Last Updated on December 22, 2023
Greenville is a lively and fast-growing city located in the Upstate region of South Carolina. From the robust downtown with a variety of shops and cultural venues to quiet, tree-lined suburbs with historic homes, Greenville is an exceptional community for discovering great things to do. It’s also a great place to discover innovative and iconic restaurants!
Here are 20 of the best local restaurants in Greenville, SC.
Skip ahead! Find the particular cuisine you’re looking for:
- Elevated casual restaurants in Greenville, SC
- Upscale dining restaurants in Greenville, SC
- International cuisine in Greenville, SC
Elevated casual restaurants in Greenville, SC
Fork and Plough
This local favorite restaurant in the heart of Historic Overbrook is known around town for the best burgers and new takes on old faves. Fork and Plough highlights the best local ingredients from the coast of South Carolina to the mountains of North Carolina in a casual, comfortable setting. Best of all, their menu changes twice a day, so you’ll always have something new to try. Fork and Plough is also a market and butchery, with grab-and-go meals ready to pop in the oven.
1629 E North Street, Greenville | (864) 609-4249 | forkandplough.com
Gather GVL
More than just one restaurant, Gather is a bustling food court highlighting the best local food and beverage dealers. Try any of the tasty international options, hearty American fare, and bars. Or stop by several for a combo meal unique to you! Kids and pets are welcome at this West End destination, within walking distance to Fluor Field, the new Children’s Theater, and more. Enjoy regular live music with your meal.
126 Augusta Street, Greenville | (864) 501-5008 | gathergreenville.com
Grill Marks
Outdoor bar seating overlooking the heart of Main Street makes Grill Marks’ downtown location one of the best spots around for people watching. Each of their locations sets a new standard for burgers and shakes, pushing the boundaries by bringing together unique, gourmet burgers, delicious sides, and hand-spun milkshakes. Their high standards extend to the high-quality ingredients, as well as their award-winning wines, edgy craft beers, and classic cocktails.
209 S Main Street, Greenville | (864) 233-5825
700 Haywood Road, Greenville | (864) 288-5202
The Lazy Goat
Diners flock to The Lazy Goat for sweeping views of the city from the banks of the Reedy River. This vibrant, urban eatery is perfect for gathering with friends and enjoying a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure. Sink into the comfortable ambiance while imbibing a glass of wine and noshing on plates of shareable dishes like the Fried Goat Cheese or the full-sized Charcuterie plate.
170 Riverplace, Greenville | (864) 679-5299 | thelazygoat.com
Sassafras Southern Bistro
At Sassafras, they go above and beyond to provide true Southern hospitality. From hand-crafted cocktails and chef specials to truly delightful desserts, Sassafras strives for perfection in every bite. Their eclectic menu features Southern staples like fried green tomatoes or shrimp and grits, as well as more innovative options like the Blue Crab and Pepper Jack Fondue Nachos. Enjoy a homey indoor atmosphere, or dine outside amid Greenville’s nightlife.
103 N Main Street #107, Greenville | (864) 235-5670 | sassafrasbistro.com
Sidewall Pizza Company
With five locations across the Upstate, you’re never far from a great slice of pizza at Sidewall! We’re fans of their Cleveland Street location, just feet from the Swamp Rabbit Trail along Reedy River. Step off the trail for hand-tossed, brick-oven-fired pizzas made from scratch, along with salads and homemade ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, so bring Fido with you for a slice. A portion of all proceeds go to support local individuals, families, and organizations in need.
99 Cleveland Street, Greenville | (864) 558-0235
3598 Pelham Road, Greenville | (864) 991-8748
Smoke on the Water
Smoke on the Water is a saucy Southern tavern dishing up uniquely different fare. Each dish has been specially crafted to meld with the correct sauces or seasonings—all of which are made in house from scratch. They also pride themselves on supporting local businesses by using local beers, spirits, and farm-to-table ingredients. Come for a wide variety of options from the smoker or the grill.
1 Augusta Street #202, Greenville | (864) 232-9091 | saucytavern.com
Willy Taco Feed & Seed
Willy Taco has five locations around the Upstate, but their Feed & Seed spot is Greenville’s go-to location for fresh and funky, chef-driven twists on tacos, tortas, and much more. Their high-energy atmosphere is family-friendly at all times, plus the patio is dog friendly for friendly dogs. Grown ups can enjoy more than 80 tequila and mezcal offerings, domestic and craft beer, creative margaritas, and other amazing cocktails.
217 Laurens Road, Greenville | (864) 412-8700 | willytaco.com
Upscale dining restaurants in Greenville, SC
Halls Chophouse
Steak and seafood are the name of the game at Halls Chophouse. This family-run restaurant has it all: the finest steaks, an extensive wine list, hearty family-style sides. But it is the service and warmth of the staff that sets them apart. Halls Chophouse proudly serves only USDA Prime Steaks that are hand-selected, aged with their meticulous processes, and hand-cut to exact portion specifications. Visit them for an equally decadent Sunday brunch.
550 S Main Street, Greenville | (864) 335-4200 | hallschophouse.com
Kitchen Sync
You and your tastebuds will be in sync for this scratch-made, farm fresh fare served with extraordinary hospitality. Kitchen Sync bills themselves as a soulful neighborhood joint, but that does a disservice to their truly world-class operation. The restaurant is Greenville’s first and only Green Certified Restaurant, as well as the #1 Independently-Owned Green Certified Restaurant in the United States and #1 for Water Conservation.
