I love to travel to new locations. The sites, the scenery, the food… I’m a huge fan of trying local restaurants recommended to me by residents. It’s the easiest way to experience local “flavor,” both culinary and city personality. My trip to Columbia was no exception. We found two must try dinner restaurants in Columbia South Carolina; Za’s Brick Oven Pizza and Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe.
Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe was not what I expected. I thought we would be having traditional Southern Dishes served in a homey cafe atmosphere for the entire family. Instead, I was surprised as I walked into the door. Divided into two sections, the Cafe appeals to families with young children, college students and singles, while the other section appeals to quieter, more grown up dinners; romantic date nights and evenings out with friends.
We chose to sit on the quieter side, gazing at walls filled with local artwork for sale. The menu changes often, as they use locally grown foods, and there are different menus for lunch and dinner daily. We started our dinner with Fried Goat Cheese Ravioli, which I could have all myself instead of sharing! If you’ve never had fried ravioli, this is a must try. It’s crispy and flaky on the outside with a creamy filling inside, then topped with a fruity sauce and delicious pecans.
For the main dish I tried the Pecan Crusted Crab Cakes. I love crab and these had the best texture. The crab cakes were glazed with a pimento-horseradish remoulade. The remoulade was added with a light touch to enhance the flavor rather than overpower the crab. It was served with sides of grilled corn-vidalia “salad”, stone-ground grits and sautéed veggies. Prices are moderate, ranging from $18 to $29 per entree. I would definitely return for a romantic evening or dinner date with friends.
A more casual option for dinner is Za’s Brick Oven Pizza. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and the new owners have completely revamped the menu. They use local vendors as much as possible for their meats, produce and dairy. All items are made on the premises, delivering a fresh taste. We arrived on “Wine Wednesday” and were probably one of the few people in the restaurant not trying one of the craft beers or a glass of wine. I had to save those calories for one of the amazing desserts.
There was so many options we wanted to try, we decided to order several appetizers and dishes to split among the table. We started with the Caprese and the Wood Fire Grilled Chicken Wings. These wings weren’t the traditional variety, instead they had a rich, smokey flavor and wonderful crispy skin.
For entrees, we knew we wanted to try one of their wood fired grill pizzas, but were unsure how large each pizza would be. The 14″ pizza turned out to be easily enough for two people without ordering other entrees. After much discussion and asking for suggestions from the waitress, we settled on the Napa, a blend of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto, fresh basil, and arugula tossed with lemon juice, and Crescent Olive extra-virgin olive oil. It was a hit with everyone.
We couldn’t let an opportunity pass to sample the dessert. I ordered the Peanut Butter Blast, bursting with peanut butter and chocolate flavor. It was beautifully decorated and the added wording of Enjoy written in chocolate syrup was a nice touch. The sweet waitress who brought our pie said she had taught herself to write in chocolate syrup to brighten people’s day with the little extras. She succeeded. Prices for entrees range from around $8.99 for an 8″ inch pizza to the most expensive item, a 14″ Napa Pizza for $20.99.
What are your favorite dinner restaurants in Columbia?
this place looks so good, i just love places like this.
This restaurant looks so good! That dessert is making me hungry haha! I’ve never been to Columbia but now I want to!
I have never been to Columbia.. I love crab cakes and I think my kids will enjoy the pizza!
great to know! i am heading up there in september for the carrie underwood concert and i think my huz and i will be eating somewhere first.
OMGoodness the crab cakes and pizza look amazing. I know where we’re eating next time we’re in South Carolina.
I would gain 10 pounds if I visited right now – I’m starving and these pics look amazing. Thanks for sharing – adding to my places to eat list.
This food all looks amazing. I will have to check it out when I am in the area.
I haven’t been in that area in the past but probably will in the future. Will have stop and eat at these places.
I have only been through Columbia in passing. I haven’t ever stopped in to check in out. My husband told me that it is a lovely city. I really need to make it a point to stop in and check it out.
I love a restaurant that caters to pretty much everyone. The food looks so good, it got me hungry as I saw picture after picture! I would love to try this place out!
That pizza was pretty much everything! Oh man, I could go for a slice of that again…maybe two. Or three.
These are really must-try restaurants in SC. I will keep this list if ever we go there.
That goat cheese ravioli looks so good. I would love to try that out for myself!
Oh, these are nice list. I will share this with my friends South Carolina.
The peanut butter blast made my mouth water! That looks so heavenly. Two of my favorite tastes in one delicately prepared dessert!
Columbia South Carolina sounds like a great place to visit!! That food looks amazing!!
These sound like great options to dine out in Columbia SC, appreciate you sharing these with us!
The food really looks scrumptious! I like how they offer two different seating sections. I’d probably choose the quieter side as well.
WoW–crab cakes are one of my favorite dishes and thhe goat cheese ravioli look especially awesome too!
My favorite is the Caprese Za’s Columbia. That food looks some kind of good.
I’ve never been to South Carolina but these definitely look like great spots to eat. If I ever make it there I will try these for sure.
Looks like a great place to visit. The food looks delicious. I love to travel alone, but I don;t often eat out alone.
I travel frequently but I am too shy to ask the locals where to eat and I know I’m missing out after reading your post. I definitely know what you mean by saving calories for dessert. I personally think dessert is usually the best part of the meal!
You find the best places that way! I love independents!
Everything looks so super delicious! We have never visited South Carolina, but seeing all of these tasty dishes makes me want to book a trip.
We are only a couple hours away from Columbia. My husband travels there for business on a regular basis. I will have to tag along with him one day so we can get some lunch.
Try The Oyster Bar/Columbia for an authentic experience!
The dishes pictured above look scrumptious. My fave is the pizza.
All of this food looks delicious! I would love to try that pizza!
That dessert looks like a bit of heaven!
everything looks ah-maze-ing! those crab cakes though look like the most incredible things on earth! oh to be that plate 🙂
I have never been to Columbia, but so many great places for foodies! I think the goat cheese ravioli looks heavenly!
My favorite place is the Marlin, I almost DIED when I tasted all the food. It was impeccable.
Great staff and great food!!!
Oh my goodness! I would love to have some of those crab cakes! I haven’t had some in a long time and it made me drool. I will keep these restaurants in mind if and when I get the chance to visit South Carolina
I have never been to South Carolina. But if I ever get there, I will definitely try these restaurants. All the food looks amazing.
All that food looks totally amazing. Those crab cakes and the goat cheese ravioli look especially tasty!
Everything Looks So Good Would Love To Try The Pizza One Day When I’m In The Area I Will Have To Take The Family!
I love traveling, and the thing I love the most is probably the food because it’s always so different every place you go! I’ve never been to SC, but I want to someday!
Jasmine / http://www.jasminekeclipse.com