The Gourmet Shop was really good! Now, I'll admit that I didn't get the most exquisite meal, but my grilled cheese, potato chips, and coffee were excellent! I went on a weekday morning when it wasn't too packed, and I really enjoyed the authentic deli ambiance, which isn't the easiest thing to find in this neck of the woods. My server (whose name I didn't catch) was such a sweetheart and did an amazing job of making sure my drinks were re-filled, my food was delivered on time, and was proactive in offering me a cup of coffee to-go. After my meal, I enjoyed wandering around the other side of the restaurant for a few minutes, which included a cigar room, an enormous wine cellar, and a host of fine cheeses that I had never heard of before! All-in-all, I really enjoyed The Gourmet Shop, will definitely be back in the future, and would recommend it to anybody in the area who's looking for an authentic deli experience! read more

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One of the best brunch spots in town! The Gourmet Shop is a cafe and shop with kitchen gadgets (think Fresh Market high end) on a local scale. They have wonderful sandwiches and the best tomato bisque in town (order with a side of Fresh Bread). Their chicken, shrimp and pimento cheese are all fan favorites! They have 4 dollar glasses of wine and 5 dollar craft beer. We ordered a slice of blackberry cake and it was divine! Cheesecake and a deviled food cake layered with blackberry moose. Delicious! Gourmet Shop is the best spot in 5 Points! read more

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My favorite brunch spot in cola! I get the pic 3 and it hits every time. The to go is quick and easy. It has a cute little shop to buy larger portions of food to take home, along w kitchen and household items. A must try in Columbia!! read more

The Gourmet Shop - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This was a suggestion by one of our clients and we were told this is a local favorite. Man when I walked in I was so shocked!!!! It kind of had the Cracker Barrel feel but so much more!!! There was deli counter where you could buy salads, meats, cheeses, preserves and so much more! If you're doing a charcuterie night at home this is definitely the place to go!!!! Everything you need for one plus wine!!! Oh man the wine selection was phenomenal!!! Kitchen appliances and gadgets galore. If we were here for another day I would have come back and did some shopping for sure!!!! Then on the other side was a little cute cafe where you could eat after you got tired from shopping. There were also tables outside. The entire staff was so nice! And I'm sorry if I kept asking questions to our server. But she was very nice to us! I got the custom charcuterie board. I got to choose 4 things and you could split the pick between cheeses and meats. Or all cheese and all meat. It came with a basket of bread with jelly, mustard and butter. The only issue I had is you couldn't pick the meat or cheese you wanted. This is why I kept asking questions. I knew what meat I had but the cheeses I had no idea and one of the chocolates. But the chef choice was very good and it was cheese I never had before. One was a cross between blue cheese and Brie. It had that smooth buttery texture but had a hint of blue cheese to it. Very good. The other one was like a sharp white cheddar. Again I was not disappointed with the selections I was given. I also had a very delicious peach bellini to wash it all down with. Definitely glad this was suggested and we tried it out!!! If you're visiting or already live here and haven't tried it out please go you WILL NOT be disappointed!! read more

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The Gourmet Shop was alright. The store itself is really nice and has a wide selection of nice things, the food was descent but certainly not anything I would wait a long wait for again. It seems more hype than it was substance which was unfortunate. But I will note that people raved about the chicken salad but we did not order that. read more

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Wow this place gets busy! Luckily we only had to wait about 5-10 minutes from when we put our name on the list to when we were actually able to get seated. The tables are pretty close together so if you plan on buying stuff from the store I would recommend waiting until after you eat. The service and food were both good. I had the goat cheese and pesto panini with tomato soup. The portion was large size so you will be plenty full. The store has anything you could want from cheese, wine, cigars, beer, to desserts, kitchen items, and gifts. read more

Stopped here for breakfast on our way out of town and got the pastrami sandwich. My wife and daughter got waffles and everything was amazing. Despite how busy it was, the service was great and we were in and out of there quickly. Show up early because the line starts early. read more

This is a pretty cool, busy little shop and cafe. It offers outdoor seating, a small market with unique items, cheeses, wines, bakery goods, and indoor seating to enjoy a cup of coffee or a fresh lunch. The service is decent with polite staff, but the atmosphere felt somewhat patronizing, which was a bit off-putting. I felt like that during my first visit as well. Despite all of that, the chicken salad is delicious. They give you a generous portion, and it is delicious with the croissant. While the potato salad had a good flavor, the potatoes were slightly tough for my preference. On the sweet side, the chocolate dessert was a real treat. The velvety chocolate was delightful, and the chocolate shavings added a nice touch. I enjoyed that chocolate goodness. read more

