Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service from various servers, particularly highlighting individuals like Hayden, Anna, and Maria.
Food Consistency
While many enjoyed the food, there were several complaints about inconsistency, including overcooked and poorly seasoned dishes.
Staffing Issues
Multiple reviews indicated that the restaurant is often understaffed, leading to delays in service and food delivery.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is generally described as warm and inviting, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
BS
Brandon Saxon
Jan 4, 2026
5.0
Always a great place and the food is excellent! But even better is the service, especially from Alexis at your Harbison location! She’s so attentive, helpful, and kind and really makes the dining experience enjoyable! She gets 5 stars every day!
DD
Danny Dombal
Dec 30, 2025
1.0
not our first time probably 7 times past year, yet its the same issue except 1x , good intentions by the servers , very understaffed all the times , actually feel bad for the staff as there us not enough of them to go around to properly serve the customers , KUDOS to Trey our server for his politeness and courtesy , they actually list 2 of the guest orders so they ate late compared to the rest of us , High understaffed all times I've come
FP
Frank P
Dec 23, 2025
2.0
First. I am tired of restaurateurs firing back a me, like I owe them something and I should accept less than what I get and be happy about it. This has not happened here on this adventure in dining so far.
Now. We like and dislike this Carrabba's and most of the others we have been to in the last couple of years. Unpredictable food. Today was not good. Everything was over salted. I do mean everything. And the soup did not taste right. I am mad that I paid them for the meal(both of the meals). The alternatives of sending it all back and waiting for food to come out or just telling them to TAKE IT OFF THE BILL is a problem. It's been hours now and my mouth still does not feel right.
To conclude. We go for the food. Did not happen today.
RJ
Rae Jones
Dec 19, 2025
5.0
Dearest Stella,
Yes, the food was incredible. That’s the baseline. Carrabba’s understood the mission.
But Stella… Stella was the headline.
My sister and I came in for dinner after not seeing each other for a while, which meant the ordering process turned into a documentary. There was talking. There was laughing. There was intense menu eye contact like we were waiting for it to make the decision for us. And the entire time, Stella stood there calm and unbothered - like, “Take your time, I’ve seen this before.”
Not once did she rush us. Not once did she hover. Not once did she give the look servers give when they’re silently begging you to pick a pasta. It was impressive. Olympic-level patience.
When we finally ordered, the food arrived and immediately justified the delay. The fettuccine Alfredo with steak and shrimp? Outstanding. The braised beef Marsala? So good it briefly paused the conversation, which almost never happens.
Now let’s talk about the espresso martinis.
The first one arrived and we thought, Wow, this is excellent.
The second one arrived and we thought, Okay, this is just good decision-making.
At no point did things get wild.. just perfectly timed, expertly made espresso martinis that kept the night exactly where it needed to be.
Through all of it, Stella stayed cheerful, attentive, and hilarious- like she genuinely wanted us there and wasn’t counting the minutes until we left. A rare and beautiful thing.
So cheers to you, Stella for being patient, funny, effortlessly cool, and somehow managing sisters, pasta, and espresso martinis with ease. And cheers to Carrabba’s for employing someone who doesn’t just serve dinner… she runs the room.
Standing ovation, five stars, forever requesting your section 💛🍸
PA
Penny Small one ak
Dec 19, 2025
5.0
Our group of nine had dinner on 12/18 at Carrabba’s on Columbiana Drive. It had been awhile since we all had eaten there. All I can say is that it didn’t disappoint any of us. The restaurant was very busy, but our waiter, Duke, worked very hard to keep up with our drink and food orders. He was very pleasant and accommodating. Everyone loved their food choices and we will be back. Their bartender made very good Cosmos. Next time I will be trying their Sangria. All in all a very enjoyable evening at Carrabba’s Italian Grill! Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrabba's Italian Grill
What type of cuisine does Carrabba's Italian Grill in Columbia, SC offer?
Carrabba's Italian Grill offers authentic Italian cuisine for dine-in, carryout, delivery, or catering.
What are the operating hours of Carrabba's Italian Grill?
The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Does Carrabba's Italian Grill offer happy hour? If so, when is it?
Yes, happy hour is offered daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What pickup and delivery services are available at Carrabba's Italian Grill?
Carrabba's offers in-store pickup, curbside pickup, delivery, same day delivery, and no-contact delivery options.
Can I order online from Carrabba's Italian Grill?
Yes, you can order online for delivery or pickup through their website at https://www.carrabbas.com/order/menu/columbia.
Is Carrabba's Italian Grill kid-friendly and accessible for families?
Yes, the restaurant welcomes families, has a children's menu, high chairs, wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom.
Does Carrabba's Italian Grill serve alcoholic beverages?
Yes, Carrabba's serves liquor, beer, wine, cocktails, and has a bar onsite.
What nearby dining options are available around Carrabba's Italian Grill in Columbia?
Nearby restaurants include Braum's ice cream shop, Tokyo Grill (Asian cuisine), Sticky Fingers, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Yamato Steak House, Texas Roadhouse, and Brazillian steakhouses such as RIOZ and Braza Do Sul.
Are there lodging options near Carrabba's Italian Grill for visitors?
Yes, nearby lodging includes HomeTowne Studios & Suites Columbia, MainStay Suites Columbia Harbison, BLU Beach Bar & Grill hotel, and InTown Suites Extended Stay.
Which medical and emergency facilities are close to Carrabba's Italian Grill?
Nearby facilities include Columbia Fire Station 16, Park Ridge Hospital, Palmetto Health Baptist Breast Center, and Prisma Health Breast Health Center - Parkridge.