Best new restaurants to try this year in Columbia, TN

Columbia, Tennessee, has no shortage of incredible restaurants, offering everything from gourmet burgers to organic juices to Southern and Italian fusion and more. In the past couple of years, several new restaurants have popped up here in town, bringing even more diversity to our dining choices. Once you check out our list of new restaurants to try this year in Columbia, you’ll have no excuse to keep going to the same place every week.

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Peppercorn Scratch Kitchen

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Shannon Skains, a native of Austin, Texas, opened Peppercorn Scratch Kitchen here in Columbia after losing his job as a restaurant manager during lockdown. He’d always dreamed of starting his own spot, focused on sharing Texas-style and Mexican cuisine, and took losing his job as a wake up call to finally work toward that dream. Just over a year since opening its doors, the restaurant is doing great and has attracted customers from well beyond Columbia.

Starters include Texas fries topped with bacon, queso, and jalapenos, chile con queso, and nachos. For entrees, you could stay in Texas with brisket or head to Mexico with tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. Colorful salads and bowls offer something lighter for health-minded patrons. Peppercorn Scratch Kitchen also has a kid’s menu, as well as desserts and specialty drinks. Think of this establishment for your next event, as it also offers catering.

Barino Italian Southern Eatery

Barino Italian Southern Eatery opened to much acclaim in June 2020 on South Garden Street here in Columbia. The idea started as a catering business between Paul Marino (owner of Red 7 Pizza) and Barney Burns (singer from Foster Party of 8). The name Barino is a combination of their names, and the restaurant is a combination of their passions, food, experience, and entertainment.

The restaurant also blends Southern and Italian cuisine, creating a unique fusion menu. Sauces, pastas, and other ingredients are made from scratch and in-house. As much as possible, Marino and Burns want to do things their own way and be original.

The combination of Italian and Southern dishes might be surprising, but it creates unique and special dishes. For example, Barino’s take on caprese salad incorporates fried green tomatoes and goat cheese crumbles. The signature pastas include Gustosa, a dish of smoked pork and penne with spicy bourbon barbecue marinara. Rather than classic marsala sauce, you’ll find brisket in creamy mushroom marsala over pasta — a unique but delicious combo.

Bad Idea Brewing Company

Bad Idea Brewing Company opened at the end of 2019, but with everything we’ve been going through over the past two years, it’s practically brand new. It was also the first on-site brewery in the city’s history, so this spot is definitely worth a visit.

Bad Idea Brewing has a wide variety of beers on its rotating tap menu, including IPAs, pilsners, blonde ales, American ales, and farmhouse ales. The venue hosts regular events (check the website for details) and offers snacks for when you’re peckish. Find Bad Idea Brewing Company at 307 W. 11th Street, open every day of the week with varied hours.

Mama Mila’s

Mama Mila’s isn’t new to Columbia, but it is in a new location. Owner Mila Martinico stopped operations at the original location on W. 7th Street in April 2021. The new location on South Garden Street then opened to much fanfare. It’s also a new start, providing Martinico with new ways to share her family recipes with more customers. Dishes include classics such as lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, calamari, and more, often made from recipes passed through generations.

It’s not just the food that’s authentic and handed down at Mama Mila’s. A customer’s grandmother gifted her dishes to the establishment years ago, and the cups are family heirlooms. Martinico’s friends gave her some of the dining tables. The result is a cozy, welcoming, and traditional environment at Mama Mila’s. Come for the food, and stay for the ambiance.

Little Juice Company

Tucked along North Garden Street in downtown Columbia, you’ll find the fresh and delicious Little Juice Company. As the name suggests, this spot is known for its raw, fresh, and made-to-order juices. Since opening in 2020, the Little Juice Company has been getting rave reviews for bringing healthy and tasty options to town. The menu features more than juice. It also offers smoothies, toasts, flatbreads, immunity shots, snacks, and cleanses.

Juices on the menu include classic blends such as beet, apple, carrot, lemon, and ginger. On Thursdays, enjoy a special of $1 off all 16-ounce juices. The smoothies are more robust, featuring ingredients such as coconut milk, dates, frozen fruit, cold brew coffee, and more. The flatbread ingredients are just as inviting, with options including naan flatbread with garlic hummus, red onion, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted garlic salt, and feta cheese. With the kinds of ingredients you’ll get with your meal at Little Juice Company, it’s easy to eat healthy and love it.

Enjoy New Delicacies in Columbia

We’re sure this list has inspired you to check out some of Columbia’s newest restaurants. There’s truly something for everyone in town, whether you prefer down-home cooking, original recipes, or unique fusions. From casual establishments to fine dining, you have plenty of choices in Columbia, and we hope this list has helped you add a few more ideas to your weekly rotation.

Did we miss your favorite new restaurant in Columbia? Let us know — we’re always looking to update our list.