I did not realize this was the oldest restaurant in all of Florida until after we left out. The atmosphere was amazing! It felt like you were in the old country! The beautiful design and architecture really stood out. This place had such character and you could just see the history and all the hard work that went into it over the years. The story itself of how it came about is remarkable. The list of people who used to come in and the current ones are mind blowing. The service was excellent and the portions were big and the price was very fair. The food was amazing and you could just taste the authenticity. I wanted to get desert, but after the bread and the calamari and the Sangria, I couldn’t eat another thing. I can not wait until the next time I am back in Tampa, I will certainly be back! A heads up, this place gets busy so I suggest making your reservations well in advance. The parking is not the easiest to find once it gets busy, the lot fills up.

Columbia is a Tampa institution, and rightfully so. They’re the oldest restaurant in the state and a lot of their menu staples seem unchanged by food trends in the best way. Their menu includes timeless classics prepared with long-standing techniques and great ingredients. Their 1905 salad is the perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and salty. The crab croquettes are spicy, slightly crunchy on the outside, and a soft seafood flavor throughout. You can’t beat their main courses either! Save room for dessert, especially their white chocolate bread pudding which offers a crispy exterior and soft bread inside. I’m not big on white chocolate, but this is perfect because it’s not cloyingly sweet at all. There’s plenty of free parking across the street. There’s also a gift shop where you can grab some of their signature dishes, pitchers, seasonings, and sangria mix. Highly recommend getting a reservation if you’re visiting anytime during the weekends.

Excellent historic restaurant in Tampa specifically located at Ybor city. Great drink, cocktails, music, Spanish and Cuban food. Very well spiced and delicious. Try to do a reservation with time because it's hard to get a table. I would highly recommend it.

Amazing!!! This is the oldest restaurant in Florida and so far it’s my favorite of all the oldest restaurants. (I have been to a handful). We came in before our reservation and they seated us early and started off on a good note. Once we sat down we were greeted with friendly staff. We ordered a pitcher of their sangria and if you drink I highly recommend it. From there we ordered appetizers, dinner, and dessert. See my photos and the captions below for details. All the courses were amazing. I will definitely be coming back on my next visit to Florida. Side Note: It can get pricey if you have a large group of people.

This is a well oiled machine. From the moment we arrived we enjoyed the professional staff who genuinely seemed to enjoy working there. The restaurant is beautiful and every presentation shows attention to detail. We had a private room for 15 guests that was lovely. Slight smell of mold, but that’s the smell of old Florida. Our Cuban guests enjoyed the food as much as we did. We had every appetizer…the garlic shrimp was my favorite. The 1905 salad is a must, the paella is perfect and every dessert was delicious! We had both pitchers of the white and red sangria and there is a nice gift shop next door where you can buy the pitchers, coffee, and painted stoneware.

Eaten here several times over the past 20+ years, always look forward to my visits, the last visit was terrible. Our waiter was OK, he walked by the table several times (we didn't even know he was our server at that time), before even to offer to take our drink order. We thought maybe our server was on break. The iconic salad was very good and the female that made it was awesome. Unfortunately, right after getting our salads our main courses arrived; we had not even had a chance to take a bite of our salads. The guy delivering the food was very apologetic, but offered no solution and commenced to pushing stuff around to make room. We felt very rushed to eat. Did we enjoy the salad or eat out food before it gets cold. The other annoying thing was there was a chair at our table that did not fit. Everyone that walked by had to move it, even the staff. Overall, disappointed.

A true food palace--this is not simply just another Cuban restaurant. It is an absolute masterpiece. The quality of food and ambience makes this place something that is truly special. Something you should not miss! I'm in awe of the Columbia And I cannot wait to go back again. I had the paella and it was truly excellent! I would also recommend sitting at the bar if you get a chance. Make a reservation and get there now!

