Columbia Restaurant

Fantastic foodFantastic serviceFantastic place to be for dinner: romantic, birthday, or celebration.

Columbia Restaurant is more than just a place to eat--it's a full cultural experience. With over 120 years of history, the atmosphere is rich with tradition, from the decor to the warm hospitality.The Boliche "Criollo" was an absolute standout! The beef was incredibly tender, infused with the smoky depth of chorizo, and bathed in a flavorful gravy that tied everything together. Pair that with the classic black beans, white rice, and sweet plantains, and you have a plate that speaks to the soul.If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers both on history and flavor, Columbia Restaurant is it. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this spot is a must-visit!

Columbia Restaurant is everything I hoped for and more! A true institution and historic landmark, it delivers great food, an energetic atmosphere, and a vibrant, bustling vibe.I had lunch at the bar and loved the experience of meeting others in such an exciting setting. Of course, I had to try the original Cuban sandwich--right from 1915 when it was first served here! Also ordered a Vaca Frita sandwich to go, it's marinated shredded beef with onions and salsa verde on Cuban bread. Columbia has been on my bucket list for years, and it did not disappoint.A huge shoutout to Bobby, the bartender and my server, who was outstanding. He had loads of personality and made sure everyone at the bar was well taken care of.What else is there to say? An incredible place and a must-visit experience. Five stars all the way!

I'm fascinated by the history of this restaurant. It's cool to know that Columbia is the oldest operating restaurant in the country. Upon making our reservations, staff asked if we wanted dinner, or dinner with a show for an extra $10. This extra charge is super reasonable for the entertaining performance that we received by the small dance troupe. Beautiful outfits, great music, and talented dancers!I'm a sucker for anything with guava. At first, the Cuban Old Fashioned caught my eye from the cocktail menu made with rum, guava syrup, bitters, and a twist of orange. Sadly, I wasn't a fan. But Hubby liked it and ordered a Guava Gin Spritz for me instead. It comes with gin, aperol, guava syrup, and cava. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/columbia-restaurant-tampa?select=abUug3hfrMbDNv9x9sk5gAOur waiter was friendly and super helpful in providing information on what can be made vegan. I started with the Cuban Black Bean Soup. It's served on white rice and topped with diced onions. Yum! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/columbia-restaurant-tampa?select=ZDqbqrhDhzvLdVeLXvhI9gI also had the Eggplant Riojana which is normally breaded but we skipped the breading as well as the cheese to make it vegan. The Rioja sauce was tasty and absolutely makes this dish! It has tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives and red wine. The eggplant was slightly undercooked but not so much that it would stop me from eating it. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/columbia-restaurant-tampa?select=1qfbzTsPybEVPu-uUHZiTgOverall, this was a good experience. This building is large and historic with lots to explore. Also, check out the gift shop next door.

Every year we meet friends here & enjoy a Spanish / Cuban meal in one of many rooms of this historic restaurant. There are three large parking lots, a gift shop and always a wait. We always start with the sangria which Victoria prepared table side in a Spanish pitcher. The warm bread & 1905 salad is excellent. We shared the devil crab croquettes, beef saltedo & we finished by sharing a warm white chocolate bread pudding. Portions were huge & prices reasonable

For over a century, Columbia Restaurant has stood as a testament to Tampa's rich cultural and historical heritage. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic establishment is not only a historical landmark but also a culinary treasure, offering an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine that has delighted generations.From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported through time by the restaurant's breathtaking décor, which seamlessly blends artistic elegance with a deep appreciation for history. Every corner tells a story, making the ambiance as remarkable as the meal itself.The dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the perfectly prepared "House Sangria" to the tableside presentation of their legendary 1905 Salad, every detail showcased a dedication to tradition and excellence. The flavors were divine--each dish crafted with authenticity and passion, a true celebration of Cuban culinary artistry.Our server, Juan, provided outstanding service, ensuring that our experience was not just a meal, but a memorable occasion. His attentiveness and knowledge of the menu elevated our visit, making it clear that hospitality is as much a part of Columbia's legacy as its cuisine.For anyone visiting Tampa, missing out on Columbia Restaurant would be a disservice to both your palate and your appreciation for history. This gem continues to stand the test of time, offering an unparalleled blend of tradition, flavor, and world-class service. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

It's been years since I've been to Columbia. Such a landmark staple in Ybor city. I remember seeing the show with dinner and that was amazing. Definitely a must do if you haven't already. Columbia is an excellent Cuban cuisine restaurant. Our waitress Allison was A+ Staring from the fresh hot bread they serve. Probably the best bread I've ever had in my life. The 1905 salad is one of a kind. Chefs kiss. I truly enjoyed my palomilla. Cooked to perfection. But let me tell you... that coconut ice cream was everythinggggg! Can't wait to come back again!

We had a group of 16 people and had a fantastic experience. We sat in the back room where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio ate (the red room). Our waitress was very attentive and provided a great history of the restaurant. Most people in our group got steaks. Everyone loved them. The Cuban bread that is served before the meal is amazing. I also got a Caesar salad that was pretty good. The only option for rice is yellow rice but other than that it was truly a delightful dinner.

Came here New Year's Eve for dinner with a group of 6. Plenty of parking in the lot they have across the street and parking is free. The restaurant had 3 or 4 different rooms you can dine in. We were sat in the main area behind where the host stand is. For dinner I ordered the "Fideua De Mariscos", which was delicious. The flavor was so yummy. I'm a huge Cuban bread fan and love that they start us with that.Only negative was the service. She was really nice but never checked on us or offered refills on water, sodas or drinks. We sat for a little while when finished waiting to get her attention for our check.

Updated review 2024 I have wandered back to this location a few times over the years. I can say I have been extremely happy with the food. The 1906 salad is something we usually share and I really enjoy the bean soup. The courtyard near the fountain is a relaxing place to enjoy lunch.