12 Must-Try Greenville Restaurants | Best Restaurants in Greenville SC, Updated May 2024 (2024)

Greenville SC is set among the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner of South Carolina.

Home to the Greenville County Museum of Art, the exhibits tell the story of the area. Then venture out to see the parks, gardens, and waterfalls for your viewing pleasure and exploration.

Local experts bring their personal passion and intimate knowledge on the Signature Experiences and Tours.

Greenville Culinary Tours, At the Chef’s Table, brings you to some of the city’s most renowned kitchens to sample dishes that will fill your food journals with stars and keep you coming back for more.The Greenville Breakfast Tour is a great way to start your day.

Hey, we’re the Foodie Flashpackers, experts at reviewing restaurants in the USA, and committed to trying out the best foods available to us! In this article, we’ll review the food scene in Greenville, SC.

Here are the restaurants I recommend while you’re in Greenville SC.

Visiting other destinations in South Carolina? Check out our other delicious guides:

• Seven Lowcountry Summerville SC Restaurants
• 8 Must-Try Downtown Charleston Restaurants
• 6 Best Things To Do In Florence SC
• 9 Must-Try Florence SC Restaurants

12 Must-Try Greenville Restaurants

Hans & Franz Biergarten

3124 South Highway 14 Greenville SC 29615 // 864-627-8263

A taste of Germany amongst the Greenville restaurants. We were delighted to find this old world feel here. Having relatives in Germany, it felt like we were visiting them when we entered Hans & Franz Biergarten.

Chef Juergen Haubach is from Germany. This restaurant resides in one of the oldest buildings in Greenville SC. During the Civil War, it was used to make uniforms.

The building, food, and ambiance are unique. It’s decorated with themes according to the seasons and holidays.

The atmosphere is tropical with palm trees and tropical plants creating a place to relax.

There is a fresh variety of beers on tap as well as wine selections from Europe.

Most of their sausages and cold cuts come from German butchers. My son loves authentic German wurst and brats.

Some favorites are the Hungarian Goulash Soup made with paprika, cayenne pepper, bell peppers, spiced up tender chunks of beef, and carrots in a tomato base.

The name of this one reminded me of a classic Christmas TV show character, the Burgermeister. This classic German burger is a half-pound of beef and pork seasoned just right.

They have a Big Pretzel that is homemade topped with butter and salt served with spicy mustard. My daughter-in-love likes spicy mustard and cheese. The Obatzda is a Bavarian cheese delicacy. It’s a blend of brie, cream cheese, paprika and spices, served with a pretzel.

A Prussian specialty of meatballs in a tasty lemon-caper sauce is called Koenigsberger Klopse, served over spaetzle, which is a Swabian egg noodle.

You haven’t really had chicken wings until you’ve tried Hans & Franz Famous Wings. These are marinated overnight and then oven roasted and flash fried. Crispy and delicious with your choice of sauces. We like the raspberry chipotle sauce and the golden barbeque sauce.

Get the meat lovers paradise. Order the Bavarian Sampler Plate, which is a grilled pork chop with Weisswurst and Bratwurst, drizzled with spicy mustard and curry ketchup. They sure like to spice things up around here.

The Wurst is really the best. Let me tell you about the Hans & Franz Wurst Teller. It’s a sausage lovers delight. Your plate is filled with German Bockwurst, Weisswurst and Bratwurst drizzled with spicy mustard and curry ketchup. It comes with a choice of two sides.

Sauerbraten is one of Germany’s national dishes. Here they marinate the meat for several days in a mixture of vinegar and red wine, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings.

Specials are found on the menu and are a limited edition. Recently featured was their refreshing summer soup, Gazpacho. It’s loaded with vitamins from fresh-cut vegetables and tomatoes. Another special was the Curry Coconut Chicken Soup.

Great food and great people are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face when you dine at this place. One customer said her mother was from Munich and the potato salad at Hans & Franz Biergarten tasted like her mom’s.