1609 Laurens Road, Greenville | (864) 568-8115 | kitchensyncgreenville.com
Larkin’s
Looking for a white tablecloth destination for generous portions of steak and seafood? You’ll find it at Larkin’s, downtown on the block opposite the Peace Center Concert Hall. You’ll find fresh ingredients, impeccable service, and luxury at every turn. Plus, their award-winning wine list makes Larkin’s the perfect place for a special occasion or just a night out with friends. Their bar menu is popular for a pre-performance nosh.
32 E Broad Street, Greenville | (864) 467-9777 | larkinsgvl.com
Rick Erwin’s West End Grille
At Rick Erwin’s West End Grille, their mission is to provide guests with a memorable dining experience that exceeds your expectations every time. Rick Erwin’s specializes in delivering the finest quality steaks, seafood, and other delectable dishes, all crafted from the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available. And their extensive wine list features carefully curated selections from around the world, offering something for every palate.
648 S Main Street, Greenville | (864) 232-8999 | rickerwins.com/west-end-grille
Soby’s
Soby’s serves up New South cuisine through an experience you can’t miss! Rich in history and rustic charm, this has been Greenville’s quintessential gathering place for more than 20 years. Their Southern-inspired menu focuses on locally-grown, seasonal ingredients—with a modern twist. When paired with the casually elegant ambiance, there’s no question that this is one of the city’s best, most iconic restaurants.
207 S Main Street Greenville | (864) 232-7007 | sobys.com
International cuisine in Greenville, SC
Aryana Afghan Cuisine
For more than 20 years, Chef Nelofar Mayar has been preparing healthy, home cooked Afghan meals with the recipes passed down from her family. At Aryana, they source fresh ingredients and pair them with traditional spices and flavors. As a result, each dish is an opportunity to experience classics and delicacies in new and exciting ways. No matter the season, you can be sure you’re eating the best.
210 E Coffee Street, Greenville | (864) 236-7410 | aryanagreenville.com
ASADA
This warm, relaxed eatery is Greenville’s go-to source for a delicious variety of Mission-style tacos and Latin cuisine. Their unexpected dishes are the careful fusion of seasonal and local produce with Latin American culinary traditions and global influences. Saturday brunch specials include pupusas, tres leches bread pudding, and “Okonomiyaki à la Latin”, a Latin-style Japanese savory pancake.
903 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville | (864) 770-3450 | asadarestaurant.com
Jamaica Mi Irie
With three locations in the Greenville area, you’re never far from the islands! Jamaica Mi Irie is the only 100% authentic Jamaican restaurant in town. Each location offers a quaint and cozy dining room, perfect for spending an evening with friends and family. If you have never tried Jamaican, you don’t know what you’re missing! Come out and enjoy great food and great cocktails!
1451 Woodruff Road, Suite R, Greenville | (864) 509 1845
28 South Main Street, Greenville | (864) 271-8620
Cartwright Food Hall, 215 Trade Street, Greer | (864) 520-3971
Jianna
Sinatra would be right at home at this sleek Italian restaurant with homemade pasta, seafood, and cocktails. Nestled in the heart of downtown, Jianna draws inspiration from classic Italian cuisine, using only the best and freshest seasonal ingredients from regional farmers. But they take it one step further by adding an innovative twist to each dish and giving it that “wow” factor that turns a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
600 S Main Street #2, Greenville | (864) 720-2200 | jiannagreenville.com
Maria’s Kitchen at The Drop-In Store
A Greenville local mainstay and urban legend, Maria’s Kitchen has been getting rave reviews for years! They’re a great stop for eclectic, economical Latin American and Indian meals. In addition to a standard menu, they also offer many daily specials (often with lamb, fish, or vegetarian) that are not on the menu. Maria’s Kitchen is located in the back of the Drop-In convenience store at the free-trolley stop.
709 N Main Street, Greenville | (864) 242-0111 | marias-kitchen-drop-in-store.business.site
Scoundrel
Get ready to be scandalized by an impertinent restaurant menu! Scoundrel has no right to offer high-end hors d’oeuvres, entrees, and wines in the heart of downtown. Beef tartare, escargot, and oysters on the half shell are among your light-bite options. Or splurge on Russian Osetra caviar. How dare they offer happy hour specials Tuesdays–Saturdays from 5:00–7:00 PM!
18 N Main Street, Greenville | (864) 283-0095 | scoundrelgvl.com
The Trappe Door
Step below the street and enter the Old World. The Trappe Door is an underground spot offering traditional Belgian dishes and a huge beer selection. As their motto states, their food is built from the flavor of the land, and their beer knows no boundaries. Reserve your table for dinner. This popular spot is one of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC—it fills up fast!
23 W Washington Street, Greenville | (864) 451-7490 | trappedoor.com
Now that you’ve satisfied your hunger cravings, why not check out some of the best things to do in Greenville?
Ready to call Greenville, SC home?
Established after the Revolutionary War in 1795, Greenville is the third-largest municipality in South Carolina, and is located about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. More recently, Greenville has been named among the fastest growing cities in the country due to its high concentration of international powerhouse companies. The city is a thriving center for museums, sports, cultural event venues, and annual festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options for adventure in and around town, especially the 32-acre Falls Park located on the Reedy River.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Greenville, SC now!
