Best Places To Eat In Greenville, SC

Greenville’s food scene isn’t just for local residents and the casual visitor anymore. This amazing South Carolina city, with its Southern charm and cornucopia of culinary contributions, is making a name for itself as one of the up-and-coming food destinations in the U.S.

UPDATE: As we know from our last visit, there is no shortage of restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina. Last time we found 20 unique dining experiences and that whetted our appetites to get back to Greenville. So we did. We checked out all the restaurants on our list to make sure they were still delivering in the areas of food, service, and atmosphere. And they were (one exception: Mr. Egg O Little India is permanently closed).

We also visited 10 spots that we had not been to before and happily we were able to add three new restaurants to our list. Hope you enjoy our updated list of the Best Places to Eat in Greenville, South Carolina.

There are plenty of famous food cities in the U.S. – New Orleans, New York, Austin, Nashville, and San Francisco to name a few – while other cities struggle to secure a toehold among the culinary elites. Through my travels I have found that many cities actually do offer a comparable level of quality and originality in their cookery. There are many under-the-radar food destinations in the U.S. and many of the lesser-known food cities offer superior quality meals at a lower cost with restaurants that will absolutely amaze you.

Greenville’s food scene isn’t just for local residents and the casual visitor anymore. This amazing South Carolina city, with its Southern charm and cornucopia of culinary contributions, is making a name for itself as one of the up-and-coming food destinations in the U.S.

Now it’s time to channel our inner Anthony Bourdain. We are going to eat around the world without leaving Greenville. If you want to savor all that Greenville has to offer, then this list is for you. Restaurants listed are in no particular order but represent the diversity in food that makes Greenville a culinary destination.

Kitchen Sync (New to the List)

Style: Attractive, welcoming, neighborhood spot serving farm fresh, made-from-scratch food

Our favorite dishes:

• Carolina Catfish – Asian BBQ glaze, spicy peach melt, collards, and grits
• Cracklin’ Chicken Thighs – collard greens, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, magic dust
• Silly Cheesesteak – Vegetarian-sauteed meatless crumbles, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, melted white American, and Sriracha ketchup drizzle, served on a classic Amoroso roll

A great spot for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten free diners. Independently owned and green certified. Very socially conscious restaurant valuing compassion and ecological integrity
Tip: You can request vegan cheese for any dishes containing cheese (including the pizzas)

Kitchen Sync
1609 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 568-8115
https://kitchensyncgreenville

Asada (New to the List)

Style: A casual, vibrant restaurant serving Latin American food with global influences

Our favorite dishes:

• Lomo Saltado Poutine – stir fried beef tenderloin strips, peruvian yellow peppers, red onions, and asian sauce, served over Poutine crispy french fries,with homemade gravy and natural cheese rinds
• Tacos De Camarones & Mole – Asian-inspired salt and pepper shrimp tossed in Mexican mole sauce, served on homemade Pasilla chile corn tortilla
• Cubano – slow roasted pork loin, ham, swiss cheese and dill pickles with Yuca fries & citrus garlic sauce

The food and decor in this restaurant is colorful, bold, and quirky. Co-owner Robert Coertery (Gina, his wife is the other owner) has covered the walls of the restaurant with his own abs

Asada
903 Wade Hampton Boulevard
Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 770-3450
http://www.asadarestaurant.com/

Passerelle Bistro (New to the List)

Style: A relaxed, French bistro located in Falls Park on the Reedy with stunning scenery.

Our favorite dishes:

• Duck Cassoulet – crispy duck confit, cannellini beans, sausage, tomato, mushroom, kale, gruyere
• Bouillabaisse – shrimp, garlic, grilled baguette
• Vegetarian Plate – vegetable ragu, roasted golden beets, parsnips, sauteed kale, tomato, pesto rice

Passerelle translates to “foot bridge” honoring the Liberty Bridge which is located in Falls Park. This is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Greenville. An oasis of tranquility with delightful food.

