5 Underrated Restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 7 restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists restaurants in Downtown Columbia, SC that have a Google rating of 4.4 or higher but fewer than 400 reviews. Seven qualifying businesses were considered, and the five below are ranked by Google rating, with review counts shown. Each entry gives the address, typical price range, opening hours and the features that reviewers mention. Because the review counts are smaller, each rating rests on fewer opinions, so the notes below can help you decide. Hours and menus can change, so confirm before you go.
#1
CITY GRIT
★ 4.8 (193 Google reviews)American restaurant$30–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
CITY GRIT is an American restaurant at 707 Gervais St, rated 4.8 on Google from 193 reviews, with prices typically between $30 and $90. It serves lunch daily from 11 am to 2 pm, with evening hours on most days. Google lists a great wine list, great cocktails, small plates, healthy options and wheelchair-accessible seating. Reviewers mention staff who mark celebrations with a card or a small gift, the whipped feta starter, and attentive service for guests with allergies. A few diners found portions small.
Best for: Celebrations and allergy-aware dining
- 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
State Pizza
★ 4.8 (45 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
State Pizza is at 1615 N Beltline Blvd, rated 4.8 on Google from 45 reviews, with typical prices of $10 to $20. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and open from mid-afternoon into the evening on other days, with Saturday hours from noon. Google lists delivery, takeaway, kerbside pickup, free parking and good for kids. Reviewers mention ranch dressing served with the pizza, a newer crust, fresh toppings and orders that were ready on arrival.
Best for: Takeout pizza, wings and subs
- Address
- 1615 N Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29206, United States
- Hours
- Fri 3–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 12–9 pm; Sun 3–9 pm; Thu 3–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 3–9 pm
#3
Madrigal
★ 4.7 (235 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$30–80 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Madrigal is an Italian restaurant at 1128 Devine St, rated 4.7 on Google from 235 reviews, with prices typically between $30 and $80. It is open for dinner from 5 to 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and closed on Mondays and Sundays. Google lists dine-in, table service, a wine list, vegan and vegetarian options and catering. Reviewers describe a candlelit, intimate room that suits date nights and birthdays, and mention the lasagna, a Caesar salad and an ube cheesecake.
Best for: Date night Italian dinner with wine
- 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
#4
By The Fire Pizza
★ 4.6 (282 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
By The Fire Pizza is at 6169 St Andrews Rd, Suite 110, Columbia, SC 29212, and has a 4.6 Google rating from 282 reviews. No price range is listed. It is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 9 pm and on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 pm, and it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and restroom. Reviewers mention the BBQ chicken pizza, extra crispy and lemon pepper wings, lasagna and cannoli.
Best for: Pizza, wings and a side salad
- Address
- 6169 St Andrews Rd Ste 110, Columbia, SC 29212, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 12–9 pm; Sun 12–9 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
#5
Ferrara Real NY Pizza
★ 4.5 (308 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ferrara Real NY Pizza is at 6801 St Andrews Rd, Unit 15, Columbia, SC 29212, and is rated 4.5 on Google from 308 reviews. Prices typically run $10 to $20. It is open daily, with hours from about 10:30 am until 9:30 or 10:30 pm. Google lists outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, dine-in, counter service, wine and beer. Reviewers mention gluten-free pizza options, quick pickup, the cannoli and friendly staff. Some said the crust was thicker than they expected for New York style.
Best for: Pizza with gluten-free options
- Address
- 6801 St Andrews Rd Unit 15, Columbia, SC 29212, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10:30 am–10:30 pm; Mon 10:30 am–9:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am–10:30 pm; Sun 11 am–9 pm; Thu 10:30 am–9:30 pm; Tue 10:30 am–9:30 pm; Wed 10:30 am–9:30 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 7 restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. 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 and Madrigal 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. State Pizza is second at 4.8 from 45 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Columbia SC are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Ferrara Real NY Pizza, at 10:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: CITY GRIT $30–90; State Pizza $10–20; Madrigal $30–80; Ferrara Real NY Pizza $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for CITY GRIT, State Pizza, Madrigal and Ferrara Real NY Pizza.
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