Agree about 701 Whaley Street market (but only on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings) very interesting and upscale -- similar to small markets in larger urban areas. (check out www.alllocatmarket.org) There is another local farmers market at the Richland Mall parking deck on Beltline -- haven't been but understand it's the same concept. Also, check out the local markets that some of the churches sponsor on Saturday mornings in the summer -- the church usually sponsors a local farmer who brings the produce to the church for sale -- very good prices for local fresh food. And there are several local outdoor markets, including one on Assembly Street not far from the former location of the State Farmer's Market.

All of the BBQ is good in Columbia, but my favorite is Palmetto Pig on Devine Street. Check the website for hours of operation. Skip Lizard's Thicket -- Columbia has far too many other interesting local places. I agree with the comment about 116 State. Also Terra (next door) is very good. Blue Marlin is consistently good (on Gervais). Mediterranean Tea Room Tea Room on Devine is local and good. I agree with the other person who recommended Mr. Friendly's. For a healthy quick lunch, try the Rosewood Market Deli -- always good but very informal. . . .

Far and away the best pizza is ZPizza on Gervais. It's new and very good.

Forget Saludas. Try Hampton Street, Terra, or Mr. Friendly's

Thanks! I just checked the website. Looks great.

I will be staying at the Hotel Giraffe in a few weeks, 365 Park Ave S, At 26th Street, and would appreciate a recommendation for a nearby restaurant for dinner. Prefer ethnic food or "ethnic inspired" in a funky/interesting setting --but a place to relax and spend an evening . . . Any suggestions?

Yes!

Widow crust is very, very thin and crispy

What's your favorite non-chain restaurant in Columbia for:

1. Burritos
2. Curry dishes of any kind
3. Calamari (the fried kind!)

What about Pizza Man on Rosewood and Woodrow? It's the best in my books. If you go to Dano's, get the BBQ chicken on their "widow" crust (have to ask them for it). Paulie's is pretty good if you don't order the greasy meat toppings.

Absolutely!

Try Terra in West Columbia. Neat atmosphere and great food! You can't go wrong with Mr. Friendly's or Garibaldi's in Fiive Points. . .

I love the hidden gems -- the tiny ethnic restaurants that are "hidden" and frequented by locals -- particularly the upstairs cafeterias or the basement "hole-in-the wall" places. My experience has been that, if you can find them, these restaurants are the most authentic with the very best food. What are your favorites? Any suggestions?

Somebody suggested THE KITCHEN at 8th Avenue and 21st St. Anybody tried that one?

I will be in Manhattan in May and want a really great burrito. Any suggestions on the best?? I love authentic but I also like the healthy version with great, fresh ingredients. A hole in the wall restaurant is not a problem -- actually it's a plus . .. .

One of my favorite restaurants is Mediterrean Tea Room on Devine Street -- which is not too far from I-77. Take Exit 10 (turn away from Fort Jackson); take a right on Kilbourne Road and take Kilbourne to Devine. Take a right and follow Devine toward Five Points. Med Tea Room is on the right. There is also an Earthfare which has a great healthy buffet, Za's pizza, Mo Mo's (more upscale); and Devine Foods. All are good.

Also, Exit 12 has a number of possibilities. Again go away from Ft. Jackson towards town, pass the Walmart/ Sam's Club congestion and there are a number of restaurants a short distance away (Zoe's and Five Guys and two good chains). Groucho's and Pawley's Pizza are two good local restaurants located just past the intersection of Forest and Trenholm.

If you are really adventurous, take the Decker Blvd. exit. There are a number of ethnic (mostly Asian) hole in the wall restaurants just off of I-77. We like O'bok (a Korean restaurant just off of the interstate) but there are several good ones on Decker.

Some of the places listed in the other replies are a long hike from the Hilton. For a casual lunch, try Garden Bistro on Gervais. As it's somewhat hidden, you'll need to ask the desk at the Hilton for specific directions. Paul's Philadelphia Eatery is very close to the Hilton -- good food and casual. Many people love the Oyster Bar -- again very close to the Hilton. For more upscale, try Blue Marlin or Motor Supply on Gervais. M Vista is great but a few blocks away on Lady. . .

Is it still open? I agree that the food is great . . .

Mediterranean Tea Room on Devine has great Greek/Middle Eastern food in a very casual, somewhat funky atmosphere. Diannes on Devine and Momo's (also on Devine) are popular -- upscale and very mainstream. Blue Marlin (corner of Gervais and Lincoln) is always good and is located in a neat, old train station that has been beautifully restored. Not sure which are open on Sunday nights -- I know that Blue Marlin is open then. . .