When you get to Greenville SC, stop in. Reservations are recommended. Definitely one of the finest of the Greenville restaurants.

Scoundrel

18 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States // +18642830095

Scoundrel truly exceeded my expectations in every aspect, making it one of the finest dining experiences I’ve had in the city.

Nestled just off Main Street, the restaurant’s ambiance transports you to a dimly lit wine cellar, setting the stage for an exquisite culinary journey.

The menu at Scoundrel is a testament to culinary craftsmanship. The chicory salad, though slightly bitter on its own, becomes a delightful symphony of flavors when enjoyed with its accompanying ingredients.

The beef tartare is the finest I’ve ever tried, setting a high bar for this classic dish. While the pork Milanese was the least impressive of our choices, the curry remoulade it came with was unforgettable. As for the drinks, they were consistently fantastic, crafted with a mixologist’s care.

The decor contributes significantly to the overall vibe, with tasteful art adorning the walls, reminiscent of a French upscale steakhouse.

Although the prices are a bit steep, the quality and service make it well worth the investment. The bar area alone is a highlight, echoing the restaurant’s chic aesthetic with superb drink offerings.

Overall, I would eagerly recommend Scoundrel time and again.

Another Broken Egg Café

1025 Woodruff Road, Suite G103, Greenville,SC29067 // 864-627-7710

Located in Magnolia Park, Another Broken Egg Café is one of the Greenville restaurants that serves Southern-inspired innovative culinary dishes. They use fresh avocados from Mexico.

Their menu offers breakfast, lunch, brunch, and signature co*cktails including gluten friendly, vegetarian, and traditional items as well as seasonal entrees.

This season, I found Rum Cake French Toast. It was French-toast style spiced rum cake with pecans topped with grilled fresh pineapple, fresh berries, and a spiced rum butter glaze. (Note: You must be at least 21 to order this one.) It was served with two eggs any style and baked bacon or house-made sausage patties. It is best paired with a Spiked Pecan Praline cold brew.

Indulge in the Bourbon Street Pancakes. You get three house-recipe cakes with bananas, pecans, rum butter sauce drizzle and fresh whipped cream.

When in the South, a couple traditional dishes are Shrimp and Grits and Chicken and Waffles.

Shrimp ‘N Grits are Gulf shrimp and andouille sauteed with red peppers and onions in a spicy low country reduction, over creamy cheese grits served with garlic bread and a lemon.

Chicken & Waffles is crispy fried chicken tenders on a Belgian waffle drizzled with house-made chipotle honey. Finger licking good.

This one caught my eye. Lobster & Brie Omelette. It’s a cream cheese filled omelette topped with Brie cheese and champagne butter sauce sauteed lobster meat, tomatoes, and green onions. Creamy, rich, and delicious.

If you rather have a sandwich, this one is popular. The Benedict Burger is a hand-pressed beef patty, grilled ham, over-medium fried egg, hollandaise and green onions on a brioche bun.

My son and daughter-in-love had this to say about Another Broken Egg Café in Greenville SC… “This was our first time here. We were VERY impressed with the service, food, atmosphere, and treatment. The coffee tasted great and smooth. The mugs were cool too. Our server and the managers came up to us and made sure everything was good. I can see why every time we go by, the line is out the door.”

Fork and Plough

1629 E North St, Greenville, SC 29607, United States // +18646094249

Fork & Plough stands out as a refreshingly unpretentious spot that serves up farm-fresh brunch staples, hearty meat dishes, succulent seafood, along with a thoughtful selection of co*cktails and wine.

Although not officially branded as a tapas restaurant, the portions are perfect for sharing or just right if you’re looking for a lighter meal.

The culinary highlights at Fork & Plough include the crab cake, burger, and a remarkable mushroom dish.

The crab cake is particularly noteworthy for its use of fresh crab meat that’s seasoned and cooked to achieve a tender, flavorful profile.

