In Columbia, where the Congaree meets the capital, Southern charm blends with culinary ambition. You’ll find Italian excellence here—from a cozy trattoria in the Vista where pasta is rolled by hand daily, to an upscale Five Points spot where the osso buco rivals any in Charleston. This is where tradition gets a Palmetto State twist.
By The Fire Pizza
$ | (803) 814-2281 | WEBSITE
By The Fire Pizza bills itself as one of the top Italian spots in Columbia and that sums up what they do here pretty damn well. Since it’s a cozy neighborhood joint, the dining room tends to draw a relaxed dinner crowd, enjoying light jazz or classical tunes. But ordering a full meal in the warm, brick-oven glow is non-negotiable. You’ll have the quiet atmosphere to chat comfortably without raising your voice.
But then you’ll also want to free both hands to slice and fork up every last bite of the tender meatballs in the perfectly balanced spaghetti sauce. And the star of the show comes at the end of the meal with housemade cannolis, complete with fresh strawberry gelato and that classic New York taste.
Za’s on Devine
$ | (803) 771-7334 | WEBSITE
Za’s on Devine, a cozy Italian spot perfect for families and friends, draws pizza lovers who want to spend their evening in comfortable booths, surrounded by rustic wooden tables, under the warm glow of the game playing on the TV. It all sets the tone for a relaxed meal of BBQ chicken pizza, featuring freshly cooked crust and a tomato pesto that adds rich flavor. And the Greek salad is crisp and fresh since the outstanding ingredients practically sing on your tongue.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (803) 732-0471 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in Columbia is the place to bring the family for a cozy, nostalgic meal. Warm lighting, classic décor, and that familiar aroma of fresh breadsticks make for a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
This spot also works as a reliable dinner choice since the hearty dishes here are satisfying, like the standout chicken and shrimp Carbonara that you can enjoy with endless salad, the perfectly cooked chicken parm with spaghetti, or the fresh breadsticks that keep coming from the kitchen.
Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant
$$ | (803) 256-7677 | WEBSITE
Unlike a lot of Italian spots with generic red-checkered tablecloths and Chianti bottles, authentic flavor overpowers tired clichés at Villa Tronco. The family-run restaurant fills up on weekends with couples looking for a romantic, intimate dinner with soft Italian music as their soundtrack, so make a reservation. The eggplant parmigiana sets the bar, with tender slices layered with rich marinara and melted mozzarella that has just the right balance of crispness and savor.
And if you go for the seafood with pesto cream sauce, expect it to be flavorful enough to make you think you’re dining in a trattoria in Rome.
Schiano’s
$ | (803) 788-7808 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Schiano’s feels like you’ve entered a classic neighborhood Italian joint, with its vintage atmosphere, checkered tablecloths, and walls filled with old family photos and faded memorabilia. (The Sinatra soundtrack playing softly in the background also helps.) Huge pizzas emerge from the open kitchen, and the menu matches the relaxed vibe, which stays consistent whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
Despite the straightforward offerings, staples like the Extra Special Calzone and Chicken Parmigiana are always there, and always worth ordering—the calzone arrives steaming hot with perfectly melted cheese, while the chicken parm boasts a crispy, golden crust. The garlic knots oozing with garlicky butter are a must-start, and the huge Italian salad provides a fresh counterpoint. Service is friendly and efficient, with staff who remember regulars and make newcomers feel at home.
At around $15–$20 for most entrees, it’s a steal for food this satisfying. Yes, the place shows some wear—a wobbly table here, a scuffed floor there—but that just adds to its lived-in charm. For families or anyone craving a no-fuss, delicious meal, Schiano’s delivers every time.
Zorba’s Greek Restaurant
$ | (803) 772-4617 | WEBSITE
Some evenings call for a plate of food that feels like a warm hug. Zorba’s Greek Restaurant, a family-owned spot in Columbia, is built for those evenings. A cozy dining room runs through the center, great when you need to gather the whole family for a casual meal. It’s a wise stop for generous portions and a glass of wine before heading home. The Pastitsio, a rich baked pasta layered with seasoned meat and béchamel, is a standout comfort move.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly matched with a simple Greek salad. Consider ordering the feta dip here because this is the kind of place where you end up staying longer than you planned.
DiPrato’s
$ | (803) 779-0606 | WEBSITE
Yes, you’ll probably have a Ric Flair–level wrestling match for a table at DiPrato’s on a Saturday at noon, but the fantastic food makes it worth the wait. Dishes like the best homemade pimento cheese with pita chips or the smoked Gouda and bacon sandwich—just a few standouts from a menu packed with great options—are absolutely fantastic. The catering game is strong, too, so if you dine in, expect a steady stream of office groups picking up beautifully prepared orders.
