Best Restaurants in Florence

19 Best Restaurants & Places in Florence | 2024 (Top Eats!)

ByKashish Jamal Hashmi

Florence is a glorious city in South Carolina and remains a stunning gastronomic location for lots of reasons. The place showcases people a wide range of flavors that can enthrall anyone who is enthusiastic about food, as it presents them with both classic and modern dishes and sometimes fuses both of them to create mouthwatering delicacies that are light on the taste buds.

In this city, one discovers lots of unique varieties of food forms, with a relaxed atmosphere through its cafés and pubs that have made it quite exuberant in the culinary scene.

Therefore, it’s vital that one should know about some lovely places to eat in the city so that things become a lot more hassle-free and more effortless. For that reason only, we created this list of the best restaurants in Florence to help you get a good gist of which restaurant to go for. Let’s take a look at them. 

The Best Restaurants in Florence This Year

1. Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co.

Tubb's Shrimp and Fish Co.

Why it’s a must visit?

The Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co. restaurant has been operating since the year 2014 and remains one of the top places to eat in Florence for having decadent seafood choices that are served in a relaxed setting.

The restaurant takes pride in its outstanding seafood variety by decorating its walls with marine life and bringing the decor to life with its superb seafood choices.

One can even choose to dine outside if they want to feel as if they are eating on the boat as the place is furnished with beautiful wooden floors, chairs, and tables along with a soft breeze that graces people’s faces in the most exuberant sense.

Chef’s Choice

Be it for brunch or breakfast; their bang bang shrimp Po Boy remains the top dish here that comes in divine flavors.

The bang bang shrimp po boy comes with spicy and sweet shrimp that is stuffed inside a soft bread that gives it a decadent flavor and keeps them wanting for more.

And if one decides to add coleslaw or tomato to the dish, then the meal becomes a complete culinary delight which makes one satisfied in indescribable ways.

Location and Contact

2. Julia Belle’s

Julia Belle's

Why it’s a must visit?

Julia Belle’s restaurant is a family-owned diner that has a beautiful outdoor seating area and provides fascinating Florence bites that range from traditional southern dishes to multiple side dishes and desserts as well.

One will absolutely love the hearty dishes here in the homey atmosphere that delivers people the most anticipated varieties of handmade flavors that use generational recipes that are passed down from one family to another.

Also, because of its laid-back atmosphere, one feels as if there dining at home here as not only is the staff pretty accommodating, but the ambiance itself feels exceptionally relaxing and serene.

Chef’s Choice

Without having any questions, go for their pork belly egg croissant, which is their biggest highlight and needs to be tried.

The croissant contains a slowly smoked grilled pork belly that comes slathered in a buttery sauce and is so tender that it melts in your mouth in seconds and gives a fruitful taste in every bite.

Also, it would be further enjoyable in one season is it with a fried egg or their handmade sausage gravy that makes it a perfect combination to ever exist.

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3. The Lost Cajun

The Lost Cajun

Why it’s a must visit?

The Lost Cajun restaurant shares three branches in South Carolina and is highly appreciated for its mouthwatering Southern cuisine, especially its favorites like Po boy and jambalaya.

The restaurant tantalizes not only the taste buds of people but also their visual senses as well with it its gorgeously designed red walls that add a lot of brightness to the entire space and gives off a rustic ambiance that takes one back to the old west saloon aura.

Its intricate decoration and its location facing the sun make it a visually pleasing dining experience that needs to be encountered at least once.

Chef’s Choice

Try their palpable Cajun shrimp pasta, which is a fabulous dish.

The Cajun shrimp pasta contains spicy Alfredo dressing that gives it its smooth texture and enhances the overall taste of the shrimp, which one will absolutely love.

Make sure that you get a side dish of their fries so that you are able to complete your entire dining experience in the most fabulous form.

Location and Contact

4. Victors Steaks Wine Seafood

Victors Steaks Wine Seafood

Why it’s a must visit?

The Victors Steaks Wine Seafood restaurant is nestled inside the hotel Florence and is one of the 5-star restaurants in South Carolina that is known for its international dishes that come in tasty varieties like pasta and kebabs along with cocktails and wines.

The entire restaurant is beautifully decorated and fuses both vintage and traditional decor that creates an overall aesthetic image so that one gaze at its beauty while indulging in its many exuberant dishes.

