
The Gourmet Shop
An upscale grocery and cafe in Five Points, offering French-inspired atmosphere, gourmet foods, wine, and delicious brunch.

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The Gourmet Shop

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale grocery and cafe in Five Points, offering French-inspired atmosphere, gourmet foods, wine, and delicious brunch.
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long wait times by visiting during less busy periods.
Explore the retail shop
Discover specialty foods like local preserves, honey, wines, and cookware.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French-inspired Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bacon and Brie Croissants
Indulge in ooey-gooey bacon and brie croissants, a beloved brunch favorite.

French-Inspired Atmosphere & Market
Experience a French-inspired atmosphere with art, and shop for unique gourmet items.

Belgian Waffles
Savor fluffy Belgian waffles covered in butter and bubbles, a perfect brunch treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long wait times by visiting during less busy periods.
Explore the retail shop
Discover specialty foods like local preserves, honey, wines, and cookware.
Try the smoked salmon bagel
A fresh and not overly filling lunch option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long wait times by visiting during less busy periods.
Explore the retail shop
Discover specialty foods like local preserves, honey, wines, and cookware.
Try the smoked salmon bagel
A fresh and not overly filling lunch option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise The Gourmet Shop for its delicious food, particularly brunch items like croissants and waffles, and its charming French-inspired atmosphere. The attached market is a highlight, offering a wide selection of gourmet goods. However, some reviews mention slow service during busy periods and a perceived strangeness in some cold food options, with one diner noting a dirty kitchen and unpleasant frying smells inside.
"I enjoy stopping at the Gourmet Shop whenever I'm in Columbia, SC! Such a neat place for lunch, a little shopping of unique items, cheeses, and a great selection of wines. This particular time I tried the Turkey Pesto sandwich with the pesto pasta side and a glass of unsweetened iced tea.
As always, everything was delicious. I did give the service a 3-star rating due to having to wait roughly 15 minutes before anyone even asked if I was being served. After that though, the waiter that did wait on the table was fantastic and very pleasant.
This will continue to be a regular stop when I'm traveling to SC. I highly recommend checking it out."
Chad Gorman
"This place has it all! With a large and eclectic selection of wines, cheese, and everything delicious. Atmosphere is bright and inviting. Prices are more than reasonable and service was beyond accommodating. I just bought some wine and cheese from the shop side but I plan on trying the cafe next time. Thank you for making a new comer’s day. I will be returning often!"
Kathryn Jette
"I ordered the chicken salad with crossiant and veggies Italian pasta salad. Finished off with peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. Great atmosphere and staff very patient and kind. Amazing things to purchase for the holidays. The food very fresh and delicious."
Bridget Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners rave about the bacon and brie croissants and the Belgian waffles. The smoked salmon bagel is also a recommended lunch option.
Yes, it's considered one of Columbia's most beloved brunch spots, known for its indulgent croissants and waffles.
The market offers a wide selection of artisan cheeses, fine wines, gourmet items, kitchen gadgets, professional cookware, and local preserves.
While the menu features items like sandwiches and soups, specific vegetarian or vegan options are not detailed in the provided information. It's best to inquire directly.
The restaurant has a French-inspired atmosphere with art adorning the walls, and a charming cafe setting. It also houses a gourmet market.
Service is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, though some reviews mention long wait times during peak hours.
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Mirrors and art adorn the walls at this French-inspired bakery and café serving coffee, sandwiches, soups, and cheese plates. Next door, the retail shop sells wine, kitchen gadgets, French table linens, and fancy food items.
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Savor every moment of your morning with ooey-gooey bacon and brie croissants, fluffy Belgian waffles covered in pools of butter and all the bubbles your heart desires at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points. One of the most beloved brunch spots in Columbia SC, the Gourmet Shop doubles as a specialty foods market—where you can buy freshly baked bread, locally sourced preserves and honey + to-go containers of the shop’s famous chicken salad and pimento cheese. Artisan cheeses, fine wines, quality confections and professional cookware line the market shelves, so you can get some shopping done while you anticipate your mimosa kit.
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Savor every moment of your morning with ooey-gooey bacon and brie croissants, fluffy Belgian waffles covered in pools of butter and all the bubbles your heart desires at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points. One of the most beloved brunch spots in Columbia, the Gourmet Shop doubles as a specialty foods market—where you can buy freshly baked bread, locally sourced preserves and honey + to-go containers of the shop’s famous chicken salad and pimento cheese. Artisan cheeses, fine wines, quality confections and professional cookware line the market shelves, so you can get some shopping done while you anticipate your mimosa kit.
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You'll find shelves stocked with fine wines, aged cheeses, specialty coffees, gourmet items, made-in-the-South foods, cigars and kitchen accessories. The store also boasts a wonderful little café where you can fill up on creative sandwiches such as a goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto panini, or Black Forest ham on French bread with Nicoise olives, cornichons, Dijon, lettuce and tomato (served with a side like dill potato salad, deviled egg, pasta salad or cole slaw). Not in the mood for a sandwich?
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A stalwart of a spot, The Gourmet Shop has been serving locals in Columbia’s Five Points neighborhood since 1979. With equal parts an upscale market (with an astounding selection of cooking tools, hard-to-find ingredients, and a wine section you could get lost in) and an all-day café, we lingered way longer than anticipated. But I’m glad we didn’t hesitate to grab a table for breakfast, because soon after we did a line of locals gathered for all the Southern lunchtime favorites.