The burger impresses with its juicy, well-seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, and a perfectly toasted bun, creating a satisfying and robust meal.

The mushroom dish is a journey into the essence of earthiness, with mushrooms sautéed to highlight their rich, natural flavors.

For those with a penchant for spice, I highly recommend asking for Chef Burt’s homemade hot sauce. It adds a fiery, flavorful boost to any dish.

Additionally, his soups—though not always available—are a showcase of his culinary finesse and well worth trying when they feature on the menu.

The staff at Fork & Plough are true professionals, making each visit memorable with their attentive and swift service.

If you’re in search of a superior lunch experience where quality isn’t sacrificed for speed, Fork & Plough is definitely the place to go. Every visit confirms why this restaurant is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

Passerelle Bistro

601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States // +18645090142

Passerelle Bistro, offers a cozy ambiance for savoring French cuisine, featuring dishes like Lyonnaise salad and steak frites, all crafted with local ingredients.

Adding to the appeal is a commendable selection of bourbon, perfect for those who appreciate a fine spirit with their meal.

Although there’s no nearby parking, the bistro’s location near a scenic park makes the short walk part of the charm.

I visited for a late lunch and was delighted to dine on the covered patio, which is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor dining spots in the area.

The service was fantastic—friendly and efficient, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable meal under the open sky.

For appetizers, the fried goat cheese was a standout, perfectly crisp and flavorful. The real highlight, however, was the Monte Cristo sandwich, served with what might just be the best French fries in town.

My friend opted for the crab Benedict, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We topped off our meal with mimosas and a lemon tart for dessert, each a delightful punctuation to our dining experience.

Passerelle Bistro is a must-visit if you’re in Greenville, not just for the food but for the overall atmosphere and location.

After your meal, a leisurely stroll across the Liberty Bridge is the perfect way to digest and enjoy the city’s sights. Bon appétit!

Smoke on the Water

1 Augusta Street, Suite 202, Greenville, SC 29601 // 864-232-9091

The only song I learned to play on the guitar when I was a young girl was “Smoke on the Water.” The idea for the Smoke on the Water restaurant in Greenville SC began in 2004.

Chicken Lea, Hurdle Lea, and Mike Shuler got together to create a uniquely different Southern place amongst the Greenville Restaurants. They wanted to create a warm and welcoming place that was as comfortable as the food they serve, but in an upscale and warm environment. From the copper menus to the private label wines by Walter Schug, they wanted the dining experience of every guest to be one to remember.

My daughter-in-love is an artist and the art on these walls echo some of the greatest musicians in history. Brian Olsen’s paintings are featured here.

Now that you’ve feasted your eyes on the art and got a feel for the atmosphere, let’s create a feast on your plate.

This saucy southern tavern is a “pig” deal. A Boston butt hand rubbed in secret seasonings and slow cooked all night makes for a melt-in-your-mouth Pulled Pork.

Baby Back Ribs and combo plates are popular.

In the soup section, you’ll find Brunswick Stew. Maybe that one is for you. It’s a rich and mellow mix of chicken, pork, and beef stewed in a smoky whole-meat stock, thick with braised potatoes, onions, corn, lima beans, and tomatoes.

This salad is a smoking hot option. The Smoked Turkey Salad has sliced smoked turkey served over mixed greens with mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, sun-dried cranberries, red onion, and feta cheese served with a honey and key lime vinaigrette.

My grandpa always said a meal isn’t complete without dessert. The signature dessert is Jack Daniel’s Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie. Oh my! They put a unique twist on this Southern classic. It’s served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Many guests rave about the Fried Bourbon Bread Pudding. Gourmet bread pudding rolled in graham cracker crumbs and deep fried. It’s served with vanilla ice cream and topped with a crisp bourbon sauce.

Here is what other guests had to say after their dining experience.

“I heard good things about this restaurant and wanted to try it. The cornbread and mac and cheese are excellent.”

