Best restaurants in Aiken: Where to eat Southern classics, farm-to-table & date night

Aiken, South Carolina, August 14, 2025

Aiken, South Carolina — Top Dining Experiences and Local Food “Events”

Aiken offers a vibrant range of dining experiences that feel like local events: from relaxed breakfast meetups and farm-to-table evenings to special date night dinners. Below is a listicle-style guide to notable places in Aiken, presented with location, phone and helpful details for each dining experience.

1. Malia’s

Address: 120 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 643-3086

Cuisine: American, Contemporary

Best for / Type of event: Date night and special-occasion dinners with a seasonally changing menu.

Highlights: Innovative American dishes, intimate atmosphere, thoughtfully curated wine selections, and menus that rotate to showcase fresh, local ingredients.

2. The Willcox Restaurant

Address: 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 648-1898

Cuisine: American, Southern

Best for / Type of event: Elegant dining, anniversary dinners, and refined Southern-style meals.

Highlights: Located inside a historic hotel setting, the menu blends classic Southern dishes with modern touches, making it suitable for both casual and formal gatherings.

3. New Moon Cafe

Address: 116 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 643-7088

Cuisine: Cafe, American

Best for / Type of event: Breakfast and casual lunch meetups, community gatherings and relaxed daytime visits.

Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere with emphasis on locally sourced ingredients; good spot for sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and casual conversation.

4. What’s Cookin’ Downtown

Address: 123 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 649-1068

Cuisine: Southern, American

Best for / Type of event: Hearty breakfast and comfort food gatherings — ideal for morning community breakfasts and casual lunches.

Highlights: Classic Southern breakfast offerings like biscuits and gravy and homestyle lunch plates, making it a popular comfort-food destination.

5. Duke’s Bar-B-Q

Address: 4248 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803

Phone: (803) 649-7675

Cuisine: Barbecue, Southern

Best for / Type of event: Casual group meals and buffet-style gatherings, family dinners and barbecue-focused events.

Highlights: Traditional Southern barbecue served buffet-style, with a variety of smoked meats, classic sides, and homemade desserts—well suited to group dining.

6. City Billiards

Address: 208 Richland Ave W, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 649-7632

Cuisine: American, Diner

Best for / Type of event: Casual hangouts and informal meals with friends and family.

Highlights: Classic diner atmosphere known for hamburgers and comfort classics; relaxed service and a friendly local vibe.

7. La Parisienne

Address: 233 Chesterfield St S, Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (803) 226-0582

Cuisine: French, Bakery

Best for / Type of event: Breakfast, brunch, and intimate French-style meals — perfect for casual romantic mornings or relaxed weekend brunches.

Highlights: Freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, and classic French dishes that bring a European cafe feel to Aiken’s local food scene.

Quick Notes on Planning Your Visit

• Reservations: Reservations are recommended for date-night or dinner service at intimate spots like Malia’s and The Willcox Restaurant.
• Group dining: Duke’s Bar-B-Q is a strong option for larger groups seeking buffet-style serving and traditional Southern barbecue options.
• Best daytime choices: New Moon Cafe, What’s Cookin’ Downtown and La Parisienne are excellent for breakfast and brunch events.

FAQ

Key Features Table

Restaurant	Location	Phone	Cuisine	Best for / Event Type
Malia’s	120 Laurens St SW	(803) 643-3086	American, Contemporary	Date night, special occasions
The Willcox Restaurant	100 Colleton Ave SW	(803) 648-1898	American, Southern	Elegant dining, celebrations
New Moon Cafe	116 Laurens St NW	(803) 643-7088	Cafe, American	Breakfast, casual lunch
What’s Cookin’ Downtown	123 Laurens St NW	(803) 649-1068	Southern, American	Breakfast & comfort food
Duke’s Bar-B-Q	4248 Whiskey Rd	(803) 649-7675	Barbecue, Southern	Group meals, barbecue events
City Billiards	208 Richland Ave W	(803) 649-7632	American, Diner	Casual hangouts
La Parisienne	233 Chesterfield St S	(803) 226-0582	French, Bakery	Breakfast, brunch, romantic mornings

This guide focuses on the experiences and practical details to help plan meals and meetups across Aiken. For up-to-date hours, reservation policies, and current menus, contact the listed phone numbers directly.