Restaurants in Columbia

“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.”

“Absolutely amazing. A true fine dining 5* experience from the service to the food. Will return again and again.”

“Unique menu and best service .”

“Everybody at our friend's birthday party loved the lemon blueberry lavender cake! It was a huge hit. And my wife and I enjoy the smaller treats like the sweet potato cheesecake and apple cinnamon muffins.”

“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!!!”

“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.”

“I love this place!!! The food is so fresh, simple and tasty and service is always kind and fast ❤️❤️❤️”

“Toastique had become a go to spot for a quick / healthy lunch or business meet up”

“The food was absolutely delicious, with flavors that left us wanting more. The service was incredibly fast and efficient.”

“Because of the closeness to home our sons had taking us for Dinner it was GREAT Place! my husband and myself go there occasionally!”

“Always the best and staff are all super nice!”

“The $36 weekend buffet (Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM–3 PM) is wonderful, featuring over 50 authentic and delicious small dishes. The only disappointment was the fried eggplant with salted egg yolk. If you prefer larger portions, they also offer their regular menu.”

“Fast, Friendly and Delicious”

“It's a cool experience, overpriced for sure but it's not like your gonna go a lot. Definitely worth the experience. We saw Mean Girls, not really my thing but there wouldn't be many plays that would be I guess, it was mostly a treat for my wife and her visiting daughter.”

“The fish was amazing and the jazz room is the perfect vibe for a first date or a cocktail with best friend! Absolutely loved it”

“7 different people and 7 different plates- all absolutely delicious 😉including 3 different desserts ❤️”

“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.”

“Simply the best! Dwight is the best guy on earth - great personality and menu information! His recommendations are absolutely awesome as well! This was the first time that someone upsold me on various menu options and I appreciated all of it!”

“Food was good not great. Presentation was good. Mainly ordered off the happy hour menu. Flat breads were tasty. Sides were just okay. The half chicken had a flavorful crispy skin. The lamb was the highlight. Desserts were small in shot glasses and were good. Our server was very attentive.”

“Dined on our anniversary and were greeted with a congratulatory card and glass of champagne. Our server, Lauren, was a rock star. We couldn't decide on a bottle of wine to order and she brought three samples for us to try, which made the decision easy. The food was excellent and you must try the Brussel sprouts appetizer. Save room for desert and don't skip the crème brûlée!”

“I had an awesome lunch there today 3/8. Loved everything. Thank you.”

“Great food and awesome staff.”

“everything was perfect. chicken and lamb tikka masala superb, naan bread great, and family service is incredible”

“Thanks for making our Thanksgiving Dinner!”

“Enjoyed salmon and the Caesar salad with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand. My husband had the Chesapeake and a bowl of onion soup. We were served by Ethan who’s an awesome waiter. I can’t say enough. Love it.”

“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!”

“Gotta say the service was spectacular from our waitress Melanie. She was so helpful and so nice. The food was incredible as well. Would recommend coming back to sit with her.”

“Solid service, not overly priced imo for what you get quality wise and portion except maybe the waygu fried rice and that's questionable bc the ramen my wife got was massive.”

“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! 😊”

“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⭐️”

“Good and not expensive like the food trucks that come around”

“I love this place when I first came here I got steak tacos and I never thought something could taste that good then I would come back and get a taste of their burritos it was magical I couldn’t stop eating from there I feel like I’m always craving something from there”

“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”

“My first time there but food was delicious”

“Hubby and I enjoy the salads from here. They have standard salads but you can also customize them. As well, the employees who work there are always nice and helpful.”

“Cafe Columbia is a cute, colorful little cafe with delicious crepes and friendly service. Recommended.”

“The sushi options here include the common rolls, but also a wide selection of interesting special rolls with a generous portion of contents in each roll. The price is really reasonable for the quality and amount of food offered, and the fish is always very fresh tasting.”

“I am working in Columbia for my job and stop here for lunch and it was some of the best pizza I have had in a very long time. Very friendly environment and staff. I will come back again to try their breakfast and other food.”

“Tea & Staff are wonderful.”

