Sumter’s close proximity to the ocean means fresh seafood – and local restaurants serve it up in abundance. The Shrimper is a favorite local eatery known for fresh seafood and lively conversation. The menu includes combination dinners featuring shrimp, flounder, deviled crab, oysters, scallops or chicken with two sides and hushpuppies.

International Restaurants

International cuisine is easy to find in Sumter, with restaurants offering Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Mexican dishes. The family-owned and operated Sambino’s Bistro has been dishing up Italian favorites for more than 30 years. Hungry customers keep coming back to Sambino’s for its savory garlic rolls, reasonable prices and exceptional service. The bistro is also known for its handmade lasagna, brick oven pizzas, chicken Parmesan and specialty sandwiches.

You can also find tasty international cuisine at Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Mon Café Japan, Teriyaki Wok, Angel’s Mexican Restaurant and Tony’s Taste of Italy.

Fine Dining

Sumter also boasts fine dining establishments, such as the Imperial and Hamptons,which opened in 2010 and has already become a favorite for distinctive diners. Hamptons serves redefined southern cuisine from Chef Laurence Gottlieb, who has concocted delicate tasting dishes with seared beef tenderloin, crab, oysters and tartar. The restaurant offers casual dinning Wednesday through Saturday in outdoor setting that features a stone fireplace and stage for live music performances. Fresh artisan breads and pastries are made on-site daily at Hamptons' bakery, which also sells custom cakes.

The Imperial, which opened in 2008 and quickly gained a following for its upscale menu and live music. The 11,000-square-foot building that houses the Imperial invites diners with warm wooden trim, cozy leather booths and a renovated lounge. The Imperial’s dinner menu features appetizers such as oysters Rockefeller and fresh jumbo crab cakes, and entrees run the gamut from Imperial Rack of Lamb to filet mignon and slow-roasted prime rib. Seafood lovers can find much to please their palates too, from blackened red snapper to Alaskan salmon.

Sweets and Treats

Baker’s Sweets Bakery & Cafe is the place to go in Sumter to indulge in heavenly cinnamon rolls, cakes, cream horns, brownies, lemon bars and cookies. It’s also a hotspot with the lunch crowd, with sandwiches prepared on fresh baked breads, unusual salads and gourmet quiche.

Read about more great eateries in Sumter, SC.