CITY GRIT — Restaurant in Columbia

A beautifully cherished birthday dinner - As I stepped into the embrace of dimly lit elegance at this gem of a wine bar, little did I know I was about to embark on a wine journey that would redefine my culinary expectations (and a bomb salad!!!). The ambiance? Enchantingly intimate. The owner, Sarah, a beacon of warmth and grace, made every guest feel like a cherished friend. And Ethan, our server, oh, he was more than a guide through the menu; he was a connoisseur, a sommelier of dreams. I just traveled back from France, so Ethan was able to guide me through a few unexpected choices! Now, let's talk about those treasures that adorned our table—a box of salty yet sweet cookies with a handwritten note celebrating my birthday (12/31). These cookies were divine! Each bite was a perfect harmony of contrasts...the fudge-rich brownie, a decadent masterpiece that was the crescendo of the evening. Its lusciousness melted in my mouth, yum! A rich and savory ensalada de la casa (my Favorite), steak frites, and short rib for two were well prepared, plated, and presented with artistic awareness. A cucumber salad that was a centerpiece for conversations, and the reminder of how much I miss Spain from the sliced chorizo :-) In the end, this wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience leaving an indelible mark. Sarah's passion and Ethan's expertise combined to create an evening that surpassed mere dining—it was a celebration of life, love, and the tantalizing magic that happens when exceptional food meets heartfelt...

From the moment we entered City Grit, we were hooked. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and our server, Daulton, was a gem. He was kind, funny, and attentive. He made us feel right at home and his knowledge of the menu was seriously impressive!

Speaking of the menu: yes, it is expensive. However, they pay their employees a livable wage and do not accept gratuity. There is a disclosure at the bottom of the menu that explains this policy, why they decided to implement this policy, and what organization they donate the money to if you decide to leave a tip. City Grit should serve as an example to all fine dining establishments! THIS is how you create community.

Now, let's get to the food. The roasted cauliflower? Mind-blowing. Honestly, I didn't know it was even possible for cauliflower to be that delicious. The mushroom carbonara? Pure perfection. And don't even get me started on the Hokkaido scallops - I usually steer clear of scallops, but these had me hearing choirs of angels. And if you thought dinner was wonderful? There will be love songs written about the bombas we had for dessert. Pillowy donuts with a sugar covered exterior and a soft, almost mochi-like middle filled with the most incredible, fresh strawberry pastry cream. I would not be surprised if someone had gone out to hand pick those strawberries right before we arrived.

I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, City Grit is the place to be. Cheers to good food and...

Dinner at City Grit in Columbia feels part-restaurant, part-social experiment, and part-supper club run by very enthusiastic friends. The space hums with good intentions, a “gratuity-free” philosophy where staff earn full wages and any tips are donated to charity. It’s admirable, if occasionally chaotic, with servers calling everyone “friends” and the service more warm than polished.

Chef-driven and community-minded, City Grit feeds both conscience and when it works, it’s excellent. The jamón anejo, a 600-day Spanish ham with olive oil and Basque peppers, is generous and rich. The boquerones, anchovies with red peppers, lemon, and chips, are fantastic. The white bolognese is a silken tangle of house-made bucatini, deeply savory but far too small for $34. The pan con tomate is the highlight: bright, garlicky perfection on small sourdough with manchego.

Not everything lands. The patatas bravas were a car crash, overcooked, oddly unfried, and missing their red pepper aioli. The orange wine was more interesting than enjoyable, and the mismatched furniture adds to the general sense of well-meaning chaos. Still, City Grit’s heart is huge and in a city of safe bets, it dares to be...