“Best sandwich tuerkey blt and gyros”

“Great food, service and people. They offer Halal pepperoni 🍕 and would get great if they could offer Halal chicken options as well which would make 80% of their menu Halal.”

“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.”

“I felt like I was eating pizza at Buddy’s in Detroit. The pizza was absolutely delicious. I also ordered the brussels sprouts, AWESOME. My food was delivered and was delicious. I look forward to actually going to the tap room and trying other things on the menu. Did I say the food was awesome?😎”

“Staff very nice!! Attentive!! My pizza not a fan...I had Hawaiian bbq...but hated cinnamon in sauce. Crust was delicious. Daughter had Hot wings pizza, that was very good...not spicy.”

“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.”

“Found this place and decided to try them out as an healthy option for my meal. Helped me find a healthy option. You can get your choice of smoothie with less sugary option and add boosters. They also have really good juice. Price was a bit much but definitely worth it. Better than eating greasy burgers and fries.”

“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 dined here for their lunch buffet and the food was amazing and extremely fresh. Everything was really tasty and a great value. Highly recommend!”

“This is a gem of a noodle house! The food was delicious and authentic, and my table was able to have conversation easily without raising our voice. The service was prompt and professional. We will absolutely be back!”

“Delicious burgers...in fact, the best burger spot in the area....avid fan of the Columbia location --been there six times the past 3 weeks... the service always prompt and friendly, especially from Raymond”

“We were on our way back to MA from a week in NC and googled Italian restaurants near us- being outside of Boston, Italian food is a staple for us. The food here was amazing- the service was outstanding and the “first time” dessert delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for great food and service for a very reasonable price!”

“Biscuits are fluffy... the gravy could use some seasoning but it's nicely executed”

“Great 🌮 and 🌯 chips and 🥑 they are on 🔥🔥”

“Love this custard. Delicious be and reason as bly priced. Mr Yang is very nice, too.”

“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.”

“Super-friendly guy behind the counter (the owner, maybe?) who asked questions about what I like and provided informed recommendations that were exactly right! Delicious teriyaki vegan “chicken”!”

“My kids absolutely love going to the charmery. They have so many fun flavors. My personal favorite is the Old Bay caramel but they always have amazing seasonal flavors like the mint peppermint lemon which is a big hit in my family... You really can't miss. They also have hand rolled waffle cones which are amazing!”

“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”

“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.”

“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!”

“I'm not a fan of pumpkin beers but Basic Bee is absolutely fantastic. I could easily be persuaded to like pumpkin beers if they're made like this one”

“The best pizza and wings ever”

“I come here very often I’m disabled I have IDD I also have physical disabilities and the lady here I don’t know her name and want to respect her privacy but she was angry at me when I explained multiple times to her my order she messed it up gave me the wrong breadsticks when I specifically asked for 2 orders of 5 cheesy breadsticks. She specially gave me a messed up order. I’m friends with the owner he’s very sweet and I also have multiple chronic illnesses and have been in a flareup recently. I want to ask the kind owner to please take action.

I called today and the manager gave me free cheesy breadsticks just like I wanted here is the photo. I confused him for the owner but I just wanted to thank Mr. Alex and change my review since I never leave bad reviews 😊. Thank you so much Mr. Alex! 🙏🏼 I also got a free Mountain Dew!”

“Everything is always fresh and made to perfection. Their staff is amazing! Their food is delicious! I love Abbys.”

“I’ve heard so much about this place and finally tried it today!
I ordered the fried chicken, french fries, and a cheesesteak sandwich. I can honestly say it’s the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in the States. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside.
Most American chain restaurants make their chicken way too salty for my taste, but this one is different. The meat isn't salty at all, and the seasoning on the skin is just right—flavorful but balanced.
I was eating in the car so I couldn't fully enjoy it without worrying about making a mess, which was a bummer. My daughters absolutely loved it, too! We’ll definitely be coming back often for takeout.
Also, the owner is so incredibly kind and welcoming—you can just see it on his face! Highly recommended. :)”

“One of the leaders from an online Skool community suggested we finally meet in person, and he picked Philly's Best because he grew up just a couple of blocks away. He called it an old neighborhood dive, and those are usually my favorite kinds of recommendations.

