5 Affordable Restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC
Updated 11 October 2026 · 24 restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC that were chosen by Google price range and then ranked by rating. Google sets the price range for each business, and the ranges differ, so each entry shows the range Google lists for it. It is useful for a sensible meal out, a takeaway order or a deli lunch when you are comparing options. Twenty-four qualifying businesses were considered. Each entry gives the address, listed hours and a short summary of what reviewers mention, and details can change after the listing was taken.
#1
CITY GRIT
★ 4.8 (193 Google reviews)American restaurant$30–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
CITY GRIT is at 707 Gervais St in Columbia and holds a 4.8 rating from 193 reviews. Google lists a price range of $30 to $90. It is open for lunch and dinner on several days, with a limited schedule on Mondays and Tuesdays. Google lists women-owned status, dine-in, brunch, healthy options, small plates, great cocktails and a great wine list, with wheelchair-accessible seating. Reviewers mention a birthday card and a complimentary glass for a house closing, whipped feta, and the staff accommodating allergies. Some said portions were on the smaller side and one noted a long wait for appetizers.
Best for: Small plates for a celebration with a reservation
- Address
- 707 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Mon 11 am–2 pm; Sat 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Sun 11 am–2 pm; Thu 11 am–2 pm, 4–8 pm; Tue 11 am–2 pm; Wed 11 am–2 pm, 4–8 pm
#2
DiPrato's
★ 4.6 (1,868 Google reviews)Deli$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
DiPrato's is at 342 Pickens St in Columbia, rated 4.6 from 1,868 reviews, with a listed price range of $10 to $20. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Mondays until 2 pm. Google lists delivery, takeaway, dine-in, Wi-Fi, card payments and free parking lot and street parking. Reviewers describe an old-school neighborhood Italian deli with homemade pimento cheese, a Thanksgiving sandwich with sweet potato fries and Huevos Rancheros. A few reviewers found the coffee cold or the panini less impressive than expected.
Best for: Deli sandwiches and breakfast before 4 pm
- Address
- 342 Pickens St, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–4 pm; Mon 10 am–2 pm; Sat 10 am–4 pm; Sun 10 am–4 pm; Thu 10 am–4 pm; Tue 10 am–4 pm; Wed 10 am–4 pm
#3
Saluda's Restaurant
★ 4.6 (952 Google reviews)Southern restaurant (US)$40–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Saluda's Restaurant is at 751 Saluda Ave in Columbia, rated 4.6 from 952 reviews, with a listed price range of $40 to $90. It is open daily from 5:30 to 9 pm. Google lists outdoor seating, dine-in, takeaway, a great wine list, great cocktails, great desserts, happy-hour drinks and a private dining room. Reviewers mention a filet mignon, a pork chop with bacon mac and cheese, meatballs with burrata and a restaurant week menu. Several say the portions were well judged and the bar is a comfortable place to sit.
Best for: Southern dinner with steak and bar seating
- Address
- 751 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
- Hours
- daily 5:30–9 pm
#4
Madrigal
★ 4.7 (235 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$30–80 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Madrigal is at 1128 Devine St in Columbia, rated 4.7 from 235 reviews, with a listed price range of $30 to $80. It is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, closed Sunday and Monday. Google lists delivery, takeaway, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, catering and table service, with wheelchair-accessible seating and a restroom. Reviewers mention a cozy, candlelit setting, a great wine list, lasagna and a Caesar salad, and an ube cheesecake. Many reviewers say the service is warm and attentive.
Best for: Cozy Italian dinner with dessert
- Address
- 1128 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 5–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
#5
Il Giorgione
★ 4.6 (621 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Il Giorgione is at 2406 Devine St in Columbia, rated 4.6 from 621 reviews, with a listed price range of $20 to $30. It is open Tuesday through Friday evenings, with weekend lunch and dinner hours, and closed Mondays. Google lists outdoor seating, great cocktails, great desserts, a great wine list, happy-hour food and vegetarian options. Reviewers mention a margarita pizza, pollo marsala, fresh bread and an old fashioned, and several describe the prices as fair for the quality. One reviewer found the boar dish under-seasoned.
Best for: Pizza and chicken dishes at fair prices
- Address
- 2406 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 10:30 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun 10:30 am–2 pm; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 24 restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google price range of ₹600 or less per person, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- CITY GRIT, Saluda's Restaurant, Madrigal and Il Giorgione take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
CITY GRIT ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 193 reviews. DiPrato's is second at 4.6 from 1,868 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Il Giorgione, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: CITY GRIT $30–90; DiPrato's $10–20; Saluda's Restaurant $40–90; Madrigal $30–80; Il Giorgione $20–30.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for CITY GRIT, DiPrato's, Saluda's Restaurant, Madrigal and Il Giorgione.
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