Thinking about planning a nice date night dinner for you and your significant other in Columbia, SC? Date nights are an important part of every relationship, but sometimes feel like they don’t happen nearly enough. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant that offers full entrees or maybe just a cozy place to order some drinks, small plates, or tasty desserts, we’ve found the perfect romantic date night restaurant for you!
We’ve got options for romantic restaurants in downtown Columbia, West Columbia, and even Northeast Columbia – so maybe try someplace new, travel a little further than you normally would, and enjoy some special one-on-one time. Cheers!
Which Restaurant Should I Go To For Date Night in Columbia, SC?
In Columbia, SC you will find many great restaurants with romantic, laid-back atmospheres, delicious food, and excellent service that are sure to make your date night extra special. Each of these restaurants offers something unique to make your time spent with your significant other well worth it. These are just a few date night-friendly restaurants that our city has to offer.
*It is always a great idea to make reservations well in advance, especially on weekends or when celebrating a holiday. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, these restaurants will undoubtedly fill up fast!
The Best Restaurants in Columbia, SC for Date Night
1. Gervais & Vine
This modern Mediterranean restaurant is a great date night option! Gervais & Vine is a tapas bar that offers a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining. They have a large cocktail and wine list as well as tapas such as seared scallops, baked brie, charcuterie, and more.
Address: 620 Gervais Street, Columbia
Gervais & Vine
2. Lula Drake Wine Parlour
Lula Drake is a very unique restaurant that showcases so much history and vintage-inspired decor. Their menu is made up of several small plate options that pair very well with the wine and beer lists. Depending on how hungry you are, this might be a fantastic place to go to start off, or even finish, your date night.
3. SakiTumi
Found in the popular Vista area of Columbia, SakiTumi is a Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of sushi and sashimi options. It has a very romantic, yet high-energy atmosphere. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday they offer great specials:
- Tuesdays from 5 pm to 10 pm
- Nemo-Vino Night – $34 for 1 premium bottle of wine, 1 specialty sushi roll, and 1 classic sushi roll
- Wednesdays from 5 pm to 10 pm
- S&M Night – ½ priced sushi and martinis
- Saturdays from 5 pm to 10 pm
Address: 807 Gervais Street, Suite 103, Columbia
SakiTumi
4. The Gourmet Shop
Found in Five Points, this charming, quaint bistro offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads that are mouthwatering good! They are only open for brunch and lunch dining options. Along with serving delicious foods, The Gourmet Shop also features a store with things such as wine, beer, fine cheeses, glassware, cutlery, chocolates, and so much more!
Address: 724 Saluda Avenue, Columbia
The Gourmet Shop
5. Hunter Gatherer Alehouse
Hunter Gatherer is well-known to locals as a place to go for delicious food and drinks. This restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere perfect for hanging out with your significant other or meeting up with friends. They’ve got several beers on tap, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of entrees to choose from. When you’re there be sure to try out the sausage balls!
Address: 900 Main Street, Columbia
Hunter-Gatherer Alehouse
6. Motor Supply Co. Bistro
This bistro is located in an awesome historic building in the heart of Columbia’s Vista district. The ever-changing menu features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. They also have a wide selection of craft beers and wines. My husband and I recently went here for a birthday celebration and really enjoyed everything we had to eat. The meat and cheese board was a great choice as an appetizer! Added Bonus: They even have complimentary valet parking, which as you know is a HUGE benefit for any downtown restaurant!
Address: 920 Gervais Street, Columbia
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
7. Bourbon
This modern-style restaurant is centrally located on Main Street in downtown Columbia. The menu features a variety of different meat styles, an extensive bourbon, whiskey, and cocktail selection, and cajun-creole cuisines – making it THE perfect spot for a special date night! Bourbon does not accept reservations so it is best to get there early. Keep in mind that after 5 pm, parking is FREE in the back parking lot!
