Foodies gather around, for plenty of treats are waiting in a sweet Maryland city called Columbia. Popular for lake views and an incredible collection of fun activities, Columbia is also home to some pretty incredible eateries.
If you’re in the area, don’t be afraid to venture out and explore the restaurants that make this city so family-friendly and loveable.
Flavors like Indian cuisine will delight your tastebuds, along with tasty tacos, pub fare, and all the wine you can handle.
Searching for the best of the best flavors in Columbia, MD? We have gathered 11 must-have favorites when visiting the area.
Here are the best restaurants to explore:
Cured 18th & 21st
$$ | (667) 786-7111 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Whether it’s cocktails, live music, or some absolutely delicious American eats are what you’re looking for — you can luckily find all at Cured 18th and 21st.
With menu items like filet mignon sliders and mushroom gnocchi, you’ll love the inventive dishes that grace the menu at this fine dining establishment.
Named after the constitution that enacted Prohibition, this supper club is exactly where you’ll want to be for a lively and fun atmosphere that also has the best dishes around town.
Be sure to look out for their weekly specials and event calendar.
Mission BBQ
$$ | (443) 832-6180 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Although this barbecue spot is a chain restaurant, you won’t care about that when you step inside and get a taste of their bold and smoky flavors.
From brisket and spare ribs, to pulled chicken and mac’ n cheese — never fear when you visit a Mission BBQ.
Not only are the menu items a tasty treat for your mouth, but the ambience of Mission BBQ has a southern, local feel. You’ll find pictures hanging on the walls and sports memorabilia aplenty.
Want to dine at a restaurant that truly gives back? Ask them about the national organizations that they donate to? There’s also a spot you can give back online.
Cazbar – Columbia
$$$ | (410) 528-1222 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Plainly put, the lively environment at Cazbar cannot be missed. This Turkish restaurant offers a darkly lit atmosphere with belly dancer experiences and incredible decor.
Cazbar offers menu items like Manti – which is a Turkish ravioli, Chicken Pirzola – which is chicken chops, and a delectable lemon Oreo cheesecake.
If you’re looking for an eatery that definitely knows how to put on a show, an eatery that knows what its customers will like, and an eatery that delights in every way — Cazbar is a definite must in Columbia!
The Iron Bridge Wine Company
$$$ | (410) 997-3456 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Established in 2003, the Iron Bridge Wine Company is the local, cozy eating establishment that locals and tourists both love the same.
Specialty cocktails like Autumn in Maryland and Capfire Cider will catch your eye as you peruse food items like Potato Jamon Croquettes and Cauliflower Steak.
Speaking of steak, The Iron Bridge Wine Company has a steak night on Mondays with a stealing deal of a 2-course steak dinner for only $23!
This is the spot for wine enthusiasts to test their palette out and for foodie lovers to truly catch a glimpse of some wonderful service.
Seasons 52
$$ | (410) 715-1152 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
The menu at Seasons 52 changes seasonally, and with each flavor of change better than the last. Get a flight of mini-indulgences like a small Boston cream pie or Belgian chocolate s’mores. Not your flavor?
Try out some caramelized sea scallops or chipotle bbq shrimp flatbread instead! Interested in a great happy hour deal? If $6 white wine and $12 food and beverage deals sound up your alley, this is the place to go.
Seasons 52 has an intimate setting that also makes it a great restaurant for a much-needed date night or anniversary dinner.
Akira Ramen & Izakaya
$$ | (410) 881-9066 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
If Akira Spicy Ramen or Shrimo Tempura Ramen sound like something your tastebuds would like, Akira Ramen & Izakaya should be first on your list.
Traditional Japanese cuisine with all the ramen that you could eat, this restaurant offers menu items full of flavor and intrigue.
Quality dishes and noodles will keep you coming back for more and more, as this is one of the best ramen places around town.
In-house specialized broth with plenty of toppings available, create your own unique dish by adding your own favorite flavors.
The service is friendly, the dishes come out quick, and the food is top quality. Never miss out on a night at Akira Ramen & Izakaya.
Royal Taj Restaurant
$$ | (410) 381-1111 | WEBSITE
It’s no surprise why Royal Taj Restaurant is such a hit. Paneer Pakora, Tandoori Chicken, and Chicken Vindaloo will greet your tastebuds as you try out each incredible plate at this Indian cuisine restaurant.
Enjoy the delights of true fine dining as attentive and trained servers give you the best service that anyone could ask for.
For this establishment has some of the best service, the top quality food, and fine dining ambiance — it is surprisingly affordable! Luckily for those people who want to eat at an upscale restaurant without breaking the bank.
Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse
$ | (410) 872-0364 | WEBSITE
One word: Pizza. Originally established in Baltimore, Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse made its way to Columbia after becoming a quick local favorite.
Enjoy the beer items on tap, like White Dog or Cranberry Orange Hard Seltzer. Curious about the delectable food items that this pub has to offer?
Besides the mouthwatering pizza options, there are also salads, pretzels, and garlic sticks!
Known as an awesome place to hang with friends or watch a game, this Pizza & Drafthouse is a must for anyone wanting a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere with plenty to eat and drink.
DMV Taqueria
$ | (301) 219-0090 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Authentic Hispanic tacos in the heart of Columbia. DMV Taqueria is where you go to get big taco flavors. Find yourself enamored with menu options like Tripleta Boricua, Steak Fries, Shrimp Quasadillas, or Chicken Tacos.
How about some of those delicious desserts? Get some Churros to top off a perfect meal.
A food truck company that cares about their customers just as much as they care about the quality of food and service, you won’t be able to get enough at this taco truck. An added benefit is that this truck is a family-owned business!
The Charmery
$ | (443) 546-3359 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Let this dessert shop charm its way into your hearts. The Charmery is an ice cream shop with a few different locations around Maryland.
Supporting local farmers and products, this ice cream shop is not hard to love… which makes it obvious why this is on the top best restaurants to try.
Brown Sugar Molasses Pecan Ice Cream Pie, Green Apple Curry Pint, Vegan Acai Bowl Pint, and many more flavors are a taste of what’s waiting at The Charmery.
Innovative flavors will grab your attention and win your heart over every cold and addicted spoon-filled bite.
Love this shop a little too much? Go ahead and buy your favorite shop’s ice cream pins from the merchandise section online at their website.
Stanford Grill
$$$ | (410) 312-0445 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Leather booths, dim lighting, and a perfect patio for a get-together — Stanford Grill is a hot spot in Columbia. Iron Skillet Cornbread awaits alongside a Cloak & Dagger Burger, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, and Rattlesnake Pasta.
This American restaurant has an impressively skilled staff, with extensive knowledge of the menu.
Stanford Grill doesn’t skimp when it comes to their food portions either. Expect very large plate portions while you’re dining at this establishment.
Enjoy some dinner by the fireside as you try out all of the delicious menu items or plan a private event at this fan-favorite. Another unknown and hidden mention, the food in this kitchen is made from scratch every single day.
Summary
Whether you’re slamming down on some burgers and brews or smothering yourself in tangy BBQ sauce, Columbia has a wide variety when it comes to hip and flavorful restaurants.
If you’re looking for an intimate ambience, fine dining establishments, gastropubs, taco stands, and much more — this is the town you need to visit.
Take a much-needed trip to Columbia, MD and fill your tastebuds with excitement with each spoonful at any of these 11 best restaurants!
Kyler Johnston is a certified food lover but a vegan also. He works on his physical fitness, but he never forgets to enjoy food from time to time. At Birch Restaurant, he dramatically contributes to food restaurant ideas, especially places with gluten-free options.