Besides all that, the place further adds a lot of fancy to it by having red brick walls surrounding it along with wooden polished floors with stylish chairs and TVs which add a lot of lively air to it. 

Chef’s Choice

Try their pure Angus beef tenderloin, which is the biggest reason why this place has become one of the top-rated restaurants in Florence.

Their Angus beef tenderloin comes in superb meaty flavors that explode with flavors in your mouth with a single bite.

Also, for the side dishes, it would be wise to go for their tasty roasted asparagus and whipped potatoes so that one can get a rejuvenating plus fresh complementary meal to go with.

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5. Wholly Smoking BBQ and Ribs

Wholly Smoking BBQ and Ribs

Why it’s a must visit?

The Wholly Smoking BBQ and Ribs restaurant was founded in 2014 and is one of the most fantastic restaurants near you that needs to be visited because of its mouthwatering barbecue dishes along with tasty desserts and side options.

It’s also one of the many great restaurants in Florence, SC, that remains perfect for celebrating big occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Also, the restaurant manages to accommodate lots of guests because of its vast hallways that can fit more than 100 people at once.

Another great thing about it is that its dishes come in plentiful portions with rejuvenating flavors that make one come back for it again and again.

Chef’s Choice

Get the most excellent lunch in Florence by going for their wholly smokin’ awesome burger.

The wholly smokin’ excellent burger comes with tender beef and bacon pieces that are cooked to perfection and come stuffed inside a tender bun that brings out the ultimate taste that it seeks to deliver.

Also, with a dressing of sauce and pimento cheese, the cheese pull of the dish becomes outstanding with smoky flavors that probably makes it one of the mouthwatering dish to be ever found in Florence.

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6. Rebel Pie

Rebel Pie

Why it’s a must visit?

The Rebel Pie restaurant is housed inside a white brick-walled building and is undoubtedly one of the top restaurants in Florence that are known for serving decadent Neapolitan pizzas that go exceptionally well with their handcrafted beers that are served in a vintage-like setting.

One gets to have the experience of a lifetime here with its traditional variety and its interior showing pride in American history with wooden furnished walls that provides people the nostalgia of old west saloons during the 1800s along with classic diners that were prevalent in the 1900s.

Also, any bookworm will absolutely adore this place as the Renaissance value that it provides appeases them in the best way.

Chef’s Choice

No matter what, nothing could beat their shrimp marinara pie which is a delectable treat.

The shrimp marinara pie comes with a tasty Doug that is seasoned with threshold milk mozzarella cheese and shrimp that tantalizes the tastebuds in the most captivating way.

Also, the pie contains lots of condiments as its topping, which makes it a pretty delightful dish to go for.

Location and Contact

7. Town Hall

Town Hall

Why it’s a must visit?

The town hall restaurant exhibits a vintage atmosphere and remains one of the many great restaurants in South Carolina that serves people delectable varieties of American staple favorites like steaks and burgers, along with refreshing drinks like wines and cocktails.

One gets to experience fancy dining here at this place as its classy atmosphere, and gourmet choices enthrall many. 

The entire space is beautifully surrounded by polished wooden walls and big chandeliers that add a lot of beauty to the place and makes it snap-worthy.

One can indulge in the wide exquisite varieties here by eating on the rooftop and surrounding themselves in bright light emanating from the small bulbs that are decorated above that resemble small stars and makes the entire dining experience a lot fancier.

Chef’s Choice

Without having any second thoughts, go for their decadent duck breast, which comes in flavorful forms.

The duck breast contains tender meat seasoned on gold rice that comes with prosciutto that gives it its flavorsome taste and makes one order it again and again.

Make sure you add a generous seasoning of their bleu cheese butter on top of it so that you can enjoy the creamy texture of it and feel it melting in your mouth.

Location and Contact

8. Red Bone Alley

Red Bone Alley

Why it’s a must visit?

The red bone Alley restaurant was initially established in the year 1993 and quickly became one of the must eat places in Florence that became highly famous for its delectable South Carolina fare that gets served in a cozy fashion.

It’s one of the cool places to eat in the city because of its many exquisite dishes that are served indoors, and the entire interior is designed with red brick and green walls that are made entirely out of cardboard which explains its sustainable approach.

The ambiance of this restaurant is so thrilling that one feels as if they are dining outdoors even though they are eating inside the restaurant because the entire atmosphere gives them the illusion of outdoor dining.

