$$$American Contemporary
If you enjoy wine, head for The Anchorage. The front doubles as a shop, where you can peruse the collection to take a bottle home or if one strikes your fancy, they'll open it for you on the spot. Of course, The Anchorage isn't just about wine. Their concise menu teases just under ten different dishes, as well as a reasonably priced tasting menu. Catch a glimpse of the team in action in the semi-open kitchen, where locally sourced ingredients are woven into dishes like hand-rolled rigatoni with basil pesto and meatballs, plus fennel and black king mushrooms, or steak over a bed of Carolina Gol
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
The Anchorage in Easley offers American Contemporary cuisine with generally high food quality, particularly noted for its swordfish and chef's tasting menu. However, portion sizes are frequently described as small, and flavor consistency varies. Service is mostly positive, though isolated incidents of slow response or unfriendly staff occur. The atmosphere is comfortable and well-restored, suitable for casual dining. Value perceptions are mixed; while some find it worthwhile, others consider it overpriced relative to portion size. It suits diners seeking locally sourced, detailed meals, provided they have realistic expectations regarding serving sizes.
Suitable for diners seeking refined local ingredients with modest portion expectations.
$$$Italian
Chef Michael Kramer's restaurant in downtown Greenville is a popular place and while reservations are always recommended, their full-service bar accommodates walk-ins. From the starters and pastas to the proteins and the wine list, it's Italian through and through. Enjoy items such as skillfully shaped agnolotti with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling or pan-seared red snapper, topped with sauteed cherry tomatoes, onions and garlic in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. To finish, nothing beats a slice of olive oil cake with strawberry coulis sided by a scoop of creamy coconut sorbet and pine
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Jianna in Mauldin holds a 4.6/5 rating on TripAdvisor. Food quality is a primary strength, particularly the fresh pasta and extensive wine list, often complemented by knowledgeable and friendly service. However, ambiance receives mixed feedback; while some guests appreciate the outdoor balcony or quiet corners, others find the interior noisy, dimly lit, or disrupted by televisions. Value perceptions vary, with some noting extra charges, though the restaurant participates in Restaurant Week. Overall, it suits diners prioritizing culinary excellence over consistent atmospheric comfort.
Recommended for diners prioritizing food and wine quality; booking outdoor seating is advised for a better atmosphere.
$$American
Soby's is a local institution. Opened in 1997, this restaurant in downtown Greenville has earned a loyal following. The dining room is always buzzing, and the bar is often packed, so plan ahead to reserve a table or pull up a seat at the bar and watch the bartenders at work. The wine list is especially impressive, and the kitchen highlights spot-on Southern cooking. Breaded and fried green tomatoes over a layer of haricots vert are topped with a pimiento fondue sauce and some crispy carrot slices for a dish that speaks with a thick Southern accent and never disappoints.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Soby's in Mauldin holds a 4.4/5 average rating. Food quality is a primary strength, with highlights including crab cakes, duck confit, crème brûlée, and she crab soup, though some diners found portion sizes small. Service is polarizing; sommelier John and servers like Carey receive praise, while others report slow pacing, lack of menu knowledge, or poor seating arrangements near stairs. The atmosphere is described as cozy and stylish, suitable for dates. Value is noted positively due to no corkage fees on Sundays, but mixed experiences persist regarding staff attentiveness. It remains a long-standing, highly-rated establishment where individual service interactions significantly impact the overall dining experience.
Suitable for diners prioritizing food quality and sommelier service; advance reservations with specific server requests are recommended.