Wow, what a unique restaurant! The food - as good as it is - isn't the best part about the restaurant. It's the history and the atmosphere and the all round enthusiasm with which you're served.. You have to reserve here, unless you want to sit at the bar - which happens to be the least interesting corner of this restaurant. We were seated almost immediately, and we were able to start ordering within a few minutes. The servers are really well dressed, and they have a lot of knowledge about the history of the restaurant. We ordered a pitcher of sangria, which they prepare at the table with a lot of flair. The food takes a bit to start arriving, but it's worth the wait - everything was fantastic . The decor and the layout of the restaurant adds another layer to the whole experience... You literally feel like you're transported to a wealthy Spanish hacienda a hundred years ago.

A must! Great atmosphere and food. Attention to details. Sangria and salads made at the table. Loved the tapas and wonderful dessert choices. Check out the store next door for cookbooks, cookware, spices, and hot sauce.

During my visit to Columbia for dinner with a large group, I encountered some ups and downs. I began by sitting at the bar before my companions arrived and noticed that the restaurant was quite busy, which was expected. However, I wasn't particularly impressed with the coffee I ordered, as it lacked the desired potency. On a more positive note, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the flamenco show that provided entertainment throughout the evening. The dancers were truly excellent, especially during a particularly mesmerizing routine where they maintained beautiful smiles. It was a joy to watch. As for the decor, it wasn't surprising to find it a bit dated, considering Columbia's long history within the Tampa community. This traditional touch, though outdated, presented a certain nostalgic charm. Moving on to the food, the Caesar salad was an enjoyable starting course, while my main dish was also satisfying. It wasn't remarkable, but it didn't disappoint either. Overall, my experience at Columbia was decent.

Decided to take a pit stop in Ybor City and grab lunch! Absolutely love the atmosphere of this place it's Spanish fine dining on a completely different level. We sat by the wine room and could smell the reminiscent of fresh bread and garlic! We both had the 1905 salad which was so good, I really enjoyed that they made the salad in front of us at the table. I also had a cup of gazpacho, excellent flavor. I enjoyed some Cuban bread and coffee at the end for dessert. I highly recommend you to check it out!

The atmosphere and service is great. The flamingo dancing was just beautiful! We ordered several dishes and drinks everything was perfect. I would really recommend this place for a Tampa trip since you can walk in the neighborhood to see more of Ybor.

This is one of our favorite restaurants. The sangria alone is worth visiting. They also have a gluten free menu that is very helpful for those who need it. They also accommodate food requests. They also highlight vegetarian options on the menu. The ambiance is amazing. Ask for the quieter room as many of the tables are big with large parties. Our waitress was funny and helpful with some charming sass for good measure! Time honored tradition since 1905!

We went to the Columbia for a Valentine's day dinner and the flamenco show. To start off with the restaurant itself is very beautiful and historic. Many locals recommended it as well. Our waitress (Savannah) was extremely attentive. All throughout the night she made us feel as if we were the only table she was taking care of. She gave us great recommendations about the food and what to order based on what we typically like and our drinks were always filled! We never had a moment where we were waiting on her or looking for her. All of our food came out quickly and was excellent! The portion sizes were great and the pricing was very fair. The flamenco show was also very entertaining, energetic, and fun! We would definitely come again next time we are in the area.

I found this place on youtube and I am glad I made the visit. Food was excellent, service was unique with presentations and waiters uniforms and food came out quick. The decor and themse was also enjoyable. Prices are reasonable. I would come back

A MUST WHILE IN TAMPA! Is a big place, tons of people but the food and service were amazing! Their bread was just insane, delicious! Please get the red sangria, the prepare it in front of you! All the tapas we tried were amazing, plus their signature salad! Of course we had to leave some space for dessert, get the churros! Next time we will try the paella. Also, the team on stage dancing flamenco was great too!

Nice restaurant that has been around since 1905. Service was fine, food varied in quality among our party. I had the shrimp with yellow rice and loved it. Cuban sandwich was not a hit to others. The one draft beer was good. I also had an Old Fashion very good pour. Wish I wasn’t vegetarian or I might have order from the nice wide selection of choices.