Address: 1214 Main Street, Columbia
Bourbon
8. Smoked
Smoked in one of Columbia’s newer restaurants, but lacks none of the greatness! They have several large menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner serving a variety of oyster bar options, steak flights, ravioli, salad, and so much more! Smoked also offers great cocktails, a large wine list, and a beautiful outdoor patio area.
Address: 1643 Main Street, Columbia
Smoked
9. Cola’s
A local favorite and Columbia staple, Cola’s is a must! The 1930’s building was once used as a Cola bottling plant and still contains all of the brick, vintage charm. This restaurant specializes in steak & seafood with raw bar options and an extensive wine list. When the weather is nice, 2 large garage doors will be opened to allow tables to enjoy views of the SC Statehouse and the surrounding city.
Address: 1215 Assembly Street, Columbia
Cola’s
10. Villa Tronco
Villa Tronco is the oldest restaurant in the whole state, so they must be doing something right! On their menu you will find seafood, pasta, pizza, delicious desserts, and more. Over 80 years later, they continue to use family recipes from the original owners.
Address: 1213 Blanding Street, Columbia
Villa Tronco
Our Favorite Date Night Romantic Restaurants in West Columbia, SC
11. Terra
This farm-to-table restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a frequently changing menu. They have a lovely shaded patio, making it the perfect place to go and enjoy some fresh air and great company when the weather is nice! Terra has a very intimate atmosphere that would be perfect for a couple looking for a quiet, romantic night out.
Address: 100 State Street, West Columbia
Terra
12. Black Rooster
Black Rooster is a French-inspired restaurant that sits right near the foot of the Gervais Street bridge. Here you will find delicious cuisines from escargots to a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich and everything in between. One other great thing to note about Black Rooster is the amazing rooftop bar! Here, you will have great views of not only West Columbia, but also downtown, and parts of the river.
Address: 201 Meeting Street, West Columbia
Black Rooster
Northeast Columbia Date Night Restaurant Ideas
13. Travinia’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Travinia’s offers a great atmosphere and delicious Italian-style cuisine. They have delicious italian classics, flatbreads, soups, and more. Travinia’s also offers a large gluten-free menu!
Address: 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Road, Columbia
Travinia’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Dessert Restaurants in Columbia, SC
What better way to end a nice date night than a dessert bar? No matter what type of dessert you’re in the mood for, Columbia has a spot that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert, a unique twist on a favorite, or something new to try, these restaurants are sure to have something that will satisfy all of your cravings!
14. Kiminsky’s Dessert Cafe
Kiminsky’s has SO MANY sweet treats to choose from! They’ve got cake by the slice, gourmet cheesecake, pies, brownies, and more. This dessert bar is also well-known for its dessert martinis and signature cocktails. From “spiked” coffee and adult milkshakes to cookies and cake, Kaminsky’s is sure to have something to cure your after-dinner sweet tooth!
Address: 930 Gervais Street, Columbia
Kiminsky’s Dessert Cafe
15. Sweet Cream Company
This ice cream shop offers handcrafted, small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. They have a rotating selection of flavors, but the salted caramel and honey lavender are a few local favorites! Along with ice cream they also serve coffee, artisan sodas, and gourmet hot chocolate.
Address: 1627 Main Street, Columbia
Sweet Cream Company
16. The Robinson Room
This awesome dessert restaurant can be found on the lower level of The Grand, a boutique bowling alley and restaurant. The Robinson Room is a swanky dessert and cocktail bar and features some really unique creations! The atmosphere is quaint and romantic, making it a great spot to continue on your night out with your loved one.
Address: 1621 Main Street, Columbia, SC
The Robinson Room
Best Coffee for Date Night in Columbia, SC
Maybe your idea of the perfect date night begins or ends at a local coffee shop with a nice, warm cup of joe. If that’s the case check out our list of 23+ standout coffee shops all around Columbia such as Drip, The Hideout, Cool Beans, Oliver Gospel Roastery, and MANY more!
What is your go-to date night restaurant?
