Restaurants in Columbia
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Best Restaurants
“Absolutely amazing. A true fine dining 5* experience from the service to the food. Will return again and again.”
“The food was absolutely phenomenal! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared—especially the high-quality cuts of wagyu, which were rich, tender. Every single bite was an experience in itself.
Angie, our server, truly elevated the evening. She was so sweet, warm, and genuinely attentive, anticipating our needs and making us feel completely taken care of from start to finish. Her kindness and exceptional service did not go unnoticed. We’ll definitely be back for both the amazing food and Angie’s wonderful hospitality! ❤️”
“All around GREAT experience. The owner did it up 360 degrees…100%!”
“I enjoyed both of my visits over this past weekend. The food was delicious and the waitstaff was great. Can’t wait to make my way back so that I can go again.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Bar none the best sushi in Howard county. We’ve been steadies there for 15 plus years. Only wish we’d discovered it sooner. Highly recommend!!!”
“The food was absolutely delicious, with flavors that left us wanting more. The service was incredibly fast and efficient.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Royal Taj is our go-to restaurant for special occasions, like our 20th Wedding Anniversary last week. It never fails to deliver excellence. Because it was a very special dinner, we decided to try something different. So my wife ordered the Lobster Malabar and I ordered the Grilled Halibut. Both were very good, especially the Halibut which was covered in an outstanding Corn Relish. To top off the evening our excellent server, Joshi, brought us a slice of very tasty cheesecake with a lit candle on top. As usual we cannot rave loud and often enough about Royal Taj and it is all due to the GM Binda, who is very friendly, charismatic and truly sets the tone of excellence at Royal Taj.”
“This restaurant is the best I've been in the city.
The food is delicious and not pricey, the ambiance is great, and the Peking Duck is amazing.
On top of that, management gives a lot of importance to each and every customer. It really feels like you are received as a guest, and not just as a client.
5/5, would recommend if you are around !”
“Huge Thank You to Bon Fresco - WLMS PTSA ordered 100 lunches for our staff this past Friday. The owner bent over backwards to accommodate us, the lunches were ready on time and delicious. If you haven’t tried it, check it out - my favorite is the London Broil sandwich. Delicious. #shoplocalhoco”
“This restaurant is the best I've been in the city.
The food is delicious and not pricey, the ambiance is great, and the Peking Duck is amazing.
On top of that, management gives a lot of importance to each and every customer. It really feels like you are received as a guest, and not just as a client.
5/5, would recommend if you are around !”
“The actors and actresses are your waiters and waitresses! They have passion for both aspects and definitely work hard for our entertainment. It's such a wonderful experience every time I have visited. It's worth every minute!”
Online Reservation Available
“The food was absolutely phenomenal! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared—especially the high-quality cuts of wagyu, which were rich, tender. Every single bite was an experience in itself.
Angie, our server, truly elevated the evening. She was so sweet, warm, and genuinely attentive, anticipating our needs and making us feel completely taken care of from start to finish. Her kindness and exceptional service did not go unnoticed. We’ll definitely be back for both the amazing food and Angie’s wonderful hospitality! ❤️”
“I don’t typically write reviews, good or bad, however our experience at Xenia on Oct 12th has changed my mind. We were in the area from Boston just for the night and learned of Xenia through our hotels concierge. It was amazing and probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food was outstanding and prepared beautifully. We had the Spanikopita, Greek salads, shrimp saganaki, and lamb riblets. All very tasty and expertly prepared. What really did it though was the on point service offered by Mary (Maris). Her efficiency, attention to details, thoughtful presentation of the menu, was a 15 out of 10! She is a super star! We were delightfully surprised by the restaurant’s generous hospitality when they sent us a dessert sampler compliments of the house because we were out of state first timers. I only wish weren’t 5+ hours away, as we would be fast regulars for sure!”
“It’s a new place serving a new demographic, and for only being open about two months, they’re doing fairly well overall.
