A-Z International Dining Guide: Off The Grid Greenville #local edition
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FOLLOW Off The Grid Greenville social posts as we scroll through the alphabet this season,
August 13, 2025, to May 14, 2026.
To celebrate the conclusion of the A–Z International Dining Guide, Off The Grid Greenville will host The Flamingo Finale on May 14, 2026. The community wrap event will begin at Stella’s Southern Brasserie from 5:00–6:30 p.m., followed by a second stop at Pizza Parcheggio from 6:30–7:45 p.m. The event is open to the public and invites the community to gather, connect, and celebrate the diverse cultures and stories highlighted throughout the year-long series.
Jackie Brooker + Juliette Cheatham collaboration
A is for…
Argentina
📌 Maestro Bistro Dinner Club
104 S. Main Street, Suite 105, Greenville, SC 29601
Helmed by Sammy Dominguez, the menu at Maestro Bistro Dinner Club features Argentinian favorites like puff pastry empanadas while simultaneously offering Wagyu filets and Osetra caviar, talk about range! The bistro’s open kitchen concept, rotating specials, and occasional live music create an inviting “dinner club” atmosphere. The Argentina Milanese, a slightly pan-fried steak served on brioche with an over-easy egg and finished with chimichurri, was an OTGG standout. However, no matter what you get, Maestro effortlessly blends classic technique with Argentinian charm.
B is for…
Belgium
📌 Trappe Door
23 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Down a staircase and inconspicuously located below street level, The Trappe Door offers downtown Greenville an intimate, cozy dining experience. Best known for the extensive selection of Belgian ales and over 150 options at any given time, the kitchen is also churning out some distinctive fare.
Think crispy fish and frites with house-made dipping sauces (pictured), mussels served in several traditional styles, from white wine and garlic to spicy tomato and well-loved Euro pub food Bitterballen (all you need to know is fried meat and cheese balls). Exposed brick, candlelit tables, and all the vibes.
C is for…
China
📌 Asia Pacific Grocery & Restaurant
420 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Proudly offering The Upstate’s authentic Chinese cuisine reminiscent of her upbringing, owner Alva Suk-Yin Mak, a Hong Kong native, offers 100 dishes. It’s normal to encounter some paralysis by analysis at Asia Pacific, so we’re here to help! Don’t sleep on the crispy-skinned roast duck and tender char siu pork. While you wait, explore the adjacent supermarket offering an expansive sampling of international snacks, produce, sauces, and pantry staples you won’t find elsewhere in Greenville.
Colombia
📌 Él Ca-fe Empanadas & Pastries
📌 Empanadas y Salsas
📌 Pereira Bakery
📌 Sacha’s Café
📌 La Delicia
And a few more spots here: Scouted: Best Latinx Bites in Greenville, SC.
D is for…
Dominican Republic
📌 Sofrito Latin Kitchen
12801 Wade Hampton Blvd Suite 23, Taylors, SC 29687
Owners Ana and Hector, proud natives of the Dominican Republic, are serving up soulful dishes featuring vibrant Latin flavors, conveniently located off Wade Hampton Blvd. Our recommendation? Go for the mofongo, a garlicky green plantain mash (garlic shrimp pictured) with chicharron, that’s pure comfort food, or the ropa vieja beef marinated in the namesake sofrito and slow-braised. No matter what you choose, this one-of-a-kind spot is a flavorful passport to the islands—no airfare required.
Image Provided.
E is for…
Ethiopia
📌 Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant
48 Commerce St, Asheville, NC 28801
While Greenville has yet to welcome its own Ethiopian restaurant, Addissae in Asheville is the closest authentic option -just under 90 minutes away, making it the perfect day trip!
Most dishes are served family‑style, and while silverware is available upon request, guests are encouraged to use a more common Ethiopian utensil, injera. This traditional flatbread is the perfect sauce-soaking vessel, made from a blend of brown rice and teff, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain.
The cooked-to-order kitfo is made with extra-lean, hand-ground beef cooked in Ethiopian-spiced butter and served with a homemade cottage cheese called ayib and gomen (collard greens). For a memorable finish, choose an Ethiopian-style coffee service for up to four people, because just like all life experiences, meals are best when shared.