“We drove 7 hours for a college visit and the coaches recommended this restaurant. It was by far the best place for pulled pork I’ve ever had. Me and my family would drive 7 hours again to eat here.”

Me and my family agree that Smoke on the Water in Greenville SC is an experience to remember and one of the best Greenville Restaurants.

Halls Chophouse Greenville

550 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States // +18643354200

Halls Chophouse Greenville is a genteel dining establishment that offers sweeping river views and Southern fare prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The ambiance, paired with impeccable service, makes it a standout venue in Greenville.

Starting off the meal, the fried green tomatoes and spicy fried shrimp were exceptional choices. The shrimp, with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the tomatoes topped with a delightful shrimp, corn, and sausage spread, set a high standard for what was to follow.

The service was notably efficient, with our waitress expertly navigating the menu to make personalized recommendations for our main courses.

For the mains, my friend chose the wet-aged ribeye while I opted for the rack of lamb. Both dishes were seasoned to perfection, featuring a crust that was simply unmatched.

Every bite burst with flavor, making each dish a memorable part of the meal.

Dessert was equally impressive, though by then we hardly had room left to fully enjoy it. It’s worth noting that if you’re planning a visit to Halls Chophouse, you might as well indulge in the complete three-course experience to truly appreciate what they have to offer.

Moreover, this location arguably surpasses even their Charleston counterpart in terms of overall experience.

With beautiful views of Falls Park and live music that was particularly on point during our visit, Halls Chophouse Greenville is an essential dining destination. If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely a must-try.

Trio – A Brick Oven Café

22 North Street, Greenville, SC 29601 // 864-467-1000

A warm welcome awaits you at Trio – A Brick Oven Café located in the heart of historic downtown Greenville SC. Handcrafted gas lanterns line the rustic brick walls creating a unique atmosphere. A nice dining experience with a casual feel.

Beyond the warm welcome, you’ll feel the warmth from the oven that launched this restaurant. It is a wood burning Mam from Modena, Italy. This oven was essential to complete the vision for this Italian tinged eatery with homey elegance.

Sauces are made fresh daily. A wide variety of homemade dishes like Roma & Sundried tomatoes with basil pesto are a house specialty.

Whet your appetite with an appetizer. Wood Fired Wings marinated chicken wings drenched in sweet and spicy barbeque sauce baked in their wood fired oven. Another good starter is Baked Caprese. Toasted baguette slices baked with Roma tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, topped with diced balsamic marinated red onions, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil.

Ask about the soup of the day and take a look at the salad options too. The Trio House Salad is spring mix, carrots, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, candied pecans, grapes, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Choose from a variety of pizzas. A pizza favorite is Sausage and Pepperoni with Roma tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, sweet fennel sausage and pepperoni.

Prefer pasta? For the seafood lovers, I recommend the Seafood Trio with angel hair pasta tossed in homemade marinara sauce or chardonnay cream reduction with shrimp, scallops, mussels, mushrooms, diced tomato, green onions, and garlic topped with fresh parmesan.

This lunch croissant melts in your mouth. The Turkey Asparagus Melt. Fresh blanched asparagus spears are wrapped in smoked turkey breast topped with melted Swiss, Thousand Island dressing, and alfalfa sprouts.

What suits your mood for dessert? Tiramisu or Chocolate Lava Cake? Wait, here is another sweet selection, the Cinnamon Churro Donut. Two Churro donuts baked in their wood fired oven, sprinkled with cinnamon topped with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Now you can see why there is always a steady crowd at the Trio – A Brick Oven Café in Greenville SC.

Jianna

600 S Main St #2, Greenville, SC 29601, United States // +18647202200

Jianna elevates the dining scene with its housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and inventive co*cktails, all served in a sleek setting that boasts stunning city views.

My experience here was nothing short of spectacular, setting a new standard for culinary excellence in the city.

From the moment you sit down, take a pro tip: order your drink and dive right into the Ricotta Crostini.