1905 Salad, Cuban bread, Paella, and Sangria, with Key Lime pie for dessert. Diego was accommodating and had a great sense of humor. We were seated in the Garden Room and the atmosphere was lovely. We were easily able to have some lovely conversation without straining to be heard. A beautiful meal in beautiful surroundings. This place is a must for anyone wanting a true taste of Tampa and Ybor City. Make a reservation, otherwise you can have an hour or more wait.

Always such a great experience The location is so beautiful and historical, I learn something new every visit The food is delicious and I was impressed by the seafood paella, worth the wait! I tried both sangria's and they were delicious. Great selection of wines The 1905 salad is a must! The staff is so friendly and always helpful.

Great restaurant. I was worried after a 30+ minute wait, amazing reputation and long history that the food would be less than desired, but all three of us thought it was very tasty. James offered great service and we'll be back!

Fun place and cool atmosphere and history. Food was good, Mahi was excellent. Had to ask for rice which was supposed to come with meal. Waiter seemed frustrated we were on separate checks. Did not offer dessert, simply brought bills after main courses. I will say the dining room was very cold, and multiple people in our party kept their coats on the whole meal.

I mean, y’all 😍 EVERYTHING here was amazing. The food, service, reasonable prices, atmosphere, architecture, dining rooms, everything! Our whole experience was phenomenal. Loved reading the history of Columbia House on their website while in the restaurant, such a nice touch! Photos below are of the building and what I ordered (Chicken Salteado 😋). Our whole group loved this restaurant and their meals! Can’t wait to return.

Really neat place filled with history. The architecture of the building was stunning, and it was so nice to see the waiters dressed up. It felt as though I was stepping back in time. The waiter, John, was very knowledgeable about the place, menu options, and just an all-around nice guy. The food was very good though a little too much sauce for me. I would highly recommend this place for an occasional visit as the prices are pretty high, but understandably so.

I didn’t realize how popular this place was until trying to get a reservation on a Friday at 11am and there were NONE. I tried the next day and only one. Now I know why!! This place was amazing. First the amazingly hard yet soft beard and butter to start. It seems simple yet was amazing. Then Calamari for the table and the black bean cakes for the vegetarian at the table for apps. For entrees we did baked chicken and rice, eggplant, kids chicken and fries, half salad half Cuban and the paella! Everything was amazing (even the kids chicken and fries) except the Cuban sandwich. It was a little underwhelming and was what I came to get. Other than that literally zero complaints with the food. Then desert we did the banana bread/pudding with white and reg chocolate drizzled on the top (possibly one of the best desert I ever had) and Flan! This is well worth the amazing ratings and the wait. Oh yes make sure ask for CHRIS, he made the experience so much better and goes into the server Hall of Fame!!

Amazing food, great atmosphere, fun experience, and this is our second time here, so we had to try different entrées, which were also excellent. We brought family with us this time too. We walked around to see some of the dining rooms after finishing our meal and the restaurant decor is so interesting. Every room is completely different!

This restaurant was simply awesome. From the moment we enter until the last piece of desert. The layout of the place was something else to see. Every room has its own personality. I especially love the red room designed by Marilyn Monroe. I must also call out Jesse, he was simply amazing, this place is lucky to have him. I had the paella and eat my plate clean, get it you won't be sorry. I will certainly be back, whenever in town.

Excellent dinner dining experience with my family! The restaurant is a magnificent piece of old Latin art, with multiple dining area…each with its own unique ambience. Our waiter (Jim) was extremely knowledgeable about many aspects of the restaurant, from its long history to the food. The menu was creative, but not overwhelming. The food was very well seasoned and served in a very reasonable amount of time. I would definitely recommend trying this spot!

