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Diners' Choice: Most Booked restaurants in Columbia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the most booked restaurants in Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 500,000 new global diner reviews from the past month. We sort the results by location to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

4.5

4.5 (2531)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside the historic 1902 Union Station, California Dreaming welcomes guests with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of the rail tracks, stretching from the inactive platform to the main terminal. Paired with our hearty, made-from-scratch menu, it's no wonder California Dreaming has been a beloved local institution since 1984. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including online ordering with curbside pickup.

Celebrating 40 years, California Dreaming has been a valued part of the Columbia community. Union Station, its historic home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

**We provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 8. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

Top review

K

Ken

Dined 4 days ago

Great service and food!!! Thank you for a great restaurant.

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A photo of Steak of a restaurant

A photo of California Dreaming of a restaurant

California Dreaming

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia

4.2

4.2 (2782)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Columbia

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef. Broiled in a trademark 1,800° oven & served on a plate heated to 500 degrees, your steak is presented sizzling hot at your table.
Additionally, the menu includes select fresh seafood & other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like foie gras, buffalo strip & scallops. A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience.
Ruth's Chris never fails to please!

Top review

K

Kimberly

Dined 1 day ago

There has never ever been a time that we have not been blown away by the beautiful ambience, and the incredible service! It is absolutely our favorite restaurant, whether we are dining there for a special occasion or just because we look forward to a incredible dining experience. You have never disappointed us And we appreciate you and we are grateful.

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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of Tomahawk Ribeye of a restaurant

Tomahawk Ribeye

A photo of Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz) restaurant

Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse (formerly Rioz)

4.8

4.8 (1175)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Columbia

About the restaurant

Step into a world of culinary excellence at our amazing Brazilian Steakhouse! 🥩✨ Immerse yourself in Brazil's vibrant flavors and traditions as our skilled chefs serve up a feast for your senses.
Savor the succulent cuts of perfectly grilled meats, from tender sirloin to juicy lamb chops, brought directly to your table on skewers. Each bite is a symphony of smoky, savory goodness, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
But our Brazilian steakhouse is not just about the meats—it's a celebration of flavors and textures. Indulge in a colorful array of fresh salads, exotic side dishes, and traditional Brazilian specialties like feijoada and pão de queijo.

Top review

B

Barry

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Thr wait staff did not seem to be very happy. I've been to other Brazilian restaurants where the wait staff was incredibly energetic which made mediocre food taste incredible.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Columbia SC restaurant

The Melting Pot - Columbia SC

4.8

4.8 (1223)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Columbia

About the restaurant

Experience a new way to dine when you make The Melting Pot in Columbia your next dinner destination. From the first bite of our delicious artisan cheeses, to the last bite of our decadent chocolate fondues, you will know you have made the right decision! Whether you want to have the full four-course adventure or you are in the mood for perfectly crafted cocktails and cheese fondue, you can find what you crave on our tables. Our friendly staff specializes in creating your perfect night out. Come join us today at The Melting Pot.

Top review

J

Jennifer

Dined 1 day ago

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration here today. Kelsey was our server. She did a fabulous job. We let her know we were on a little bit of a time crunch and she definitely did her very best. The food was great and the experience was fun. I highly recommend.

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A photo of Pure Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue

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A photo of Saluda's restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3999)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Five Points, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capitol building, Saluda’s has been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since it opened to much fanfare in 1996. Saluda's has created an exciting menu intermingling classically prepared dishes with cutting edge techniques and ingredients. Saluda's menu is built around mixing locally grown seasonal products with luxurious ingredients from around the world. Saluda's features Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences to create a menu both familiar and new. Our professional and courteous staff serves all of our guests with true Southern hospitality.