Chef’s Choice

No matter what you get, make sure that your first order is their red bone hot club which is the most popular dish.

The red bone hot club dish contains grilled chicken breast inside a tasty soft grilled white bread that oozes juiciness that makes the taste buds tantalized in a surprising manner.

If one decides to add a bit of their local honey mustard and creamy mozzarella into the blend, then the epicurean adventure becomes thoroughly delightful and worthy of encountering once again.

Location and Contact

9. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel

Why it’s a must visit?

The cracker barrel restaurant is a superb dining establishment that is surrounded by lush green gardens, and it’s one of the top-rated restaurants in Florence that provides people with exquisite Southern cuisine varieties inside its rustic ambiance.

The place oozes a spectacular vintage beauty that makes one go crazy because its breathtaking beauty is worth taking lots of snapshots of and posting it everywhere.

Also, it has a beautiful fire pit situated in the middle of the space, which makes it a lot more visually pleasing and fancy to the eye.

Chef’s Choice

Without wasting your time, go for their country-fried shrimp, which is an incredible choice.

The Country fried shrimp is a buttermilk breaded shrimp that comes cooked to quintessence that can satisfy any hungry stomach with its exquisite seafood flavors that are completely indescribable.

The entire dish gets served alongside their handmade buttermilk biscuits, which makes it a powerful combination to ever exist.

Location and Contact

10. El Agave Mexican Restaurant

El Agave Mexican Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The El Agave Mexican restaurant is set inside a culinary institution and is one of the most showstopper restaurants in Florence; that is known for serving exotic varieties of Mexican dishes inside its fabulous interior that sways any visitor.

One gets to take a peek into Mexican cuisine in the most flavorsome way just right at Florence because of its many exquisite dishes and convenient location.

Also, the entire space is decorated by keeping the cultural essence of Mexico so that one feels right in another world while appreciating the way this restaurant prides on its artistic value.

One gets to relish the tastiest and most authentic Mexican cuisine here, made with generational recipes that are not tampered with in any way.

Chef’s Choice

Their Pollo Ranchero will make your taste buds go crazy because of its loaded flavors and therefore is one of our highest recommendations here.

The pollo ranchero is a spectacular chicken breast dish that comes dipped in cheese and Ranchero sauce that comes stuffed with decadent flavors that appease any form of craving a person has.

By adding it over some rice, you will get to encounter the most outlandish epicurean adventure that you would have wished you had tried way before.

Location and Contact

11. Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano

Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano

Why it’s a must visit?

The Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano restaurant is one of the best family restaurants in Florence and is also run by a family in the downtown district of Florence that is known for its tasty variety of Italian dishes that ranges from seafood pasta like Scaglione to spaghetti Pomodoro along with lots of scrumptious desserts.

One gets to savor the taste of Italy without leaving the country by visiting this exquisite restaurant.

All of the dishes here come in equally delectable forms and exude a sense of richness to them because of the spices and the actual ingredients of Italy that make them tasty beyond measure.

If one dines here while being surrounded by its breathtaking white and red walls, one will encounter the authentic dining adventure of Italy, especially when it comes to traditional cuisine choices.

Chef’s Choice

The one dish you should definitely try here is their salmon Massimo which is a highly decadent dish that surely does not need to be missed.

Their salmon Massimo contains the freshest flavors of shrimp and fish, along with lots of savory flavors that come from its white lemon sauce, which feels tangy on the taste buds.

Another dish that you will absolutely love here is their dessert titled cannoli, which is the most fantastic way to end your meal in the most satisfying manner.

Location and Contact

12. Stefanos Restaurant

Stefanos Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The Stefanos restaurant is nestled inside a red brick walled building and is a relaxed diner that has maintained its value as one of the most casual places to eat in Florence that serves people a tasty variety of Italian favorites like different kinds of pasta and pizzas along with familiar types like burgers and cheesesteaks. 

The restaurant tantalizes not only people’s taste buds but also their visual senses as well, as the entire space is created in an attractive way with yellow walls and rounded arches that add a bit of modern touch to the vintage place that feels unique and outlandish.

Not only is the space visually pleasing, but the dishes here are also quite a sight to the eyes as the presentation details here manage to enamor its visitors.

Chef’s Choice

Give yourself a treat by going for their delicious Veneziana.