F is for…
France
📌 Voila French Café
755 Hammett Bridge Road, Greer, SC 29650
Owner Fabrice DiNonno, originally from Marseille, France, brings decades of experience to Greer’s counter service French café concept. Enjoy scratch-made soups, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. The Croque Monsieur—ham, gruyère, and béchamel layered on toasted sourdough bread is a signature standout for a reason. If it’s patisserie you’re after, plan to get there early and enjoy sitting either inside or out to cast sidelong glances at those not-so-early birds who roll in late.
📌 Authentique French Creperie
📌 Full Plate Creperie Eatery Sweets (stay tuned for NEW location Spring 2026)
📌 Le Petit Croissant
📌 Passerelle Bistro
📌 Rise Bakery
G is for…
Greece
📌 JiRoz
644 N. Main Street, Unit 100, Greenville, SC 29601
Owned and operated by Greenville local John Makkas, Ji-Roz is downtown’s spot for fresh, flavorful Mediterranean fare. Cheese lovers can rejoice in either the bouyourdi or saganaki, both of which consist of baked slabs of the good stuff oozing with flavor.
While the gyros (lamb, chicken, or falafel) remain a local favorite, don’t miss out on the more intricate dishes like the slow-braised lamb shank or seafood specialties like whole branzino or octopus, both wood-fired.
Prepared family meals are also available for advance order and include a salad, main course, and side to feed up to four for $48.00, perfect for a low-effort, high-reward kind of night.
📌 Greektown Grille
📌 Kouzina
📌 Zorba Lounge
H is for…
Honduran
📌 Pupuseria La Estrella
1129 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville, SC 29617
For a true taste of Honduran street food, head over to La Estrella, offering a no-frills yet utterly delicious menu packed with Central American classics. The beloved baleadas, a thick flour tortilla folded over a creamy layer of refried beans, are a simple yet irresistible offering, especially when accompanied by cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
Or, if you’d rather, the pupusa, an equally thick and delicious handmade griddle cake that is sizzled to perfection and stuffed with your choice of protein. Breakfast is served all day for those who dream of “brinner” or have had a late start and/or a hangover.
I is for…
Italy
📌 Ristorante Bergamo
100 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601
A cornerstone of downtown Greenville since 1986, Bergamo offers an authentic Northern Italian dining experience. The restaurant is now helmed by Chef Gian Pietro Ferro, a native of the Bergamo, Italy area, who brings decades of culinary expertise from New York City. A standout dish is the Fegato alla Veneziana, featuring sautéed calf’s liver with onions and white wine vinegar, inspired by Chef Ferro’s Venetian grandmother. Made with ingredients sourced from Revival Butchery, the dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors made with ingredients boasting Carolina pride.
DYK: Bergamo, Italy, and Greenville, SC have been sister cities since 1985 due to their shared textile history.
AND a few more with notes:
- Bocca Pure Italian — Family-owned Italian restaurant
- DeMarco – Newly opened
- Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry — Family-owned Italian gelato and pastries
- Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant — Old school vibes and flavors (no reservations)
- Johnny’s Parm — Italian-American dishes (order online for kitchen pickup)
- Pizza Parcheggio — American-Italian pizza (OPENED LOCATION FALL 2025)
- L’Ancanto —Northern Italian restaurant (new owners + yes to reservations)
- Spaghetti Westurn – House-made pasta
- Trattoria Giorgio — Intimate, chef-owned Italian eatery
📷 Jessica Teruel India
- Handi
- Indigo Kitchen
- Kolapasi Indian Kitchen
- Maria’s Kitchen (back of Drop Inn Store) pictured
- Perses Indian Cuisine
- Saffron Indian Cuisine
J is for…
Japan
📌SUSHI GO (for Godo)
247 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Named not for quick accessibility but after owner Max Godo, Sushi Go offers downtown Greenville classic Japanese sushi, ramen, udon, and kids’ meals served in bento boxes.
After Godo took over the space in 2015, he quickly implemented an expansive menu offering something for both sushi traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Specialty picks include the Red on White, which features spicy tuna atop crispy rice chips, the Baked Spicy Tuna in an avocado, and don’t forget the steamed chawanmushi if you’re looking for delicate, comforting, and a little different. All dishes come with fresh toppings (some even edible orchids) and house-made sauces. Watch for great deals on lunch specials.