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Love this place. Great food, service, and ambiance. Tomato and Reuben are killers. Also, they have some crazy cool shit

First of all it was SO LOUD in the restaurant and crowded. It took a long time for our server to serve us, and they forgot to provide me silverware while I am having pasta. The pesto pasta taste bland and half raw. Both of the paninis are underwhelming, taste very basic. The tomato soup was good. Overall experience bad. read more

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Great food. Absolutely insane way to cut a sandwich ..... Everyone knows you have to cut diagonal (esp for a sandwich that's for dipping in soup!!) read more

The Gourmet Shop - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Consistently exceeds expectations, even if you have to wait, it is usually only 10 minutes perusing the epicurean items in their shop. They are without a doubt the best for paninis in the capital region. We usually get the charcuterie board and have the cheesemonger decide, and are always surprised at the selections in a great way. With brunch being their busiest, if a large party, reservations are STRONGLY recommended. Unfortunately, no military rate is offered, but prices are reasonable. read more

The Gourmet Shop - Brunch menu - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

They have the most delicious chicken salad I have ever had this is always my first stop when visiting Columbia. Love the store atmosphere. Our server was excellent read more

The Gourmet Shop - Chicken salad on croissant with pesto pasta salad - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

We stop here every time we are in Columbia and it's a can't miss spot for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Not to mention they are the cutest home goods, kitchen, food and wine store! The patio is first come first served and they have seating indoors as well. The service is always friendly and efficient but I wouldn't stop in if you are in a hurry. This is a place to get a Bloody Mary or coffee and enjoy your time. The food is always delicious and you can't skip the chicken salad! They sell a lot of their offerings to go and have specialty cheese, meats, olives etc that you can buy to take home. I highly recommend stopping in and taking a look around. read more

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We were walking around Five Points and saw all the outside tables filled up so I figured this must be a popular lunch spot. Upon further inspection, it's way more than a lunch spot! This place is huge and offers cooking supplies, wine, gifts, and more. We took home some delicious desserts and my favorite find of the day was this fresh sliced sharp cheddar cheese. The staff was warm, welcoming, and informative. I would love to come back for lunch next time! read more

Went here for lunch around 1:30 PM on a Monday, parking can be a challenge. Several people were leaving as I was arriving. I had tge BLT Crossaint and Soup Of the day, Chicken Rice Basil. Outstanding choice tge Honey Mustard sauce and Mayo both appeared &. Tasted homemade, will check when I swing through again a take a jar each home. read more

Great everything! My wife loves the 3-in-1. Great sandwiches and casual dining. Great for late lunch or earlier dinner. read more

Have you ever left a business and thought, "this place has it all"? Well The Gourmet Shop not only has everything in regards to service-quality-menu items-etc., but they also seem to have it all in regards to selection. I'm talking pastries, cake slices, wine, cookware, sauces, much much more. But let's begin with location. Right in the heart of Five Points (since 1979 I might add), parking is a plenty (it is metered). If it's your first time, it might take a minute to find the door. Just follow the outdoor seating and you'll see it about midway. Upon entering you can either stay wandering and taking in all they have to offer or you can veer to the left for the café. My visit was one of intention; dessert! Raspberry and chocolate cake (Yes, one slice of each. Don't be judging me.) were on the menu which I had with a cup of coffee. Cake is a dish that carries with it a select list of positive superlative; rich, moist, flavorful, balanced. These two slices encapsulated each and every one. Had time and appetite been afforded, I would have ordered others. I hope to visit again soon, but until then enjoy all they offer in my absence. read more

The Gourmet Shop - Raspberry cake - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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We had lunch at The Gourmet Shop our first afternoon in town. Service was great but I think the overall consensus was that our food was a bland and lacking in flavor. I had planned on ordering a bunch of sandwiches and cold salads to bring onto the base for lunch the next day but we didn't feel the items were flavorful enough. My Mom and I both had the Veggie and my bff had the Chicken Salad sandwich. We each had different sides (pesto salad, potato salad and devilled eggs). I didn't write The Gourmet Shop off. I had browsed around after lunch and glanced over their pastry and cheese selections. The next day we returned after grabbing coffees at Drip across the road and ordered a bunch of pastries and cheese to go. The pastries were absolutely divine! Everything we ordered was sooo yummy. So while, the lunch didn't quite impress us - every single one of the pastries did. They carry a cheese that I really love, and can't find on the west coast. Huntsman Cheddar, sooooo good!!!! I'd say go for the pastries and cheese offerings. The store is great, and if your palate appreciates lighter seasoned food this could be a great lunch choice for you. read more