I'm happy to report it didn't disappoint.

The young lady at the counter was genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the food was cooked fresh instead of being rushed out the door. I went with one of the paninis, and it was excellent. Honestly, based on what I saw coming out of the kitchen, I don't think you'd go wrong with much of anything on the menu.

Inside is fairly small, but that's part of the charm. It's clearly a well-loved neighborhood spot, and there was a steady stream of customers coming in and out while we were there. Despite the constant flow, they kept things moving quickly without making you feel rushed.

There's also a community pool right next door, which explains why this place stays busy. Swimming has a funny way of making people hungry, and this is a perfect spot to refuel afterward. If the weather's nice, there are a few outdoor tables where you can enjoy your meal as well.

These are the kinds of places I love finding. No gimmicks, no trying to be trendy, just good food, friendly people, and a neighborhood restaurant that's earned the loyalty of the people around it. If you happen to be in the Columbia area, it's definitely worth swinging by.”

“I may only be a small town pizza lawyer, but bacon wrapped deep dish pepperoni pizza cannot be against the law.”

“This used to be my favorite. I came in last Friday bought a 32 oz smoothie. I do love the smoothies and chocolate covered almonds. They no longer have styrofoam cups which is a great disappointment. B4 you even get 20 mins away anything is melted in those plastic cups. I even tried to refreeze it like I always do. But it was mostly sweet juice by the time I got home. Which means I wasted my money. I need a cup that works please smoothie king! I still recommend because this bothers me and may not bother others.”

“We Love getting pizza from Eataliano! Not only do they have delicious vegan pizzas, they also offer the best imported Italian goodies like wafers, artichokes, olives, pastas, hard candies, and more.”

“I was in and out in a matter of minutes and able to get a variety of things. Very delicious.”

“The Bahn Mi is great, summer rolls are exactly what you expect and are refreshing. Also tried the Roast quail appetizer, something I've never had before and it was very good”

“Big portions & awesome tasting food. Come from Harford County once a week & look forward to eating here.😋”

“Absolutely fantastic steak and cheese sub with fries. Good price for value in these inflation times. Good ratio of bread to meat/fillings with delicious sauce. For me it's just right with not being too saucy and able to taste the meat which should be the main event.

Fries were crispy and good amount of salt.

Fantastic staff and friendly.

Clean tables and clean area. Coming here more often.”

“Number one Afghanistan food in the area, complementing with Mirna’s customer service is great.
One of my top places to eat in columbia.
Love it.”

“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”

“Took my kids over the weekend pizza is AWESOME SAUCE!!!! staff and waiters was super nice GREAT experience definitely will be returning”

“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!”

“Good and not expensive like the food trucks that come around”

“FIRST TIME AT THIS PLACE. HAD ORDERED THE CHICKEN PHO. ALL I CAN SAY IS DELICIOUS !!!!!”

“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”

“Delicious burgers...in fact, the best burger spot in the area....avid fan of the Columbia location --been there six times the past 3 weeks... the service always prompt and friendly, especially from Raymond”

“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.”

“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⭐️”

“Cafe Columbia is a cute, colorful little cafe with delicious crepes and friendly service. Recommended.”

“Everybody at our friend's birthday party loved the lemon blueberry lavender cake! It was a huge hit. And my wife and I enjoy the smaller treats like the sweet potato cheesecake and apple cinnamon muffins.”

“You just catered an event at Pike and Rose. The omelets were delicious and made to order.”

“Katie, our sever, was the best. Very personable and friendly, and very professional. She knew the menu well and made great recommendations.

Drinks were great, food was really good (crab dip was tasty - not the best ever, but really solid), and the place itself had a nice vibe. The service is what made it stand out, though!”

“The sushi options here include the common rolls, but also a wide selection of interesting special rolls with a generous portion of contents in each roll. The price is really reasonable for the quality and amount of food offered, and the fish is always very fresh tasting.”

“Overall this is a good place to have Happy Hour. I am super disappointed that the charcuterie board was taken off the menu. It was the best! Bring it back please!”

“Love this restaurant. Yummy tacos. Great location in short walking distance to the fabulous outdoor Merriweather Post Pavilion music venue.”

