22 Best Restaurants in Florence, SC
From succulent Southern barbecue to exquisite international cuisines, Florence has got you covered.
So, loosen your belt and get ready to dive into some of the best restaurants in Florence, South Carolina!
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Florence that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
LilJazZi's
I have to admit that I am quite a regular at LilJazZi's in downtown Florence.
Every time I have breakfast there, I'm impressed with the scrumptious and generously-sized portions.
The tater tots are fantastic - crunchy without being oily.
One evening, I decided to drop by for dinner and started with their delightful spinach dip appetizer.
I ordered the grilled salmon, which was cooked to perfection, and the accompanying asparagus made for a wonderful side.
My friend had the shrimp alfredo, which was absolutely delicious.
Their mission statement resonates deeply with me, and their prices are exceptional, especially given the quality of the food.
I cannot recommend their shrimp and grits enough!
Julia Belle's Restaurant
One of the best things about living in South Carolina is having access to some delicious Southern cuisine.
Being a local, I can confidently say that Julia Belle's is one of the best spots to enjoy a true Southern dining experience.
Located just a block off the Florence exit on Interstate 95, Julia Belle's website offers a range of homestyle, Southern classics infused with Lowcountry flavors.
As soon as you walk into this red barn-style restaurant, you're greeted with a clean, bright, and cheerful decor that sets the tone for a delightful meal.
You order from the counter and then find a seat at one of the indoor or outdoor tables, where your food is soon served to you.
The fried green tomatoes over cheese grits are a personal favorite of mine - the perfect combination of Southern flavors that never fails to hit the spot.
My family and I also love the fried catfish over Carolina rice with mashed potatoes and a biscuit.
I've heard my mother say it's the best catfish she's ever had.
In addition to their delicious food, Julia Belle's also boasts exemplary customer service.
It's clear that they take pride in maintaining high standards for their guests.
Missy's Cafe
A few weeks ago, I decided to venture out and try a new soul food spot that I had been hearing great things about.
Located just down the street from my house, I couldn't believe I hadn't found Missy's Cafe sooner.
The moment I walked in, I felt right at home.
I ordered the fried chicken, and let me tell you, it was the best I've ever had.
The mac and cheese and greens were also incredibly delicious.
The sweet tea they served was the perfect accompaniment to my meal.
I was impressed by the beautiful dining room and the laid-back atmosphere, with slow R&B music playing in the background.
El Agave Mexican Restaurant
Just last week, I decided to head over to El Agave Mexican Restaurant with my family for dinner after hearing so many good things about the place.
As expected, it was busy on a Saturday night, but to my surprise, we were seated quickly.
The ambiance was warm and welcoming, the decor was well put together, and the restaurant was tidy.
I decided to try the California Burrito after reading a rave review about it, and it did not disappoint.
It was absolutely delicious!
My family ordered other dishes, including the bang shrimp, which were all equally delightful.
We couldn't help but indulge in their margaritas, and they turned out to be fantastic as well.
The next time we visit El Agave, we're planning to try their plate that feeds 3-4 people, which I've heard is perfect for sharing with the kids.
We might also take advantage of their outdoor seating on a warm day.
Town Hall
One of my favorite spots to dine in the city is Town Hall, a refined restaurant with a rooftop bar offering inventive, farm-to-table Southern cuisine.
I remember the first time I went there with a close friend.
I was particularly intrigued by their unique take on calamari, where they cut strips instead of rings and legs – it was a genius idea and tasted amazing!
My friend ordered the hanger steak special, while I opted for the cheeseburger.
Both dishes were excellently prepared, and we couldn't stop raving about the flavors.
We also tried their New Orleans shrimp as an appetizer and found it to be a delightful treat.
For dessert, we shared a slice of kiwi cheesecake, which may sound unusual but was absolutely scrumptious.
Since then, I've been back to Town Hall multiple times and have never once been disappointed by the quality of food, service, or ambiance.