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Food and service was excellent! Ordered the C.P.A. and added ghost cheese to it and was good quality ingredients and loved it. The pesto pasta side is good and not to salty which is as bonus. While in the store browsing, going a ton of items to put in my basket to run up my tab which included some European alm marzipan balls, Icelandic chocolate, French pastries, White Truffle chips, and to wash it down later with Barolo and Oregon Pinot Noir wine. You can tell by however owns and runs this store that they take great pride in quality ingredients, premium grocery items, and cleanliness of the store. Overall a great place to visit whether to eat or shop for European items. read more

I have been a patron of the Gourmet Shop since it opened. I moved to Greenville, SC in 2000. When I return to Columbia to visit family and friends, I usually visit the Gourmet Shop. Yesterday, a close friend and I had lunch inside. As we passed the folks dining outside there was a very disturbing activity occurring, which was a food waste cart with a trash can and unites for dirty plates, flatware and glasses. Three staff members were quick to remove soiled dishes from the tables, WHILE PATRONS WERE STILL AT THEIR TABLES, the staff proceeded to scrap the remaining contents from the plate into the outside trash cart. I was repulsed by the scene! I THINK IT TIME FOR MANAGEMENT TO EXECUTE A MORE EFFICIENT AND AESTHETIC METHOD FOR REMOVING SOILED DISHES FROM THE PATRON'S TABLES. As to my lunch selection, I was interested in the stuffed tomato. I inquired with my server if the tomatoes were locally grown, "his response, "I have no idea"! At least he was honest. I did order the stuffed tomato with tuna salad. The tuna salad was good, NOT THE HARD, WATERY AND TASTELESS tomato. Upon departing the restaurant, I did have a manager (strawberry blonde hair) manager meet me at the register to share information on the tomato and said he might want to take those tomatoes off the menu, so other patrons would not have the same disappointing experience. Gourmet Shop, it is time to "step up your game"! read more

Love Love the server! Wonderful ! Ambiance really nice! Comfortable. But the food- it was very busy that day - the day after Thanksgiving. The soup was cold- and the sandwich did not come with jam as I asked for. Chai latte was ok . I will come back when it's not so busy! I gotta give this gourmet another try! read more

Food was great! Service was even better!! Thanks Jake!! Decor is cute and the store is "worse than a donut shop" (too many choices for cool kitchen stuff!) read more

The Gourmet Shop - Egg & Cheese Croissant w/Bacon and Fresh Fruit (side) - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Man... I keep forgetting how good and amazing the portion size is at The Gourmet Shop! Like, I honestly, should be eating here more often but it's always so packed! You definitely will enjoy this place! read more

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Amazing food! And the store is so much fun to shop around inside. The service was fantastic! The Bloody Mary was a hit! The ONLY reason I took off a star is because of the way they do the seating on the outside. It's first come first serve. But the issue with this is folks "Hoover like vultures!" Not sure why this wouldn't be part of seating where you didn't have people watching you while you eat. If you have time to wait ... it's yummy! read more

The Gourmet Shop - Bloody Mary got rave reviews from our table. But you can't order it virgin. - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I'm born and raised in Columbia and have NEVER tried this place and always wanted too. Well, that ended today. Now I see what all the talk is about. This place is delicious! I wanted to order SOO many things, but I stuck to what I desired. I didn't get to visit the establishment since my ordered was delivered/brought to me, however, from the outside, it looks swanky with cute outdoor seating. I ordered the "create your own" sandwich, which I'm SO happy is an option because I wanted it to be a particular way. I got the roasted chicken on croissant with spinach, tomato, and honey cup mustard, with chips as my side. As a surprise, I was also given a strawberry cake which was super cute! Almost too cute to eat lol My food was AMAZING! My chicken was tender, seasoned, and it paired well with the honey cup mustard which was also sweet yet not over-powering. Definitely a great addition to the sandwich. I have nothing bad to say about it. My cake was good too; I'm not an icing kind of gal yet the cake was nice, moist, and very flavorful. I could eat the cake without the icing! They offer numerous healthy items so whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply mindful of what you eat, they have you covered. Customer service was great when I ordered over the phone being that it was for 6 of us, they had our food ready for pick-up within 30 minutes. Awesome timing and accuracy might I add. I will DEFINITELY be going back especially since they offer brunch and open at 9a! ANDDDD they have adult beverages with a robust wine selection that I'm dying to pair with some great cuisine. I only gave this place 4 stars because I didn't physically go to the restaurant, however, I feel like this place will not have an issue getting 5 stars from me! read more

