Whether you are visiting the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center for a meeting, sporting event or social gathering, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby.  

Strictly Business: 

When you have important business to discuss, look no further than Blue Marlin. Seafood, steaks and salads, along with an abundance of large booths and the ability to accommodate larger parties makes it easy to get the deal done. 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the Hilton Hotel specializes in quality steaks and customer service for a lunch or dinner with clients or a corporate group meeting. 

Time to Celebrate: 

Motor Supply Co. Bistro is a local favorite for lunch or dinner with a menu that changes daily including chef-driven cuisine and cocktails. With this being one of the first restaurants to have opened in the historic Congaree Vista, the atmosphere is friendly and contemporary.

If instead, you're craving dumplings and bright cocktails, head to Boku Kitchen and Saloon. Dine on Pan-Asian cuisine small plates and enjoy curated cocktails that fit its celebratory vibe. For the night owls, they also have a late-night menu Thursday through Saturday.

Di Vino Rosso delivers elevated Italian dishes catering to an environment you’d expect to find in a Southern capital city – urban and classy in a 1920’s building.  

Pearlz Oyster Bar is the go-to spot for a night out. Indulge your tastebuds with fried, steamed or chilled oysters all while enjoying live music in the Pearlz Lounge every Friday and Saturday night.

Craving pizza with unique and fresh toppings? Mellow Mushroom does exactly that with their Great White pizza that will have you dreaming of the Tuscan countryside. Other fan favorites include Holy Shiitake and Buffalo Chicken pizzas.  

Something Sharable:  

CITY GRIT, an artisan market, wine bar and restaurant with a European flair, offers small plates as well as take-away options from James Beard finalist duo Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins.  

Dine on tapas, shareable appetizers, and desserts indoors or on the patio at Gervais and Vine. Don’t miss the nightly specials.  

Located across the street from Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is Hickory Tavern where you’ll find all your favorite Southern go-to appetizers, entrees, and shareable bites. 

Something Sweet: 

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café serves up decadent cakes, next-level shakes, coffees and dessert martinis in a cozy café setting. 

Grill Marks may be known for their burgers, but their shakes alone are worth the trip if you have a sweet tooth.  

Pour Me a Cold One: 

Around the corner from Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is Republic Biergarten where elevated southern eats meets craft beer and cocktails. Enjoy your meal outdoors in their spacious patio when the weather is too good to stay indoors. 

Columbia Craft Brewing Company is a brewery plus taproom featuring ales, lagers, hazy IPAs, sours and barrel-aged beers made on site.  

Looking to add a pizza to go with your beer? Thirsty Fellow specializes in pizza, pub food and offers a variety of Columbia-brewed beers on tap, as well as a full bar of other options.  

 Twisted Spur offers a selection of sandwiches and apps in addition to locally brewed favorites like their signature Twisted IPA and Dead Head Red.  

Quick and Easy: 

When you’re in a rush in between sessions and need a quick no-frills bite, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Monterrey Mexican and fast casual Mediterranean favorite, Cava, offer speedy options to get you on your way, and are a block or less from the Convention Center.  

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking for something specific, check out our extensive restaurant list searchable by area of town, cuisine type and more. Pro tip: Reservations and plenty of notice are encouraged at most restaurants if are bringing a large party.