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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Columbia

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Blackwall Barn & Lodge restaurant
1. Blackwall Barn & Lodge
4.4
Awesome(653)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 34 times today
The Blackwall Barn & Lodge provides a venue unlike any other in the County for residents to host special events, meet with colleagues and friends, dine in comfortable and rustic elegance and enjoy entertaining family, friends, and out of town guests for special occasions.Many of life’s most memorable moments are centered around the dining table with family, friends, and colleagues. We are committed to providing our guests attentive service, where regulars are recognized, their preferences remembered, and their dining and beverage options are promptly fulfilled.
A photo of The Food Market - Columbia restaurant
2. The Food Market - Columbia
4.7
Exceptional(2202)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 69 times today
The Food Market offers fine eating and pleasurable service from Chef Chad Gauss. The sister restaurant of The Food Market in Hampden. Up to par, down to earth experience driven comfort fo
A photo of Smashing Grapes - Columbia restaurant
3. Smashing Grapes - Columbia
4.3
Awesome(209)
Price: Very Expensive
• Wine Bar • Columbia
Booked 26 times today
A haven for food and wine enthusiasts, where sophistication meets warmth in Columbia MD. Located in the renowned Merriweather District (Think concerts, live events, and entertainment), Smashing Grapes offers a unique dining experience, combining upscale ambiance with exceptional food and wine offerings. The wine list is a focal point, showcasing a curated collection of fine wines from around the world, including rare vintages and boutique selections. With a Sommelier on premise to guide you through pairings, ensuring an enhanced culinary experience. Chef Anthony has designed the menu to complement the wine offerings, often featuring seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted dishes with global or contemporary influences. With live music offerings on Friday and Saturday nights, before transforming into a world class brunch destination on Sundays.
A photo of 18th & 21st restaurant
4. 18th & 21st
4.8
Exceptional(1571)
Price: Expensive
• Speakeasy • Columbia
Booked 25 times today
18th & 21st brings something fresh and classic to Columbia, Maryland. Named after the Constitutional Amendment that enacted Prohibition and then subsequent Amendment that repealed it, 18th & 21st promises to bring back a bygone era through an elevated, tailored evening experience. Our food and cocktails reflect the feel of prohibition supper clubs. This not to say we're stuck in the past, but rather that we try and emulate the style of that era. That means beautiful presentation, careful crafting, and perfect pairings to keep your night on beat. Combined with live music, this creates an unparalleled experience for the discerning and adventurous looking for a sophisticated evening. Due to the nature of the experience at 18th & 21st we request that all diners be over the age of eighteen.
A photo of lāk Columbia restaurant
5. lāk Columbia
4.5
Awesome(237)
Price: Expensive
• American • Columbia
Booked 4 times today
Experience the area’s newest go-to fine dining and afterparty destination. Its lakeshore setting and fashionable atmosphere are ready to welcome locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Glenwood's - Stanford Grill: Columbia restaurant
6. Glenwood's - Stanford Grill: Columbia
4.7
Exceptional(8223)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Columbia
Booked 66 times today
Blueridge Restaurants Group, the owner of Stanford Grill, recently changed the name to Glenwood’s so that the name could be trademarked, and used outside of the Maryland region.At Glenwood's, food is our passion. With a unique focus on creating an inviting upscale casual dining experience, we serve fresh, familiar food in a high-energy, sophisticated setting. Our chefs prepare full-flavored food from scratch daily, using fresh seasonal ingredients. We stay true to classic American comfort food that is simple, but deliciously prepared. A knowledgeable team approach provides unwavering attention to delighting our guests with warm and consistent service. Stanford Grill's timeless atmosphere appeals to discerning adults who are seeking a dining experience that is energetic, upscale but approachable.
A photo of Xenia Greek Kouzina restaurant
7. Xenia Greek Kouzina
4.8
Exceptional(1879)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Columbia
Booked 20 times today
A dining experience like no other, Xenia offers the best Mediterranean cuisine in Maryland.
A photo of Victoria Gastro Pub restaurant
8. Victoria Gastro Pub
4.5
Awesome(3087)
Price: Moderate
• International • Columbia
Booked 12 times today
Since 2007, Victoria Gastro Pub has provided an inviting pub atmosphere serving sophisticated, yet unpretentious food. The main objective of our kitchen is to serve innovative twists on classic pub fare that stress quality and freshness with every recipe, and every ingredient. The menu items draw from both national and international cooking traditions and remain in harmony with the seasonal availability of high-quality ingredients with many of the herbs and vegetables coming from our very own garden at Manor Hill Farm.
