Love at First Bite
The Best Valentine’s Day Dinners for Every Persona
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and if you’re like me, you're already planning where to spend the evening with your special someone. Whether you’re into cozy, intimate vibes, or a more playful, adventurous night out, Columbia, SC has the perfect spots to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. I’ve rounded up my favorite places in town, each with its own personality, perfect for whatever kind of vibe you’re going for. So, let's dive in—because love is in the air, and food is the way to the heart!
Terra | The Thoughtful Food Enthusiast
Vibe: Thoughtful, Artistic, and Full of Flavor
Perfect For: The couple that loves to explore new flavors together
If you’re all about the finer details and thoughtful touches, Terra is the restaurant that will truly speak to you. It’s a farm-to-table experience that feels elevated yet approachable, and it’s for couples who love to savor every bite and truly appreciate a well-crafted dish. The atmosphere is modern and rustic, with plenty of attention to detail. Terra's menu is always evolving, showcasing the best local ingredients and seasonal offerings. Whether you’re digging into their mouthwatering duck breast or the perfectly prepared steak, you’ll find the flavors to be unique, surprising, and absolutely delicious. For couples who love a culinary adventure and appreciate the artistry behind every dish, Terra is the Valentine’s Day destination that delivers.
Bourbon | The Bold & Adventurous Partner
Vibe: Intense, Flavorful, and Full of Energy
Perfect For: The couple who loves to take a walk on the wild side with a side of whiskey
If your idea of the perfect date includes whiskey (or bourbon) flights and Southern-inspired dishes that pack a punch, Bourbon is your place. This spot has a great energy, with its contemporary decor and bold flavors. It’s definitely for the couple that loves to take chances—not only with their food but with their conversation. From the fire-grilled steaks to the creative cocktails, Bourbon is perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal that feels daring and a little bit out of the ordinary. It’s not stuffy, but it’s definitely got personality. If you’re looking to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day, this is your match.
Ratio – The Bold Aficionado
Vibe: Sleek, modern, and playfully adventurous—where Peruvian flavors meet masterful technique.
Perfect for: The couple that thrives on culinary exploration and never orders the same dish twice. If your love language is creative cocktails, bold flavors, and a dining experience that feels like an art form, Ratio is your perfect match. From beautifully plated ceviches to handcrafted drinks that surprise and delight, this is where romance gets a little daring. Ideal for foodies who believe every date night should come with a side of discovery.
Passionate, vibrant, and just a little unpredictable—some romances are meant to keep you on your toes, and Ratio serves that energy on a plate. This is where date night gets exciting, with ceviches that zing, cocktails that surprise, and a menu that dares you to step outside your comfort zone. It’s the perfect spot for couples who love a little heat (both in flavor and chemistry) and who find romance in the thrill of trying something new. Sip on a pisco sour, savor the umami-packed bites, and toast to a love that’s anything but ordinary.
The Melting Pot | The Flirty Foodie
Vibe: Playful, Interactive, and a Little Decadent
Perfect For: A fun, hands-on date night where you can get a little cheesy
I’m obsessed with The Melting Pot—it’s the perfect way to spend the evening if you’re in the mood for something that’s both playful and indulgent. Think fondue (yes, cheese, chocolate, and all the goodness) with a splash of romance. You and your date will dip and swirl your way through a meal, which means endless conversation starters—and a little bit of competitive fun as you debate who gets to dip that last strawberry into the chocolate fountain. It’s the perfect mix of lightheartedness and indulgence, making it ideal for couples who love to laugh, share, and enjoy some over-the-top romance. Plus, can we talk about the ambiance? Soft candlelight, private booths, and just the right amount of intimacy—if you’re looking for fun and fancy, The Melting Pot is your perfect Valentine.
The Dragon Room | The Enigmatic Flame
Vibe: Moody, romantic, and undeniably chic—where craft cocktails meet an air of mystery, and the food is a chef’s kiss
Perfect for: The effortlessly cool couple who prefers dimly lit corners, deep conversation, and a cocktail list that reads like poetry. If your idea of romance is less roses and more an intoxicating blend of ambiance, intrigue, and impeccable flavors, this is where your love story unfolds.
Dark, intimate, and effortlessly seductive, Dragon Room is for those who prefer their date night with a side of mystery. The moody glow of candlelight, the velvety hum of conversation, and a menu that reads like a love letter to flavor—all set the stage for a night that feels cinematic. Start with a meticulously crafted cocktail (because nothing says romance like a smoked Old Fashioned or a floral-infused martini), then lose track of time over shareable plates designed for slow, lingering bites. It’s a place for deep gazes, whispered toasts, and the kind of chemistry that lingers long after the last sip.
Hall’s Chophouse – The Classic Romantic
Vibe: Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly indulgent—where white tablecloths, perfectly aged steaks, and impeccable service set the tone.
Perfect for: The couple who appreciates tradition, luxury, and a flawlessly executed dining experience.
Some love stories are written in candlelight and sealed with a glass of vintage red, and Hall’s Chophouseis the setting for that kind of romance. It’s a place where every detail is intentional—the way the steak melts like butter, the way the staff makes you feel like the only two people in the room, the way every bite reminds you that classic is classic for a reason. If your idea of Valentine’s Day is an elegant, sweeping gesture of love (preferably paired with a filet and a full-bodied cabernet), this is where you celebrate it.
Il Giorgione – The Hopeless Romantic
Vibe: Intimate, charming, and straight out of an Italian love story—where pasta, wine, and amore reign supreme.
Perfect for: The couple who wants to feel like they’ve been whisked away to a quaint trattoria in Rome, where the wine flows and the conversation never stops.
Candlelit tables, the scent of simmering garlic, and a pasta dish that transports you straight to Italy—Il Giorgione is what Valentine’s Day dreams are made of. It’s the kind of place where time slows, where every plate is made with love, and where romance is as rich as the red sauce. This is the spot for couples who believe no date night is complete without homemade pasta, an intimate setting, and a shared tiramisu to end the night. Because nothing says “forever” quite like a love affair with Italian food.
Saluda’s – The Southern Sophisticate
Vibe: Classic, refined, and effortlessly chic—where Southern charm meets upscale indulgence.
Perfect for: The couple who loves an elegant night out with old-school romance, impeccable service, and a view that sets the mood.
If Valentine’s Day had a dress code, Saluda’s would be wearing a perfectly tailored tux. Sitting in the heart of Five Points with its candlelit dining room and wraparound balcony, this is where romance is served on a silver platter. From the first sip of champagne to the last decadent bite of crème brûlée, the night feels like a celebration. It’s for couples who appreciate Southern hospitality with a fine-dining touch—where oysters, filet mignon, and a well-made Manhattan are all part of the love language.
929 Kitchen & Bar – The Modern Muse
Vibe: Sleek, stylish, and effortlessly hip—where Korean flavors meet contemporary cool.
Perfect for: The couple who loves a date night that’s just as stylish as they are—bold flavors, craft cocktails, and an ambiance that feels straight out of a modern romance movie.
Some love stories are full of tradition, and some are written with a fresh, modern twist—just like the experience at 929 Kitchen & Bar. With its moody lighting, chic interiors, and a menu that blends classic Korean flavors with an inventive edge, this is the perfect date spot for couples who want something different, something exciting, something undeniably cool. Share a sizzling plate of bulgogi, toast with a perfectly balanced soju cocktail, and soak in the energy of a place where every detail—from the flavors to the aesthetic—feels curated for the effortlessly in-the-know.