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When talking about brunch in the capital city, we'd be remiss to not give you the all delicious deets on The Gourmet Shop. Located in the heart of Five Points, this cafe that doubles as a specialty foods market is a brunch-goers dream. Treat yourself to croissant baked to perfection with bacon and melted brie, or the Breakfast Bowl with grits made locally at Congaree Milling Company.
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Mimosa kits, bellini kits, pimento cheese spread… The Gourmet Shop honestly covers all the brunch bases. The seating is limited, but it’s first come, first serve outside making it the perfect option for a sunny day. If you’ve had one too many mimosas and want to keep the party going, grab some cheese, crackers, and a bottle of wine from their enormous selection.
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Location: 724 Saluda Ave | Five Points (They have great outdoor seating when the weather allows!). Breakfast Details: Their brunch menu includes an egg and cheese croissant, Belgian waffle, smoked salmon bagel and yogurt + granola, among other things. You can also grab a specialty croissant (chocolate, spinach & feta, or strawberry cream cheese, to name a few.)
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Part cafe, part kitchen supply store, The Gourmet Shop has everything you could possibly want in one convenient setting. Start with some coffee and a chocolate croissant at one of the outdoor bistro tables, then make your way into the store and load up a basket with goodies to take home. Delve into their extensive collection of wines from all over the world.
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Columbia has plenty of brunch spots to go around, but one of the best-known is a longtime favorite on Saluda Avenue: The Gourmet Shop. Their café section serves up classic brunch “Favorites” like their “Brie & Bacon” croissant, breakfast grits bowl and deviled eggs. They keep their beverage menu simple with a choice of a Bloody Mary, mimosa or peach bellini.
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There are so many ways to arrange sliced meats, cheeses, crackers and jam on a plate, but there’s just something about the way The Gourmet Shop arranges its charcuterie boards that makes it so appealing. Maybe it’s the staff’s extensive knowledge of fine cheeses and cured meats?. It could be, which is why their charcuterie boards make the cut in Columbia.
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Found in Five Points, this charming, quaint bistro offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads that are mouthwatering good!. They are only open for brunch and lunch dining options. Along with serving delicious foods, The Gourmet Shop also features a store with things such as wine, beer, fine cheeses, glassware, cutlery, chocolates, and so much more!
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Located in the heart of Five Points, The Gourmet Shop is a popular spot for those who love European-style breakfasts. Their croissant sandwiches, smoked salmon bagels, and specialty coffee drinks make it a unique addition to Columbia's breakfast scene. Plus, their outdoor seating area provides a great atmosphere for enjoying a sunny morning.
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Opened in 1979, The Gourmet Shop is one of the only places in Columbia where you can enjoy brunch seven days per week. It’s also the only shop in the city where you’ll find imported wines, cheese, cookware, and cigars under one roof. The brunch menu is small, but every item entices the tastebuds.
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April 7, featuring wines from Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape (Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2014, Chaupin 2011, 2012 and 2013, Vieilles Vignes 2008, 2011 and 2012). Reservations $25/person in advance, call (803) 799-9463%20799-9463 "tel:(803) 799-9463") or at thegourmetshop.net/tastings/.
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724 Saluda AveColumbia, SC 29205(803) 799-3705 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Located in Five Points, the Gourmet Shop opened its doors to the Columbia community in 1979. It has since produced thousands of early morning and lunch dishes that kept people coming back.
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The Gourmet Shop is known for many things, but almost everyone that's had their chicken salad will say it's amazing!. Their recipe isn't complex and there's not too much mayo. I don't like an overabundance of mayo in a chicken or tuna salad.
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Upscale but casual, the Gourmet Shop serves up a mean breakfast Panini with egg, Parrano cheese, roasted red peppers and bacon. In good weather, enjoy a rich cup of coffee at an outside table watching hipsters stroll by.
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One of many dog-friendly brunch locations in the Five Points area. You can sit inside or outside right in the heart of downtown. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but make sure you check out the shop inside.
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This is one of our top go-tos for lunch/brunch, both dine-in and carry-out. The paninis and salads are delightful. The “one, one and one” is my personal go-to; I always choose the chicken salad as one of my options.
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Located in Five Points, The Gourmet Shop is not your usual cafe. Located on one side is a Gourmet Shop with all sorts of unique gift ideas, cookware, and gourmet items. On the other side of the shop is a cozy cafe.
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A post shared by COLATOWNFoodie ✌🏼❤️🍕 (@colatownfoodieandfun). 724 Saluda Ave | Columbia | thegourmetshop.net. Located in the heart of Five Points, The Gourmet Shop has been a Columbia staple for decades.
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If you have not been to Gourmet Shop then what are you doing?. Located in Five Points, this is the perfect place for a Sunday brunch date!. Even though they are busy on most days, the service is unreal.
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The Gourmet Shop: A charming café and retail shop that’s perfect for lunch or picking up specialty foods. Don’t leave without trying their iconic chicken salad — it’s a local favorite for a reason.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit