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Best Restaurants in Greenville

You know things are going well in Greenville when the Food Network dubs the city “South Carolina’s rising star on the restaurant scene.” The city’s dining selection is growing so quickly that finding the best restaurants in Greenville has become more and more difficult. There are so many delicious options. These 10 restaurants have passed our taste tests and offer a little of everything, from fine dining to casual barbecue. Enjoy!

Best Restaurants in Greenville

Willy Taco Feed & Seed

There’s something for everyone on this menu so long as you like Mexican cuisine! Start with one of the house margaritas, Mexican mules spiked with jalapeño-infused tequila, or draft beers. From there, you can dive into appetizers and fill up on the salsa trio, guacamole, buttered street corn, fried sliced jalapeños, or fried green tomatoes. But definitely leave room for the house-made tortas and tacos. Outside, the restaurant’s patio seating is a great option when weather permits.

Sidewall Pizza Company

This pizza joint has three locations in town, so you’re bound to find one close to you. And if you’re in the mood for pizza with a twist, you’re in luck. Pizzas here are anything but traditional. They come topped with butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted garlic sauce, toasted walnuts, and so much more. Of course, no pizza shop would be complete without the basics, and Sidewall has your classic favorites as well as a build-your-own option. The salad menu is just as impressive, as is the homemade ice cream. This family-friendly joint is perfect for a casual meal out on the town.

Soby’s New South Cuisine

For a taste of true Southern cuisine, head to Soby’s. This venerable eatery has been one of the best restaurants in Greenville since it opened in 1992 – and for good reason. Elegant in atmosphere and rich in ambiance, Soby’s brings new life to its Southern-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for potato-crusted grouper, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or crab soup, you can’t go wrong.

Jianna

Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Jianna is known for its homemade pasta. Made fresh daily, the funky shaped noodles pair perfectly with the restaurant’s modern take on Italian classics. The selection of fresh oysters and the wine menu is also worth calling in a reservation. To really celebrate, be sure to indulge in Jianna’s lengthy dessert and after-dinner beverage menus.

Henry’s Smokehouse

If you’re in the mood for barbecue, two Greenville favorites are worth the drive. Henry’s Smokehouse and Bucky’s Bar-B-Q have both captured the attention of the South Carolina BBQ Association and are considered two of the best restaurants in Greenville. At Henry’s, fill up on ribs, smoked chicken, chopped pork, coleslaw, Texas toast, Brunswick stew, sweet potato salad, and low country hash. You can even head home with your favorites in bulk, including a deep-fried turkey.

Bucky’s Bar-B-Q

This family-owned joint started as a roadside stand. But once word got out about the wood-smoked meats, customer demand became insatiable. Today, you can still sink your teeth into smoked chicken, pork, ribs, mac and cheese, homemade coleslaw, green beans, and crunchy cucumber salad at Bucky’s.

Halls Chophouse

For something more romantic with terrific views of the river, head to Halls Chophouse. As its name suggests, steak reins supreme in this kitchen. Take your pick from porterhouse, ribeye, dry-aged, filet mignon, or fresh seafood. You also can’t go wrong with the fresh salmon, lobster, crab cakes, or shrimp. Surf and turf is alive and well at Halls.

Biscuit Head

There’s a reason Biscuit Head has been featured in the New York Times, Food & Wine, USA Today, Garden & Gun, Paste, and Eater.com. This Southern-loving casual eatery makes some seriously impressive biscuits. But these aren’t your traditional breakfast staples. Here you can choose from classic, gluten-free, and even vegan biscuits. You also choose your gravy. Take your pick from a variety of flavors, including espresso red eye, sweet potato coconut, fried chicken, chorizo, venison sausage gravy, and more. Can’t decide on just one? Order a gravy flight and enjoy three gravies of your choosing.  

The Trappe Door

For a dining destination that’s a little more unusual, head underground to the Trappe Door. This moody pub is best known for its beer selection and craft cocktails. But the grub definitely doesn’t disappoint either. The selection ranges from braised short ribs and grilled lamb chops to soups, salads, and a wide selection of mussels.

The Anchorage

Bright, modern, and welcoming, the Anchorage has been impressing curious palates since it first opened. Located in West Greenville, this casual neighborhood joint easily competes as one of the best restaurants in Greenville. The kitchen whips up a menu that’s constantly changing, but one thing diners can rely on is a tempting selection of small plates, craft cocktails, beer, and sustainable wines. On the dinner menu, each dish is carefully crafted with a taste for the unusual. Beet kimchi, mint ricotta, and quail are just a few of the more creative ingredients found on this menu.

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Looking for more of the best restaurants in Greenville? Check out this roundup by Eater. You can also learn more about the history of Greenville and seasonal festivals in town by checking out our website.

At Waterstone on Augusta, one of our goals is to connect our residents with attractions and events around Greenville. Providing residents with activities and community connections is just one way we help our seniors enjoy their golden years. If you’re interested in joining our premier assisted living and memory care community in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, check out Waterstone on Augusta. Our welcoming community is relaxing and elegant. We strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour or call us today at 864-605-7236.