News Summary
Columbia is buzzing with numerous new restaurant openings, enhancing its culinary scene. Notable additions include Enzo’s Delicatessen, Panda Express, and Twisted Whisk, along with international flavors from Vedha Indian Cafe and Sumo Sushi Hibachi Grill. Other highlights are the arrival of Molto Vino’s wine bar and Steel Hands Brewing’s new location. As the community anticipates the reopening of Groucho’s Deli and the fresh concepts from Bibimbox and Kumo Kumo, the diverse dining options are set to cater to every palate.
Columbia is experiencing an exciting wave of new restaurant openings and changes that promise to enhance the area’s culinary landscape. Residents and visitors can look forward to a variety of dining options, spanning fast-casual eateries, delis, and specialty bakeries, across the suburbs and downtown.
The most notable move includes Enzo’s Delicatessen, which is relocating to Whaley Street. The deli is known for its hearty New York-style sandwiches and a selection of Italian groceries, making it a potential favorite for those looking to indulge in classic deli offerings.
In a significant shift for the Lexington area, Panda Express is set to open at Platt Springs Crossing. The popular fast-food chain is well-regarded for its signature dishes, particularly the famed orange chicken, which is expected to attract local customers eager for quick, flavorful Asian cuisine.
Another addition to Lexington is Twisted Whisk, slated to open on Main Street. This bakery is recognized for its buttercream cakes and freshly baked breads, catering to those with a sweet tooth and a love for baked goods.
On the international cuisine front, Vedha Indian Cafe is preparing to open soon on Sunset Boulevard, potentially bringing a diverse range of Indian flavors to the area.
The town of Irmo will welcome Sumo Sushi Hibachi Grill, which will feature a large signature dish called the Godzilla Roll. This vibrant new restaurant aims to deliver an exciting dining experience through its unique sushi offerings.
Additionally, Molto Vino, a private wine bar, is planning to launch a new location on State Street in West Columbia. The new space will offer innovative self-service wine taps, a feature that could entice wine enthusiasts in the area.
In another development, Steel Hands Brewing has recently opened a new location in Columbia’s Vista area. This establishment aims to enhance the local craft beer scene with its selection of brews.
Looking forward, Groucho’s Deli is set to re-open in Forest Acres in January 2025, introducing a new prototype for its deli concept to the community. Meanwhile, Just a Touch, a soul food restaurant, has relocated and is expected to announce its new opening date in the near future.
No Name Delicatessen is also preparing to establish a second location in Forest Acres, expanding its reach within the local market. Moreover, O’Hara’s Public House on Platt Springs Road will soon restart operations as a full-service coffee shop and café, aiming to provide a welcoming environment for community gatherings.
In a move that can be anticipated by food enthusiasts, Bibimbox, a Colombian restaurant, is set for a soft opening on April 7. The establishment is designed to provide a fast-casual dining experience, bringing Colombian flavors to the forefront of the local culinary scene. Additionally, a second dessert and café concept known as Kumo Kumo is expected to open alongside Bibimbox, promising to enhance the area’s dessert options.
In summary, the Columbia area is witnessing rapid changes in its restaurant offerings, with an array of new eateries and relocations lined up. From delis to bakeries and international cuisine, these changes reflect the community’s growing appetite for diverse dining experiences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Vedha Indian Cafe Opens in McCauley Square Shopping Center
Twisted Whisk Bakery Opens in Lexington
JINYA Ramen Bar Opens Second Location in South Carolina
Dining by the Waterfront: Lake Murray Summer Highlight
Irmo Welcomes New Sumo Sushi & Hibachi Grill Location
James Agens Becomes Columbia SC Ambassador
Columbia Selects Design Firms for New Congaree River Park
Elgin Secures Deal to Keep Pelican’s SnoBalls Open
New Retail Stores Open Along Harbison Boulevard in Columbia
Additional Resources
- Columbia Tribune: Columbia Restaurants Open and Closed in 2024
- Post and Courier: Steel Hands & Groucho’s Opening Columbia SC
- Columbia Business Report: Korean Kitchen to Open Columbia Location
- News Observer: Food and Drink News
- WMAR2 News: Guatemalan Chicken Restaurant Celebrates Opening
- Wikipedia: Columbia
- Google Search: Columbia restaurants
- Google Scholar: Columbia food scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants in Columbia
- Google News: Columbia new restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