The Veneziana is a breaded chicken breast that comes stuffed with ham and provolone cheese that, gives it its creamy and meaty texture that will leave you with the most exciting aftertaste that is hard to forget.

If one decides to add some soft pasta over it with a generous layering of Alfredo dressing, then that dish becomes quintessential in every form and feels ultimate in every way.

Location and Contact

13. Jazz on Dargan

Jazz on Dargan

Why it’s a must visit?

The Jazz on Dargan restaurant is located in the soul of the city and is a fantastic place to go if one wants to relish traditional American dishes like wings, salads, and burgers inside its bustling environment.

The place truly defines the idea of fun and thrill because of its wonderful entertaining aspects like having a TV that keeps one hooked along with its outstanding dishes that have no backlash.

Other than that, the entire experience of watching live stream sports shows or any other event makes one feel as if they are watching it live or in a stadium, along with lots of cheers surrounding them.

Chef’s Choice

Go for their JOD house burger that is truly pleasing to the tastebuds.

The JOD house burger contains a juicy beef patty that comes grilled to the core and is stuffed inside a soft bun that takes one directly to heaven because of its bursting flavors.

The burger also contains tasty veggies like pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes that add a bit of freshness to it and makes it a standoffish option.

Location and Contact

14. Cain’s Bar B-B-Que

Cain's Bar B-B-Que

Why it’s a must visit?

The Cain’s Bar B-B-Que restaurant has been operating for more than 50 years and remains a hidden gem because of its image as a local restaurant that provides the most sinfully delicious varieties of barbecue platters, ribs, and tasty sandwiches with lots of delectable side dishes.

Also, the entire space is designed in an aesthetic way with lovely images of botanical beauty hanging on its yellow walls that make people turn their heads because of its glorious paint brush strokes.

The beautifully red carpeted floors of the restaurant, contrasting with the dim lighting of the diner, feel incredibly fancy and lavish, which is perfect if one wants to experience extravagant dining.

Chef’s Choice

The one dish which we promise will provide you with the taste of heaven is their barbecued chicken dish that comes with enticing aromatic flavors.

The barbecued chicken dish is a lovely delicacy that provides joy in every bite because of its tender meat that is cooked to perfection and leaves no trace of complaints.

By having their coleslaw as a complementary dish, one gets to relish the refreshing flavors along with the meaty flavor of the chicken.

Location and Contact

15. The Drive-In

The Drive-In

Why it’s a must visit?

The Drive-In restaurant has always been a spearheaded culinary masterpiece of a restaurant since the year of 1957 when it was established and is now celebrated as one of the best restaurants in Florence that offers people the most flavorsome varieties of American staples like wings and burgers along with shakes as toothsome treats.

This restaurant brings up the glory of its historic days because of its rustic ambiance that is decorated with checkered floors and red booths that stay true to the cultural image of when it was opened during the 1950s.

The entire space is flawlessly designed with yellow-colored walls and vintage pictures that makes one feel nostalgic for the old days that have gone by.

Because of this reason, elderly people absolutely adore this place and are its loyal patrons.

Chef’s Choice

Try their double cheeseburger if you want something creamy and filling.

The double cheeseburger comes with a decadent beef patty that is seasoned with cheese inside its tender bread that feels creamy and juicy at the same time.

By adding both of these ingredients, the entire dish becomes a gastronomic treat that is hard to forget and makes people come back to it again and again.

Location and Contact

16. Florence Tasty Crab House

Florence Tasty Crab House

Why it’s a must visit?

The tasty crab House restaurant is a minor chain in South Carolina that is known for its delectable Cajun-inspired cuisine that comes with the most rejuvenating flavors.

The place is known for its customizable spice level that one can ask the waiter to balance it with, and it is known for its generous space that is loved by everyone.

Other than that, its seafood is so praised here that it is appreciated everywhere in South Carolina.

Chef’s Choice

All of their dishes are made with secret recipes, which is why so many people are intrigued by it and absolutely love to relish its fresh seafood varieties.

Also, this place has the best low country boil in the city that cannot be matched anywhere else which is why it’s a favorite of so many people.

When it comes to seafood area varieties, dishes like shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and lots of crab dishes take the top spot here as they are served in the most fabulous way.

One can even go for their fry baskets which can let you pick your personal seafood choice with customized flavor and spice levels.

Location and Contact

17. 1720 Burger Bar

1720 Burger Bar

Why it’s a must visit?