Tubb's Shrimp and Fish Co.
I can't recommend Tubb's Shrimp and Fish Co. enough.
This place is my go-to whenever I want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked seafood meal.
The warm atmosphere and outdoor seating options are just perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Just the other day, I went there with some friends, and we had an amazing time.
We started off with the Mexican hushpuppies – a fantastic appetizer that we shared among the three of us.
For our main course, we had fried catfish and fried shrimp, which were incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection.
To finish off the meal, we indulged in their light and tasty key lime pie.
Plus, the prices are reasonable for the quality of seafood they offer.
As a bonus, the restaurant is conveniently located near the highway, making it a great stop for travelers passing through the area.
Stefano's Italian of Florence
I have always heard mixed reviews about Stefano's Italian.
I finally decided to give it a try with some friends and see for myself what the hype was about.
Upon entering, I found the atmosphere to be cozy and comfortable - just the kind of place you'd want to catch up with friends over some Italian food.
We started with some bread and olive oil, which was quite good.
I ordered a soup and was genuinely surprised by the generous portion size.
It was flavorful and satisfying - a great beginning to the meal.
Woodstone BBQ and Seafood
Whenever my family and I are in the mood for some delicious southern-style seafood and BBQ, Woodstone BBQ and Seafood is our go-to spot in Florence.
The casual family atmosphere and a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes make it the perfect place for a relaxed dinner.
The buffet is always loaded with an array of Southern classics and seafood options.
Some of my personal favorites are the fried squash, stuffed yellow crab, Lima beans, fried whiting, and the surprising but delightful frog legs.
One thing to keep in mind if you're visiting from out of state is that Carolina BBQ is a vinegar-based sauce, but it's still incredibly delicious.
And while the dessert options may be limited and sometimes too sweet for my taste, they do offer strawberry shortcake and peach cobbler that can make for a satisfying end to your meal.
It's one of those places where you can tell they genuinely enjoy what they do, and it reflects in the quality of service and food.
Mi Tierra San Jose Mexican Restaurant
Whenever I need a break from my usual route along i-95, I make sure to stop by Mi Tierra San Jose Mexican Restaurant.
I've been coming here for a while now, and I can say that I'm consistently satisfied with their quality, cleanliness, and reasonable prices.
The service is fantastic, too, making it an enjoyable experience every time I visit.
Here's their website if you want to check it out for yourself.
Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere is so easygoing and welcoming.
I especially love their imported beers and the variety of flavored margaritas on offer.
Starfire Grill
One of my favorite places to go for a nice meal is Starfire Grill.
It's a casual eatery with a bar and patio that offers an extensive menu of American-Mediterranean food.
The other day, I decided to take my family there for dinner.
As usual, we were greeted warmly and were quickly shown to our table.
The atmosphere is cozy and family-oriented, making it a perfect place for a night out with loved ones.
After browsing through the extensive menu, we decided to start with their famous pizza dip appetizers.
As always, they were delicious, and we couldn't help but finish them all.
I then ordered the Louisiana Chicken, while my partner chose the Southern Hamburger Steak.
We both enjoyed our main courses, which were cooked to perfection and full of flavor.
One of the things I appreciate most about Starfire Grill is its attention to detail.
I find this level of care rare in most restaurants, and it truly makes the dining experience at Starfire Grill unique.
92 Go
I'm absolutely in love with the culinary delights at 92 Go.
Being a local, I can't help but visit this amazing place once a week, and I'm almost addicted to their Taro bubble tea.
The consistency in the flavor and quality of their food never ceases to amaze me.
My personal favorite is their medium wings and shrimp fried rice, while my partner adores their beef bulgogi bowl.
My daughter can't get enough of the honey lemon pepper wings.
Not only is the food exceptional, but the ambiance is a treat too.
King Jefe
One of my go-to places for a relaxed and enjoyable night out in town is King Jefe.
