Columbia Restaurant — Restaurant in Tampa

I drove all the way from Orlando down to Tampa for a business meeting, and when my contact suggested we meet for lunch at Columbia Restaurant, I thought “Well, it’s a fine option” but man, did she hit the nail on the head. From start to finish, the entire experience was extraordinary.

First, let me talk about Bobby at the bar. He didn’t just do his job he went above and beyond. When I mentioned I’d like to try another soup, he immediately brought me an extra cup just so I could sample it. I chose their Spanish Bean Soup (rich broth with ham, saffron, garlic just the right comfort) and it was absolutely delicious. Later, when I needed to charge my phone, Bobby didn’t just shrug; he handed me a charger and made sure every detail was taken care of. That kind of service is rare, and I tipped him extra without hesitation.

As for the meal, I had their Cuban sandwich, and it was stupendous best I’ve had in Florida. Tender roast pork, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, crisped Cuban bread balanced perfectly. Every bite made me realize why this place has such a reputation.

Walking into Columbia is like stepping into a slice of living history. Founded in 1905, it’s Florida’s oldest restaurant, and it spans fifteen dining rooms and over 52,000 square feet making it the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. The décor is classic and elegant: tiled floors, mosaics, rich wood accents, Spanish-style touches, and old photographs lining the walls that tell the story of generations. It feels timeless but with warmth.

Amenities are top notch: they offer free parking in one of two private lots (one across the street, one behind the building), plus street parking. During peak times the lots fill up, so arriving early is wise. Inside, there’s a full bar, private dining rooms, and on certain evenings, a flamenco dinner-show you get food, culture, and entertainment all in one location. The wine list is legendary over 1,000 selections, with inventory exceeding 50,000 bottles. The restaurant is open 365 days a year, welcoming both lunch and dinner traffic.

The location in Ybor City is rich with historic charm. Ybor is a National Historic Landmark District, with brick sidewalks, old cigar-factory buildings, vintage streetcars, and character at every turn. Columbia sits on East 7th Avenue, right in the heart of it all. You’re walking distance from the TECO streetcar line and the Centennial Park station. After lunch you can easily stroll through Ybor’s shops, museums, or take in local murals and architecture.

In short: if you find yourself in Tampa for business or pleasure, Columbia Restaurant isn’t just a lunch stop it’s a destination. The ambiance, history, service (especially Bobby), and food all combined to make this one of the best lunch experiences I’ve ever had. I’ll drive back again just for this Cuban sandwich and to see what else they do that exceeds expectations. Highly...

Hispanic Culture Month ignited my curiosity, leading me to explore the culinary delights of The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. As Florida's oldest and authentically Spanish dining experience, this century-old establishment is truly exceptional. Before indulging in the menu, it's worth noting the historical quirks that add to its charm. Beneath the bustling streets of Ybor City, a labyrinth of underground tunnels once facilitated the clandestine transport of booze during the prohibition era. And tucked away within the Columbia Restaurant itself, there's a secret room, a relic from those bygone days when folks were determined to savor their sangria alongside paella and yellow rice.

From the moment I stepped inside, the restaurant's ambiance transported me to Spain, with its enchanting decor and captivating live flamenco show. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each with a distinct Spanish touch.

I started with the Shrimp and Crabmeat Alcachofas, a sumptuous baked casserole of shrimp, crabmeat, and artichoke hearts, crowned with grated Romano cheese and served alongside crispy Cuban crackers. It was a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

For the main course, I chose the Palomilla steak, a thinly sliced top sirloin marinated to perfection and swiftly grilled, then adorned with mojo crudo, a zesty mix of chopped onion, parsley, and lime juice. Served with both plantains and a choice of either French fries or rice, this dish was a savory delight.

To end this culinary journey on a sweet note, I savored the Flan, a Spanish caramel egg custard with a recipe dating back to 1935 when the Columbia opened Tampa's first "Conditioned Air" dining room, the Don Quixote. They still prepare it the old-fashioned way, and the result was a creamy, decadent dessert that transported me back in time.

The impeccable service and the staff's in-depth knowledge of the menu were impressive. They provided recommendations that perfectly complemented my meal and enhanced the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is not just a dining establishment; it's a living testament to Spanish cuisine and heritage. It's a culinary gem that has earned every bit of its recognition. Whether you're celebrating Hispanic Culture Month or simply seeking an extraordinary dining adventure, this historic restaurant and landmark is an...

This was my 1st time here!

From the opening I felt welcomed and part of a rich and historic family owned restaurant dating back to 1900's!

The atmosphere was phenomenal, interior and architecture design is incredible 👏 this restaurant stands out even from the street!.

As soon as you walk in the doors you feel your back in the 1900s but with fine dining and exceptional hospitality service! To the host,servers and managers this was a experience I'll never forget.

There Cuban bread is the best Cuban bread ive ever had it was crunchy on the out side and soft in the middle aswell as there butter!. For starters I went with the Empanadas and The Crab cakes (sorry if I forget the names.) Best Empanadas I've ever had not your typical just meat with seasonings! They were rich and delicious with authentic Columbian twist!. The Crab Cakes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside that melt in your mouth!

For meals had Salmon Auroa which the salmon was cooked to perfection!! The yellow rice was absolutely delicious!. Also had to have the Original Cuban Sandwich which in my opinion is the best Cuban Sandwich I've ever had!!!! I highly recommend getting anything from this menu as you won't be let down!! .

For dessert I had the white chocolate bread pudding which made me feel like I was in heaven with every bite!!! And there flan is a flan that can't be duplicated anywhere else!! Hands down best flan!!

Afterwards Benjamin offered a tour of the Restaurant and educated us on the rich history of this luxurious restaurant and how far its come! With stories of famous people of the past dining here and the previous owners who kept this Amazing Restaurant running till this day and the amazing staff who are there now who love what they do and the Food they serve that are a Landmark to Tampa (Ybor city) and Florida itself!

I want to thank everyone here who made this experience unforgettable but ESPECIALLY A SHOUTOUT TO ANGE WHO WAS AND IS A AMAZING SERVER WHO ILL BE REQUESTING AGAIN AND TO BENJAMIN FOR THE AMAZING TOUR, HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE TO ME FOR MY FIRST TIME HERE!...