Passerelle Bistro
601 South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 509-0142
https://www.passerelleinthepark.com/

Soby’s

Style: Southern, casual, farm-to-table

Our favorite dishes:

• Fried chicken – hot honey, mac and cheese, haricot verts
• She Crab Soup – aged sherry, crab Roe
• Braised Beef Short Ribs – Sea Island red baked peas, roasted poblano slaw, stolen old No. 6 barbecue sauce

Owner Carl Sobocinski is arguably the godfather of the revitalized Greenville dining scene. Soby’s is located in what was a shoe mart. Renovated, it has beautiful brick walls and a skylight, with inventive food, a well-trained staff, and a lively bar (huge wine cellar) which make this a must stop.

Soby’s
207 Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 237-7007
https://sobys.com

Trappe Door

Style: European with Old World atmosphere, casual

Our favorite dishes:

• Carbonnades Flamandes – tradition Flemish beef stew cooked in Belgian beer, salad, Belgian fries
• Beer Battered Cod and Frites – fish and chips Belgian style, sauce gribiche and brandy ketchup mayonnaise (for dipping)
• Pork and Cherry Sausages – housemade pork sausages with dried cherries, leek mashed potatoes, creamy brussel sprouts, sherry and onion gravy

Underground spot with a speakeasy feel. Atmospheric setting. Large selection of moules (mussels). Huge beer selection. Open 7 days a week, which is a plus as many Greenville restaurants are closed on Monday.

Tip: Reservation advisable especially on weekends

Trappe Door
23 West Washington Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(846) 451-7490
https://www.trappedoor.com

Jianna

Style: Modern Italian Osteria with open kitchen

Our favorite dishes:

• Char-grilled Octopus – potato, guanciale, pistachio, sherry lemon vinaigrette
• Rigatoni – pork shank ragu, lunch box peppers, broccolini, spiced ricotta
• Wild Alaskan Halibut – pancetta, preserved lemon, heirloom tomato, spring pea pesto

Chef owned (Michael Kramer). Creative twist on traditional Italian cuisine, Freshest ingredients, housemade fresh pasta. Handcrafted cocktails, 360 degree oyster bar. Sleek, modern vibe with indoor outdoor seating (overlooking downtown Greenville).

Jianna
600 South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 720-2200
https://jiannagreenville.com

Mekong

Style: Informal Vietnamese restaurant serving soups, rice plates and stir fries

Our favorite dishes:

• Grilled Marinated Quails-marinated quails with ginger soy dressing
• Oxtail Pho (soup) – riced noodles, ginger broth, bean sprouts, thai basil, mint cilantro, lime
• Steamed Duck Bun – braised duck meat, lettuce, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, steamed bun

Don’t be fooled by the nondescript building, Mekong is the real deal. We sampled many Asian restaurants and none came within a shouting distance. A singular dining experience. Check out the garden in back of the restaurant which supplies most of the restaurant’s produce during the growing season.

Mekong
2013 Wade Hampton Boulevard
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 244-1314
https://mekongrestaurantgreenville.com

Willy Taco – Feed & Seed

Style: Updated cantina-style embracing a Holy Trinity of tacos, tortas, and tequila.

Our favorite dishes:

• Baja Fish Taco – crispy white fish, shaved cabbage, charred tomato salsa, house crema
• Mexican Street Corn – grilled corn on the cob, chipotle ranch, queso fresco, lime
• Argentine Steak Quesadilla – grilled marinated ribeye, melted jack cheese, shaved cabbage, salsa verde, frizzled onions, guacamole, pico, chipotle ranch

Housed in a 1930s Feed and Seed store that underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, it’s now a 200-seat restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Friendly, lively spot that might be the most eco-friendly restaurant in Greenville. Behind all the flash is a serious restaurant serving made from scratch food. Also a location in Spartanburg.

Willy Taco Feed and Seed
217 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 412-8700
https://willytaco.com

The Seafood Spot

Style: Seafood centric spot with a laid back atmosphere in clean spacious quarters.

