There are evenings when a special celebration or overdue reunion coincides with a craving for fresh oysters and grilled fish. So when you need a place where you can savor expertly prepared seafood but also enjoy a memorable dining experience, Columbia offers numerous options. But what if you’re seeking restaurants that truly elevate the local catch beyond basic fried platters? That’s what this updated guide is for.
Blue Fin Restaurant And Bar
$$ | (803) 865-7346 | WEBSITE
Blue Fin Restaurant And Bar in Columbia is an ideal spot for a romantic date that wins on atmosphere alone. It has a great dining room, a good selection of wine, and a fantastic bar. It’s a staple for the post-work crowd, and no matter what’s on the menu, there’s always a group of people relaxing at the bar while enjoying appetizers like vegetable egg rolls or spicy, blackened shrimp.
Backstreets Grill
$ | (803) 834-3857 | WEBSITE
This college town spot has a variety of delicious menu items, with specials standing out as must-tries, along with classics like the big hamburger and meatloaf that are enjoyed by many. And since it’s full of lively atmosphere, especially during game nights, there’s typically a nice vibe while enjoying meals. Expect to see students watching the game on the outdoor patio and groups enjoying generous portions like the chicken ranch wrap and sweet potato fries at fair prices.
This means you’ll hear fans and friends chatting with the same level of excitement throughout the evening.
Clifton Seafood
$$ | (803) 738-1274 | WEBSITE
We mostly come to Clifton Seafood for their perfectly cooked seafood platter and delicious oysters, but they also have a seafood market inside with fresh and frozen options where you can pick up some big sea scallops to sauté in butter at home. It’s where you should come for seafood if you’re in the mood for affordable dishes like the 6-piece flounder and fried oysters with cocktail sauce.
But if you’re not in the sharing mood, it’s an ideal place to return visit after visit with some flavorful fish and a professional staff.
Blue Marlin
$$ | (803) 799-3838 | WEBSITE
Blue Marlin isn’t so much a seafood restaurant as it is a dining experience that happens to serve exceptional seafood, but that’s exactly why we love it. There’s never really a rushed atmosphere here, so if you want to savor a wonderful evening while you sample a variety of way-above-average dishes like the tender ribeye, generous seafood platter, and delectable ahi tuna appetizer, this is the place to do it.
The service is excellent, with attentive staff like Emma who provides impeccable attention, and the desserts like the amazing cheesecake and key lime pie are equally noteworthy.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (803) 407-1811 | WEBSITE
Since Carrabba’s Italian Grill is such a great group dinner spot, grab a couple of friends when you’re craving seafood and head to their cozy dining room that has a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Italian restaurant has a bunch of delicious things you can pass around the table, like their highly-recommended pork chops and other top-tier dishes.
But if you bring someone who’s picky about sides and can’t bear to be associated with them, you can go for their pork chops with the standard accompaniments just for yourself. It’s one of the more affordable places in the neighborhood—they have $25 pastas and $35 pork chops—so consider spending a few extra bucks on something from their wine menu that has a solid selection.
The service is usually great, with kind and knowledgeable staff like Anna and Kynsley who provide exceptional customer service, and Shenelle has the restaurant running like a well-oiled machine.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
$$ | (803) 661-7741 | WEBSITE
With a long wooden bar and someone shucking oysters like they’re opening presents, Pearlz Oyster Bar in Columbia looks like a classic seafood joint you could find in any coastal town. The difference here is the upstairs lounge has multiple TVs, a great selection of specialty drinks, good music playing, and a little area where you can watch the chef cook oysters to perfection.
Get the sampler trio—the appetizer comes loaded with fresh oysters, calamari, and linguini seafood—and try to tune out the one table complaining about their parmesan sprouts while you share a seafood tower with friends.
Dtown Wings Restaurant
$ | (803) 722-4078 | WEBSITE
Thanks to its cozy, no-frills setup with simple tables and a straightforward counter service, Dtown Wings Restaurant can quickly turn into a neighborhood comfort spot—especially when you’re craving something satisfying without breaking the bank. The menu here is full of solid, fresh options like their popular Philly Cheesesteak Combo, wings that outshine bigger chains, and lightly battered fried shrimp.
It’s a reliable place to dig into crispy crinkle-cut fries, generous portions of ham fried rice, and tasty fish dishes, and you’ll definitely see regulars chatting with the friendly staff and families enjoying the kids’ menu when the food arrives hot and delicious.
Wild Crab Seafood
$$ | (803) 661-8888 | WEBSITE
This Columbia seafood spot may seem like a harmless place to get fresh crab—there are plenty of options. But when there’s a game on, the entire dining room flocks to the many TVs to boo or cheer in unison. There’s a cozy, sports-friendly atmosphere inside—with multiple screens throughout—where you’ll always find half-empty margarita glasses and friends sharing a bag of shellfish.
The seafood here is better than your average restaurant, so if the teams let you down, you’ll always have a generous catfish platter and crab leg boil with corn and potatoes to comfort you.
Yummi Crab
$$ | (803) 834-6982 | WEBSITE
Yummi Crab has everything you want in a seafood spot: a relaxed space with cozy booths, plenty of seafood options, and a jamming playlist you can hear from any seat in the house. The food here is also better than your standard seafood joint—they’ve got snow crab that’s not overcooked, fried oysters, catfish served piping hot, and some frozen corn on the cob.
While there might be amazing drinks and a great happy hour even on Sunday, they also have attentive managers and busy servers like David if your version of a chill evening includes a few drinks with wonderful service.
Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven
$ | (803) 563-5295 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, ordering the family meal to go, or settling into their cozy sitting area, you’re never too far from that consistent seasoning at Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven. At this seafood and BBQ spot, you’ll find people sharing an order of hush puppies and enjoying the flounder or perch near the friendly staff taking orders.
It’s a small space with comfortable seating, so it’s great for a reliable option when you want fresh seafood cooked-to-order but not the wait times of bigger places. Plus, if the whiting or croaker doesn’t hit the spot, you can always call ahead to place your order and skip the line during those busy Friday nights.