Greenville, S.C. is quickly becoming a foodie destination with so many top-notch restaurant options. We’re on a mission to try all the restaurants in town, and so far, we’ve picked out a few of our favorites. Here are the best restaurants in Greenville, S.C.
Jianna
Jianna is one of my favorite places to go for a date night in Greenville. It doesn’t get better than their bread and butternut squash puree. Aside from the food, the atmosphere and staff have a lot to do with what makes this place so special. Our waiter’s knowledge of the menu and ingredients that go into each dish was impressive. The most extraordinary part of the whole experience is sitting on the second story balcony overlooking Main Street and Falls Park.
Topsoil Kitchen & Market
Located in Travelers Rest, Topsoil just might be my favorite dining experience in the area. Adam Cooke, the executive chef was a 2020 semi-finalist in the James Beard Foundation award, and his food is spectacular. They focus on local ingredients and intricate flavors. It’s a must when you’re in the Greenville area.
Juniper
Juniper is a Greenville experience unlike any other. Complete with a sophisticated menu and dressed in an abundance of flowers and floral designs, the restaurant seems like it belongs in New York City. Be sure to make a reservation way in advance. This is one place you don’t want to miss.
Select Restaurant
Located in the heart of Greer, Select is serving up healthy and hearty meals in a fun yet laidback environment. I prefer their lunch menu, which is like a typical “meat and three,” but you can’t go wrong with this place any time of day.
The Lazy Goat
The Lazy Goat might be one of my favorite restaurants for the view alone (although their food is fantastic). The restaurant is located above the Art Crossing on the Reedy River that runs through downtown. Definitely a must when visiting the city.
Paloma
Paloma is located in the new AC Hotel downtown. The restaurant serves craft cocktails, wine and tapas. I highly recommend ordering the patatas bravas. We’re big fans.
UP on the Roof
UP on the Roof is probably one of the coolest restaurant experiences in downtown Greenville. The food is good, but I recommend going for the drinks and the views.
Farmhouse Tacos
Farmhouse Tacos has locations in Greenville and Travelers Rest. We visited the one in Travelers Rest and loved it. It’s the perfect place to go when you’re looking for a casual dining spot or, if you’re like us, when you finish biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail and are craving some tacos.
Tipsy Taco
Tipsy Taco is my mom’s favorite taco stop in Greenville. They have multiple locations, including one in Charlotte, N.C. This is a place you want to take your friends on taco Tuesday.
Chophouse ’47
If you’re in the mood for a fancy steakhouse, Chophouse ’47 is your place. If you’re not a steak kind of person, I highly recommend going for the jumbo shrimp cocktail and the charred Brussels sprouts (they are the BEST).
Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse
Technically, Tandem is located right down the road from Topsoil in Travelers Rest. This is my go-to answer when people ask me where to eat when visiting Greenville. Decorated with pops of yellow and a tandem bike mounted on the wall, this place heralds the best crêpes you will ever put in your mouth. Their sweet and savory crêpes are equally amazing and best eaten with a latte or one of their handcrafted sodas. I suggest ordering the lumberjack or blueberry cream.
Trio Brick Oven Cafe
Gluten-free eaters rejoice! This Italian restaurant has both gluten-free penne and crust options. Our favorites from the restaurant are the tomato herb pasta and the pizza.
Halls Chophouse
Halls Chophouse is the place for fancy-schmancy dining. It’s where you go for a celebration. They bring out a board of meats for you to choose from, but I always opt for the salmon.
Larkins on the River
Larkins is where you go for fine dining and a really good steak. We celebrated Asher’s birthday here and scored a free dessert. I highly recommend sitting on the patio under the lights, and Asher highly recommends the lobster mac and cheese.
Nose Dive
If you’re in the mood for a good burger on Main Street, Nose Dive is the place. They also have a really good veggie plate.
Sidewall Pizza
Sidewall Pizza is THE pizza place in the Greenville area with a total of six locations. They have all sorts of pizzas, including build-your-own. They also serve salads and ice cream. And listen up you vegan people, they have vegan ice cream made from coconut milk. Let me say that again – VEGAN ICE CREAM. You’re welcome.
Grill Marks
Grill Marks is the place to go when you get a hankering for a good burger. It’s super casual and they have a nice area for outdoor seating on Main Street. Would it be my first choice for dinner downtown? Probably not, but it’s still worth mentioning.
Warehouse at Vaughns
Warehouse at Vaughns is one of the newest additions to downtown Simpsonville, and it’s easily one of my favorites. The food hall has all sorts of options – burgers, gelato, seafood, tacos, wine, beer and boiled peanuts to name a few. I highly recommend Anchor Raw Bar.
Pomegranate on Main
Pomegranate on Main is where you go for authentic Persian cuisine. Think hummus, kabobs, stews, and kashk bademjan (say that three times fast). While the chicken torsh kabob is a personal favorite, this is also the perfect place for vegetarians and vegans.
White Duck Taco Shop
White Duck Taco Shop isn’t a Greenville original, but it’s definitely a Greenville favorite. They have locations in Asheville, Hendersonville and Charlotte too. We recommend the lamb gyro and fish tacos.
Tropical Grille
Tropical Grille is more like fast food, but not in the traditional greasy fries and a burger kind of food. This is healthy food fast. I highly recommend it when you’re in a hurry or just want good, healthy cuban food.
Gather GVL
All hail the hippest joint in town! Gather GVL is the place you go when none of your friends can decide where to eat. Housed in large shipping containers, you’ll find just about every type of food imaginable for the best night out. A few vendors you’ll find include HenDough Chicken and Donuts, Cocobowlz, Mercado Cantina, KO Burger, and more.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery
Things just got really local. If you’re looking for food sourced locally, whether it’s to make a recipe, grab a quick bite to eat, or hang out with friends, Swamp Rabbit has it all. Located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, it’s the perfect place to stop for a mid bike ride snack. It’s definitely a Greenville staple.
Coffee Underground
Coffee Underground will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent there during college. With bohemian vibes and a laidback atmosphere, it’s different than any other coffee shop experience in Greenville. Go for the BLT, stay for the coffee and dessert.
Fork and Plough
Fork and Plough is one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville. I love the farm-to-table concept and go for the vegetable plate every time. Their blackened okra is to die for.
Pita House
The glorious Pita House! I inhaled so much chicken schawarma and baba ghannouge during my college days from this place. It’s definitely a hole-in-the-wall and well-loved in Greenville.
I’m always looking for more places to eat in Greenville. Comment below and tell me your favorite places in the area!
Looking for more? Check out these restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina.
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