Jamaica
- Irie Caribbean Cuisine — Jamaican cuisine; locally owned
- Jamaican Mi Irie — Jamaican dishes; local favorite
K is for…
Korea
📌 Korean BBQ
1170 Woodruff Road, Suite D, Greenville, SC 29607
Korean BBQ is a family-owned and operated Greenville staple serving truly authentic Korean meals in a no-frills environment. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, and the ability to adjust spice levels to taste all make this low-key dining experience ideal for lunch or a casual dinner.
Popular items include marinated bulgogi, sizzling stone-bowl bibimbap, cool noodle dishes, kimchi fried rice, fall-off-the-bone beef rib, and sampler bento boxes served with typical banchan sides.
In addition to the quality of food, the consistently welcoming hospitality has kept this Woodruff Road dive a favorite among locals seeking an authentic Korean meal.
Korea
- Bulgogi Korean Grill — Korean barbecue.
- Chef 21 — Korean BBQ/Chinese dimsum/Japanese fusion.
L is for…
Lebanon
📌 Habibi Village
227 S. Liberty Street, Asheville, NC 28801
While Greenville has yet to welcome its own Lebanese restaurant, Habibi Village in Asheville, North Carolina, is the closest authentic option and just under 90 minutes away, making it a perfect foodie day trip. Founded and run by a proud native of Lebanon, this establishment’s pillowy saj flatbread is the star of the show and also nourishingly packed with gluten-free superfoods like chia seeds, cassava, and buckwheat.
Our recommendation? Go for the Chef’s Special loaded with farm cheeses, olives, greens, and za’atar. No matter your pick, each dish will take your taste buds on a journey to West Africa.
Pro tip: You’ll find Habibi Village Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the North Asheville, Black Mountain, and West Asheville Tailgate Markets.
M is for…
Mexico
📌 Taqueria Mixtepec
2907 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29609
Taqueria Mixtepec is known for bold flavors, generous portions, and freshly prepared dishes specializing in traditional Mixteca-style dishes. Mexican cuisine from this southern region of the country tends to be rustic, deeply traditional, and ingredient-driven. Alongside crowd-pleasing tacos, especially the al pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa. Regulars praise the hearty tortas and house-made salsas that elevate every plate.
Don’t skip the tlayudas, a traditional dish from Oaxaca often described as a Mexican-style flatbread or an oversized crispy tortilla. Tlayudas are typically served open-faced and meant to be shared, offering a balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors.
Come for the genuine Mexican comfort food done right, stay for the consistently friendly service.
MORE Mexico
- Califas
- Cielito Lindo
- Comal 864
- El Cauldron
- La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant
- La Unica’s Snack Bar
- Las Meras Tortas
- Mextizo Tortas y Tacos
- Papi’s Tacos
- Tamarindo
- Viva Tacos and Birria
- Viva Villa Mexican Grill
- Food trucks, food carts, and +++ amazing, authentic spots in the Upstate, SC. Email or message your favorite if we missed it! hello@offthegridgreenville.com
N is for…
Nicaragua
📌 Asada
903 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609
Known for a creative menu featuring Latin American fusion dishes, Asada offers The Upstate a taste of traditional cooking with inventive touches!
Co-Founder Gina Petti continues to honor her late Nicaraguan husband, Roberto Cortez, by incorporating his authentic heritage in dishes such as the Nicaraguan-style churrasco steak, a marinated and grilled tri-tip with chimichurri, and the queso frito & tostones, fried cheese with crispy plantains and Nicaraguan-style slaw.
While the Mission burrito draws inspiration only as far as the West Coast, it remains a crowd-favorite packed with flavorful grilled meats and fresh ingredients.
P is for…
Peru
📌 Golden Llama
2435 E. North Street, Greenville, SC 29615
Golden Llama Peruvian Rotisserie & Grill serves authentic Peruvian flavors with generous portion sizes, so be sure to come hungry! Expect the usual suspects like perfectly seasoned Peruvian rotisserie chicken, ceviches, and of course, Lomo Saltado, which is also conveniently offered in a hand-held burrito version.
Craving something a little different? Try the Peruvian fried rice with either shrimp, beef, chicken, or all three, because why not!
PSA: Golden Llama offers catering and has a second location situated in the Five Forks area of Simpsonville.