Superb food atmosphere and staff. Definitely a five-star restaurant without the five star prices. The night that we enjoyed our meal we also had a flamingo dance show to entertain us while we ate. Definitely will go again and I advise anybody in the Tampa Bay area stop by for a great experience

The building is beautiful inside and out! The servers are all so sweet as well! As a free appetizer, each person at the table receives a half loaf of bread and butter. It is crumbly and has a great taste! I ordered “The Original Cuban Sandwich” with a “1905 Side Salad.” Although I wasn’t a big fan of the side salad very much, the sandwich had a pleasant taste. The whole table shared a bunch of the desserts on the menu, and we loved every single one of them! The whole experience here was a blast, and the little store attached to the restaurant is a must as well! 10/10

This restaurant and the specific location are nothing but amazing! The building and different dining rooms are stunning, just like the beautiful Hispanic exterior. We had different main courses along with the 1905 salad. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted very good. Our plates were filled very well and the prices are fair. Our server, Abigail, was doing a fantastic job. She explained a lot about the restaurant, our dining room and knew many interesting stories. Her recommendations were on point and being so passionate about her job made our evening a wonderful experience. The Columbia in Ybor stands out compared to the one in Sarasota, both in terms of location and service. This place is definitely worth a trip. I will definitely return once I am back to Florida! Keep up the good work.

Absolutely delicious food all around. The scallop tapas was so good I almost cried at the table. Our waiter was fabulous and did not lead us astray once with their recommendations. The paella was perfect and I've never been so sad that I needed a to-go box, I wish I had room to eat it all when it was hot and fresh. Definitely come hungry as every bite is worth it. Us and everyone in line around us had made a reservation, so I would suggest - for dinner especially - you do the same.

This IS the MOST FANTASTICALLY HISTORICAL restaurant with amazing dishes. 👏 😍 The "Cuban 🥪Sandwich" is not on the menu but they serve it ALL DAY. 😋 My 1st and quite possibly the BEST that I will ever had‼️ We loved it so much we went back 3 times. They have a Flaminco 💃💃💃💃 dancing show & dinner Friday & Saturday. It was outstanding‼️ Truly dedicated are the Family of 6 generations...NOT TO BE MISSED🌹🌻💕👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Gorgeous old building with so much history and character. But this is a 5 star review because of the food and the outstanding service. We didn’t have to ask for a thing. Our server was attentive, on top of things and entertaining and knowledgeable about the restaurant and it’s history. This place is a must visit in Tampa!

Make a reservation, please... the flamenco show was nice, short but nice. Service was great, the appetizers were delicious and so was the meat. Sangria made on the spot was great, place was packed. I will definitely go, but make sure you have some $$$$ to spend.

Wonderful lunch here today. Perfect service, food and atmosphere. Absolutely beautiful and historic. Complimentary bread put us right back in New Bedford, MA for the delicious Portuguese bread. Will return soon!

An unforgettable Valentine's Day experience! The food was exceptional, showcasing the mastery of flavors and culinary expertise. The staff, with their seasoned charm and hospitality, added a nostalgic touch to the evening. A visit here is always worth i

My local Columbia Restaurant is in Sarasota at St. Armand's Circle but I was long overdue a visit to the "mother ship" where it all began in Ybor City in Tampa back in 1905. The location is stunning and my experience was enhanced with a personal tour of the facility from one of the managers. These places are national treasures. My food was excellent, the staff professional, knowledgeable and courteous and the place filled up while I was there around 6pm. Go visit Florida's oldest restaurant and savor class you cannot match in franchise restaurants. First class!

Fantastic food, outstanding service, and beautiful/historical surroundings! The Picadillo Carillo was spot on, the Cuban bread was warm...the 1905 Salad lives up to it's hype everytime! Our first visit to this location and it was definitely worth it!

What a great experience in such a world renowned restaurant. Ambience was great, food was stellar, service above expectations. From salad to desert the food was fabulous. The beverages were first class.

I had a great experience at Columbia Restaurant! The food is delicious and the service exceptional. The atmosphere is also very inviting and beautiful. This place deserves it's excellent reputation. I highly recommend it!

Beautiful restaurant, great menu, very good service and excellent food.. I couldn't decide what to order. We started with red Sangria and a Mango cocktail. We had gazpacho and stuffed mushrooms as appetizers. Cuban sandwich and lobster canellonies. Everything was excellent

This is a great place for food and drinks. I’ve never had Cuban food before but it was great defiantly not disappointed for my first time. The service is great too. Our bartender apart from being super busy she was really helpful and always attentive. There was an hour wait for a table but the “cafe” are which is the bar is open seating. Defiantly recommend coming here.

