Aiken Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aiken

April 14, 2018 Nobuko Falco

Aiken is the largest city and county seat of Aiken County, in the western portion of the state of South Carolina, United States. With Augusta, Georgia, it is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area. It is part of the Augusta-Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Things to do in Aiken

1. Malia's

120 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801-3888 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 13 - SGD 42 +1 803-643-3086
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 485 reviews

Malia's

In our 30th year, we remain dedicated to the culinary excitement afforded by the finest, freshest and most ethically produced ingredients. We source locally whenever possible, befriending our farmers who are so vital to the kind of dining experience we’re known for. Then, sometimes it’s lamb from Australia or salmon from Scotland. We're dedicated to our loyal local following who are routinely joined by the international travelers drawn to “the good life” we all enjoy here in Aiken. Malia’s thrives on the friendly faces who, at the end of the experience, say, “Wow.”

Reviewed By ramona0101

The crab bisque was amazing as was my spinach salad. My seafood pasta dish had an iodine taste to the shrimp that was not pleasing as well as a sweet sugary taste to the tomato sauce. Two of us ordered that, and my mother ordered salmon. The server was very good.

2. Ridgecrest Coffee Bar

2502 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC 29801-9572 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch +1 803-641-9000
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Reviewed By Chris P

When I was having my horse farm built I must have eaten at Ridgecrest Coffee Bar at least every other day. They have amazing paninis like the Turkey avocado or the Chicken Salad. Their Cesar salad is huge and so tasty and does not have that strong anchovy taste. Awesome homemade croutons as well.
Melanie, the owner, is the best. She is always around checking to make sure everyone is happy and has what they need. There are two Ridgecrest Coffee Bars in Aiken and I go to both depending on what side of town I am on. The Wagener Road one has a drive through so very convenient for the busy horsey crowd. Best lunch spot in Aiken and great prices.

3. The Willcox Restaurant

100 Colleton Ave, Aiken, SC 29801 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 8 - SGD 47 +1 803-648-1898
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 450 reviews

The Willcox Restaurant

Reviewed By lisakJ1922CU - Warrenville

Very enjoyable, odered off menu for the breakfast, I had duck, there were pancakes, and eggs and bacon eaten, we enjoyed the food very much.the staff was also very nice and helpful..cannot wait to go back...

4. Betsy's On The Corner

159 Laurens St, Corner of Laurens and Barnwell, Aiken, SC 29801-3845 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 803-226-0078
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 426 reviews

Betsy's On The Corner

It's noisy; it's busy — but you know, that's what a diner is. It's a fun place. We are dedicated to providing the best food and service anywhere. Enjoy full table service from a menu of homemade soups and salads, hotdogs, burgers, specialty sandwiches hot off the grill, daily Blue Plates (just like Mama made), frosty shakes and ice cream treats at our old-fashioned soda fountain. Hearty Southern breakfasts are served on Saturday mornings.

Reviewed By BuckyBadgeragogo - Wisconsin

We were passing through Aiken while on vacation. In looking for a place for lunch, we were pointed in the direction of Betsy's. The atmosphere was busy, busy, busy lunch, but it seems like a fun, down to earth restaurant. The meal was great and we would stop by again if in the area.

5. Apizza Di Napoli

740 Silver Bluff Rd, 740 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC 29803-6070 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 8 - SGD 33 +1 803-226-0700
Excellent
73%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 220 reviews

Apizza Di Napoli

Pizza Faithful to the Authentic Neapolitan Style At Apizza di Napoli we are the FIRST in South Carolina and the ONLY Pizzeria in NC, SC, & GA to be honored with the prestigious and distinct Certification of True Authentic Neapolitan Pizza from the highly coveted AVPN Association in Naples, using the guidelines set out by the Association Verace Pizza Napoletana and as set out by the Italian Government and the European Union.

Reviewed By johnhI2504LZ - Aiken, South Carolina

Apizza Di Napoli is authentic, Italian family-made pizza--there really is no pizza that compares! The family couldn't be nicer and the pizza doesn't get any better.

6. Takosushi

210 The Aly, Aiken, SC 29801-3883 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating Mexican, Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 803-642-8899
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 173 reviews

Takosushi

Reviewed By Chris P - Hendersonville, North Carolina

Good selection and super atmosphere made this selection for dinner the perfect place. Although I can’t remember what I had to eat that night, I do remember enjoying it!

7. New Moon Cafe

116 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801-3846 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi American, Cafe, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 803-643-7088
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 229 reviews

New Moon Cafe

Reviewed By joejanet1991 - Redding, Connecticut

Think back to the Summer of Love and you get the delightful informality and friendliness of the place. You can definitely "have it your way" in this café. Good prices, good food, friendly staff, free WIFI and just enough "exotic" to keep you guessing. Worth a special trip.

8. What's Cookin' Downtown

123 B Laurens Street North West, Aiken, SC 29801-2444 Waitstaff, Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Outdoor Seating American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks SGD 7 - SGD 16 +1 803-649-1068
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

What's Cookin' Downtown

Family owned and operated. Dine-in, takeout, casseroles, and catering to-go. Breakfast and lunch served everyday; Dinner is served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Reviewed By Mike L - Aiken, South Carolina

This is a great family restaurant with good honest food and wonderful, caring service. We love having breakfast and the sausage omelet is the greatest!Mike, Thanks for the review, that is what we strive for, happy customers! Have a safe and Happy New Year, we hope to see you soon.

9. The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate

245 Greenville St NW, Parking on corner of Greenville St.& Edgefield Ave., Aiken, SC 29801-3945 (Formerly Rosehill Stables Restaurant) Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 39 +1 803-648-1181
Excellent
70%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 219 reviews

The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate

After three years of extensive renovations to make the turn of the century horse stables (one of four in America) into a beautiful and cozy place for diners, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate opened in the fall of 2009. The restaurant and catering is directed by two experienced and creative culinary school graduates. The Dinner menu is freshly prepared with premium ingredients featuring seafood, steaks, plus German and Italian dishes. A smaller menu is available for casual dining in the bar, screened porch, patio and beer garden. The Stables Restaurant moves to the Mansion Inn from Dec 31-March 17 featuring a Small Plate variety.

Reviewed By stephjvestal - DeBary, Florida, USA

Spent Thanksgiving at Rose Hill. What a lovely venue. Friendly, capable staff and delicious food; from the Fennel Carrot Bisque to the Brown Sugar & Gingersnap-crusted ham, it was out of this world. Fall was in full color, the grounds were beautiful. Such a nice evening.

10. Aiken Brewing CO

140 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801-3848 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 803-502-0707
Excellent
38%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 408 reviews

Aiken Brewing CO

Reviewed By joejanet1991 - Redding, Connecticut

Excellent, excellent selection of beers, lager, IPA's and stouts. Food was good, but typical for a brewpub, prices are good and the atmosphere is nice funky and friendly.

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