Most issues were operational. We were given a happy hour menu after the hours had passed, there was a small order mix-up that staff corrected quickly, and we waited a while for the bill. Arrival was also slightly confusing since the mall entrance was closed and we had to locate a rear entrance on our own.
Food-wise, the sashimi was average, the miso soup solid (4/5), and the snow crab roll was excellent and easily the highlight.
Overall, a good experience with some normal early growing pains. I enjoyed it, though it’s not somewhere I’d go out of my way to recommend just yet.”
“Some of the most amazing and accommodating staff in the Columbia area. The staff here at Uncle Julio’s go above and beyond when it comes to your evening out and family’s needs. I personally highly recommend dining here. Beautiful and quiet patio area for you to sit. Indoor seating is just as authentic as well. All food is made from scratch, fresh daily. Table-side guacamole is an experience you must indulge in especially for you avocado lovers! Not to mention their chocolate piñata that is perfect for any occasions! So interactive and delicious. 10/10! Don’t just take my word for it but go try it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Last but not least you can set up rewards with them and earn so many things through their points system! 😊”
Takeout Restaurants
“El Sabor Chapin
A hidden gem right in my neighborhood that I somehow overlooked until now. This bright and colorful food truck caught my view as I entered the Sunoco gas station in Hickory Ridge Village Center off Freetown Road in Columbia.
I placed my order, then checked the air in my tires and got gas—two birds with one stone! By the time I returned, my lunch was ready.
They serve freshly prepared Guatemalan-style food with very generous portions. I ordered the tacos choosing 2 flavors each of chicken and steak, burrito filled with tender steak pieces and then a Carne Asada burrito. The flavors were delicious, ingredients were fresh and nothing was overly spicy. Sliced cucumbers and radish with sauces topped each dish and the service was friendly with no long wait.
A convenient spot for a quick, tasty bite. I’ll definitely be back to try more.”
“DMV Taqueria food truck is highly recommended! It’s smart to call in your order as they’ve grown in popularity as the word’s gotten out. My neighbor loves their chicken quesadillas. My favorite is the shrimp quesadillas, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the menu items. I understand the churros are a favorite too, though I’ve not personally tried them. The drive home is brutal. The food smells so amazing, I can’t park the car fast enough. 5⭐️”
“We gave Asian Palace a try for lunch and had a great experience. The Pick 3 Sushi Lunch Special is not only a great deal but also delicious! I get the Alaskan roll, Spicy Yellowtail, and Veggie Tempura roll with a house salad. All three rolls are so good and the salad dressing is amazing. We have also tried Chicken Satay (the best I have ever had), the Godzilla roll, Spicy Fancy roll and the egg drop soup. All were fantastic. We will be definitely be making this a regular spot!”
“We’re new to the area and came across Pure Green by chance after a dentist appointment. We wanted some smoothies and healthy options for our kids, and oh my gosh—we were so impressed! The location is adorable, super easy to find, and has plenty of parking.
The smoothies were absolutely fabulous. You could tell the ingredients were fresh, clean, and high-quality. There were so many healthy options, and even our kids loved them! We tried the Banana Nut and the Blue Gorilla—one may have been called Banana Power—but either way, they were delicious.
The staff was also incredibly warm and kind, which made the experience even better. We will definitely be back!”
“Tried Upper Crust for the first time today. It’s now my new go to pizza place. We’ve lived in Elkridge on the east end of HoCo for 25 years and our local joints have just fallen off lately so i went in search of a new place to get good pizza. I love good pizza. This place has great crust, it’s crispy and chewy just like it’s supposed to be. The ratio of sauce and cheese and toppings was just right too. If you’re looking for good pizza in central or eastern HoCo this is the place. It’s right near Howard High. Thank you Upper Crust for being there for me and having great pizza.”