Our favorite dishes:

• Lowcountry Oyster Basket – 8 fried oysters, fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw
• Lowcountry Fried Croaker Fish and Shrimp Basket – croaker, shrimp, fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw
• Lowcountry Boil – shrimp, potatoes, corn, turkey sausage

Bringing the Lowcountry to the Upstate. Family owned. Also a Spartanburg location. This is glorious messy food, but that’s part of the fun. Owner Greg Brantley grew up in Beaufort and knows all the coastal staples.

The Seafood Spot
219 West Antrim Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 520-2018
https://www.theseafoodspotupstate.com

Aryana Afghan Cuisine

Style: A small, no-frills lunch eatery serving authentic Afghan dishes prepared by owner, Nelo Mayar, an Afghanistan immigrant with a stop in Germany.

Our favorite dishes:

• Mantoo (mantu) – savory beef and onion filled dumplings
• Gulpi – cauliflower curry with rice
• Sabzi – Afghan spinach with dill and cilantro

Tuesday through Friday (11:30am to 3pm) the restaurant offers a large plate with two proteins, two starches, and two vegetables. Weekly menus posted on Facebook. Dinner is served on Saturday evening but, to our taste, lacks the variety of the ever-changing lunch menu. If you never considered Afghan food we think you will be surprised as to the variety and depth of flavor.

Aryana Afghan Cuisine
210 East Coffee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(846) 236-7410
http://www.aryanagreenville.com/

OJ’s Diner

Style: Unpretentious weekday diner providing generous plates of comfort food: cafeteria style, table service, and drive thru.

Our favorite dishes:

• Fried Chicken – turnip greens, mac and cheese.
• Meatloaf (only Tuesday) – sweet potato suffle (OJ’s spelling), green beans, black eye beans
• Country Fried Steak (only Thursday)  – mashed potatoes, lima bean, broccoli casserole

This is your quintessential meat and three restaurant. You either love OJ’s, or you hate OJ’s, there is no in between. We love OJ’s.

Tip: Daily specials usually sell out and  if you want fried chicken try to get there before noon.

OJ’s Diner
907 Pendleton Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 235-2539
http://www.ojsdiner.com/

Trio – A Brick Oven Cafe

Style: An eclectic atmosphere of rustic brick walls and handcrafted glass lanterns offering scenic views of downtown from picture windows and sidewalk tables

Our favorite dishes:

• Jambalaya – penne pasta tossed with chipotle cream sauce with Italian sausage, shrimp, ham, corn, mushrooms, green onions topped with parmesan.
• Margherita Pizza – herb infused olive oil, roasted garlic mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, diced roma tomatoes, fresh basil.
• Baked Caprese – toasted baguette slices baked with roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, diced balsamic onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil.

If you want local, this is local. Trio was the most recommended spot by bartenders, waitstaff, and chefs. Owner Steve Boone has created a spotless home away from home.

Trio – A Brick Oven Cafe
22 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 467-1000
https://www.triocafe.com

Maverick Biscuits

Style: A fresh from scratch restaurant featuring an incredible array of flaky tasty biscuits in a spacious setting that includes patio and drive through

Our favorite dishes:

• Crabcake Benedict – crabake, fried green tomato and chow chow topped with hollandaise on a buttermilk biscuit
• Hangover – buttermilk biscuit, fried chicken bacon, scrambled eggs and candied jalapenos, homemade gravy. For the bold, a shot of fireball
• Floyd’s Lumberjack Breakfast – two cage free eggs your way, Neese’s sausage, Allen Bros. grits, gravy

Everything fresh, everything sourced locally. These are huge biscuits. Taylors, SC, is a short 20 minute drive. Friendly, attentive service.