The bread is delightfully crispy, perfectly complementing the creamy, pillow-soft ricotta spread. This starter is an essential prelude to what follows.

Next, the fresh oysters and a seasonal fall apple salad pave the way to a spice-crusted beef carpaccio that’s so tender and flavorful, it could easily stand alone as a main dish.

For our entrees, my friend enjoyed the pan-seared Alaskan halibut, while I savored the Bavette Steak Tagliata. Both dishes were a masterclass in flavor and presentation, though photos can hardly do justice to the taste.

Faced with a tough decision on dessert, we indulged in both the affogato with ricotta gelato and the salted caramel semifreddo, each a perfect ending to our meal.

Jianna is the epitome of a modern, trend-setting restaurant. If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience with some of the best pasta and an atmosphere to match, Jianna is the place to go.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

250 Riverplace, Suite 200, Greenville, SC 29601 // 864-242-2000

Founder, Ruth Fertel, is known as the First Lady of Steaks. Ruth’s Chris is the world leader in upscale steak houses. This one in Greenville SC is no exception and is one of the finest Greenville restaurants.

Ruth put the sizzle in the steak when she designed a proprietary 1800-degree broiler. Temperature matters.

Your steak experience here will be exceptional. There are several cuts of beef to choose from.

The Filet is the most tender cut. The flavor and tenderness are enhanced by their 28-day aging process.

The Filet Oscar is a steak house classic with a savory topping of jumbo lump crab, seared asparagus, and house-made béarnaise sauce.

Another steak house favorite is the New York Strip, which if full flavored and tender cooked just how you like it.

Expertly aged and hand-selected to order, the Ribeye steak is a popular prized prime cut.

Round up the Cowboy Ribeye and you’ll get yourself a rich, juicy 22-ounce bone-in cut

Personally, I prefer the best of both worlds, the Surf and Turf. Bring me the buttery cold-water lobster tail paired with a six-ounce filet with a little pink in the middle please. It’s why this place is one of my favs amongst the Greenville Restaurants.

Compliment your steak with sumptuous sides. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Brussel sprouts browned with honey butter and tossed with crispy bacon bits are winning options.

Finish this fine meal with a delectable dessert. Handcrafted, house-prepared selections range from Louisiana-French classics to indulgent new creations. You will be forgiven if you order the Chocolate Sin Cake with ganache and raspberry sauce. Mouth dripping delicacies at one of the best Greenville restaurants.

The Lazy Goat

170 River Place, Greenville, SC 29601 // 864-679-5299

Take me to the river to The Lazy Goat. The spacious patio overlooking Reedy River and the skyline in Greenville SC is breathtaking.

The dozens of clocks adorning the walls remind us that it is time to savor each moment.

Savor you will when you taste the chef’s innovative Mediterranean dishes with global influences from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Enjoy the playful ambiance while you dive into the diverse menu and shareable dishes.

Order this rustic Italian flatbread. The Duck, Duck, Goat is prepared with duck confit, drunken goat cheese, egg (sunny side up), arugula, caramelized onions, sour cherries, and sour cherry vinaigrette.

More savory menu items include Gyro Pizza, Grilled Salmon and Quinoa, Tahini Chicken, Grouper, and Fried Calamari Salad.

Have you ever had this Greek dessert? Loukomades. Lemon poppy Loukomadas, sweet lemon glaze, raspberry coulis, and fresh berries.

Have a glass of Sangria while you pour over the diverse menu. The view, food, and hospitality at The Lazy Goat, a classic amongst the Greenville restaurants will be a memorable pleasant, relaxing experience.

Tropical Grille

215 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615 // 864-271-3010

A healthy alternative was born when Tropical Grille in Greenville SC opened its doors and hearts to the lovers of Cuban heritage. A blend of childhood recipes and memories created a cuisine that is fresh, fast, healthy, and affordable. It’s a gem amongst the Greenville restaurants.

Quality food and service makes each guest feel like they are home. Their faith and commitment are a priority. Conversations and Christian music playing invites a friendly, peaceful atmosphere.

