Schadel’s business partner, Tracie Broom, provided a list of places “for getting romantic with your honey or getting bro-mantic with your bestie.” She included the bar at Motor Supply Company; Cayce Riverwalk; a booth at Rosso Trattoria Italia; the patio at Terra; the bar at Cellar on Greene; the State House grounds; the bar at Baan Sawan; a movie at the Nickelodeon Theatre and walking on Main Street after; mussels at the bar at 116 State; browsing at the Old Mill Antique Mall; and eating at the sushi bar at Inakaya Japanese Restaurant before singing karaoke love songs in a private room at Tsubaki Restaurant Lounge. The most intriguing places on her list, though, were the old state hospital grounds (“creepy, but in a beautiful, nostalgic way”) and Elmwood Cemetery (“again creepy, but in an awesome way”).

Upscale and stylish, with exposed brick and a warm color palette, Terra has developed a following among local foodies who appreciate the cooking and the setting. Chef Mike Davis takes a seasonal approach to New Southern cooking, creating notable dishes such as roasted South Carolina quail stuffed with apple and foie gras, crawfish orecchiette, shrimp remoulade, seared scallops with succotash, BBQ lamb-stuffed mac and cheese gratin, plus a handful of gorgeous and unusual little wood-fired pizzas. Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

Terra is a diamond of the West Columbia food scene—celebrated for memorable eats like duck confit pizza and baked mac n’ cheese with braised lamb. If you can believe it, though, the outdoor seating sights are almost as good as the drool-worthy bites—boasting what many locals have deemed the best patio in Columbia. With hanging shrubberies, exposed brick walls kissed with ivy, romantic cast-iron gates and even a small flowing fountain, a meal on the Terra patio is like an hour-long trip to Paris on a random weekday.

Not only can you expect to be served the freshest ingredients (you’ll see where they’ve been sourced from on your menu), but you can also expect these classic Southern dishes with a twist to be absolutely unforgettable. You’d be remiss in not trying the Lamb-Stuffed Mac and Cheese Gratin and one of their seasonal cocktails. As you enjoy your mouth-watering meal, take a moment to take in the newly renovated space and the art on display.

If you’re looking for the right spot to take a date or an important work client to for dinner, look no further than Terra. They rely on provisions from local farmers to dictate the Southern-leaning menu at this bistro with skyline views; and the quality is first-rate. Dig into the pan-seared golden tilefish, the grilled Carolina Heritage Farms pork chop, the pan-seared sea scallops, or keep it simple and stick to the steak frites.

What it's known for: Driven by an appreciation for South Carolina's dedicated farmers and millers, Terra offers a menu designed with simplicity and authenticity in mind. Chef Mike Davis is proud of Terra's strong "field-to-table" focus and provides an updated list of local suppliers for the dining public. Bonus: The dining experience at Terra comes with great views of the Columbia skyline from both the dining room and patio.

Located on West Columbia’s State Street, chef/owner Mike Davis opened Terra in 2006. Trained by James Beard Award winners Susan Spicer, a New Orleans, LA chef, and Frank Stitt, a Birmingham, AL chef, this restaurant opened ahead of the curve for bringing seasonal and local food to the table with daily menu changes. A few items are mainstays on regular rotation, including Lamb Mac, Quack Madame and Steak Frites.

If you do feel like blowing a wad on great food, hit up Motor Supply, Terra, Warmouth, Tallulah, Bourbon, Baan Sawan or my favorite sushi place in town, Camon. The only decent options you have for seafood are Blue Marlin on the high end, and on the complete other end Palmetto Seafood Company on Gervais. It is the best place to buy fresh seafood, but also has a takeout for hot dishes.

This farm-to-table restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a frequently changing menu. They have a lovely shaded patio, making it the perfect place to go and enjoy some fresh air and great company when the weather is nice!. Terra has a very intimate atmosphere that would be perfect for a couple looking for a quiet, romantic night out.

If you’re looking for a slightly elevated but still comforting meal, snag a reservation at Terra. “Chef Mike Davis cooks some of the best food in the city, and really anything at his restaurant won't disappoint,” says Josh Cox, the owner of Bricker & Beam, a custom furniture business in Columbia. “My personal go-to is always the Steak Frites.

🐚 Terra | Raw oysters (market price) + fried gulf oysters ($12) | The raw oysters are accompanied by cocktail sauce + dill pickle mignonette; fried oysters come with cocktail sauce + pimento rouille | Apparently Terra is Latin for “earth” but we suspect it might actually translate to “delicious oysters”.

This award winning restaurant is a great example of how to support your local community. Terra sources their foods from over 15 local farmers and producers. Their menu changes frequently to accommodate the fresh produce, meat, and fish they receive each week.

Experience the flavors of Italy at Terra, a cozy trattoria located in the heart of downtown Columbia SC. With its rustic-chic ambiance and authentic Italian cuisine, Terra offers a dining experience that transports you to the streets of Tuscany.

Known for its fancier dishes, like the lamb mac and cheese, Terra may be a bit unexpected for this list. But trust us, their pimento cheeseburger pie is one for the books. Pro tip: Get it on Pizza & Pinot Night for a glass of vino with your pie.

Terra: With a fantastic patio and an innovative menu of seasonal specials, Terra offers an intimate dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying cocktails at the bar or savoring a beautifully plated dish, this spot never disappoints.

It has earned a Wine Spectator award every year since it opened in 2006. Their wine list is actually curated. You might say the same of Terra’s terrific menu, which features the freshest, locally sourced ingredients available.

Making a conscious effort to support local farmers and using as many locally grown ingredients as possible, Terra intends to prepare the freshest and finest ingredients simply so that they speak for themselves.