Columbia Restaurant - Celebration — Restaurant in Kissimmee

We visited this Colombian restaurant in Celebration, FL on July 27th to celebrate my best friend’s birthday. The place is beautiful and very clean, with a charming Spanish-style interior that feels upscale. We were seated indoors, and while the setting was nice, the experience sadly went downhill from there—especially when it came to the food and drinks.

To start, our server came to the table but didn’t really greet or engage us. It felt like we had to initiate the interaction, which wasn’t the warm welcome we expected.

Now, on to the drinks—my cousin ordered a passion fruit, pineapple, and orange cocktail (I forgot the name), and she found it extremely sour. The waiter brought over syrup to help adjust it, but it didn’t help much. My daughter-in-law couldn’t even finish her drink and ended up returning it. Later that night, my cousin woke up with severe heartburn, something she never experiences, and we think the drink might have triggered it. She then ordered a piña colada, which tasted watered down and lacked the rich flavor you’d expect.

As for the food—we were all very disappointed. My cousin had the Paella Valenciana and said it was overly salty. As Spanish-speaking women (Dominican and Puerto Rican) who are used to authentic Spanish and Colombian food, she expected more—especially from a $39 dish. She couldn’t finish it. I ordered the Ocean Paella, which was $48, and it was also extremely salty. The rice tasted like instant rice, and honestly, it reminded me of fish tank water. I ended up just picking out the seafood and leaving the rest.

My friend and daughter-in-law ordered pork with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. While they managed to eat most of their plates, they both agreed it wasn’t anything special. In fact, my daughter-in-law said she could have gotten tastier food for a fraction of the price at La Tronica (a local Spanish takeout spot).

I had checked the online reviews before choosing this place—it has over 6k reviews and a 4.5-star rating, so I thought we were in for a treat. But based on our experience, I now believe this place might cater more to tourists or non-Hispanic customers who aren’t familiar with authentic Latin flavors. A friend of mine, who isn’t Hispanic, did say she enjoyed their ropa vieja, but again, her taste preferences may differ.

In summary:

Ambiance & cleanliness: 4.5 stars

Food & drinks: 1.5 to 2 stars

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 out of 5)

If you're going for the atmosphere and maybe a drink (like their sangria), it might be worth a visit. But if you’re truly craving authentic, flavorful Colombian or Spanish food, this may not be...

Dining at The Columbia Restaurant was an experience that blended tradition, flavor, and impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we sat down, the atmosphere transported us into a warm, inviting space filled with the aromas of authentic Colombian cuisine. Each guest was greeted with a personal serving of their signature Colombian bread, soft, warm, and subtly sweet, the perfect start to the meal. It set the tone for the culinary excellence that followed.

We began with the calamari appetizer, which was lightly breaded and perfectly fried, maintaining a delicate crispiness without losing the tenderness of the squid inside. Served with a flavorful dipping sauce, it disappeared quickly from our table. Alongside, we sampled the empanadas, and these were a revelation, freshly made, golden on the outside, and packed with well-seasoned fillings that tasted as if they came straight from a Colombian street vendor. The freshness was undeniable and made them one of the highlights of the night.

For the main course, we indulged in a variety of dishes that showcased the restaurant’s mastery of both traditional flavors and expert cooking techniques. The steak and shrimp combination was a standout, each bite of steak was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, while the shrimp were plump and flavorful, with a light char that added depth. Accompanying the dish was yellow rice, cooked to perfection with just the right texture and a gentle, aromatic seasoning that paired beautifully with every bite.

The salmon entrée was something truly special. Prepared in a traditional Colombian style, it offered a unique blend of flavors and textures that stood apart from more common preparations. Moist and flaky inside with a subtle crust on the outside, it was clear this was a chef’s specialty, simple in presentation yet rich in character.

Beyond the food, the service was nothing short of phenomenal. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, offering thoughtful recommendations, keeping drinks refilled, and ensuring that every guest felt cared for. The pacing of the meal was perfect, allowing us to savor each course without feeling rushed.

Overall, The Columbia Restaurant delivered a dining experience that was both authentic and memorable. From the freshly baked bread to the final bite of salmon, every detail was executed with care. If you’re seeking a place where Colombian tradition meets outstanding hospitality, this is...

This restaurant is usually my husband's favorite, and it was his first choice for his birthday celebration. Unfortunately, our excitement was dulled by the disappointing service we received, which led to this negative review.

As a former server, I understand that the job can be tiring at times. However, we are not the type of customers who constantly require attention, and we usually place straightforward orders. Nevertheless, we do expect to be checked on and offered refills a few times before we leave. Our server, Aprajita, informed us that she was tired from the previous night, and her exhaustion was evident as she failed to check on us when our food arrived. Our side order was also missed, and I had to leave the table after 10 minutes to ask another server to inform her that we had not received it. When she did come back to our table, instead of checking on us, she simply asked, "Is everything okay?"

We would have liked to order a second round of drinks, but she never inquired if we wanted another. Additionally, she left our empty glasses on the table for the entirety of our visit. It wasn't until after our side order was finished that she checked on us and finally refilled my empty glass of water.

Since it was my husband's birthday, I had specifically mentioned "Roberto's 51st Birthday" in the special instructions while making our reservation. Despite this, when the server asked if we wanted dessert and I declined, she then inquired about "Jason." When I clarified that I was Jason and it was my husband's birthday, she responded by saying that flan would be brought out shortly. It was perplexing.

Our disappointment grew further when the birthday surprise for my husband was mishandled. The flan, which was supposed to be a special treat, was simply placed on the table with a generic "Happy Birthday" and no celebratory song. To make matters worse, we could hear happy birthday singing at another table, only amplifying our disappointment.

As a result of this visit, we were extremely disappointed, and we are unlikely to return to this restaurant...