Best French Bakery in Columbia

"Mr. Friendly’s calls itself “a new Southern café,” so naturally it serves New Southern Cuisine. What that really means is you of course find chicken and grits and fried green tomatoes on the menu, but the chef also offers his delightful daily special; you will adore his take on Southern Cuisine with dishes like Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna with salsa made of granny smith apples and ginger, glazed with yuzu-sweet chile, and served with wasabi-spiced mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies. The best time to visit this popular restaurant in Historic Five Points is Monday, when they serve their award-winning Moonpies, which are heavenly concoctions made of praline wafers baked and layered with mousse, made of white chocolate, and sprinkled with chocolate and raspberry sauce."

"In the early 80’s you may remember Mr. Friendly’s as a sandwich shop, but in 1995 it was revamped into the awesome restaurant it is today. Lunch or dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, you can enjoy new Southern cuisine with fresh ingredients and simple preparations. There is always fresh seafood featured to be enjoyed in the casual (but fancy) dining room (as well as meat, poultry, etc. features)."

"Mr. Friendly’s is one of the best spots in town to enjoy a more “grown-up scene”. It’s a popular spot to enjoy a private dinner along with your date. This restaurant does a fine job of creating a high-end environment for romantics and small formal gatherings."

"Savor every moment of your morning with ooey-gooey bacon and brie croissants, fluffy Belgian waffles covered in pools of butter and all the bubbles your heart desires at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points. One of the most beloved brunch spots in Columbia, the Gourmet Shop doubles as a specialty foods market—where you can buy freshly baked bread, locally sourced preserves and honey + to-go containers of the shop’s famous chicken salad and pimento cheese. Artisan cheeses, fine wines, quality confections and professional cookware line the market shelves, so you can get some shopping done while you anticipate your mimosa kit."

"This place has it all.Wine shop, cafe, cooking store, and (my favorite) amazing purveyor of fine cheeses. Dennis and Linda Hiltner owned and operated this gem in the heart of Five Points for 40 years – until selling to current owner Amy Beth Franks in 2019. And you can’t call yourself a Soda Citizen unless you’ve at least tried their famous chicken salad."

"The Gourmet Shop in Columbia’s Five Points District is #BrunchGoals, #AestheticGoals—all the goals, really. The food is simple, yet elegant. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet welcoming."

"From Coconut Cream Pie to Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake to Snickerdoodle Cake, you’ll be sorry if you don’t check it out for yourself. With a rotating selection of desserts, the only disappointing thing is that you won’t have room to try them all. We promise you’ll already be planning your next visit before you’ve even left."

"If you’re out in The Vista for dinner, swing by Kaminsky’s for a delicious dessert or drinks. They have a full bar and alcohol infused dessert drinks, but my favorite is the milkshakes or Sundays. They are perfect for splitting and enjoying one another’s company."

"Olive Garden GAVE life after a failed attempt at Red Lobster. Me and my family went there close toClosing on Saturday night and instead of turning us away they... (803) 788-3131Order online"

"Every cool city needs a great bagel shop - it's in the handbook, look it up. From pumpernickel and poppy seed to covered with smoked salmon, Carolina Cafe is here to slice, toast and cover your carb addiction in cream cheese (or peanut butter, if you're into that). Try the blueberry bagel with honey butter + report back."

"Before the cafe opened, chef owner Jessica Shillato of Spotted Salamander had quite a following as a caterer for private parties and special events. Each delicious dish highlights Chef Shillato’s love for local ingredients and Southern cooking. Deviled eggs with special additions like bacon and blue cheese take the edge off of a mid-day appetite, but leave plenty of room for mains like the Spotted Salad, with sweet tea vodka barbecue chicken, bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, Adluh cornbread croutons, mixed greens, and buttermilk ranch dressing."

"I mean as if the photos don’t already make you drool… you should know that there are even more options than what they have on the menu. While this is a lunch only (11-2:30) & catering restaurant, the menu is limitless and always features something new. The Pulled Brisket Sandwich is out of this world, but you can also go lighter with the spotted salad and soup of the day."

"Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine & Bar is at the top of our list because who can hate a great sushi bar that is also all-you-can-eat?. Living up to its reputation as having the best and freshest sushi in Columbia, Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine & Bar serves up interesting sushi rolls and appetisers that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Regulars recommend The Godzilla Roll, which is a massive deep-fried tuna roll, the Sexy Jalapeno, a creamy and spicy appetiser, and the Salmon Sushi Pizza."