“Here's to the highest stars available (20), and then some. Today, I introduced my son to Mango Lassie, Chicken Tika Masala, Nan. He was hesitant to come at first and now he is so impressed with the food and service. Thanks so much. I hope your restaurant grows and grows.”
“Having our church women's winter fellowship catered was great. Choosing boxed meals was very appropriate and affordable. The food was delivered on time, hot and very good. Our clean up crew was ecstatic because they did not have to break down a buffet set-up.”
“Our server was super friendly and attentive, the atmosphere was nice, and the food was amazing and didn't make me feel like garbage afterwards (which happens with heavy processed foods). Definitely recommend!”
“We gave Asian Palace a try for lunch and had a great experience. The Pick 3 Sushi Lunch Special is not only a great deal but also delicious! I get the Alaskan roll, Spicy Yellowtail, and Veggie Tempura roll with a house salad. All three rolls are so good and the salad dressing is amazing. We have also tried Chicken Satay (the best I have ever had), the Godzilla roll, Spicy Fancy roll and the egg drop soup. All were fantastic. We will be definitely be making this a regular spot!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I had to stop eating to post my appreciation for this restaurant. This is my second time patronizing them: first time I sat in for a quick bite with my sister, and this time I ordered for pick up. Both times service was quick and friendly. The restaurant itself is simple, almost cafeteria-like, but the staff is kind and accomodating....and the soups are delicious! So delicious that I stopped after 2 sips to write this review. 🫶🏾”
“We try to stop here whenever we are in town. Amazing selection of all vegan options. Definitely recommend for any vegetarian/vegans! I've had pretty much everything on the menu and can say I love it all! The app is super convenient to order ahead and get rewards. Great place!”
“My server Silas was excellent! He was very attentive, professional, and always made sure me and my daughters enjoyed our meal. The manager was also very nice and helped us sign up for the rewards for an even better experience. I highly recommend the Columbia, MD location!!! I'm looking forward to visiting again.”
“I took my dad tonight for Father’s Day and it was very busy. We were told an hour and half wait so we waited. From the crew at the reservation desk to the lady who took is us to our table and Evan our waiter everything was awesome. Even with being crazy busy service was great and food was great. I highly recommended Texas Roadhouse Columbia”
“Absolutely true to its name. House of India is the place to be if you appreciate authentic Indian cuisine and excellent service. It’s not only having a dinner , it’s having a memorable experience. Loved everything about it. The food is exceptionally great, the service is outstanding. The owners under new management goes above and beyond to make every guests feel welcome. Highly recommend this place.”
“We came in on a whim & so glad we did. We were seated immediately & greeted warmly by an amazing waitress. Food was brought out quickly & was such a good serving size. Delicious eggs Benedict & the hollindaise was amazing! My fiancé had the biscuits & gravy & was so happy with his food. Excellent portions & such a wonderful place. Can’t wait to come back again!! Highly recommend!!”
“We had an excellent experience at LongHorn Steakhouse in Columbia, MD, especially given that we came in with a large party of 16. The staff was able to accommodate us without issue, which we truly appreciated.
Our waitress did an outstanding job—she kept all of the orders organized and accurate despite the size of our group, checked on us consistently, and made sure refills were provided without us having to ask. The food came out promptly and hot, and everything was exactly as ordered.
Overall, the service was smooth, attentive, and professional from start to finish. Managing a large party isn’t easy, but they handled it seamlessly. We had a great experience!”
“I had an awesome lunch there today 3/8. Loved everything. Thank you.”
“the first time I was there I had the roast chicken and the meat fell off the bone. two weeks later I am back again for the same dish. I used to eat at the Peruvian place but the food is bland. this is exciting food and makes me want to come back again and again.... James the owner went out of his way to greet Mr and the staff seems awesome. Three stars”
Cheap Eats
“I have been eating here since about 2006 at BWI Baltimore location. The food is still wonderful and the online ordering has been a game changer, thanks for the person who suggested that. I will be ordering more often with this feature. I love that they make all the food fresh and don't mind the wait. There wasn't many restaurants in the area especially back than, and found it on a fluke. Thanks for all you do for the community!”
