Tucked away on Pickens Street in Columbia, South Carolina, DiPrato’s is the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your plans just to sit down and eat. This beloved NYC-style deli brings big-city flavor with a warm Southern twist, earning a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,000 happy customers.
Whether you are a local regular or just passing through, the food here has a way of turning a quick lunch stop into a full-on memory. The Reuben sandwich alone is reason enough to make the drive.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich at DiPrato’s
Some sandwiches are just sandwiches. But then there are those rare ones that stop you mid-bite and make you close your eyes for a second.
The Reuben at DiPrato’s on Pickens Street is that kind of sandwich.
Piled with tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, it comes on rye bread that is toasted to golden perfection. Every layer works together in a way that feels almost too good to be true.
Locals in Columbia have been raving about this sandwich for years, and visiting food lovers keep coming back specifically for it. At a price point marked as moderate, you get serious value for every bite.
If you are planning a trip to South Carolina and want one meal that truly delivers, DiPrato’s Reuben should be at the very top of your list.
A NYC-Style Deli With A Southern Soul
Picture a New York deli that took a road trip south and never left. That is basically what DiPrato’s is, and honestly, Columbia is better for it.
The restaurant blends Italian-style deli traditions with Southern comfort in a way that feels completely natural. You might find a classic meatball sub sitting right next to a dish of shrimp and grits on the menu, and somehow, neither one feels out of place.
The space itself is described as an airy eat-in cafe, giving it a relaxed vibe that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your meal. Reviewers consistently mention how welcoming the atmosphere feels, even during the busiest lunch rushes.
Beer and wine are also available, making it easy to turn a weekday lunch into something a little more special. It is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that Columbia residents truly treasure.
The Famous Pimento Cheese and Pita Chips
Ask almost anyone who has eaten at DiPrato’s what they ordered first, and there is a good chance pimento cheese and pita chips comes up immediately. This appetizer has become something of a legend among regulars.
The sharp white pimento cheese has a bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy homemade pita chips. One reviewer described it as something they just had to get after watching someone else enjoy it at a nearby table.
That kind of food envy is a real thing, and DiPrato’s earns it honestly.
What makes this combo extra special is that the pita chips are made in-house, giving them a freshness that store-bought versions simply cannot match. Whether you order it as a starter or as your whole meal, this dish represents everything DiPrato’s does best: simple ingredients, done with care and real flavor.
The Caprese Panini That Wows Every Time
Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pressed together into a warm, golden panini. That is the kind of lunch that feels like a small vacation, and DiPrato’s delivers it with impressive consistency.
One visitor raved about the caprese panini, noting that the tomatoes were exceptionally fresh and that the pesto mayonnaise served on the side took the whole thing to another level. It is the kind of thoughtful detail that separates a good sandwich shop from a truly great one.
The menu at DiPrato’s leans heavily into Italian-inspired flavors, and the caprese panini is one of its shiniest examples. For anyone who appreciates clean, quality ingredients over heavy sauces and processed fillings, this sandwich hits the mark every single time.
Located at 342 Pickens St, it is well worth a visit just to try this one item alone.
Corned Beef Hash Worth Waking Up For
Brunch at DiPrato’s is a whole event, and the corned beef hash is one of the main reasons people show up hungry on weekend mornings. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, it is comfort food done right.
One reviewer mentioned ordering it during a Saturday brunch visit alongside Eggs Benedict and a meatball sub, calling the overall meal a great experience. The corned beef hash pairs naturally with the deli’s NYC roots, bringing a classic diner energy to the Southern brunch scene in Columbia.
DiPrato’s is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, making it the perfect spot to kick off a lazy weekend morning. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the food arrives with that satisfying, made-with-care quality that keeps people coming back weekend after weekend.
Brunch here is genuinely hard to beat.
Eggs Benedict Done the DiPrato’s Way
Not every restaurant can pull off a great Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise has to be silky, the eggs perfectly poached, and the base just the right amount of toasted.
DiPrato’s checks every one of those boxes.
Reviewers who have ordered the Charleston Benedict specifically praise its Southern spin on the classic dish. Served with grits on the side, it merges two beloved food traditions into one satisfying plate.
The combination sounds simple, but the execution is what earns the praise.
Weekend brunch hours run from 10 AM to 4 PM, giving you plenty of time to roll in without rushing. The cafe atmosphere makes lingering feel completely natural, and the friendly staff add to that relaxed Sunday morning energy.
Whether you are a die-hard Eggs Benedict fan or just trying it for the first time, DiPrato’s version is a solid reason to show up hungry.
The Meatball Sub That Earns Its Reputation
Meatball subs can go wrong in so many ways. Rubbery meatballs, watery sauce, bread that falls apart after the first bite.
DiPrato’s avoids all of those pitfalls with a version that reviewers genuinely rave about.
The meatballs are described as huge, packed with flavor, and swimming in a rich, hearty sauce. One visitor noted that her daughter ordered the meatball sub and was completely won over.