The Tropical Grille has Tropical Bowls. The Deluxe Classic has freshly grilled chopped chicken breast with lettuce and tomatoes served over yellow rice and a signature sauce of your choice.

Salads are always a good option to toss around. You can order the Classic Caesar Salad with or without chicken. Crisp romaine lettuce is tossed in Caesar dressing sprinkled with fresh parmesan cheese.

The Cuban Roasted Pork is a favorite. Mojo marinated slow roasted pork is served with black beans and white rice.

Wraps and sandwiches are available. I recommend the Cuban Style Steak Sandwich with thinly sliced sirloin steak served hot on Cuban bread with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and potato sticks.

Baked Sweet Plantains and Seasoned Vegetables make for fresh side dishes.

Feast your eyes on many menu items. Enjoy the fresh feast that is sure to satisfy.

Now that you filled up on all that good food, you may want to take an Adventure Tour with boating, swimming, hiking, and waterfalls.

Whatever your tastes, timing, or budget is you’re sure to find a great meal waiting for you at all of these eateries.

Places to stay include a luxuriousescape, a tranquilretreat, or simply a place to rest your head. Find a variety of hotels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds conveniently located throughout the Greenville area.

Take time to stay, eat, play, and enjoy each experience one of the best Greenville restaurants.

Top 10 Best Restaurants In Greenville, SC: To Visit List

1. Biscuit Head

1. Cuisine: Breakfast
2. Location: 823 S Church St unit c, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.5 out of 2307 reviews.

2. OJ’s Diner

1. Cuisine: Diner
2. Location: 907 Pendleton St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $
4. Rating: 4.3 out of 1428 reviews.

3. Bonjour Main

1. Cuisine: European
2. Location: 20 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.3 out of 401 reviews.

4. Carolina Drive In Restaurant

1. Cuisine: American
2. Location: 105 Rutherford St, Greenville, SC 29609, United States
3. Price: $
4. Rating: 4.3 out of 723 reviews.

5. Maple Street Biscuit Company

1. Cuisine: Breakfast
2. Location: 18 E North St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.6 out of 1782 reviews.

6. Eggs Up Grill

1. Cuisine: Breakfast
2. Location: 31 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $
4. Rating: 4.1 out of 925 reviews.

7. Woodside Bistro

1. Cuisine: Bistro
2. Location: E 5th St, Greenville, SC 29611, United States
3. Price: $
4. Rating: 4.7 out of 300 reviews.

8. The Flying Biscuit Cafe

1. Cuisine: Bistro
2. Location: 656 S Main St #100, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.0 out of 1084 reviews.

9. Genevieve’s

1. Cuisine: American
2. Location: 300 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.2 out of 162 reviews.

10. Brick Street Cafe

1. Cuisine: Southern
2. Location: 315 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. Price: $$
4. Rating: 4.5 out of 978 reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cuisine can I expect to find in Greenville, SC?

Greenville has a diverse culinary scene with something to satisfy every palette. You can find classic Southern comfort food, farm-to-table restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, fine dining options with international cuisines such as French, Italian, Thai, and Japanese, as well as trendy food trucks and vegan eateries.

Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan options in Greenville?

Yes, the Greenville restaurant scene is incredibly diverse and caters to all dietary requirements. Many of the restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, and there are also establishments dedicated entirely to plant-based diets.

I’m into craft beer. Are there restaurants in Greenville with an extensive beer menu?

Yes, several restaurants in Greenville take their beer lists as seriously as their menus. You will find establishments that offer a wide variety of local, national, and international craft beers.
I recommend visiting Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint and Hans & Franz Biergarten!

Greenville Restaurants Wrap Up

From Mexican to german and everything in between, Greenville will surprise even the most skeptical tourist. It’s a wonderful place filled with different things to do and plenty of places to eat from. Visit any of the Greenville restaurants in this article and taste the history of Greenville.