Greenville, South Carolina is an up-and-coming travel destination in the southeastern United States. In the past two decades, the city has been transformed into an exciting and vibrant city with a thriving food scene. There are so many interesting and yummy places to eat in Greenville SC. Greenville has been listed as a trendy “small town” destination by several travel magazines like Travel + Leisure and Southern Living. I lived in Greenville for two years, and I lived in a city very close by for 4 years after that, so I consider myself somewhat of a local expert! In this post, I’ll tell you the best restaurants in Greenville SC from my experiences, and I’ll suggest some yummy dishes you should try!
Read my guide to a perfect weekend in Greenville, SC for more Greenville travel inspiration!
Best Restaurants in Greenville SC- Top Places to Eat in Greenville
1. Jianna
Jianna is one of the newer additions to the Greenville food scene on this list, and it has been a very popular choice for dinner since its opening a couple of years ago! Jianna is a modern Italian restaurant, and they make pasta fresh every day. If the weather is nice, sit outside to enjoy views of Main Street and Falls Park. I’ve been to Jianna several times, and it’s been great every time — I like the ricotta crostini to start and any of the homemade pasta dishes for my main course! Check out the website for the complete menu and for reservations.
2. Tupelo Honey Cafe
For some delicious southern cooking, go to Tupelo Honey Cafe. Every meal at Tupelo Honey starts with a dense, buttery biscuit that you can top with honey and blueberry jam — I still think about these indulgent biscuits. This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Greenville SC for brunch, with classic southern options like sweet potato pancakes and shrimp and grits! Definitely make a reservation, especially for brunch, to avoid waiting!
3. Coffee Underground
Coffee Underground, located just off of Main Street, is my favorite coffee shop in Greenville. Besides its wide range of amazing coffee, Coffee Underground has great desserts! I love getting the strawberry cake when they have it.
4. Soby’s
Soby’s is a classic southern restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist. This upscale restaurant defines its food as “new South cuisine,” and the menu features dishes like pimiento cheese to start and local fried chicken as a main. Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks and eats.
5. The Lazy Goat
The Lazy Goat is one of the places at the top of my personal list of the best restaurants in Greenville SC. This restaurant has a Mediterranean and Spanish flair, adding something new to the Greenville food scene. I personally love the “Lazy Paella,” but the flank steak is also delicious. When the weather is nice, the patio is absolutely lovely, overlooking the park and river below.
6. Smoke on the Water
Want to try some Carolina barbeque when you visit Greenville? Check out Smoke on the Water for their pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more. If you don’t want barbeque, there are still plenty of options — the menu is fairly large. If you haven’t explored southern cuisine, this is a great place for an authentic taste. I love all the southern side options, with choices including cooked greens, fried grit cake, and fried okra.
7. Hall’s Chophouse
For an amazing steak and an even better bread pudding, go to Hall’s Chophouse. I think Hall’s is one of the best restaurants in Greenville SC, and its somewhat pricey menu is well worth it. The beef filets melt in your mouth, and the bread pudding, with macerated cherries and brandy cream, is sinfully delicious. Be sure to make a reservation before you go! This is the second Hall’s Chophouse — the first is located in Charleston.
8. Brick Street Cafe
Brick Street Cafe is a casual eatery in downtown Greenville. I’m not obsessed with the main menu, but the desserts are so good. You can get classic southern desserts like sweet potato pie at Brick Street Cafe, as well as a variety of cakes by the slice.
9. Husk
Like Hall’s, Husk is a Charleston restaurant that recently opened up an outpost in Greenville. Husk has been super popular since its opening, and it’s well on its way to being one of the top places to eat in Greenville SC. Husk serves traditional southern food, reimagined by Chef Sean Brock, a James Beard Award winner.
10. UP on the Roof
For delicious food and great cocktails, go to UP on the Roof. I love grabbing a drink here because this rooftop restaurant and bar has wonderful views overlooking the Greenville skyline. There are so many fun cocktail choices here, but be warned — the bottled cocktails are strong! The food is great here, too.
Top Places to Eat in Greenville SC – Guide to the Best Restaurants in Greenville SC
From casual cafes to fancy steakhouses, there are so many great places to eat in Greenville SC! I loved living here several years ago, and it’s been awesome to see so much growth in the Greenville food scene! Where would you eat?
Great post