This hip taqueria is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over some delicious Mexican food and drinks.
I'm always impressed by their menu, which features a great variety of tacos, tortas, and even sushi!
Their beer selection is pretty good too, which is perfect for someone like me who loves trying new brews.
I never miss out on their street corn on the cob, and I absolutely love their Korean-inspired taco.
Magnolia Wok
I still remember the first time I walked into Magnolia Wok at the Florence Mall over a decade ago.
Since then, it has remained one of my go-to spots for a quick and satisfying meal.
I often find myself with leftovers that last for days, and the food is always fresh, hot, and plentiful.
Even on busy holidays like Memorial Day, I've been lucky enough to avoid long lines but be warned that they don't always have a phone line for advance orders.
The menu may be limited, but their Bourbon Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, and Sesame Chicken are all must-tries.
The combo meals are reasonably priced, ranging from $11 to $13, and you can choose between 2, 3, or 4 entrees with Fried Rice.
The generous portions at Magnolia Wok have even earned them some fame on TikTok.
Cibo by Stefanos
One of my favorite spots to grab a quick yet delicious Italian-American meal is Cibo by Stefanos in Florence.
I first visited the place a few months ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of their food.
The chicken parmigiana is even better than what I've had at Stefano’s, and I'm always excited to try their rotating menu of entrees.
Cibo by Stefanos has a very casual dining atmosphere where you can either dine in or take away your meal.
They bring your food to your table when it's ready and even include bread with dipping oil, which I find to be a nice touch.
I've been to the restaurant during lunch hour, and it's never been too crowded or rushed.
As a fan of soups, I really enjoyed their variety and found them to be quite good.
Their pasta dishes are decent, with reasonable prices and portions.
Although the flavors may not be as bold as some other Italian restaurants, it's perfect for those who prefer a lighter taste.
Victors
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Victors, an elegant restaurant located within Hotel Florence.
I must say, from the moment I stepped in, I was impressed.
The decor is tastefully done with beautiful artwork adorning the walls - most of which are available for purchase if you're interested.
I decided to start my meal with a couple of their appetizers, and I was not disappointed.
The lamb and duck were cooked to perfection, and the risotto was simply divine.
After enjoying my meal, I made my way to their stunning bar for some after-dinner drinks.
Birds Nest
I have always been a fan of trying new places to eat, and Birds Nest has quickly become one of my favorite spots in town.
The first time I visited Birds Nest, I was blown away by the great atmosphere and the top-notch service.
I recently had the chance to visit again, and I'm happy to report that the experience was just as amazing as I remembered.
The menu is filled with mouth-watering options, but I simply couldn't resist ordering their Brazilian wings - hands down, the best wings I've ever had!
The flavors were spot on and cooked to perfection.
Another great feature of Birds Nest is their indoor and outdoor seating options.
I love having the choice to enjoy my meal in the cozy indoor setting or to take advantage of the lovely weather outdoors.
The drinks are also fantastic, which keeps me coming back for more.
The Lost Cajun
One of my favorite spots to satisfy my cravings for Cajun cuisine is The Lost Cajun in Florence, South Carolina.
Even though it is a chain restaurant, the food here never ceases to impress me.
From their delicious fried pickles to their wide variety of gumbos and po' boys, there is always something to please my palate.
On my last visit, I indulged in their crunchy chicken sandwich with fries while my partner tried their pick-3 combo, which included red beans and rice, jambalaya, and chicken and sausage gumbo.
I also loved that they offer small samples of their gumbos, so you can try them before you buy.
Their lobster bisque is my go-to choice, but be warned – it's so popular that it sometimes sells out!
The atmosphere at The Lost Cajun is authentically New Orleans, with a pleasant and attentive service that makes you feel like you're in the heart of Louisiana.
The sweet bread they serve at the end of the meal is the perfect way to round off the experience.
Florence Crab House
I absolutely love going to Florence Crab House!
