Want to eat at the best barbecue restaurants in the South? Southern Living just ranked its top 50, and South Carolina restaurants took 11 spots on the list.

It is no surprise that Columbia loves Greek food, so ahead of the 38th annual Greek Festival, take a look at why food is an important part of the Greek community and why Columbia is passionate about supporting them.

For years, The Woody has been a destination for people looking for a dance floor, offering Latin dancing, line dancing and everything in between. But soon, it will be leaving Main Street.

Daniela Savone shares her four-step risotto recipe ahead of the next “Top Chef” season, which is filming in the Carolinas.

A new pizza joint has entered the Columbia scene. In a gas station parking lot. I headed over to the PizzaForno vending machine to try it out. Ten dollars and three minutes later, the results were interesting.

Stuffed Brunch isn’t your typical brunch experience. With a 21+ age restriction and a casual chic dress code, the owners of the new Northeast Columbia restaurant are hoping to bring upscale vibes to the capital.

The popular healthy grocer and eatery is expanding into the space recently occupied by The Corner Blend.

The two locations, which closed over Labor Day Weekend, operated in the Midlands for nearly a decade.

Seven of the nine available restaurant spaces slated for BullStreet’s food hall have been secured.

Brandon Dowell and Caterina Gates would always tease tha recipes they made at home would be perfect for the menu at Cat’s Kettle. After 10 years of dreaming, the cozy cafe is now a reality on Assembly Street.

The Aristocrat first opened in March 2017, replacing a long-time pub, and has been led by several owners. Most recently, Brent Daulton and his mom, Judy, took over the location in February 2022.

Daniela Savone spends every summer in Italy, and spending time in her father’s hometown outside Rome always makes her nostalgic for the fresh pasta her grandmother and aunt would make for lunch.

Samuel "Sammie" Mathias passed away on Aug. 11, 2025, leaving behind Mathias Sandwich Shop — a place many visitors describe more like home than a restaurant — and a legacy of love.

A restaurant and retail spot similar to a classic corner store is coming to Melrose Heights — offering café-style food options and grocery store basics within walking distance.

A new bar is taking the place of Carolina Western Pub and plans to keep most of the former pub’s decor and country vibes. Here is what’s different: there won’t be space for line dancing that CWP became known for.

Drought, flies and tariffs have pushed beef prices to a high not seen since the 1980s. But what does that mean for your next grocery trip or dinner out? Here’s what some SC industry experts say to expect.

Rush’s has returned to its original straight-cut fries after months of complaints. On the fries’ first day back, Rush’s CEO broke down the Columbia fast food chain’s decision while customers celebrated their return.

The popular weekly event offers food truck operators in the area consistent opportunities to sell their cuisine and expand their customer base. The city hopes to add more locations soon.

Months after popular nightlife and line dancing spot Carolina Western Pub closed due to liquor liability concerns, a new bar is aiming to take its spot in the Vista.

Steve’s Classic Burgers is back, with the restaurant’s new owner promising a revamped space and menu for fans of the Columbia burger joint.

A few new vendors are coming to Gather COLA as the BullStreet District food hall nears its Fall 2025 open date. The latest restaurant additions will cover everything from tacos to barbecue. 

Try this limoncello granita recipe to create a frozen, boozy dessert perfect for combatting July's sweltering heat. 

Lazy Daisy Coffee Co., a locally owned and sourced coffee shop, has announced an opening date at the Cardinal Crossing shopping and residential district in Forest Acres.

The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner is back with an October date after the event was canceled last year. Tickets for the popular event go on sale soon. 

PETA drove a truck showing images of and playing audio of chickens in cages to encourage people in Columbia to go vegan. But after a few loops around Five Points, the stunt had little response from bystanders or diners. 

With everything from brioche to fries being handmade, the owners of downtown Lexington's Ember are hoping to make a mark on the Midlands food scene.

After months of heated social media exchanges, Rush's original straight-cut style fries are coming back to the Midlands fast food chain. 

Gather COLA is nearing its open date and has its first vendor — a new sandwich shop with a fresh rebrand and a continued focus on making sure the shop is "not your typical deli."  

After closing Random Tap due to rising insurance costs, the Gagliardis have a new restaurant off of Two Notch Road serving up breakfast and lunch food with a fresh spin. 

Lizard's Thicket has been a part of Father's Day and basically any tradition (since it's open every day except Christmas). But after 47 years, the Williams family tradition is the strongest. 

Dads and grilling go hand in hand. For this Father's Day, Daniela Savone shares a recipe for grilled lamb chops inspired by her own father's Italian upbringing. 

Columbia has a few new options for lunch or dinner with a Thai restaurant, Korean eatery and popular Soda City vendor's new storefront. 

Few things feel like a South Carolina summer than a tomato sandwich. Here's how we like to make them.

Summer is coming, and the water is calling. From The Rusty Anchor to Big Mans Marina, we rounded up all the waterfront dining options on Lake Murray. 

Places like Savage Craft Ale Works and smallSUGAR offer community-focused spaces that appeal to parents and guardians wanting to venture out for some fun — with the little ones in tow. And, owners say, it's good for businesses. 

An Italian sandwich shop has moved back to its original Olympia neighborhood; a Prosperity Mexican restaurant is opening a downtown Lexington location; and Kershaw County will see its first-ever craft brewery this summer. 

Bierkeller is hosting a festival aimed at exciting and informing people about the future of extended riverfront access and walking trails in Columbia. The two-day event will feature beer, local music and more.

The famous TikTok food reviewer drove through South Carolina's backroads to try a popular social media chef's fried chicken wings — which Keith Lee said was well-worth the travel it took to get there. 

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Columbia with events like Bollywood yoga, an open mic with food, AAPI Business Day, or by supporting local Asian-owned restaurants.

Columbia has a wealth of Asian supermarkets that have grown in popularity in recent years. Here are three to check out on your next shopping trip. 

Chef and writer Daniela Savone combines her Italian heritage and love of South Carolina's bounty of ingredients in a recipe perfect for an al fresco evening with friends. 

A Pelican's location is closing its doors while a Lexington restaurant, Columbia event space and a Columbia coffee shop are celebrating opening. Here are the highlights of the Midlands' latest openings and closings. 

Ratio in Elgin will close next month, according to its chef and owner, Javier Uriarte. 

Family-owned Chubby's Burgers will close its Forest Acres location, marking the end of the burger joint's second location.

Tacos Nayarit, Godspeed and wine bar Vino Sabor are opening new locations in the Midlands soon — bringing handmade tacos, specialty coffees and wine to the Columbia area. 

A new "modern steakhouse," Ember, is expected to open in late May 2025 lead by several Columbia restaurant veterans. The Lexington restaurant will serve guests hand-cut steaks, seafood and house-made pastas paired with a curated wine list. 

Owned and operated by one family for eight generations, Lexington's The FARM 1780 has evolved in recent years to focus on growing seasonal crops and hosting experiential events like farm-to-table dinners and summer camps for kids. 

Six days. Fifteen events. Here's the full rundown of the 2025 Columbia Food and Wine Festival, running through April 27.