Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you need a romantic restaurant for your date. Columbia has a restaurant on every corner- these five have the food and the atmosphere you are looking for.
Murray’s- Murray’s is located at 3107 Green Meadows in southwest Columbia. Murray’s is a piano bar and features live jazz on weekends. The restaurant is not traditionally romantic, but the combination of atmosphere, wine and music make the experience. The atmosphere is what you would expect from a restaurant that features live jazz- dark and a little smoky. The wine list is short, but well chosen. The food is excellent and the fried green pepper rings sprinkled with powdered sugar are a must-try. The menu features both steak and seafood and in season produce. If you are really feeling romantic, try the oysters. One caveat- Murray’s is very popular. Because of this, expect to wait at least 20 minutes on most nights and much longer on holidays and special occasions.
Sophia’s- Sophia’s is located at 3915 South Providence Road in southwest Columbia. Sophia’s and Addison’s in downtown Columbia are part of the same restaurant family and feature the same inventive culinary style. However, Addison’s is an American grill while Sophia’s features Southern European cuisine. Sophia’s is also less casual than Addison’s and has a larger wine selection. The menu consists of antipasti, tapas, salads, pastas and pizzas, as well as other entrees and a changing dessert selection. One of the nicest parts of Sophia’s is the waitstaff’s familiarity with the wine list because they are able to knowledgably recommend wines to accompany menu items. The most popular items on the menu are the Puffed Pastry Tres Formagi, which is three types of cheese wrapped in puffed pastry and baked and the Godiva Ahi Tuna- seared ahi tuna served with a white chocolate liquor sauce. Sophia’s is very popular with locals. As with Murray’s, expect to wait.
Trattoria Strada Nova- Trattoria Strada Nova is located at 21 North Ninth Street in downtown Columbia. Trattoria Strada Nova features Northern Italian cuisine. While the food at Trattoria Strada Nova is excellent, one of the most notable features is the architecture. The ceilings are high, the floors are concrete and the walls are plaster and exposed brick. When added together, it contributes greatly to the feeling of being in a neighborhood restaurant in Italy. The menu at Trattoria Strada Nova changes sometimes daily based on season and availability of ingredients. It always features tasty food, and includes salads, pasta, pizzas and other entrees. An added bonus is that it is vegetarian friendly and there are always several vegetarian options available on the menu.
Churchill’s- Churchill’s Restaurant is located at 2200 I-70 Drive Southwest in the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Churchill’s serves French cuisine and is known not just for its food, but fine service. For many years, Churchill’s was known as the premier celebration restaurant in Columbia and is still highly regarded. It is the only four star restaurant in Columbia and lives up to this rating. Additionally, since Churchill’s is in a hotel there is no need to worry about drinking too much wine from their extensive list with dinner- book a room and make a night of it!
The Wine Cellar and Bistro- This restaurant, also known as Cherry Street Wine Cellar is located at 505 Cherry Street in downtown Columbia. It features French-inspired food with an emphasis on organic, local ingredients and is known for the originality of its menu. Lunches here are casual, but evening dining is elegant. The dessert menu is not extensive, but every dish on it is a winner. Especially noteworthy are the Chocolate Souffle Cake and the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee. Also noteworthy is the wine- over 1000 bottles are housed on the restaurant premises and are available in the restaurant or may be purchased to take with you. This bistro is one of Columbia’s hidden gems and wait times do not tend to be overlong.