S is for Syria
📌 Tahini Middle Eastern Eatery
11 College Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Tahini brings vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine to downtown Greenville with a casual and quick-service vibe. The restaurant is co-owned by Syrian-born Habib Kdaisi, who was raised in Lebanon. Kdaisi honed his culinary craft in kitchens abroad and most recently at Furman University’s Café Bon Appétit before launching Tahini with family.
Expect beloved, down-to-earth favorites such as shawarma, falafel and hummus all generously seasoned with herbaceous sauces and bold spices like za’atar and chimichurri. Affordable. Authentic. Aromatic. What’s not to love? One things for sure, Tahini is a standout spot for lunch or dinner downtown.
Tip: Grab a seat at the chef’s counter for a first-hand view of the action!
T is for Thailand
📌 Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
8590 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615
Sweet Basil boasts a menu rooted in authentic, home-cooked, traditional Thai recipes prepared with fresh ingredients. After immigrating from Pattaya Beach, Thailand, to America in the late 90’s, the family quickly realized what the Greenville food scene was missing.
What started as a humble venture has now blossomed into a spacious, 2,200-square-foot culinary experience steeped in island charm. Beloved by locals for perfectly crafted classics like pad Thai, tom ka gai, curries, noodles, fried rice and stir-frys all served in generous portions. As a bonus, the eatery offers an expansive cocktail list and, even more excitingly, a weekend happy hour.
More Thailand
- Augusta Thai
- Kanikka’s Thai Kitchen
- Sirin Thai
U is for United States
📌 Brick Street Cafe
315 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Brick Street Cafe has remained a longtime local favorite ever since it opened in the mid-’90s. Classic soul food like shrimp & stone ground grits, the “Love Muffin” baked with a dollop of raspberry preserves and cream cheese and Miss Sue’s savory chicken salad sandwich all complement the nostalgic charm and delightfully eclectic dining room to perfection.
But the real reason to stop by? The famous sweet potato cake! So famous in fact, that cakes are secretly prepped by the owners before staff clock in. Moist, not too sweet and slathered in cream cheese frosting… it’s a recipe worth protecting.
United States (Southern & Soul Food)
- MooHogz BBQ
- OJ’s Diner
Ukrainine
- EuroStor — Enjoy their Ukrainian baker’s selection when you enter on the right side.
V is for Vietnam
📌 Pho 99
1540 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609
Pho 99, has been Greenville’s trusted family-run staple since 1999, and still going strong. Known perhaps best for their namesake, steaming bowls of pho layered with brisket, you can also count on exceptional bun (cold vermicelli noodle bowls), bún bò huế (thick noodle soup) and smoky grilled pork chops. Whatever you order, you know you’re in for a symphony of fresh herbs and aromatics. Don’t skip the extra strong iced coffee served with sweetened condensed milk for a truly Vietnamese treat.
Lucky for you, nearly every suburb of Greenville has you covered when a pho craving strikes, and Pho 99 remains one of the originals.
📌 Pho & More
5155 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640
Cozy Easley favorite for pho, vermicelli bowls, and comforting Vietnamese classics.
Facebook: @phoandmoreeasley
📌 Pho Le
Taylors, SC (Wade Hampton by Publix)
New Taylors addition off Wade Hampton near Publix, serving homestyle Vietnamese soups and plates.
Facebook: @pholegvl
📌 Pho Nomenal
477 Haywood Rd, Unit D, Greenville, SC 29607
Bright, modern Vietnamese with pho, spring rolls, and grilled meats near Haywood Mall.
Website: phonomenalgreenville.com
Instagram: @phonomenalgreenville
📌 Pho Noodleville
21 Orchard Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29615
Long-running Greenville staple for traditional pho, vermicelli, and comfort-food noodle bowls.
Facebook: @phoodleville
📌 TruBroth Coffee & Vietnamese Cuisine
36 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Travelers Rest hangout pairing Vietnamese dishes with espresso and specialty coffee.
Instagram: @trubroth
📌 Saigon Fast Food (open since 2001)
1011 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607
No-frills counter-service spot for fast, flavorful pho, vermicelli, and spring rolls.
Facebook: @saigonfastfoodgvl
And RIP, we will never forget you:
📌 Mekong
Beloved Vietnam-era Wade Hampton mainstay, remembered for beloved Chef Huy Tran and their HUGE bowls of pho with the bucket garden outside.
https://offthegridgreenville.com/eat-drink-post/2017/9/26/mekong-vietnamese-restaurant
And there's more to come.
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