Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Columbia
Columbia’s dining scene blends sophisticated flavors with local charm, offering culinary experiences that transform ordinary meals into memorable occasions. From intimate wine bars to elegant steakhouses, the city’s restaurant landscape promises exceptional gastronomic journeys.
Discover hidden gems like Iron Bridge Wine Company and King’s Contrivance Restaurant, where innovative chefs craft dishes that celebrate local ingredients and international cooking techniques. Each establishment offers a unique atmosphere and extraordinary dining experience.
Explore Columbia’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Columbia
- Iron Bridge Wine Company
- King's Contrivance Restaurant
- GrillMarx Columbia Steakhouse & Raw Bar
- The Turn House Restaurant
- lāk
- Xenia Greek Kouzina
- Ranazul
- Smashing Grapes Columbia
GrillMarx Columbia Steakhouse & Raw Bar
What to Expect
Chef's open kitchen with Executive Chef Doug
Description
GrillMarx Columbia offers a sophisticated steakhouse experience with an expansive, naturally lit bar and open kitchen. Featuring hand-cut hickory-grilled steaks, a curated raw bar with Bluepoint oysters, and crafted cocktails, the restaurant delivers an upscale dining atmosphere with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and executive chef-selected seafood specialties.
Restaurant Details
More Info: GrillMarx Columbia Steakhouse & Raw Bar ↗
Iron Bridge Wine Company
What to Expect
Rotating 300-bottle wine selection with seasonal menu
Description
Nestled in Columbia, Iron Bridge Wine Company offers a sophisticated dining experience blending modern American cuisine with an expertly curated wine selection. Their farm-to-table approach features locally sourced ingredients, with chefs crafting innovative dishes alongside a carefully rotated 300-bottle wine inventory that changes with seasonal trends.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Iron Bridge Wine Company ↗
King's Contrivance Restaurant
What to Expect
Historic Federal Period mansion converted into fine dining restaurant
Description
Nestled in a historic 1730 farm property, Kings Contrivance offers an elegant New American dining experience blending European and Asian culinary influences. The restaurant occupies a restored Federal Period mansion, featuring refined dining rooms that showcase sophisticated cuisine in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
More Info: King's Contrivance Restaurant ↗
lāk
What to Expect
Lakeside fine dining with seasonal local ingredient focus
Description
Nestled in the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, lāk offers an upscale dining experience with a classic American menu featuring world influences. The restaurant boasts a sophisticated lakeshore setting with a fashionable atmosphere, serving carefully crafted farm-to-table dishes prepared from scratch in an inviting dining room.
Restaurant Details
More Info: lāk ↗
Ranazul
What to Expect
Colombian-inspired tapas with innovative culinary techniques
Description
Ranazul offers an intimate tapas-style dining experience featuring contemporary Latin American cuisine in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant blends Colombian and international flavors with an elegant, modern ambiance, presenting shareable small plates and creative cocktails crafted with precision and flair.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Ranazul ↗
Smashing Grapes Columbia
What to Expect
Global cuisine with comprehensive international wine selection
Description
A sophisticated urban restaurant blending global culinary traditions with an extensive wine program. The sleek dining space features carefully crafted dishes that showcase international flavors, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines from renowned global vineyards. Tableside wine pairings and an inventive menu highlight the restaurant's commitment to gastronomic excellence.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Smashing Grapes Columbia ↗
The Turn House Restaurant
What to Expect
Golf course-adjacent fine dining with scenic outdoor patio
Description
Nestled within the Hobbits Glen Golf Course, The Turn House offers contemporary American cuisine with French-inspired touches. The restaurant features a warm dining room with a cozy fireplace and an outdoor patio with picturesque golf course views. Chef Thomas Zippelli's award-winning culinary team crafts visually stunning dishes using locally sourced ingredients, complemented by weekly live music and a daily happy hour.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Turn House Restaurant ↗
Xenia Greek Kouzina
What to Expect
Daily-restocked in-house fresh seafood market counter
Description
A modern Greek restaurant nestled in Columbia, Maryland, Xenia offers an elegant Mediterranean dining experience focused on fresh seafood and authentic Greek cuisine. The restaurant features an in-house fresh market seafood counter with daily restocked selections, creating a sophisticated dining environment that celebrates Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Xenia Greek Kouzina ↗
Your Ultimate Guide
Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, packed with tips, insights, and everything you need to know.
Columbia Fine Dining News
Stay updated with the latest fine dining trends and exceptional restaurants in your area
View Latest NewsColumbia Fine Dining Discussion
Welcome to the discussion We invite you to discuss and share your thoughts about fine dining spots and culinary experiences in Columbia
Join the Columbia Discussion!Find Fine Dining in Other Cities
Looking for fine dining in another city?
Fine Dining Mailing List
Our Quality Assurance Process
Every restaurant listing goes through our comprehensive review process combining industry expertise with customer feedback. We maintain unbiased listings (except for clearly marked featured restaurants) to ensure you get accurate, reliable fine dining information.
Have questions about our process or want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us