Maverick Biscuits
2819 Wade Hampton Boulevard
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 631-1191
https://www.maverickbiscuit.com/

SOCIETY Sandwich Bar Social Club

Style: Industrial, art deco digs with an emphasis on fun

Our favorite dishes:

• Voodoo Ramen – tonkotsu broth with ramen noodles, blackened shrimp, andouille sausage, soft boiled egg, green/red bell peppers, fried okra, Old Bay hot sauce
• Cowabunga Dude – toasted flatbread, marinara, mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, salami, shaved parmesan, basil, olive oil, cracked red pepper
• Post Balone – fried bologna, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, english mustard, sriracha drizzle

Gourmet pressed sandwiches, super fresh salads, ramen, and booze. Two floors, two bars. Amazing chef Chris Rosensteel is a veteran of Iron Chef competitions. Owner Jeremy Kreuzer is all about atmosphere, food and fun. Located in the spot vacated by the iconic Charles Steakhouse which opened in 1921 and was at this location 1933-2014.

SOCIETY Sandwich Bar & Social Club
18 East Coffee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 203-7046
https://www.societygvl.com/

Pita House

Style: Family-run, classic, Middle Eastern restaurant with adjacent market

Our favorite dishes:

• Falafel (vegetarian hamburger) – vegetarian patties prepared from ground chickpeas, seasonings, cooked in vegetable oil
• Lamb Shish Kebab – two skewers of charbroiled lamb marinated with special seasonings, rice pilaf salad, fresh homemade pita
• Stuffed Grape Leaves – Middle Eastern style rice, stuffed and rolled in grape leaves, then cooked in tomato sauce, homemade yogurt

Comfortable friendly place serving top notch Middle Eastern food. Bountiful market, and if olives are your thing, you will be very happy. Mobbed at lunch. Pita bread is made fresh everyday.

Tip: Cash or check only

Pita House
495 South Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 271-9895
http://www.pitahousesc.com/

Sushi Go

Style: Modest eatery offering innovative sushi, udon and other Japanese specialties with a relaxed laid back vibe

Our favorite dishes:

• Fried Ankimo – fried foie gras of the sea (monkfish liver)
• Soft Shell Crab Salad – fried soft shell crabs with snow crab mix on top of crispy lettuce with a pungent dressing
• Unajuju – BBQ eel on top of steamed rice

Chef Max Goddo is a classically trained sushi chef turning out the freshest and most innovative bites of sushi in Greenville. From traditional rolls to Nigiri to more elaborative creations like Godzilla and Volcano rolls, creative specials, sake, and more. The only sushi spot in Greenville that you need to know.

Sushi Go
247 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 631-1145
http://www.sushigousa.com/

The Lazy Goat

Style: Inspired Mediterranean small plates in elegant surroundings with open kitchen and patio

Our favorite dishes:

• NC Trout Provencal – smoked tomato sauce, olives, garlic, squash, grilled artichokes, olive oil, garlic chive
• Tunisian Pork Tenderloin – harissa, pickles, couscous, garlic yogurt
• Smoked Paprika Tagliatelle – chorizo, calabrese chili oil, roasted tomato, herbed goat cheese

Globally influenced food from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, Africa, and the Middle East. Overlooks Reedy River, platform bars, patio. Superior dining experience.

The Lazy Goat
170 Riverplace
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 679-5299
https://thelazygoat.com/

Mr. Egg O Little India

Style: Unpretentious quaint little spot serving savory Indian cuisine with an adjoining small market

Our favorite dishes:

• Egg Boil Green Tikka – boiled egg slices simmered in garlic, ginger, chili, and cilantro paste
• Cheese Butter Masala – curry made with onion, tomatoes, cashew, cream, butter, Indian cheese (tip – make sure you have it with some buttered naan)
• Stuffed Pompano Masala – pompano stuffed with chili, garlic, ginger, lemon, tamarind, Indian spices, slow cooked for 25 – 30 minutes

Great value. Incredibly friendly service. Fifteen Indian egg dishes. We received 5 recommendations for Indian fare. We tried them all and it was no contest; Mr. Egg was the winner by a knockout!

