As the oldest Italian restaurant in Columbia and one of the oldest in South Carolina, Villa Tronco boasts 75 years of experience in serving hearty and flavorful Italian fare. With its rustic exterior and warm, homely atmosphere, Villa Tronco combines an intimate dining experience with a taste of Columbia’s migrant history. The substantial portions of traditional Italian dishes ensure that guests do not leave on an empty stomach, and diners are highly encouraged to try the delicious chicken parmigiana and owner Carmella’s famous cheesecake, said to be the best in town.

Locals and savvy travelers alike enjoy exploring the classics with kids at some of Columbia’s most well-loved establishments, like Villa Tronco, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in South Carolina. Their traditional Italian dishes, like eggplant parmigiana, will bring back memories of your summer in Italy (before the kids), and their simple pizza or pasta marinara will satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. And no Columbia summer is complete without at least one trip (or seven) to Rosewood Dairy Bar for a dipped cone.

Villa Tronco is not only the oldest restaurant in Columbia, but it’s also one of the oldest in the state, perhaps second only to Henry’s in Charleston (both claim to be the oldest). Opened in 1940 as a fruit store, the restaurant grew into a hub for Italian food during World War II as Fort Jackson soldiers passed through the town. Owner Sadie Tronco was born to Sicilian immigrants, so homesick soldiers of Italian descent turned to her cooking know-how for spaghetti and meatballs.

Not only is Villa Tronco noteworthy for being South Carolina’s oldest restaurant, but their pasta dishes are known by visitors and locals alike. Make your way to the historic building in the Main Street district and ask for the Eggplant Parmigiana, featuring layers of lightly breaded eggplant, parmesan, tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. While you wait for this delicious main, get the flavor party started with an order of the Calamari or Italian Eggrolls.

Pizza lovers, you may thank Villa Tronco for introducing the Italian pie to Columbia some 75 years ago. At the time, Tronco servers handed out free slices on the street because few Americans had heard of the savory treat. Family owned for four generations, Villa Tronco opened and continues to operate in an historic firehouse constructed from chimney bricks of buildings destroyed in General W.T. Sherman’s notorious burning of Columbia.

In the restaurant biz, longevity is usually an indication of reliability. Villa Tronco has been around for 60+ years and continues to be popular – lunch is a little less busy, so if you're looking for a substantial midday meal this is a great choice. The crab cakes, drizzled with roasted red pepper sauce, are fantastic (for a light meal, try a crab cake atop a spinach salad).

If you're in the mood for classics, Villa Tronco, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in South Carolina, is a must-visit. Their traditional Italian dishes, like eggplant parmigiana, will transport you to the heart of Italy. And for the little ones, their simple pizza or pasta marinara options are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

This family-owned restaurant has been in operation for 80 years, and lays claim to being the “oldest restaurant in the state of South Carolina”. The restaurant building was declared a historic landmark and restored to preserve the original building. Broadway and opera nights are regular events for diners to enjoy while having their meal.

And north of the capitol you'd have the Oak Table, Bourbon if it's open by then, Cantina '76, Moe's Kitchen (daytime), the Marriott's new restaurant (Midlands is the name, I think.)m The Whig, Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, Hampton Vineyard, Villa Tronco, etc. You should google downtown Columbia SC restaurants, bethann1240.

If you love Italian cuisine, Villa Tronco needs to find a spot in your Columbia itinerary. This inviting restaurant is located in a 19th-century firehouse. Opened by Mama Tronco 80 years ago, Villa Tronco is the oldest Italian restaurant in all of South Carolina.

Villa Tronco is the oldest restaurant in the whole state, so they must be doing something right!. On their menu you will find seafood, pasta, pizza, delicious desserts, and more. Over 80 years later, they continue to use family recipes from the original owners.

With all due respect to the other answers, the only answer is Villa Tronco. The restaurant is 80+ years old and using the same recipes that Sadie Tronco used before she passed. Carmella and Joe run it today and the restaurant has never changed.

Villa Tronco is the oldest Italian restaurant in Columbia and one of the oldest in South Carolina. This place is distinguished by the cozy, homely atmosphere of a country house. In the best Italian tradition, you will be served excellent food.

Fun fact: Villa Tronco is arguably the oldest restaurant in Columbia and “Mama Tronco’’ introduced pizza to the city and gave it away for free when feeding northern soldiers in WWII who were stationed at Fort Jackson + missing tastes of home.

Enter the sketchy alley access beside Villa Tronco and pull into any of the 5 spaces designated for our clients. However, we don't have access to monitor the rear parking, so you'll have to walk around to the front or call us upon arrival.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (189 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1213 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201-2815- Read more on Tripadvisor

A Columbia establishment for more than 60 years, Villa Tronco serves consistently generous portions of traditional Italian fare such as veal parmigiana, chicken piccata and linguine with clams.

His restaurant La Francescana in Modena ranks sixth in the annual list of the 50 best restaurants drawn up by the British Restaurant Magazine, the only Italian in the top ten.

Villa Tronco is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Columbia (1940). Original family owned. Home away from home for generations of families.