Italian food columbia sc – Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Italian food in Columbia, SC, where flavors dance and traditions intertwine. From authentic trattorias to innovative bistros, the city’s Italian food scene is a tapestry of culinary delights, ready to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Italy.
Join us as we embark on a gastronomic journey through Columbia’s Italian culinary landscape, uncovering the hidden gems, savoring the delectable dishes, and exploring the stories behind the chefs who bring this vibrant cuisine to life.
Italian Restaurants in Columbia, SC: Italian Food Columbia Sc
Columbia, SC offers a diverse culinary scene, with a wide selection of Italian restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences. These establishments offer authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Here’s a list of some notable Italian restaurants in Columbia, SC, organized alphabetically for your convenience:
Restaurants List
- Al Forno Restaurant– 1101 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 252-6059 – Website
- Anthony’s Italiano Ristorante– 625 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205 – (803) 254-6486 – Website
- Basil’s Greek and Italian Restaurant– 300 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 256-9750 – Website
- Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Trattoria– 1001 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 799-5444 – Website
- Masterson’s Restaurant– 620 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205 – (803) 799-9292 – Website
- Michael’s on Main– 2201 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 933-1833 – Website
- Miyo’s Columbia– 900 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 254-0986 – Website
- Oregano’s Pizza and Pasta– 7313 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 – (803) 736-7172 – Website
- Villa Tronco– 6601 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209 – (803) 782-9595 – Website
- Vinny’s Italian Kitchen and Bar– 1000 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 771-1100 – Website
Types of Italian Food Available in Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina, offers a diverse range of Italian cuisine, catering to various tastes and preferences. From traditional dishes to modern interpretations, there’s something for every palate.
Antipasti
Antipasti, or appetizers, are a great way to start an Italian meal. Popular options in Columbia include:
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil
- Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
- Arancini: Fried rice balls filled with cheese or meat
Pasta
Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and Columbia offers a wide selection of dishes.
- Spaghetti and meatballs: Classic pasta dish with tomato sauce and meatballs
- Lasagna: Layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce
- Ravioli: Pasta filled with various fillings, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables
Pizza, Italian food columbia sc
Pizza is another beloved Italian dish, and Columbia has many options.
- Margherita pizza: Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil
- Pepperoni pizza: Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni
- Sicilian pizza: Thick, square-shaped pizza with a crispy crust
Seafood
Columbia also offers a variety of seafood dishes with Italian flair.
- Shrimp scampi: Shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine
- Mussels marinara: Mussels cooked in a tomato-based sauce
- Lobster ravioli: Pasta filled with lobster and served in a creamy sauce
Italian Food Festivals in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC is home to a vibrant Italian community that celebrates its heritage through various events and festivals throughout the year. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich flavors, traditions, and culture of Italy.
Here is a list of some of the most popular Italian food festivals held in Columbia, SC:
Taste of Italy Festival
- Dates: Typically held in May
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Taste of Italy Festival is a family-friendly event that features a wide variety of Italian food vendors, live music, and cultural performances. Attendees can enjoy authentic Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, gelato, and cannoli.
Italian Heritage Festival
- Dates: Typically held in October
- Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: South Carolina State Fairgrounds
The Italian Heritage Festival is a celebration of Italian culture and traditions. The festival features Italian food, music, dance, and art. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, such as face painting, carnival games, and a petting zoo.
Columbia Italian Food Festival
- Dates: Typically held in November
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Richland Mall
The Columbia Italian Food Festival is a celebration of Italian food and culture. The festival features a variety of Italian food vendors, live music, and cultural performances. Attendees can enjoy authentic Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, gelato, and cannoli.
Italian Cooking Classes in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC, is a hub for Italian cuisine, with a diverse range of Italian restaurants offering authentic flavors and cooking techniques. To enhance your culinary skills and delve deeper into the art of Italian cooking, several cooking classes are available in the city.
These classes cater to various levels of experience, from beginners seeking an introduction to Italian cooking to seasoned enthusiasts looking to refine their techniques. Whether you prefer hands-on, demonstration, or online classes, there’s a class to suit your needs.
Hands-on Classes
Hands-on classes provide a comprehensive learning experience, allowing participants to actively engage in the cooking process. These classes typically involve preparing a complete Italian meal, from appetizers to desserts.
- Palmetto Luna Cucinaoffers hands-on classes ranging from $65 to $125. Their classes cover various cuisines, including Italian, and are taught by experienced chefs.
- The Gourmet Shophosts hands-on cooking classes led by their chef-instructors. The cost of these classes varies depending on the menu and ranges from $75 to $150.
Demonstration Classes
Demonstration classes are ideal for those who prefer to observe and learn from experienced chefs. These classes typically involve watching a chef prepare an Italian dish while providing detailed instructions and explanations.
- Cucina Novellaoffers demonstration classes for $65 per person. These classes feature renowned chefs demonstrating their culinary skills and sharing their knowledge of Italian cuisine.
- The Wine & Food Centerhosts demonstration classes led by local chefs. The cost of these classes ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the chef and the menu.
Online Classes
Online classes offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn Italian cooking from the comfort of your own home. These classes are often self-paced and include video demonstrations, recipes, and interactive discussions.
- Sur La Tableoffers online Italian cooking classes for $29.95 per class. These classes feature renowned chefs teaching various Italian dishes and techniques.
- The International Kitchenprovides online Italian cooking classes for $35 per class. Their classes cover a wide range of Italian cuisines and are led by experienced chefs.
Italian Chefs in Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina is home to a vibrant and diverse Italian food scene, thanks in part to the talented Italian chefs who have made the city their home. These chefs have brought their passion for authentic Italian cuisine to Columbia, and they have helped to create a thriving culinary community.
One of the most notable Italian chefs in Columbia is Antonio Rabasco. Rabasco was born in Italy and moved to the United States in 1990. He opened his first restaurant, Trattoria Giovanni, in 1995, and it quickly became one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city.
Rabasco’s menu features classic Italian dishes, such as pasta carbonara and osso buco, as well as some of his own creations. He has been praised for his use of fresh ingredients and his attention to detail.
Another well-known Italian chef in Columbia is Francesco “Frank” Randazzo. Randazzo was born in Sicily and moved to the United States in 1989. He opened his first restaurant, Il Giardino, in 1996. Il Giardino is known for its authentic Sicilian cuisine, and Randazzo has been praised for his use of traditional ingredients and cooking techniques.
These are just two of the many talented Italian chefs who have made Columbia, South Carolina a great place to enjoy Italian food. Their contributions to the city’s culinary scene have helped to make Columbia a destination for food lovers from all over the region.
Awards and Recognition
The Italian chefs in Columbia, SC have received numerous awards and recognition for their work. Antonio Rabasco was named one of the “Best Chefs in America” by the James Beard Foundation in 2003. He has also been featured in several national publications, including The New York Times and Food & Wine magazine.
Francesco “Frank” Randazzo was named one of the “Top 10 Chefs in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2006. He has also been featured in several national publications, including Southern Living and Garden & Gun magazine.
Contributions to the Italian Food Scene in Columbia, SC
The Italian chefs in Columbia, SC have made significant contributions to the city’s Italian food scene. They have helped to create a thriving culinary community, and they have introduced new and exciting dishes to the city. Their work has helped to make Columbia a destination for food lovers from all over the region.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are some must-try Italian dishes in Columbia, SC?
Indulge in classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna, or savor wood-fired pizzas with an array of toppings. Don’t miss the seafood specialties, such as grilled octopus and cioppino, that showcase the region’s fresh catches.
Are there any Italian food festivals in Columbia, SC?
Yes, the city hosts several Italian food festivals throughout the year. The annual Festa Italiana, held in the spring, features live music, traditional Italian dishes, and a bocce ball tournament. The Taste of Italy festival in the fall offers a culinary journey with samplings from local Italian restaurants.
Can I take Italian cooking classes in Columbia, SC?
Absolutely! Several cooking schools and culinary centers offer Italian cooking classes for all skill levels. Learn the art of pasta making, pizza dough preparation, and traditional Italian sauces.