The Gourmet Shop - Strawberry Cake - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I have been here four or five times in the last few months with my girlfriend, it has become a favorite of ours when we are downtown. My favorite is the Reuben, though I wish they would put the dressing directly on the sandwich, and between me and you, it's really not a properly done Reuben. It's still a great sandwich, it's just that every Reuben I've had in New York, Montreal, etc. is an open face sandwich, and the bread itself is cooked on the grill and is greasy. That said, it's still a very tasty sandwich and it's nice that it isn't as greasy as Reubens normally are. My girlfriend likes the mimosas a lot, and the tomato bisque is a winner. Service is always done well and with good intent, but where this place loses a star is the ambiance. It's just loud, noisy, there's one bathroom to be shared among a *lot* of tables (I'm stunned that no business inspector has said anything about the ratio of employees + patrons to bathrooms). And there are way too many tables too. Everyone is squeezed in way too closely, and it's to the point where it actively hurts the service because the servers need to do contortions to get around. Don't get me wrong, I love the place! But it feels a bit too cramped, too crowded, too busy to truly *relax* sometimes. J.Ja read more

One of my favorite places for lunch in the city. I don't live here much anymore but I have been here three times in the last two weeks while in columbia. They are definitely a lot more busier with school back in but don't let it deter you. I love the chicken salad sandwich with the tomato basil soup and a side of fruit. I will give them a break next time I visit so that I don't wear out my visit. read more

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Super rude waiter - after the second rude comment our table got up and left - zero stars

Been going there over 30 years. It's a fantastic place! Best chicken salad ever! The cafe seems like it's straight out of Europe. It's beautiful and unique. read more

Had a BLT sandwich loaded with bacon. Service was timely even though this popular restaurant was crowded.

Everybody loves the Gourmet Shop. The chicken salad is the best! Such a great lunch spot for a group of girls or your bestie. Great gift selection and bakery makes it a perfect spot to buy gifts as well. read more

Great selection of food and curbside outdoor dining. Not a good place for penny pinching but high quality treats. Bakery is a bit limited. read more

The Gourmet Shop - Chicken salad - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Very friendly service. Delicious salads. We always visit the Gourmet shop when we are in town. Highly recommend!

The food here is straightforward yet pleasing! I got their avocado toast, which wasn't the best I had ever had, but not the worst. However, they have a delicious tomato soup I would 100% get again. The service is ok, as we waited a long time to get service. The inside of the store is super cute, and I love that you can buy groceries and other supplies. read more

The positives are the service was really good even though the place was packed for brunch. The food is mediocre. Grits were bland. You have to add butter and salt. Very skimpy on the meat as well. I got 4 pieces of sausage read more

The Gourmet Shop - Breakfast bowl - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

You have to stop here.... The district 5 points is a must stop in Columbia. Everything was so good. We got chicken salad to go...there is a reason why it's famous...you have to get it. Pesto pasta and shrimp salad were okay. The croissants were light and flakey and breakfast was just phenomenal. I love the shop connected as well, so many cute cooking items. read more

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The food here is so tasty and the ambiance is adorable! I have to confess, I dined here twice this week. My son got the egg, cheese, and bacon croissant with a side of chips. He finished his meal in just 5 minutes. I opted for the chicken salad on croissant with a side of tomato bisque soup. Every bite was absolutely scrumptious! read more

The Gourmet Shop - Tomato Bisque Soup with Chicken salad on Croissant. Egg, cheese, bacon croissant with chips. - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This is the spot I hit every-time I'm in the area. Pretty sure they are known for their chicken salad--it's delicious. Their mimosas are surprisingly one of the best I've had. Simple but tasty. Seating outside is whatever you can find, & i believe you can add your name to a waiting list for inside seating if it's busy. I haven't had a problem finding seating yet, but that could be luck. They are also very reasonably priced so that's a plus. Definitely a must try if you're looking for a cute spot to enjoy some brunch (& some shopping--they also have a store/deli with wines, charcuterie, home/kitchen gadgets etc.) read more

The Gourmet Shop - Stuffed cantaloupe with chicken salad - Specialty Food Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The food is excellent. I always get the cantaloupe with shrimp. And of course, the breads or croissants are outstanding. Service is usually excellent. The big problem is pricing is a little high and they're not open in the evening. And check out can be very tedious. read more