Top review

R

RogerVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely wonderful experience! The restaurant is very nice inside with a very welcoming vibe. We were visiting Columbia for the first time and totally lucked out. We had a 2 server team as one was being trained and the service was amazing. I wrote down their names but lost my receipt. Food was fabulous. I had the Wreckfish special and my wife had the Lamb Osso Buco and they couldn’t have been any better. If you’re in town this should be a must

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A photo of Sweet & Spicy Fried Oysters of a restaurant

Sweet & Spicy Fried Oysters

A photo of Boku- Columbia restaurant

4.3

4.3 (267)

$30 and under

Asian

Columbia

About the restaurant

At Boku Kitchen and Saloon, you can be sure you are receiving only the highest-quality meals with the freshest ingredients possible. We pride ourselves on not serving our customer's pre-made food. We make everything from scratch, including our noodles, salads, crab rangoon, calamari, soups, cocktails, and more! All our food is made-to-order. You won’t be able to find quality like this elsewhere!

We want to make your time at our restaurant as enjoyable as possible. Therefore, at Boku Kitchen and Saloon, you can trust that we will provide you with a made-from-scratch meal paired with the best cocktails, sake, wine, and craft beer you will find in Columbia, SC.

Our team is excited to serve you, your family, and your friends' delicious meals and beverages. See you soon!

Top review

S

Stephanie

Dined 5 days ago

We had a great experience at the Grinch Christmas pop up at Boku. I highly recommend, it’s so much fun and the food and service were excellent

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A photo of Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse restaurant

Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse

4.4

4.4 (43)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Join us at Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse, where we pride ourselves on our unique offerings and commitment to quality. Our House Dry Aged Steaks are a true labor of love--aged for 30 days in our own Dry Age cooler, hand-cut to perfection, and featuring show-stopping Tomahawks that will leave you speechless. Pair your meal with a selection of over 140 rare bottles and a curated wine list of 60 hand-selected varieties. And for seafood lovers, our menu delights with Crabcakes, Seared Ahi Tuna, and Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

Brunch on weekends features indulgent options like Eggs Benedicts and savory delights like Shrimp and Grits. Wash it down with mimosas for the perfect brunch experience!

During Happy Hour, enjoy half off our wine selection and Buffalo Trace specials. Explore our upgraded spirits collection, including the sought-after Weller collection, for a truly elevated experience.

Join us and savor the flavors that will leave you craving more!

Top review

T

Tracy

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent food, huge portions and the service was great!

A photo of Chophouse of Chapin restaurant

Chophouse of Chapin

4.7

4.7 (1026)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chapin

About the restaurant

Chophouse of Chapin is an upscale steakhouse located in Chapin Commons - featuring aged steaks, delicious desserts, a large selection of spirits & an in-house wine sommelier

An in-house Tallow aged steak - a Chef selected ribeye encased in rendered steak trimmings, then aged for 60 days and handcut to perfection. The Chophouse has a full bar with a wide variety of spirits hand selected by our award-winning bar staff. And an on-premise Wine Sommelier that will help pair your menu selection with the best wine from our extensive menu to please your palate.

Top review

P

Patti

Dined 3 days ago

Couldn’t have asked for anything better. Food and service was perfect. Highly recommend.

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A photo of Bacon Steak of a restaurant

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A photo of Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia restaurant

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia

4.6

4.6 (1617)

$31 to $50

Brazilian Steakhouse

Columbia

About the restaurant

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is an unique, all you can eat “Churrascaria” featuring a full Salad Bar with over 30 items, 6 Hot Dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, chicken, pork and lamb sliced at your table by our Gauchos. Along with a full bar, we have a beautiful walk-in wine cellar with fine selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, California and our Brazilian Flavored Martini Menu. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience!

Top review

R

Robin

Dined 5 days ago

Fun experience with friends and the food was excellent. Service is great and choices of meats are endless. If you like meat than this is your place.

A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC restaurant

Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC

4.4

4.4 (383)

$30 and under

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Welcome to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, where you'll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere.

Top review

D

DaveVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food. Great beer! Will return.Highly recommend.

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A photo of MOROCCAN SALMON of a restaurant

MOROCCAN SALMON

A photo of CHICKEN WINGS of a restaurant

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