Columbia South Carolina graduation dinner

[ShelT54]

Looking for very nice Italian restaurant or steak/seafood place in Columbia to celebrate son's graduation from USC. What's the word on Al's Upstairs, Ristorante Divino, Garibaldi's, Diane's? Any other recs.? Thanks.

[hungryphillip]

I strongly also recommend skipping Dianne's on Devine. Hampton Street or Gervais and Vine are really nice selections. Even Hennessey's is a nice alternative. I'd hate for you to fall into the same trap as I by selecting Dianne's due to it's price-point or "buzz factor" and then be sadly disappointed at the lack of care that goes into the food or the atmosphere. The service also needs some tweaking.
FWIW: The crab-stuffed filet there is the worst idea I've ever heard of. Stuffing canned crab meat into a thick filet and expecting either the beef or the crab to come out both cooked as desired is proposterous. This place is in need of a real chef.

[Alhanna]

It isn't right downtown, but the food is good and the wine list is robust. Travinia's is in the Northeast area of town off Clemson Road - easily accessible from I-20.

Travinia Italian Kitchen
101-A Sparkleberry Crossing
Columbia, SC 29229
Phone: [phone]

[ShelT54]

Thank you all for your input.

[Cpt Wafer]

I'd have to go with Divino (which is exactly what we did when our daughter graduated Carolina). The chef/owner is from Italy and IMO has the best Italian food in town and the room is nice, too. Call for a reservation as it can get booked up. I've enjoyed Garibaldi's as well. Skip Al's and Diane's.

http://www.ristorantedivino.com/

[Ellen of SC]

Hennessey's is solid. Hampton Street Vineyard or Motor Supply, both good.

[BlueHerons]

I ditto both of Ellen's suggestions. Definitely not Dianes.

[SweetPea]

I've recently heard ho-hum reviews of Diane's and Al's. Ristorante Divino or Garibaldi's may be better choices in light of that. Garibaldi's can be noisy if that's a factor for you.