“Wonderful service - Attentive and friendly.
Atmosphere- typical Vietnamese restaurant look, nothing stands out, very clean, fairly quiet.
Food:
Summer roll & spring rolls- yummy.
Pho- soup base was delicious; we ordered small and it was SMALL, compared to other restaurants, we can get full out of a small pho, but here we didn’t; meat quality was good.
Banh mi- not authentic Vietnamese sandwich, Asian style but not Banh Mi.
Pricing- not bad and not cheap either.
This spot is convenient for grab something quick and hearty, but not a top rated Vietnamese restaurant from my perspective and experience.”
“So this is my new favorite place in Columbia. Oh my goodness. What a gem. It’s literally so delicious. I’m so thankful I stopped in. Every bite was better than the last. I think I could eat this every day. Spicy, sweet, savory, tasty.
I had the beef cup bap, miso soup, and a small side of cucumber kimchi!”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Philly’s Best Pizza & Subs in Columbia, MD absolutely delivered! I had their Philly cheesesteak and it was SUPERB. The meat was tender and flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and loaded generously on a fresh, soft roll. The cheese was melted just right and every bite was packed with flavor.
You can tell they take pride in their food. Fast service, great portions, and everything tasted fresh. If you’re in Columbia and craving a real deal cheesesteak, this is the spot. I’ll definitely be back!
If y’all ever want to find me, I’m on Instagram @Uncle.Chip 🙌”
“Delicious! We got the chicken, oxtail, and shrimp tacos (picked the corn and pineapple pico as toppings), jerk chicken bowl (corn, jerk cauliflower, pickled slaw and pineapple pico as toppings), and angry mac n cheese. Shrimp taco was my favorite since it was the spiciest. They accidentally left out the jerk sauce I asked for and yet everything was still flavorful without it. They do offer delivery but I ended up picking it up since online ordering kept giving an error message. Ordering over the phone was a little challenging so in the absence of online ordering it may be easier to just stop by and order in person.”
“Tucked away in a business park is this absolute gem of a deli! Extensive breakfast and lunch menu, it was a tough choice but I ordered a grilled chicken caesar wrap combo so it came with fries and a fountain drink. Bonus points because they had diet dr pepper! Perfect portion size and I only spent $14 for a delicious and filling lunch. Highly recommend!!!!”
“Ordered the army breakfast. Eggs were over done, sausage was under cooked and the entire meal was cold. Could have had a better breakfast at a homeless shelter. First and last time.”
“I don’t typically write reviews, good or bad, however our experience at Xenia on Oct 12th has changed my mind. We were in the area from Boston just for the night and learned of Xenia through our hotels concierge. It was amazing and probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food was outstanding and prepared beautifully. We had the Spanikopita, Greek salads, shrimp saganaki, and lamb riblets. All very tasty and expertly prepared. What really did it though was the on point service offered by Mary (Maris). Her efficiency, attention to details, thoughtful presentation of the menu, was a 15 out of 10! She is a super star! We were delightfully surprised by the restaurant’s generous hospitality when they sent us a dessert sampler compliments of the house because we were out of state first timers. I only wish weren’t 5+ hours away, as we would be fast regulars for sure!”
“Hosted us for a super 30th birthday, all staff were super nice and our guests loved the nacho bar ~ taco bar~ churros”
“Here's to the highest stars available (20), and then some. Today, I introduced my son to Mango Lassie, Chicken Tika Masala, Nan. He was hesitant to come at first and now he is so impressed with the food and service. Thanks so much. I hope your restaurant grows and grows.”
“Ledo's Pizza has been a consistently good experience and serves up tasty pizza and sandwiches, not to mention pasta and other dishes. Our family has been going there for years.”
