Xitomate: Tasty Mexican Fare in Columbia, Maryland

Columbia’s Xitomate serves traditional Mexican food in a welcoming Columbia, Maryland spot. The dining area can get a bit raucous in the evenings, but those that want to enjoy a quieter meal can ask to be seated on the patio. The patio's also a dog-friendly spot to dine.

Customer favorites here include the cochinita pibil, the mussels a la Mexicana, the pescado a la talla tacos, the empanada de camaron y queso and the chile relleno de queso y elote. Regulars also recommend the chips and salsa and the margarita de la casa.

Xitomate is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays.

Xitomate
5850 Waterloo Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 750-8787
www.xitomate.com/index.php
www.yelp.com/biz/xitomate-columbia

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café: Casual Cuisine Straight From the French Countryside

La Madeline French Bakery & Café offers an authentic taste of French cuisine right here in Columbia. This quaint bistro is a part of a beloved chain of eateries with locations all over the country, and it is decorated with stone fireplaces, dark wood furnishings, and wrought iron accents for a true French country look. The bakery area hosts glass display cases filled with flaky pastries and colorful fruit tarts, while the kitchen creates French delicacies like beef bourguignon, French dip sandwiches, and seasonal salads. For breakfast, La Madeleine also offers elaborate eggs Benedict dishes and, of course, French toast.

Enjoy the chic ambiance over lunch with a friend, or take advantage of La Madeleine’s free Wi-Fi and sip a strong coffee while catching up on emails at the small café tables.

La Madeleine
6211 Columbia Crossing Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-4900
www.lamadeleine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-madeleine-french-bakery-and-cafe-columbia

House of India: A Universe Of Flavor

Since opening in 2001, House of India has become one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the Columbia area. Chef Shyam Prakash has over 30 years of experience cooking in restaurants all over India, Europe, and the United States. He brings a mastery of tastes and textures to the table, with a vast menu that boasts dozens of recommended dishes. Some of the entrees that draw raves from regulars include a spectacularly moist and flavorful chicken tikka masala, spicy chicken chilli, and amazing goat dishes. Others claim that the gulab jamun is the absolute best in town. Fish dishes are also a specialty, with a salmon tikka masala drawing raves. For appetizers, make sure to get the samosas – these fluffy pastries stuffed with peas and potatoes are spectacular. If you’re looking to save money, head in for the lunch buffet and enjoy a number of the restaurant’s most popular dishes for one low price.

House of India
9350 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/house-of-india-columbia

Royal Taj: Authentic Indian Cuisine and Fast Service

Royal Taj is one of Columbia’s busiest Indian restaurants, thanks to the quality of its food. Locals say you can’t say no to Royal Taj, whether you’re ordering a la carte or having the lunch buffet. Here you can enjoy the relaxed ambiance and the modern décor as you tuck into flavorful dishes served by cheerful staff. Order the lamb vindaloo, the chicken tikka masala, the vegetable korma or the chicken curry. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat here.

You may need to wait for a table at this popular restaurant, but if you show up earlier in the evening, you have a better chance of being seated right away. Royal Taj is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Royal Taj
8874 McGaw Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-1111
www.royaltajmd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/royal-taj-columbia

Chutney Indian Restaurant: Fresh Food and Quality Service

Columbia’s Chutney Indian Restaurant serves North and South Indian cuisine to an appreciative clientele. Customers say the food here is well-spiced and appropriate for even for the pickiest of diners. If you like your Indian food authentically spicy, just let the waiter know. Regulars love the lighting and décor here, and many say it’s their favorite Indian restaurant in the area. Popular menu items include the meat samosa, the goat curry, the lamb biryani, the spinach chicken, and the chicken hyderabadi.

Regulars say the spacious dining room here is large enough to accommodate big groups, and the servers are friendly and cheerful. If you’re the type of person that has a difficult time deciding on one dish, make sure to stop by and take advantage of the lunch buffet. That way, you can sample a little bit of everything – and go back for seconds!

Chutney Indian Restaurant
9400 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3600
www.chutneymd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chutney-indian-restaurant-columbia-2

Great Harvest Bread Company: Stock Up on Fresh Baked Goods

Since 1976, Great Harvest Bread Company has grown from a single shop in Great Falls, Montana to a nationwide franchise, which includes a Columbia location. However, Great Harvest hasn’t allowed success to compromise its commitment to making fresh, simple whole grain breads. The breads and baked goods here are made with the highest-quality ingredients and are free of preservatives and additives. Order a tasty fresh sandwich, or try sweets including scones, cookies, brownie bread, and apple cake. Regulars say the fresh baked breads and sweets are some of the most flavorful they’ve ever had.

