The Best Ethnic Cuisines To Try In Columbia, TN

August 5th, 2020 by

Shopping for a new Chevy and getting hungry? Good news is there are a lot of fantastic options when it comes to dining out in this area. We have traditional Southern and American fare plus plenty of unique food from around the world, too. Discover some of the best ethnic cuisines in Columbia, Tennessee, below.

Cocina Real Mexican Restaurant

Head on over to Cocina Real for a traditional Mexican feast and the best margaritas. Be sure to take advantage of their outdoor patio if the weather is nice. Enjoy complimentary chips and salsa to start, then feast on huge portions of your favorite Mexican dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and tostadas. Most dishes come with tortillas, rice, and beans, so bring a big appetite.

Popular starters at Cocina Real include freshly made guacamole and choriqueso, a mouth-watering hot cheese dip topped with spicy chorizo sausage. Entree options include everything from fish tacos to carne asada. Trust us, there’s something for everyone on their large menu. Cocina Real is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Friday and Saturday. They’re open until 10:30 p.m. on weekends.

River Terrace New Orleans Cuisine

If you’re looking for upscale dining with a beautiful view, then give River Terrace a try. It’s the best place to go for delicious and authentic Creole cuisine made by a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. After surviving Hurricane Katrina, the restaurant’s owner and chef moved to Columbia and decided to renovate the Old Lamplighter Inn. Located along the scenic Duck River, the original part of the structure was built in 1800. River Terrace opened in 2010 and filled the need for a fine dining establishment in the area.

River Terrace has won numerous local and regional culinary awards over the years, including Most Romantic Restaurant in Maury County. Enjoy dinner and drinks any night Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The crawfish and shrimp etouffee is a flavor-filled classic you must try. Other specialties include the creamy lobster bisque and Shrimp Elizabeth, fresh Gulf shrimp topped with crab cake and blackened mango chutney sauce over a bed of rice.

Pita Plus Gyros Greek Cuisine

Pita Plus Gyros is the perfect spot for a tasty Mediterranean meal, especially if you’re looking for vegetarian options. This casual restaurant serves Greek cuisine from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The beef and lamb gyro is their signature dish. It’s a warm pita pocket stuffed full of well-seasoned meat plus fresh tomato, lettuce, and red onion. Top it with cool, creamy, and tangy tzatziki sauce for the ultimate gyro experience.

Falafel is another best-seller at Pita Plus Gyros. These seasoned and deep-fried chickpea balls can be eaten with sauce, on a salad, or in a pita. Other traditional Greek options include spinach pie, stuffed grape leaves, and tabbouleh, a vegetarian herb and grain salad. You’ll also find some American influences on the menu, like the Philly steak pita. Combos are a great deal as they include a drink plus a choice of rice, fries, or salad.

China Chef

China Chef is known for having the best Chinese food in town. Enjoy fresh, hot, and quick meals in their dining room or take it with you to go. Located in the Saddletree Shopping Center, China Chef is open for business Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Its convenient hours and location allow for customers to place an order, quickly take care of some shopping, and come back to pick up their order.

China Chef has very affordable lunch specials from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Specials include servings of the restaurant’s most popular main dishes plus a side of pork fried rice and choice of egg roll or soup. Soup options are egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour. The chefs can alter the spiciness level of any dish to your taste, too. Sweet and savory fried chicken dishes are the top winners at China Chef, especially General Tso’s.

A1 Japanese Steakhouse

Another Asian food favorite in Columbia is A1 Japanese Steakhouse. It’s a hibachi restaurant where the chef cooks your meal right before your eyes on an electric grill. It’s fun for both adults and children, as hibachi chefs like to put on a show. You’ll find a wide variety of authentic Japanese food on the menu, such as sushi, tempura, and teriyaki. Both dine-in and takeout meals are available every day.

A1 Japanese Steakhouse serves lunch Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It’s open on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Try a bento box at lunchtime to enjoy your favorite meat alongside miso soup, shumai, steam rice, California rolls, and fruit. Specialty drinks include bubble tea with sweet tapioca pearls and Japanese sodas.

Los Potros Authentic Mexican Food

Los Potros may be a small taco shop, but it sure is mighty in flavor and variety. The restaurant’s owner relocated from southern California and opened his family-run business in 2010. The menu is full of authentic Mexican cuisine with a SoCal twist. The head chef is from Jalisco, a state in western Mexico, and prepares all the meats as they would back home.

Los Potros regulars recommend the house-made salsas, the Cali Burrito with fresh avocado, and the tender beef barbacoa. Tacos Al Pastor, a spicy and smokey pork with sweet pineapple, is also a popular meat. It’s used to fill tacos, tortas, and more. Los Potros is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday. For faster takeout service, it’s a good idea to call ahead to place your order for pick up.

The best ethnic cuisines in Columbia, Tennessee, offer delicious food along with friendly service. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat a quick lunch or savor a nice dinner, you’re sure to find it in this warm and welcoming town. Did we miss a favorite ethnic restaurant of yours? If so, let us know!

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