“I had to stop eating to post my appreciation for this restaurant. This is my second time patronizing them: first time I sat in for a quick bite with my sister, and this time I ordered for pick up. Both times service was quick and friendly. The restaurant itself is simple, almost cafeteria-like, but the staff is kind and accomodating....and the soups are delicious! So delicious that I stopped after 2 sips to write this review. 🫶🏾”
“It’s a new place serving a new demographic, and for only being open about two months, they’re doing fairly well overall.
Most issues were operational. We were given a happy hour menu after the hours had passed, there was a small order mix-up that staff corrected quickly, and we waited a while for the bill. Arrival was also slightly confusing since the mall entrance was closed and we had to locate a rear entrance on our own.
Food-wise, the sashimi was average, the miso soup solid (4/5), and the snow crab roll was excellent and easily the highlight.
Overall, a good experience with some normal early growing pains. I enjoyed it, though it’s not somewhere I’d go out of my way to recommend just yet.”
“Some of the most amazing and accommodating staff in the Columbia area. The staff here at Uncle Julio’s go above and beyond when it comes to your evening out and family’s needs. I personally highly recommend dining here. Beautiful and quiet patio area for you to sit. Indoor seating is just as authentic as well. All food is made from scratch, fresh daily. Table-side guacamole is an experience you must indulge in especially for you avocado lovers! Not to mention their chocolate piñata that is perfect for any occasions! So interactive and delicious. 10/10! Don’t just take my word for it but go try it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Last but not least you can set up rewards with them and earn so many things through their points system! 😊”
Latest Reviews
“Every time I go to this Location my food is always hot in the manager name Latone is always friendly in always on her stuff it’s always clean in there in this location keep decorating every holiday I like to see the decorations make u feel at home 1255 keep up the go work”
“Here's to the highest stars available (20), and then some. Today, I introduced my son to Mango Lassie, Chicken Tika Masala, Nan. He was hesitant to come at first and now he is so impressed with the food and service. Thanks so much. I hope your restaurant grows and grows.”
“Royal Taj is our go-to restaurant for special occasions, like our 20th Wedding Anniversary last week. It never fails to deliver excellence. Because it was a very special dinner, we decided to try something different. So my wife ordered the Lobster Malabar and I ordered the Grilled Halibut. Both were very good, especially the Halibut which was covered in an outstanding Corn Relish. To top off the evening our excellent server, Joshi, brought us a slice of very tasty cheesecake with a lit candle on top. As usual we cannot rave loud and often enough about Royal Taj and it is all due to the GM Binda, who is very friendly, charismatic and truly sets the tone of excellence at Royal Taj.”
“I have a standing order with this restaurant for their Ribs. But I also like their Pizza and Subs. I always talk to John when placing my order. He is so professional, helpful and polite and kind. This is one of my favorite places to order food from. I give them 5 Stars!”
“Someone need to give that man Thaddeus a job and pay him what he deserves as kind a respectful as that young man is it a shame to see him being mistreated and underpaid if anyone is looking for a amazing worker who is always respectful go here and find Thaddeus and offer that man a better job”
“DMV Taqueria food truck is highly recommended! It’s smart to call in your order as they’ve grown in popularity as the word’s gotten out. My neighbor loves their chicken quesadillas. My favorite is the shrimp quesadillas, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the menu items. I understand the churros are a favorite too, though I’ve not personally tried them. The drive home is brutal. The food smells so amazing, I can’t park the car fast enough. 5⭐️”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Had my daughters baby shower there on Sunday, Feb 22nd... Totally exceeded my expectations. We had the absolute best server, Lilly. She got everyone drinks upon their arrival and kept them all filled throughout the event...all by memory I believe. The food was fantastic...gotta say best Crab Dip around. Trevor was amazing and checked in multiple times to make sure everything was going well. I will definitely use Maggie's again for future events and would highly recommend them.