The cozy, old-world deli has quaint, kind of charming tables that make you lean in a little closer—but the overall feel is relaxed. Either way, DiPrato’s is always in the rotation when we’re craving Italian deli food (it’s on our 15 Best list).
J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar
$ | (803) 790-6696 | WEBSITE
We all know Columbia loves its Italian spots, and while wraps might not be the first thing that comes to mind, J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar might change your thinking. Think of it as really good comfort food in wrap form—like a hearty sandwich without the mess. The Honey Butter Croissants are our favorite here—the flaky pastry is brushed with sweet honey butter for extra richness. And they’re baked just right so you won’t feel like you’ve eaten a dry biscuit.
They’re easily a contender in the city, which is saying a lot in the Land of Southern cooking. J.R. Cash’s is casual dining, so grab a seat in the slightly dated but family-friendly space, and staff like Wyatt or Haley will bring your generous portions to you.
Madrigal
$$ | (803) 451-0892 | WEBSITE
Make your way to Madrigal just to savor a slice of Calabrese pizza in the glow of soft, intimate lighting that whispers “old-world charm.” Their consistently delicious food and effortless ability to balance cozy and special are why this Italian bistro fills up with a crowd carrying varied evening intentions. Think couples sharing baked eggplant over quiet conversation, friends diving into pesto meatballs before heading out for the night, and us with no particular plans.
But we’re here in our casual wear settled into one of the snug tables because we fully intend to slowly enjoy every bite of our chicken with mint and sip from their well-curated wine list. It’s that good.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (803) 407-1811 | WEBSITE
The fact that we’re willing to endure the occasional inconsistency in attention to detail for a meal at this Italian grill says it all, really. But if you’re still not sold, it also earned a spot on our 15 Best Italian Restaurants in Columbia, SC list. It’s a place for standout dishes, like their highly-recommended pork chops, served with the kind of care that staff members like Anna and Kynsley provide with their exceptional customer service.
Shenelle keeps everything running smoothly, making it one of the best Carrabba’s locations. While the side options can feel lacking at times, the overall experience—with its great service and top-tier food—makes it a worthwhile visit. If you’re hesitant about committing to a full dinner, try their consistently great service during a weekday lunch to get a taste first.
Il Giorgione
$$ | (803) 521-5063 | WEBSITE
You should visit this cozy Italian gem for a lively family dinner or for lunch at the rustic, sun-drenched patio. But no matter when you arrive, the thing to order at Il Giorgione is the margherita pizza. The crust (made fresh daily) is perfectly crisp and topped with bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This classic pie earned its spot on our best Italian restaurants list, and the fresh, flavorful caprese salad is the ideal starter before the main course.
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
$$ | (803) 419-9313 | WEBSITE
With easy parking access, attentive service, and a menu full of Italian classics, Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar makes for an enjoyable lunch outing with your family. You can savor a plate of the chicken scallopini (which they do well) along with several comforting pasta dishes like their meatballs or pesto napolina (very flavorful, in case there are any picky eaters).
When your kids start debating their pasta and sauce choices, no one will notice who really is hungry or who is just warming up to the jazz music-filled atmosphere.
Fazoli’s
$ | (803) 781-3149 | WEBSITE
Fazoli’s is the best Italian restaurant in Columbia. Their pizza and garlic butter breadsticks are consistently delicious. You might get a perfectly baked pie with gooey cheese and a side of those amazing breadsticks that come out hot and buttery. On paper, these items might not sound like standouts (especially for the $12-18 price range), but we’ve not tasted better fast Italian anywhere else, nor better service from their friendly staff.
Nor have we seen a General Manager who goes above and beyond so consistently that it makes the whole experience shine. But don’t let the ‘best’ superlative and great food make you think this is fancy dining. The atmosphere is very comfortable, which means you can absolutely enjoy your pizza and breadsticks in sneaks and jeans while getting that quick Italian fix.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (803) 764-7227 | WEBSITE
Marco’s Pizza is a Columbia staple for a reason—mainly because the large pepperoni pizza is always hitting. The pizza’s fresh, crispy crust doesn’t overdo it, and when you pair it with the fast, friendly service, you’re basically halfway to a perfect weeknight meal. Come for a quick takeout after a long workday or show up to dine in when the pace stays steady but the quality stays the same.
Di Vino Rosso
$$$ | (803) 550-9699 | WEBSITE
If a single strand of the fresh, fragrant pesto in your chicken parmesan winds up on the plate, your server will bring a warm cloth to wipe the edge clean. That attention to detail extends to the fantastic food and is why Di Vino Rosso has situated itself at the top of every list of best Italian restaurants in Columbia since they opened years ago.
A romantic’s worth of warm lighting, intimate tables, and extraordinarily good dishes like Bolognese topped with generous meatballs make every dinner here feel like a special occasion.