—wood, metal, an open feel—and the meat counter up front lets you know they take sourcing seriously.
The menu changes often but tends to feature house‑made charcuterie, inventive small plates, and mains built around responsibly raised meats and local produce.
Think pâtés and terrines, sausages, grilled cuts with bold sauces, and creative vegetable sides that stand on their own.
Cocktails lean classic with a twist, often incorporating house‑made syrups and bitters, and the beer and wine lists are curated with care. It’s a must‑visit for anyone who loves nose‑to‑tail cooking.
2. 44 Canteen
44 Canteen offers a casual, counter‑service approach with chef‑driven flair. The space is lively and unfussy, with an open kitchen and a menu built for mixing and matching.
Tacos, sliders, and shareable small plates are the core of the menu, with flavors pulled from around the globe—Korean‑inspired toppings, Southern touches, and plenty of bright sauces and pickles.
There’s usually a rotating slate of specials that keeps things interesting for repeat visits.
Craft beer and simple but smart cocktails round things out, making 44 Canteen a favorite for quick dinners, pre‑game bites, or low‑key nights out with friends.
3. Soma Club & Restaurant
Soma brings a more cosmopolitan, lounge‑style experience to Columbia, pairing an atmospheric interior with a menu that balances nightlife and serious food. Dim lighting, music, and a central bar set the tone.
The kitchen turns out small plates and entrees that are ideal for sharing: skewers, flatbreads, plated meats and fish with bold seasoning, and a handful of vegetarian‑friendly dishes.
Presentation is modern and colorful, and dishes are designed to pair well with cocktails.
Drinks lean toward creative signatures—think infused spirits, fresh juices, and playful garnishes—alongside the usual classics.
It’s a strong choice when you want dinner and a night out rolled into one.
4. Pasta La Fata
Pasta La Fata started out as a small‑scale pasta operation and has grown into a beloved brick‑and‑mortar that brings handmade Italian comfort to Columbia.
The space feels like a hybrid between café, specialty shop, and neighborhood restaurant.
Fresh pastas are the heart of the menu: lasagna, ravioli, tagliatelle, and more, often with seasonal fillings and sauces.
You might find hearty meat ragùs, bright tomato‑basil, creamy mushroom sauces, or inventive vegetarian combinations. There are also Italian‑style sides, salads, and baked goods.
Many items are available both hot and ready to eat or packaged to take home, making it just as useful for an easy weeknight dinner as for a cozy sit‑down meal.
5. Irene’s Mexican Food
Irene’s offers a fresh, modern take on Mexican cooking in a cheerful, casual space. Bright colors, tasty margaritas, and a menu that goes beyond the usual combination plates set it apart.
Street‑style tacos, loaded tortas, burritos, and bowls are on offer, with fillings ranging from slow‑braised meats to grilled vegetables and seafood. Salsas and toppings lean bright and bold—pickled onions, cilantro, lime, and house‑made hot sauces.
With friendly service and a laid‑back atmosphere, Irene’s is an easy go‑to for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
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