The Top Restaurants to try in Greenville SC
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Best Asian food: Yellow Ginger
Yellow Ginger is a hidden treasure tucked away in a tiny strip mall north of downtown. This is the place to go for international Asian fare. From the outside, it may not look like much, however, the decor inside is pleasant and the food pretty excellent.
Here you can try dishes from various regions in Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Start with an order of homemade eggs rolls and lettuce wraps (both available vegetarian). Next enjoy a steaming bowl of traditional Egg Flower soup: it’s delicious and so comforting on a cold winter’s day! In terms of entrees, there is no shortage of interesting selections. Consider the Pad Chai, the Thai Red Curry Bowl, S.E. Asian fried rice, or the Singapore Rice Noodles.
Address: 2100 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29609
Best hidden gem: Olympian Grille
Olympian Grill is another great Greek restaurant. The benefit of visiting this restaurant over Greektown Grill is the lack of crowds, due to the attractive quiet location north of downtown near Furman University. Olympian is a laid-back local establishment with a friendly vibe. Not much in the decor department, although the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. The menu is huge, the pricing very affordable, and the service always fantastic.
The spanakopita plate here is absolutely delicious and includes a side and fresh hot rolls served with herbed butter. They also make one of the best pizzas in town! Lots of choices here for everyone, with both Greek and Italian fare on the menu!
Note: The Greenville location has closed. It’s worth making the trek over to the Simpsonville location for the delicious authentic offerings. Located at 7 Five Forks Plaza Ct. in Simpsonville.
Best pastries: Swamp Rabbit Cafe
Swamp Rabbit Cafe is my favorite place to enjoy coffee and a pastry before hitting the Swamp Rabbit trail,which conveniently starts ride behind the co-op. If you have ever read anything about Greenville, you probably know about the Swamp Rabbit trail.
Before embarking on the trail, treat yourself to a hot brewed cup of coffee (From wonderful NC based roaster Counter Culture) and a delicious homemade pastry at Swamp Rabbit Cafe. The Swamp Rabbit Cafe is a healthy co-op/coffeehouse, and all of the treats are made using local ingredients. The enticing display makes it hard to choose as everything looks more than edible.
They usually have pretty good donuts (GF available) and the cinnamon rolls are amazing. And best of all, the chocolate croissant, is never a disappointment. Oh, and if you happen to visit during the fall, treat yourself to the Pumpkin Spice Latte made with real pumpkin!
Address: 205 Cedar Lane Rd, Greenville, SC 29611
Most relaxing brunch: Bonjour
Bonjour is a charming little crepe shop located in the midst of all the bustle downtown. The setting is very nice, and yet this place remains attractively undiscovered. Thus, if you are looking for a peaceful brunch experience, Bonjour is the place to be. At Bonjour, you can indulge in all sorts of crepes, whether sweet or savory. They also serve wonderful Counter Culture coffee, and refills are unlimited.
As nice as the indoor setting is, the outdoor patio is a prime place for people watching during the nicer season. The Mushroom, Spinach, & Cheese crepe is a wonderful savory option. If you are craving something a bit sweeter, try the Creme Brulee or Bananas Foster crepe. Pricing is definitely on the high side considering the small serving sizes.
Address: 20 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