This is the best restaurant in Florida. So good I had to go again the day after my first dinner there! The staff is running like a well lubricated machine. Very nice and friendly. I dropped my napkin and a staff member across the room noticed and came over to hand me a new napkin. All the food is amazing. We loved the pitcher of mojito!

The food and service was exceptional. The 1905 salad is a must. It is the best salad we ever had. Crab croquettes were full of meat and our meals were outstanding (stuffed shrimp and snapper). Absolutely try the 3 inch tall bread pudding for dessert, even if you are full. The sangria was perfect and strong as was the coffee Melanie. Our server Izzy, was spectacular and made our visit even more special.

Melt in your mouth and delicious meals! Wonderful historic atmosphere and first class service. Full bar. Free parking across the street. Call ahead for the Paellea requires 30mins. Reservations stongly recommended. We made ours on open table. You can request to sit on the upper balcony for dinner at any size of your party up to 20 persons.we had the chicken and steak salteado, and combo plate. Mago upside down cake and flan. Delicious!

We’re new to living in the area and we heard about Columbia so had to give it a try. What a fantastic place. Like stepping into an old world hacienda with beautiful tile work. Food was spectacular, as were the Tableside mojitos. And the 1905 salad can’t be missed. We booked the flamenco show too and we were not disappointed. The 3 dancers were wonderful. All around a 5 star experience

The food was delicious! The waiter, Danny, was superb. He gave excellent recommendations and was on his game. The dancers put on a special holiday dance and it was beautiful and enchanting!

Wow! These place was amazing! 15 dining rooms under one roof and 5 star service anywhere you went. One can truly feel the history and the family's dedication to providing a top quality experience. Our server James went the extra mile in all that he did and even kind enough to take me and my girlfriend on a short tour. There was two live performances happening when we were there and didn't want to leave. Highly recommend this place. Can't wait to return and eat in a different part to experience it in another way

It's one of my favorite restaurants in Ybor City/Tampa area. Great food and history. Fantastic wine list! Do not miss the 1905 salad. Delicious!

We took our chances, going on a Saturday, late afternoon, without reservations, but were fortunate enough to get in, and the experience was well worth it! The venue is old world magnificence, the ambiance elegant, the service spectacular and the food absolutely delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the dishes - our party of three each chose very different items and were all delighted. Personally I was delighted with the Spanish bean soup in particular. Wholesome, hearty, satisfying on almost a molecular level, with enough spice to tickle my taste buds without burning them down. When you go (because there is no if - you should!), ask for the history of the statue! Absolutely added to the gravitas of the venue!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, and it was truly an exceptional experience from start to finish. This historic restaurant exceeded my expectations in every way, leaving me with fond memories and a desire to return again soon. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a charming ambiance. The restaurant's rich history and Spanish-influenced decor create a unique and inviting atmosphere that immediately transports you to another time and place. The menu at Columbia Restaurant is a culinary masterpiece. Offering a delectable blend of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, each dish is crafted with precision and care. The flavors are bold and authentic, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and excellence. Whether you're a seafood lover, a meat enthusiast, or a vegetarian, there are plenty of options to satisfy every palate. The service at Columbia Restaurant is top-notch. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions. From the moment we were seated to the final goodbye, we felt like valued guests, receiving personalized attention and genuine hospitality.

We had the best time at Columbia. It was our first night in Tampa and this restaurant came recommended to us. The manager Rue and the young waitress from Mexico made the experience great! They helped us pick beautiful wines and allowed us to stay in the restaurant past closing time, so we could enjoy our wine without rush. We are appreciative and will be back! Thank you, Gina

Amazing experience! The service was excellent. The rich history of the restaurant was very well explained by the waiter along with food and drink recommendations. The deserts and cuban sandwiches were the best!

Very cool restaurant. Nice design — lots to see while you’re there. The service was top notch, especially with table side dishes being made. The food was OK, nothing I’d go out of my way for. The part of the restaurant we were in was super loud so it was a challenge to have a conversation at the table. Plenty of food selections.