A photo of Manor Hill Tavern restaurant
9. Manor Hill Tavern
4.5
Awesome(1023)
Price: Moderate
• American • Ellicott City
Booked 15 times today
Manor Hill Tavern occupies the historic Taylor’s Row in Old Ellicott City. Our bar and dining areas feature original architectural elements such as exposed stone walls, barn doors, and vaulted ceilings. Local artwork hangs throughout the Tavern’s many rooms and a mural adorns a main wall, a nod to the eclectic and vibrant artistic community of Old Ellicott City. The result is a unique and memorable atmosphere unlike any other.Our Head Chef strives to use seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, including herbs and vegetables from our farm. Our distinctive menu is highlighted by a custom-built brick oven for neopolitan-style pizzas and more. We serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.We proudly serve beers from Manor Hill Brewing, Howard County’s first farm brewery. Manor Hill beers are hand-made on our farm using original and unique recipes. The result is aromatic, hop forward farmhouse style beers.
A photo of Rudy's Mediterranean Grill restaurant
10. Rudy's Mediterranean Grill
4.7
Exceptional(478)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Columbia
Booked 3 times today
Rudy's Mediterranean Grill, established in 2010, is a celebrated dining destination in Columbia, Maryland, renowned for its authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. As the first Turkish restaurant in Howard County, Rudy's has built a strong reputation for its delicious food, warm ambiance, and excellent service.The restaurant, led by Rudy Keskin, offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as lahmacun, doner kebab, and moussaka, crafted with the freshest ingredients. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including casual dining, takeout, and patio seating. The full bar serves a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience.Located at 7185 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite D, Rudy's Mediterranean Grill is conveniently situated near Route 175, with ample street parking available. The restaurant is open daily, with extended hours on weekends, making it a perfect choice for both lunch and dinner.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AndrewVIP
    Hawaii •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was delicious and our server was top notch!
    More info
    The Food Market - ColumbiaPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
    •
    4.7
  • Fashionista
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Dinner for 2. Visited on a Saturday night in early March, had an 8 pm reservation. 18th and 21st is lovely and I would definitely come again for the drinks, jazz music, and ambiance. Had the scallops, red snapper, caesar salad, and mushroom soup. The food is ok, I’d rate it a 6 out of 10, although I had soft crab sliders which were so wonderful that I would rate 8 out of 10. I also had two delicious pear mojitos. Our server Abel was absolutely awesome. The band and music were perfect, and despite it being a place that offers live music, it never gets so loud that you can’t hold a conversation. I would definitely go again.
    More info
    18th & 21stPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Columbia
    •
    4.8
  • Panda
    Washington, D.C. Area •49 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This is a lovely restaurant with good service and very good food. We had the mussels, which we excellent, and a very fresh Bibb salad. The blueberry cobbler was good, but more like a blueberry bread pudding. The wine list was impressive. Very clean.
    More info
    Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaPrice: Very Expensive• Wine Bar• Columbia
    •
    4.3
  • PaulVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Good service and awesome food … great experience!
    More info
    Blackwall Barn & LodgePrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
    •
    4.4
  • PandoraVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 27, 2025
    The food is very delicious went there for my birthday and for breakfast. Excellent service and very good food quality. Husband and I enjoyed ourselves. The staff was very professional and friendly.
    More info
    lāk ColumbiaPrice: Expensive• American• Columbia
    •
    4.5

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Columbia

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in Columbia and the surrounding Baltimore suburbs. This region boasts an exquisite selection of restaurants that cater to those looking to celebrate in style, whether it's for an anniversary, birthday, or any memorable event. Each establishment offers a unique ambiance, from intimate and cozy settings to vibrant and lively scenes, ensuring that every occasion is special. Renowned for their culinary excellence, these restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, expertly prepared by skilled chefs. Patrons can expect top-notch service and a welcoming atmosphere that enhances any celebration. The dining scene in Columbia and the Baltimore suburbs is diverse, offering something for every palate and occasion, making it a prime choice for residents and visitors alike. Whatever your dining preference, these restaurants promise an extraordinary experience that aligns perfectly with your special occasion needs.

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