Unearth The Voyage
Tucked into Five Points, The Gourmet Shop is the kind of Columbia gem locals whisper about and visitors remember. You come for the cafe’s comforting classics and stay to browse cheeses, wines, and clever kitchen wares that spark dinner ideas.
The patio hums on sunny afternoons, the espresso bar fuels late mornings, and the deli cases tempt you with take home treats. If you love discovering spots that feel both neighborhood cozy and food lover savvy, this is your next stop.
1. Signature Chicken Salad Croissant
If you ask regulars what to order first, the chicken salad croissant comes up immediately. The croissant is flaky, buttery, and sturdy enough to cradle that creamy, subtly seasoned chicken.
You get fresh greens for crunch, plus a side that leans nostalgic, like German potato salad or pasta salad.
You can taste why locals gatekeep it a little. Balance matters here, and the texture contrast really shines, especially when the croissant is warm and the filling is chilled.
If you prefer extra brightness, ask for a lemon wedge, then squeeze lightly over the salad.
Pair it with an unsweet iced tea or a cappuccino if you want a cozy brunch feel. It is unfussy, satisfying, and exactly what you want when shopping the wine and cheese section after.
Grab a pint of chicken salad to go on the way out.
2. Bacon Brie Croissant With Jam
Sweet meets savory in this fan favorite: thick cut bacon, melty brie, and a swipe of seasonal jam tucked into a warm croissant. The jam rotates, but it always adds a bright, tangy lift that makes the brie feel even creamier.
You will want extra napkins, and you will not be mad about it.
Order a side of tomato bisque for dipping to make the whole thing extra indulgent. The soup’s silky texture loves brie and bacon, turning lunch into a mini occasion.
It is the kind of sandwich that convinces you to linger and people watch on the patio.
If you like a little heat, ask for cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot honey. Add a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine from the shop.
Then stroll the cheese case for your next dinner party idea.
3. Tomato Bisque And Panini Combo
There is a reason the tomato bisque has a following. It is velvety, balanced, and just a little tangy, the kind of soup that makes grilled bread or a panini taste even better.
When that creamy swirl hits the surface, you know it is going to be comfort in a cup.
Pick a panini with roasted turkey, pesto, or classic ham and swiss. The grill marks crackle a touch, revealing gooey cheese and warm fillings that play nicely with the soup.
You can share, but you probably will not want to.
Pro tip: ask for extra bread if you love dunking. If you are seated inside, you will catch the bustle of the kitchen and the cheerful chatter near the deli.
Outside, it is all sunshine and Five Points energy, ideal for a leisurely lunch break between errands.
4. European Style Breakfast Panini
The breakfast panini brings that casual European cafe vibe Columbia secretly does well. Think eggs, melty cheese, and maybe ham or bacon pressed until the bread crisps.
It is hearty without being heavy, especially with a cappuccino or non dairy latte.
You will appreciate how quickly it arrives on busy mornings. The staff moves fast, and you can linger or grab and go.
Pair it with a side of fruit or deviled eggs if you want extra protein without weighing yourself down.
Afterwards, stroll the pastry case for a slice of cookie butter cake or a macaron. If brunch crowds build, sit outside and soak in Five Points energy.
This is the move when you want breakfast that feels special but still practical on a weekday.
5. Cheese And Charcuterie Board Experience
The Gourmet Shop is a cheese lover’s playground, and the boards showcase why. You can mix soft, blue, and aged selections with salumi, olives, nuts, and seasonal fruit.
It is customizable, which makes it perfect for date night or a catch up with friends.
Ask staff for pairing notes and they will guide you to a bottle from the wine room. A crisp white or a light red can make the cheeses sing.
If you want extra crunch, request more baguette slices up front to avoid pausing the fun.
This is also a smart move for gifting inspiration. Taste, then grab your favorite cheeses to go along with crackers and jam from the shelves.
You will recreate the experience at home with minimal effort and maximum delight.
6. Tomato Basil Soup To Go
Some days you just need a comforting soup to take back to the office or home. The tomato basil version is bright, creamy, and deeply tomato forward, with just enough herbs.
It reheats well, so grabbing an extra cup is never a bad idea.
Pair it with a baguette or crackers from the grocery side for an instant desk lunch. If you are stocking up, toss in a wedge of cheese and some olives for later.
Convenience here never feels like a compromise on flavor.
Timing tip: pop in early or after the peak lunch block to avoid the longest lines. The staff is efficient, but Columbia loves this soup.
Once you try it, you will understand why and probably join the to go regulars yourself.
7. Deviled Eggs And Deli Sides
Little deli bites make this place shine beyond sandwiches. Deviled eggs are creamy with that nostalgic mustard zip, exactly what you want alongside a rich panini.
The deli case also stocks dill potato salad, German potato salad, and rotating pasta salads for mixing and matching.
If cold sides are your thing, you are in luck. On hot days, they keep lunch light without losing flavor.
Not into cold pasta? Swap for soup, and keep the eggs as a protein boost that never disappoints.
These sides also travel well for picnics at Finlay Park or tailgates on game weekends. Grab a half pint of your favorite, a baguette, and maybe some brie.
