10 Best Restaurants in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina

Dumplings—both pork and shiitake—are king here, along with spare ribs, crab rangoon, and sesame balls. You order from the menu—the compact dining room is a bit small for traditional dim sum carts—but there are no wrong choices.

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.

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.

Tucked into a nearly subterranean ground floor space, this new vegan go-to helps to fill the void left behind by the closing of The Whig—a former owner of that dive bar is behind The Hoot's dim garden bar vibes. Order a seitan-based Philly Sando, a bowl of shroom "mac & cheez," or a baked tofu sandwich with chili-ginger spread, then stick around for a chai margarita and a game of pinball.

This coffee shop roasts its own beans, and from its location immediately next to the State House, it's helped to fuel many a legislative session for more than two decades.

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.

Enjoy the laid-back Southern atmosphere at this Carolina barbecue joint. Grab a plate, get in the buffet line, and load up on brisket, pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, ribs, and fried fish, along with fixings such as collards, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.

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.