Graphite — Restaurant in Columbia

As someone who has spent years working in food service, I’ve developed a keen appreciation for the nuances of cooking and dining. The opening of Graphite has been eagerly anticipated, I usually want to let a new establishment find their stride before seeing what they have to offer. After waiting patiently for about a month, my wife and I were finally able to experience what it had to offer.

Our evening began with the calamari starter, which struck an immediate chord with me. The dish was crispy yet tender, with a perfect balance of flavors from the aioli. The addition of fried kale added both texture and a touch of bitterness, elevating the overall profile of this classic appetizer.

My wife chose the Caesar salad, which she described as authentic and satisfying. It was crisp, well-seasoned, and generously adorned with Parmesan, making it a standout dish that instantly reminded me of the best iterations I’ve encountered at fine dining establishments.

For myself, I opted for the house-made graphite salad, which was a visual and textual masterpiece. The figs, goat cheese, apple, and red onion worked harmoniously together, creating a dish that was both complex and satisfying. Each component was thoughtfully prepared, ensuring a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

The main event was the Halibut, a dish that showcased the restaurant’s attention to detail and culinary prowess. The fish was perfectly cooked—firm with a delicate crust that provided just the right amount of texture. The winter root vegetables added a vibrant contrast, while the bacon lardon and little neck clams contributed depth and richness to the plate.

One aspect that particularly impressed me was the wine list, which offered an eclectic mix of familiar and unfamiliar labels. My personal favorite by the glass was available, indicating a thoughtful selection process that caters to diverse palates.

The dining atmosphere was inviting yet elegant, with service that was attentive without being intrusive. This combination of ambiance and attention to detail made the experience feel truly special.

In conclusion, Graphite is a standout addition to the culinary landscape of Columbia. Its commitment to quality, creativity, and guest experience makes it one of the most exciting new restaurants in the area. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys a well-executed meal, Graphite is...

Impressive opening weekend performance, from the furnishings to the flatware selection.

Modern design decor but with class and comfort. The entire staff was professional and well dressed. Everyone stuck to their duties which made this dining experience stand out. The price point is well worth what you receive in both food service and food quality.

The bar prides itself making speciality drinks and their mixologist did not disappoint. The “Pencils Edge” with fresh lemon and rosemary was a nice touch.

The side Cesar salad was absolutely fantastic and I do recommend. The dressing was homemade with real parmesan shavings and topped with an anchovy.

The halibut was cooked and presented perfectly with the right amount of flavor and texture.

Surprisingly for a high end kitchen menu. The fried chicken was 5 stars. Not too heavy or greasy. Juicy and tender. Mashed potatoes and gravy were prepared with care and not rushed like one would expect from a fast food diner. I was pleasantly impressed with my choice.

Amber, the manager introduced herself and we enjoyed her conversation. Shout out to our server Luke and we will be back to try more off the menu and bring along guests. Cheers

Update. FYI If you credit card point game e.g Amex etc. this place does not charge code as...

I walked in with too high of expectations. I undertand they've been open for 2 months, and my girl and I went for V-day, and it was their first large event for dining, but they shouldn't have had the prices so high, if they couldn't provide. We both got the "12oz" ribeye.. it was the most expensive entrée on the menu, and funny enough, it seemed to also be the most disappointing. We waited way too long to get a server, and every plate brought to us seemed like the person serving it, had no clue what table it was going to, every delivery was with a question mark. Like "salad?" The steak was 70% fat, 30% meat. The baked potato tasted as though it was made in a microwave, the green beans as well. I was too excited to attend dinner with my girl for V-Day, and if you are attending dinner here, stick to non-important dates.. (Also, I hate when "classy" dining restaurants allow any attire, like we were dressed nice, and a table next to us was 15 year olds wearing sweat pants.. maybe I was confused on the...