Thanks again Maggie's Staff and especially Lilly,
Cathy Virtz”
“My server Silas was excellent! He was very attentive, professional, and always made sure me and my daughters enjoyed our meal. The manager was also very nice and helped us sign up for the rewards for an even better experience. I highly recommend the Columbia, MD location!!! I'm looking forward to visiting again.”
“I took my dad tonight for Father’s Day and it was very busy. We were told an hour and half wait so we waited. From the crew at the reservation desk to the lady who took is us to our table and Evan our waiter everything was awesome. Even with being crazy busy service was great and food was great. I highly recommended Texas Roadhouse Columbia”
“This was my first visit to BJ’s restaurant in Columbia. I was there for lunch. This menu offered a $13 lunch menu which had an item for anyone’s taste. I ordered the strawberry salad and it was delicious. To finish off the meal, asmall pizookie was included. Very satisfied. Our server Austin was also the bartender. He was personal, professional, and helpful in menu selections. In short, this is a keeper.”
“We came in on a whim & so glad we did. We were seated immediately & greeted warmly by an amazing waitress. Food was brought out quickly & was such a good serving size. Delicious eggs Benedict & the hollindaise was amazing! My fiancé had the biscuits & gravy & was so happy with his food. Excellent portions & such a wonderful place. Can’t wait to come back again!! Highly recommend!!”
New Restaurants
“the first time I was there I had the roast chicken and the meat fell off the bone. two weeks later I am back again for the same dish. I used to eat at the Peruvian place but the food is bland. this is exciting food and makes me want to come back again and again.... James the owner went out of his way to greet Mr and the staff seems awesome. Three stars”
“Dave's is my new favorite fried chicken in the area! They have a great range of spice levels, and the Reaper level is no joke - I tried it and couldn't get more than a couple bites in 🥵 personally, I love the smaller menu because everything on it is great! They only do a few things but do them very well, which seems ideal to me. A word of warning, their rewards/app system is not very good and I had trouble both redeeming rewards and getting points for purchases - worth double checking when you order in person or just order via the app. Their customer service is good though, the staff is friendly and accommodating.”
“Pastries are amazing and go far beyond the typical bakery in their range and quality. But what I also really liked was the ability to choose my own and then bring them to the counter for purchase. Much less pressure than when I am standing at the front of a long line and trying to scan the display counter.”
“Took my son on a mommy and me date. Clean and smells good when you first walk in. Staff super friendly. Got 2 bowls and a smoothie. My son gave his bbq bowl 5 stars. I got the spicy tuna bowl. 5 stars. Banana strawberry smoothie 5 stars. I would recommend for a quick meal or if you have a lunch date.”
“This is the place to get true DOC, Napolitano pizza. One bite and I was taken back to my time in Naples. The buffalo mozzarella tasted very fresh. The dough was perfect (thin, crisp underneath and soft inside). I'll be sure to take a picture next time. The pizza didn't last long enough for a photo. The quality, texture and authenticity of the pizza made me forget that this is a restaurant chain. A must try.”
“Been in the area 2 years (came from Jersey so I have very high standards), and this is the ONLY Indian restaurant I will take people to when they visit. The BEST North Indian and biryani dishes, with the same taste and heat (ask for 8+) every single time. I have taken family here from Edison, NJ and they rave that this place is better than any restaurant in that area. Highly recommend their Gobi 65, Chicken 65, Malai Kofta, and Paneer Tikka Masala! All of their biryanis are great.”
“Royal Taj is our go-to restaurant for special occasions, like our 20th Wedding Anniversary last week. It never fails to deliver excellence. Because it was a very special dinner, we decided to try something different. So my wife ordered the Lobster Malabar and I ordered the Grilled Halibut. Both were very good, especially the Halibut which was covered in an outstanding Corn Relish. To top off the evening our excellent server, Joshi, brought us a slice of very tasty cheesecake with a lit candle on top. As usual we cannot rave loud and often enough about Royal Taj and it is all due to the GM Binda, who is very friendly, charismatic and truly sets the tone of excellence at Royal Taj.”