You will have an effortless spread that tastes like you planned ahead.
8. Cookie Butter Cake Slice
Dessert here is not an afterthought, and the cookie butter cake proves it. Three layers of soft vanilla sponge meet buttery cookie notes and a creamy frosting that feels nostalgic and indulgent.
It is rich but balanced, ideal for splitting or savoring solo with coffee.
Ask for it to go if you are full after lunch. The slice holds up beautifully for a late afternoon pick me up.
Pair with a cappuccino or a pour over for extra toasty flavor synergy.
If you are celebrating, grab a couple macarons or cheesecake slices to build a mini dessert flight. The pastry case rotates, so keep an eye out for seasonal treats.
You will quickly understand why locals snag dessert first and decide on lunch second.
9. Wine Room Finds And Pairings
The wine room is a treasure hunt. You can wander labels from crisp Italian whites to peppery Rhône reds, then ask for pairing tips tailored to your deli picks.
It is approachable, not pretentious, which makes exploring new bottles feel easy.
Planning a picnic or date night? Grab a soft cheese, a bolder aged wedge, and a bottle that bridges both.
Staff suggestions are spot on and often introduce you to great values.
While you are there, peek into the walk in humidor if cigars are your lane. Even if not, it is fun to see the breadth of offerings all in one place.
You will leave feeling like you curated a small experience, not just bought a bottle.
10. Outdoor Patio, Five Points Vibes
On fair weather days, the patio is where you want to be. Umbrellas, casual chatter, and clinking glasses make lunch feel like a mini vacation.
You can watch students and locals weave through Five Points while you linger over a croissant and cappuccino.
Arrive before noon or after 1:30 to snag a seat more easily. The rush is real, but turnover moves quickly and service stays friendly.
Bring a book, a friend, or your laptop if you are squeezing in work between bites.
When you are done, pop back inside to browse cookware or pick up a cheese for dinner. The patio is also pet friendly at times, so ask about current guidelines.
It is an easy, happy ritual you will want to repeat weekly.
11. Kitchen Gifts And Cookware Corner
Beyond the cafe, the retail side is dangerously fun. You will find Vietri ceramics, clever gadgets, and handsome cookware that make great gifts.
Even a quick browse sparks ideas for hosting or elevating weeknight cooking.
Look for high quality olive oils, spices, and jams to build an easy pantry upgrade. Pair them with cheese paper or a pretty board and you have a thoughtful hostess gift.
Staff can help you bundle something seasonal without overthinking it.
It is the kind of place where you go in for lunch and leave with a bag of treasures. If you are traveling, these items pack well and feel uniquely Columbia.
Consider it part of the experience, not just a side errand.
12. Cappuccino And Coffee Bar
The coffee bar turns a quick stop into a ritual. Cappuccinos come creamy with gentle foam, and there are non dairy options if you need them.
It is exactly the right partner for a breakfast panini or a pastry from the case.
Service is friendly and efficient, even when the line snakes a bit. If you are meeting a friend, order first, grab your table number, and settle in.
The staff will keep your mug filled and your day moving.
When the weather cooperates, take your latte outside and soak up that Five Points buzz. If you need beans for home, ask for recommendations that suit your brew method.
You will leave caffeinated and a little happier than when you walked in.
13. Gluten Friendly And Dairy Free Sips
Finding flexible options is easier here than you might expect. There are gluten friendly choices, and the coffee bar can swing a satisfying non dairy vanilla latte.
Ask questions, and staff will help you navigate swaps that still taste great.
For lighter days, choose sparkling water, iced tea, or herbal blends from the shelves. Pair with a salad, deviled eggs, or that smoked salmon bagel if you are keeping things simple.
You will not feel like you compromised, which is the point.
Always mention allergies and preferences when you order to keep everything smooth. This team is busy but attentive, and they want you happy.
You will leave feeling taken care of without making a fuss about it.
14. Timing Tips And Peak Hours
Plan around the rush and you will have a breezier experience. Weekdays before noon or after 1:30 usually mean quicker seating.
On weekends, expect lines, but the payoff is a lively atmosphere and fresh bakes coming out steadily.
The posted hours run most days 9 to 6, with Sunday a bit shorter. If you are squeezing in a late lunch, arrive with enough time to order and enjoy.
Staff gives gentle heads up near closing so you can finish comfortably.
To avoid disappointment, call ahead if you are picking up larger deli orders or cheeses. Parking can be tight, so consider rideshare during peak brunch windows.
With a little timing finesse, you will slide right into that relaxed Five Points flow.
15. Take Home Cheese, Meats, And Macarons
Do not leave without a little something for later. A wedge of brie, a sharp cheddar, and a sleeve of crackers will turn your evening into a low lift feast.
Add a box of macarons for sweet bites that disappear suspiciously fast.
The deli team will wrap everything neatly for travel. Grab olives, cornichons, and a jar of fig jam to round out the spread.
You will feel like you planned ahead, even if it was a last minute decision.
If you are new to cheese, ask for three styles: soft, blue, and firm. They will guide you to great pairings and portion sizes.
That is the magic here: you arrive for lunch and leave stocked for a delicious night in.