“Food and Atmosphere were great. Saw one of these in College Town that was popular, so we decided to try this one, being in the area. The three of us enjoyed the staff and food, which is tasty, modern and plentiful. Interesting collection of books that cover all sorts of topics. Will definitely return when in the area.”

“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”

“It’s a chill place to be at this time a day the food is great anyone and everyone come to Ale House”

“There’s so many good options on the menu it’s hard to pick. Everything is so delicious! Great cocktails!”

“Taylor P was an amazing waitress! She made sure to check on us throughout our meal, so we never had to look around for her or ask for anything. She was so sweet, attentive, and made us feel well taken care of. She really made our dining experience enjoyable. If any of you all come to BJ's in Columbia, Ask for Taylor P she's great!”

“My first time there but food was delicious”

“Toastique had become a go to spot for a quick / healthy lunch or business meet up”

“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 Love getting pizza from Eataliano! Not only do they have delicious vegan pizzas, they also offer the best imported Italian goodies like wafers, artichokes, olives, pastas, hard candies, and more.”

“Delicious burgers...in fact, the best burger spot in the area....avid fan of the Columbia location --been there six times the past 3 weeks... the service always prompt and friendly, especially from Raymond”

“Having been my first time ordering take out with Olive Garden I can say with confidence that the service here is incredible. A few days ago I was unsure of how to use the app so instead I called in an order. The worker named Will helped me out over the phone and careful explained recommendations/popular items without ever making me free rushed despite my call being about 10 minutes. Beyond that he was warm and friendly when I picked up my order at the takeout counter. 10/10”

“I was looking for a great Cuban sandwich and ended up driving an hour to get here. Well worth the drive. The food and service were excellent! I'll be back.”

“I have had the pleasure of ordering from this bakery twice. The owner is extremely nice and EVERYTHING is perfectly delicious. This will be my only bakery from now on. You won't be disappointed.”

“We came to Dave’s during a freaking tornado, we were a bit scared but once we got the food, we forgot about the tornado. Christian and Nellie were amazing!!🤩”

“Hosted us for a super 30th birthday, all staff were super nice and our guests loved the nacho bar ~ taco bar~ churros”

“Yaar Spice has the best sauces I've ever eaten. The menu is vast and everything is remarkable. I try to visit weekly .”

“Soo good..Rice pudding was amazing and the pork gyro was delicious as well..Nick & staff are so friendly & welcoming.. Excellent 👍 Thank you..🤗”

“I usually order food from here before 11, but decided to have a late lunch and ordered around 3. I assume there is younger staff that work those hours because my order arrived open and all over the bag !!!!!!!

Delivery was fine but the preparing was HORRIBLE!!!”

“Great place to hang with your dog!”

“Service was attentive, fast, and quality. No awkward lingering questions. Food was as described and left no complaints. Exclusive shout out to Alex B for being the coolest cat around”

“The worst part about coming here is trying to decide what to get. Everything looks amazing and tastes better! The Spinach feta croissant might be my favorite though”

“Local spot, clean and open, friendly staff, delicious Neapolitan style pizzas and appetizers. Good drinks selections.
Pizzas came out fast, hot, and tasty.
Good place to get some yum yum while watching sports games.
Highly recommend.”

“Every time I’m in the area, I HAVE to stop by here. The beignets are a must have! Food and drinks are always amazing. Service is nothing but top tier. Love this location and everything about it!”

“We enjoyed brunch today to celebrate my niece’s birthday. Katie was our server. Four adults and two children. She was friendly and efficient. Awesome food and the service was impeccable. Thanks, Katie.”

“I recently visited this restaurant and had a really nice experience overall. The food tasted fresh and authentic, with rich flavors and good portion sizes. I especially liked the biryani and paneer dishes — they were well-cooked and nicely spiced.

The service was warm and welcoming. The staff were polite and attentive, and the food was served on time without long waiting. They also helped with recommendations, which made the experience better.

Overall, it’s a great spot for Indian food, and I’d definitely recommend it.”

“Fish chicken and other fried foods. Soul food ish. Fast service , good prices . Love the half and half. Affordable options for large groups. Always polite. Take out only”