7 Best Restaurants in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina

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We've compiled the best of the best in The Midlands and Upstate - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Gather GVL

$ | Downtown

Stacks of colorful shipping containers house mini-kitchens circling a central courtyard at this outdoor food hall. Grab an acai bowl, a signature sushi roll, or a basket of fried chicken, and find a spot to kick back and enjoy the live bands on weekends.

The Gourmet Shop

$ | Five Points

Mirrors and art adorn the walls at this French-inspired bakery and café serving coffee, sandwiches, soups, and cheese plates. Next door, the retail shop sells wine, kitchen gadgets, French table linens, and fancy food items.

Knowledge Perk

$ | USC Campus

Even if the coffee wasn't excellent—you can even book an appointment to roast your own blend here—it tastes better inside a historic mansion with a wraparound porch and pepperpot turret.

1527 Gervais St, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
803-738–5273
Known For
  • Altruistic company mission
  • Sweet and savory pastries
  • Comfortable seating inside a sprawling ground floor

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Recommended Fodor's Video

New Moon Café

$

This funky café pairs Aiken's best coffee (the coffee beans are roasted right next door) with freshly baked muffins and sweet rolls, panini sandwiches and salads, and homemade soups. The crab bisque is particularly good.

116 Laurens St. NW, Aiken, SC, 29801, USA
803-643–7088
Known For
  • Healthy food made with heart
  • Smoothies and milkshakes
  • Quick, friendly service
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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smallSUGAR

$$ | Vista

Grab a cold brew and shakshouka for breakfast or a roasted sweet potato bowl with a side of marinated cucumbers at this veggie-forward counter-serve café.

709 Gervais St., Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
803-722–7506
Known For
  • Sourcing from local farms
  • Seasonal menu
  • In-house program to train young people in the culinary arts

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Southern Pressed Juicery

$ | Downtown
Cold-pressed juices, energy bowls, and salads in a high-ceilinged, bright room make this an obvious spot for a pick-me-up when you're hoofing it around town.

Stax Omega Diner

$$

This contemporary diner's menu features a little of everything, from bacon and eggs, burgers, and souvlaki to Greek-style chicken and shrimp and grits. Sit in the booths or at the half-circle counter with stools to enjoy your meal; when you're done, check out the sweets menu from the Stax Bakery next door.

72 Orchard Park Dr., Greenville, SC, 29615, USA
864-297–6639
Known For
  • Greek and Italian desserts
  • Popular local catering service
  • Classic diner fare

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