The 1720 Burger bar was originally an American pub that offered people the most creative variety of burgers all over Florence inside its cozy setting that has made it a beloved restaurant of many people.

Also, the entertaining aspects here are the best because of the giant TV screens that stream lots of life sports channel that adds a bustling image to the restaurant as one gets surrounded by lots of cheers.

The outrageous portions that are offered here are the best part of this place and are one of the reasons why it’s one of the best restaurants in the city.

Chef’s Choice

If one wants to be a little bit experimental, then it’s always good to give their infamous cobra Commander burger a try, which is as intimidating as its name.

The cobra Commander burger contains four patties, six thick pieces of bacon, and a little bit of chili, along with two hot hams and cheese sandwiches that can suffice 2 to 4 people at once because of its generous stuffing.

But before all that, we would suggest that you begin with the tater bombs and, after completing the meal, go for their Optimus or their Homer to complete your feast in the most satisfying manner.

Location and Contact

18. King Jefe Taco Bar

King Jefe Taco Bar

Why it’s a must visit?

The King Jefe Taco Bar restaurant is a trendy diner located in the downtown district of Florence, South Carolina, that is known for offering a fascinating spin on Mexican cuisine that comes in eclectic varieties.

The restaurant is pretty welcoming towards people with special diets as it offers people vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options that feel accommodating.

Also, every menu option here is equally enticing in flavor, especially in a small dish, which is perfect if one needs to grab a quick bite.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant provides people with the most delicious variety of Mexican cuisine that ranges from tacos to tortes, along with lots of other exciting menu options.

Also, their sushi deserves a lot of praise, too, as it comes with the freshest prawns and fish and feels divine on the taste buds.

Make sure you take a look at their tequila selections which also display other drinks varieties like craft beers if one wants something containing local flavors.

But if you prefer something in fusion, then the Rodriguez taco will be the best choice.

Location and Contact

19. Farmer’s Market Bar and Grill

Farmer's Market Bar and Grill

Why it’s a must visit?

The Farmer’s Market Bar and Grill restaurant is nicely situated at the heart of the Pee Dee farmer’s market and provides people with the quintessential variety of Low country cuisine with lots of delicacies in a farm-to-table setting.

It’s a Hidden gem that a lot of people coincidentally stumble upon it and realize it’s worth serving the most adorable varieties that come in the freshest flavors as they are handcrafted and use non-preservative items.

It has quite a rustic atmosphere to it as its situated inside a 100 year old barn space and also offers people seasonal menu options that need to be checked out.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant specializes in low-country delicacies made in a southern fashion that is to die for.

The delectable southern dishes here range from pecan chicken breast sandwiches to fried green tomatoes, which are a great dish to complement.

As it also offers seasonal varieties, one should definitely go through its various food joints to see if anything appeals to them and should give them a try.

Location and Contact

Famous Food to Try in the City 

  • Fried Chicken – As Florence is situated in South Carolina, it has a specific country or southern-like image to it because of which the fried chicken here remains a superb dish to try as it comes with a tasty and crispy layer that is double fried with lots of oil and presented in the crispiest fashion that is entirely drool-worthy and should be tried at least once.
  • Fries – Another comfort dish here that deserves equal praise is its fries which are mostly eaten as a complementary dish and feel more tantalizing if they come with tasty dipping sauces like mustard or dragon sauce so that one can enjoy a familiar side choice in the most satisfactory way without having to look for other dishes.
  • Seafood – Seafood is another popular category that is covered in Southern cuisine here and offers people the most luscious selections of crabs, oysters, salmon, octopus, and other varieties as well. By showing its creativity in making delicious seafood dishes, the place establishes itself with its excellence in providing people with the most refreshing tastes and flavors. Therefore if you ever visit Florence, it would be a great decision not to miss out on their seafood.

Final Thoughts

Florence is one of the biggest states in South Carolina that remains vastly popular for its grand gastronomic adventure that provides people with an epicurean encounter with its many scrumptious dishes that are praised globally.

A lot of places and restaurants here stay true to the generational recipes of Florence and thereby always remain within the focus of culinary enthusiasts who always look forward to discovering tasty cuisine.

Therefore if visiting Florence, it would be a good decision to know some good places to eat. For those reasons only, we made this list of the best restaurants in Florence to help you tackle your issues in searching for a decent restaurant in an easier way. We hope you have taken a look at them.

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