That kind of cross-generational appeal says a lot about how well this sandwich is put together.
The Italian deli roots of DiPrato’s shine brightest in dishes like this one. You can taste the tradition in every bite.
Whether you are stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a longer sit-down meal, the meatball sub delivers a bold, satisfying experience that matches the restaurant’s NYC-inspired spirit. Do not sleep on this one.
The Vegetable Garden Sandwich That Surprises Everyone
Sometimes a vegetarian sandwich is so good it makes you forget you are not eating meat. The Vegetable Garden Sandwich at DiPrato’s is exactly that kind of dish, and it has been surprising first-timers for years.
One reviewer stopped in while visiting the Columbia area and added turkey to hers, calling the result enormous and delicious. But here is the kicker: she admitted she probably did not even need the extra protein because the sandwich was already packed with flavor and substance on its own.
Fresh ingredients are clearly the priority here, and it shows in every layer of this sandwich. The balance of textures and flavors makes it feel like a complete meal rather than a side thought.
For anyone who thinks vegetarian options at delis are boring or lacking, DiPrato’s Vegetable Garden Sandwich is a genuinely eye-opening argument to the contrary.
Pasta Salad That People Cannot Stop Talking About
Bold claim alert: one DiPrato’s customer called the pasta salad the best she had ever tasted in her life. That is a big statement, but based on what regulars consistently say about it, it is hard to argue.
Rich, creamy, and loaded with fresh ingredients, this pasta salad is the kind of side dish that ends up stealing the spotlight from the main course. It pairs well with nearly everything on the menu, but plenty of people order it simply because they cannot imagine a DiPrato’s visit without it.
Side dishes at restaurants often feel like an afterthought, but not here. DiPrato’s treats every item on the menu with the same level of attention and care.
The pasta salad is proof of that philosophy. Next time you visit, do yourself a favor and get a generous helping.
You will understand the hype within the very first forkful.
A Brunch Menu Full of Standout Moments
Banana pecan pancakes. Western omelets with grits and cheese.
Breakfast paninis. If that list gets your attention, then DiPrato’s weekend brunch menu was practically made for you.
The brunch offerings go well beyond the basics, mixing classic diner staples with Southern favorites and Italian-inspired touches. Reviewers frequently mention the generous portion sizes, with several noting that leftovers from brunch made for a great breakfast the next morning.
That is the sign of a truly satisfying meal.
The atmosphere during brunch hours leans relaxed and upbeat, with natural light filling the airy cafe space. Families, couples, and solo diners all seem to feel equally at home.
DiPrato’s is open for brunch Tuesday through Sunday starting at 10 AM, so there are plenty of chances to experience it for yourself. Once you try it, weekend brunch plans in Columbia will never look quite the same.
Location and Convenience That Make It Even Better
Great food is even better when it is easy to get to. DiPrato’s sits at 342 Pickens Street in Columbia, conveniently close to the University of South Carolina campus.
Reviewers frequently point out the ample parking and the easy access as major pluses.
Being close to campus means the lunch crowd can be lively, but the staff handles busy periods with practiced ease. The restaurant’s layout is cozy and compact, which adds to its neighborhood charm rather than detracting from it.
Tables fill up fast, especially on weekend mornings, so arriving a little early is always a smart move.
Hours run from 10 AM to 4 PM most days, with Monday closing at 2 PM. Whether you are grabbing a quick weekday bite or making it a full weekend outing, the location makes DiPrato’s one of the most accessible and enjoyable dining destinations in all of Columbia.
Stellar Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back
Food can be great, but if the service is cold or careless, the whole experience falls flat. At DiPrato’s, the staff clearly understands that hospitality is just as important as what comes out of the kitchen.
Multiple reviewers highlight servers by name, praising their warmth, attentiveness, and ability to handle large or demanding tables with grace. One reviewer specifically called out a server named Kate for her friendliness and helpfulness during a first-time visit.
Another mentioned that a server brought a slice of birthday cake to a young diner without being asked.
Those are the small moments that turn a decent restaurant into a beloved one. DiPrato’s has maintained the same servers for years, which regulars say speaks volumes about how well the business is run.
When the people serving your food genuinely enjoy their work, it shows in every interaction from the moment you walk in.
Catering and Business Meals Done Right
DiPrato’s is not just a sit-down lunch spot. For businesses and organizations in Columbia, it has become a go-to catering option for meetings, events, and gatherings of all sizes.
One reviewer shared that their team used DiPrato’s for an executive meeting and walked away thoroughly impressed. A few items were initially missed in the order, but the team responded quickly and handled the situation with professionalism and genuine care.
That kind of recovery says a lot about how seriously DiPrato’s takes customer satisfaction.
The menu variety makes catering orders flexible and easy to customize for groups with different tastes and dietary preferences. From hearty sandwiches and fresh salads to pasta dishes and desserts, there is something to please every attendee.
If you are planning a work event in the Columbia area and want food that actually gets people excited, reaching out to DiPrato’s at 803-779-0606 is a great place to start.