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The Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Columbia, SC

Ask your family what they want for dinner and most of the time, they'll pick Italian food. Who can resist having some pasta or pizza or even fish that's cooked simply in olive oil, wine, capers, and sundried tomatoes? Italian restaurants are a popular choice for families because there's something even for the pickiest diner and there's no shortage of Italian places in Columbia, SC.

The Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Columbia, SC

1. Villa Tronco

This family-owned restaurant has been in operation for 80 years, and lays claim to being the "oldest restaurant in the state of South Carolina". The restaurant building was declared a historic landmark and restored to preserve the original building. Broadway and opera nights are regular events for diners to enjoy while having their meal. You'll find many delicious entrees on their menu, including Mama Tonco's pizza, which was the first-ever Italian pizza introduced in Columbia.

2. Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Travinia not only serves Italian and American dishes, but they welcome bands and local performers to entertain their diners, too. They're happy to host celebrations in their event spaces from graduation parties, birthday celebrations, and more. Open for lunch and dinner, their house favorites like the Pollo Isabella and Sinatra Chicken, among others, are sure to keep you coming back to try other dishes.

3. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant

Since 1979, Al's has been delighting the city with its delicious food, exceptional service, and warm ambiance, striving every day to be the best. A TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, and voted Columbia's most romantic and best Italian restaurant, Al's is favored by those celebrating engagements and by couples dining out on Valentine's Day. Pasta Alla Al and Chicken Charleston are some of their popular entrees.

4. Il Giorgione

This pizzeria and wine bar was born from the owner's love for Italy and all things Italian. Aiming to make their diners feel like they're enjoying a night out in Italy, you'll get a taste of Italy from the start while you browse through the menu written in Italian. Enjoy happy hour from 5:30 -7:00 pm, before sitting down to dinner with a pasta or pizza made only from the freshest ingredients. Remember to drink in moderation.

5. Pasta Fresca

This family-owned restaurant makes its own pasta and sauces every day, much to the delight of its many patrons. Who can resist their loaded spaghetti that comes with two handmade meatballs and Italian sausage and a hearty meat sauce? Try one of their signature pasta dishes such as the shrimp and prosciutto Rosa or the seafood gorgonzola, which are customer favorites.

Food always brings people together, so the next time you're bringing the entire family to celebrate a special occasion, go to an Italian place. When you're shopping around for a new car, or just need to schedule an oil change, stop by Burns Kia and test-drive one of our many cars. Our knowledgeable team will answer questions you might have and give you their recommendations for the best Italian places in the city.

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