Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Columbia | Upscale Italian Food

8 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Columbia | Upscale Italian Food

• Congaree Craft Pizza — Italian · rated 2/5: Stepping into this rustic haven feels like a retreat into the heart of the Lowcountry, where the warm glow of a wood-fired oven and the scent of bubbling mozzarella create an instantly inviting atmosphere. Artisanal pizzas arrive with perfectly blistered crusts and inventive toppings that celebrate local flavors, offering a soulful dining experience that balances culinary craft with a relaxed, communal spirit.
• il focolare — Italian: Stepping into il focolare feels like entering a rustic Italian sanctuary, where the golden glow of a central hearth casts a warm light over weathered wood tables and exposed brick. The air is thick with the comforting scent of woodsmoke and roasting garlic as chefs pull blistered, artisanal pizzas from the flames and serve bowls of hand-rolled pasta tossed in rich, slow-cooked ragùs. It is a place of soulful simplicity, where the crackle of the fire provides the soundtrack for long, wine-soaked evenings shared among friends.
• Garnet Station — Italian: Stepping into this eclectic neighborhood gem feels like entering a bohemian sanctuary, where vintage decor and a lush, sun-dappled garden create an effortlessly soulful atmosphere. The air carries the smoky perfume of the wood-fired oven, which turns out artisanal pizzas with blistered crusts that pair perfectly with the warm, community-driven spirit of the space.
• Cicci Di Carne — Italian: This vibrant temple of Tuscan butchery pulses with energy, where the rhythmic sound of artisanal knife work meets the intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted, herb-rubbed meats. Crusty schiacciata bread serves as the canvas for succulent cuts of premium beef and porchetta, creating a rustic yet refined experience that honors the primal artistry of the butcher’s craft. Every bite transports diners to the hills of Panzano, offering a soulful celebration of Italian tradition served with contemporary flair.
• Terra Restaurant — Italian: Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows into a space defined by reclaimed wood and living greenery, where the air carries the faint, earthy scent of a wood-burning hearth. Plates arrive as vibrant celebrations of the season, showcasing ingredients plucked at their peak and transformed into rustic yet refined dishes that honor the raw beauty of the land. It is a sanctuary of grounded elegance, inviting diners to slow down and savor the deep, honest flavors of a kitchen deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature.
• Schiano's — Italian: Schiano’s captures the heart of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the comforting scent of bubbling cheese and slow-simmered tomato sauce drifts through a space filled with the lively hum of local conversation. Golden-crusted pizzas emerge blistered from the oven alongside generous plates of pasta that celebrate the simple, soul-warming flavors of traditional Italian-American cooking. The atmosphere radiates a timeless warmth that makes every guest feel like a regular, whether they are stopping in for a quick slice or settling in for a leisurely family feast.
• Di Vino Rosso — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of candlelight and the rich, ruby hues of its namesake, this intimate enclave invites guests to linger amidst polished wood accents and the soft clinking of crystal. The kitchen crafts soul-warming Italian classics that pair seamlessly with a curated cellar, where the aroma of slow-simmered sauces and artisanal cheeses creates a sanctuary of rustic elegance. It is a place where time slows down over a perfectly poured glass, turning every meal into a lush, sensory celebration of the grape and the grain.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: The air hums with the electric energy of arcade games and the joyful chorus of celebration, creating a vibrant playground where neon lights dance across tables laden with bubbling, golden-crust pizzas. It is a whimsical destination where the aroma of melted mozzarella mingles with the thrill of the win, offering families a spirited escape defined by classic games, colorful prizes, and the timeless magic of childhood wonder.