Grab a fresh loaf of bread or order a sandwich – popular sandwiches include the power house, the turkey sandwich, the monster focaccia, and the Swiss. Enjoy free samples of bakery items to help decide which loaves and sweets to buy. Great Harvest Bread Company is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Great Harvest Bread Company
8835 Centre Park Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(443) 542-5912
www.greatharvestcolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/great-harvest-bread-company-columbia

Hickory Ridge Grill: Breakfast And More

The owners of Columbia’s Hickory Ridge Grill aren’t satisfied just making some of the best breakfasts and brunches in the area – they’re also looking to serve up great Mediterranean food as well. And when those two categories intersect, like the delicious omelets with gyro meat, something truly special happens.

The omelets here draw raves from locals for how precisely the eggs are cooked – fluffy and moist, they serve as a great platform for the bevy of fresh ingredients the kitchen stuffs them with. If you have a sweet tooth, the Hickory Ridge Grill provides a selection of pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast treats. Lunches and dinners are also quite well-liked, with a bunch of sandwiches winning special praise as well as some very good pasta dishes.

Visit Hickory Ridge Grill's website to learn more about this Columbia restaurant!

Hickory Ridge Grill
6420 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 535-9876
http://hickoryridgegrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hickory-ridge-grill-columbia

Pub Dog: Pizza And More

What goes better with beer than a big cheesy pizza? Nothing, if you’re a regular at Pub Dog. This locally-owned business first owned in historic Federal Hill before opening the Columbia location, and regulars have been flocking there to eat great pizzas and drink the house-brewed craft beer.

The pizzas come in a variety of combinations, with strong flavors predominating. Some favorites include the Atomic Dog, which packs serious heat with hot sauce, cherry peppers, smoked gouda, bacon, mozzarella, and pepperoni, as well as the excellent Veggie Dog for non-carnivores. Salads are also made fresh and very satisfying, and the bar’s fresh-made pretzels make a great snack. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, go for the “Dog Deal,” which gives you two mugs of beer for one low price.

Pub Dog
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-0364
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pub-dog-columbia

Bird Is The Word at Columbia’s Grille Chick’n Pollo

Grilled chicken is one of the healthiest options that you have for protein, as it’s light on fat and heavy on nutrients. Unfortunately, if it’s not done right it can also be pretty bland. Thankfully, the chefs at Grille Chick'n Pollo know exactly what to do to wring the utmost in flavor out of the bird. Cooked in the Peruvian style over charcoal, chicken here is incredibly moist and tasty. Don’t take our word for it, though: If you stop in, they’ll give you a free sample. (Make sure to get the dark meat!)

The menu features some other options, including very delicious chicharrones (fried pork skins) and sides. Try the yucca fries. Made from a South American root, they’re a little denser than normal potatoes but have exceptional flavor. The antichuco, marinated sliced beef hearts skewered and grilled, are also super tasty. Make sure to leave some room for dessert, as the house-made flan here is creamy and delicious.

Grille Chick'n Pollo
6470 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(240) 755-0079
www.grillechicknpollo.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grille-chickn-pollo-columbia

Tropical Smoothie Café: Fresh Fruit Drinks

If you’re looking for something a little healthier, visiting the Tropical Smoothie Café is a fine idea. This national chain has several outposts in the Mid-Atlantic area (including one in Columbia, Maryland), and they work hard to deliver a high-quality menu made with fresh ingredients. As you’d expect, smoothies are the big attraction here, and regulars rave about the flavorful, nutrition-packed combinations.

Some favorites include the Sunrise Sunset, made with strawberries, pineapple, orange, and mango for an energy-filled blast, as well as the Blue Lagoon which is full of antioxidant-powered blueberries, strawberries, and banana. If you feel like having a solid meal, the Tropical Smoothie Café boasts a good selection of salads and sandwiches as well. Regulars rave about the toasted hummus veggie wrap, which is a heart-healthy collection of rice with corn, black beans, asparagus, onions, romaine lettuce, and salsa with pepper jack cheese and hummus in a toasted garlic tortilla, and the Ultimate Club sandwich is also exceptional.

Tropical Smoothie Café
6455 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 730-6564
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-smoothie-cafe-columbia-2

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