It's become my go-to spot whenever I want to treat myself or catch up with friends.
The atmosphere is always warm and inviting, with a lovely ambiance created by the soft music playing in the background.
The first thing you'll notice when you enter is the cleanliness and organization of the place.
As for the food - it's simply divine.
The crab dishes are fresh, flavorful, and always served hot.
What's even more impressive is how quickly they bring your meal to the table.
I remember once when I ordered their lunch special, it was served within minutes of placing the order.
And if you're a fan of garlic, don't hesitate to ask for some fresh garlic on the side - it pairs wonderfully with the seafood.
My kids are also big fans of Florence Crab House, and they're usually quite picky with their meals.
The fact that they all love the dishes here speaks volumes about the quality of the food.
Bazen's Family Restaurant
Bazen's Family Restaurant is truly a gem.
I often go there with my family, and we love the casual atmosphere and the delicious Southern comfort food.
It's like visiting my grandparents' house, and I can't help but feel nostalgic whenever I'm there.
The buffet meals are incredibly satisfying, and the price is quite reasonable - for just $14, you get a variety of dishes, tax, and a drink included.
You can check out their website here.
Recently, I went there for a birthday breakfast, and I enjoyed it just as much as their buffet meals.
I had my bologna fried extra hard - almost burnt-like, just the way I like it - and they got it just right!
Miguel's Grill
As a regular at Miguel's Grill, I can confidently say that it's a hidden gem in Florence.
My first time eating there, I was surprised by how clean and quaint the interior was.
The food was reasonably priced, and I was pleased with the generous portion sizes.
I remember one time when I placed an order for grilled shrimp, but there was a misunderstanding, and I received grilled chicken instead.
I didn't have to wait long for my revised order, and the grilled shrimp dinner was delicious!
Townhouse Restaurant
Every time I'm craving a delicious meal with a variety of options to choose from, I find myself heading straight to Townhouse Restaurant.
It truly is the best restaurant in Florence.
I've been a loyal customer for years now, and not once have they messed up my order.
Not to mention, their honey mustard is to die for!
The amount of food you get for the price is unbeatable.
One of my favorite dishes at Townhouse Restaurant is their Greek grilled chicken.
It's always cooked to perfection - juicy and full of flavor.
Of course, I can't overlook their classic offerings like fried chicken, burgers, and fish.
It's a no-frills counter-service spot, but the quality of the food speaks for itself.
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant
My friends and I decided to try out Don Jose Mexican Restaurant for the first time the other night, and I must say, it did not disappoint!
The atmosphere was relaxed and colorful, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner.
We happened to visit during happy hour, so we couldn't resist trying their frozen margaritas for just $2.10.
They were refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to our delicious Mexican dishes.
I also appreciated their selection of imported draft beers, adding to the authentic experience.
One thing I noticed was the restaurant's new, spacious building.
I heard from some friends that their previous location was quite cramped, so this new space was a pleasant surprise.
The food, from the tasty appetizers to the flavorful main courses, was simply amazing.
Final Thoughts
Florence, South Carolina, truly offers a diverse dining scene that satisfies every taste bud.
From the flavorful seafood at Tubb's Shrimp and Fish Co. to the rich, velvety smoothness of a homemade sauce in Stefano's Italian, each bite is a reminder of the culinary treasures our small town has to offer.
And let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality that comes with it!
Recent posts
30 Ridiculously Beautiful Places In Arizona You've Gotta See To Believe
16 Incredible Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, FL You Need to Try
17 Incredible Things to Do in Westchester County, NY
25 Incredible Things to Do in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Stop Scrolling! This Week's 10 Must-Enter Travel Giveaways Are Here, US Readers
12 Incredible Restaurants in Alexandria, VA You Need to Try
30 Best Things to Do in Omaha, NE
25 Best Things to Do in Anne Arundel County, MD
12 Incredible Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restuarants in Rancho Cucamonga You Need to Try