Tip: Don’t overlook the Indian market

Mr. Egg O Little India
435 North Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
(267) 304-0734
https://www.mreggolittleindiarestaurant.com/

The Anchorage

Style: Casual yet upscale farm-to-table experience with creative cocktails

Our favorite dishes:

• Black Pepper Parmesan Occhi – smoked duck, apple, root vegetables, brodo, pistachio gremolata
• Colfax Creek Pork Belly – grilled red cabbage, date & bacon mole, farm cheese, spiced peanut crunch
• Spiced Grilled Albacore Tuna – tomato & olive braised potato, olive, tomato, shishito pepper

Note: Menu is ever changing and these dishes might not be available

Located in the Village of West Greenville with a colorful mural adorning the front and patio seating. Chef Greg McPhee was a James Beard semi-finalist in 2018 for Best New Restaurant. A major accomplishment considering it was his first year in business. Locally-sourced ingredients and innovative menu in understated surroundings. Food, drink, and service adds up to a stellar evening and, for our money, the best all-round dining experience in Greenville.

Tip: Make sure to make a reservation before you go

The Anchorage
586 Perry Avenue
Greenville, SC 29611
(864) 219-3082
https://theanchoragerestaurant.com

Bar Margaret

Style: A quirky inviting spot for unique cocktails and solid eats

Our favorite dishes:

• A Damn Good Burger – local beef, american cheese, burger sauce, housemade poppy seed milk bread bun
• A Damn Good Hippie Burger – veggies, mushrooms, falafel, feta, lettuce, tomato, onion, dijon aioli, focaccia bun (can be made vegan)
• Aunt Say’s Loaded Fries – pimento cheese sauce, bacon, green onion, romano, fried egg over house cut fries

As we said, bartenders know best and it was no different with Bar Margaret. We received at least a half dozen recommendations and we’re glad that we listened. All in all a hip, welcoming place with a cocktail menu that changes almost daily. The hamburger was the best we had in Greenville. Check out the funky artwork. Knowledgeable bar staff.

Tip: Always check the online ordering to see the daily specials

Bar Margaret
1269 Pendleton Street
Greenville, SC 29011
(864) 735-0473
https://www.barmarg.com

S.B.H. BBQ Co.

Style: Award winning barbecue served in roomy digs with bar and outdoor deck

Our favorite dishes:

• Judges Plate – ¼ lb sliced brisket, two ribs, pork medallions, housemade hot link, creamy coleslaw, texas toast
• Froggy’s Special – two ribs, ¼ lb pulled pork, housemade hot link, texas toast
• Smoked Turkey Sandwich – slow-smoked sliced turkey with smoked provolone

Some of the best barbecue we ever tasted. This is competition worthy BBQ and, in fact, the people behind the brick and mortar operation have competed on the KCBS BBQ circuit with great success including a World Championship. For our money, everything on the menu is a must try. Don’t sit on the burnt ends when they’re available.

Tip: Everything is made fresh daily and sells out quickly. Remember, the early bird catches the worm. If you are ordering more than 3 lbs you can call their hotline 24 hours and order in advance.

S.B.H. BBQ Co.
5021 Pelham Road
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 509-1059
https://sbhbbq.com

Frank Sinatra sang:
My kind of town Chicago is
My kind of town Chicago is
My kind of people, too
People who smile at you

With props to Frank, we are going to take some poetic liberty and sing, “Greenville is our kind of town.” After eating our way through the city we are absolutely sure that it is indeed a food destination. And we have a feeling that we just touched the surface.

Bonus – Golden Llama Peruvian Rotisserie and Grill

Style: No frills restaurant tucked away in a corner of a strip mall serving homemade Peruvian meals.

Our favorite dishes:

• Ceviche de Pescado – fresh fish marinated in lime juice, red onion, cilantro, served with Peruvian corn, sweet potato, fried rice kernels
• Rotisserie Chicken – plantains, beans
• Lomo Saltado – beef stir fry, onions, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, soy sauce, served with fries, yuca

A Peruvian restaurant in Greenville is further proof that this is a food destination city. Spare, yet comfortable seating with a large back room. Order first, pay, pick up food (table service sometimes available). All menu items are made fresh daily. Anthony Bourdain would have been at home.

Golden Llama Peruvian Rotisserie and Grill
2435 North Street #1100
Greenville, SC 29615
(864)373-9958
https://goldenllama.net