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The Columbia Restaurant
Cuban Restaurant and Spanish Restaurant$$$$
Historic Ybor, Tampa
"Spanish bean soup is to die for and palomilla was out of this world"(8 Tips)
"The Flamenco show is well worth the $6."(4 Tips)
"Try the white sangria it's great!"(8 Tips)
"Atmosphere, sangria, paella and stuffed peppers are all to die for!"(20 Tips)
216 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- sangria
- good for dates
- flamenco show
- Cuban sandwiches
- salads
- (15 more)
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Cody CarrollApril 3, 2015La Completa Cubana gives you a flavorful sampling. Get the white sangria...in a pitcher. Call ahead to reserve a table for the avant-garde flamenco fusion performance. Very fun!
Maddie LippincottNovember 26, 2018We go out of our way to eat here when we're in Florida. You need to get the 1905 Salad -- it's their best item on the menu IMO. The queso fundido is also pretty good -- great app for sharing.
Faraz AhmedDecember 18, 2016A really nice and elegant Columbia-themed restaurant in the Ybor City. Their Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans Soup combo is heavenly delicious.
- Terika WakefieldAugust 13, 2019Columbia is legendary. Established in 1905, a traditional Spanish dinner awaits you! Everything is delightful, but if you must - get the Paella and try the homemade sangria! You won't regret it.Upvoted Mar 9
Jecee MedeirosNovember 17, 2013This place is great for a night out with friends , family or date night. It has been there forever and the Cuban/Spanish food us the best you will find. Awesome decor. Make sure to gave dessert.
Kimmie OhhJune 7, 2022You must order Columbia’s Original 1905 salad. You can sub ham for turkey at no charge.
Upvoted Feb 14
🍀Todd 🍀January 10, 20141905 Salad. The salad is a staple, the Black bean soup is awesome. I have been to all of the different Colombia restaurants and they're all fantastic. Great service, better food.
Bob BuckhornNovember 18, 2011Everything is good but get the Cuban for the real Ybor experience. Their Cuban bread is from La Segunda, a historic and authentic bakery just a few blocks away.- Sheri SwammyAugust 13, 2019This one is a must for any first-timer to Tampa. Authentic Cuban food with a great atmosphere. I like their take on their shrimp and yellow rice dish.
David StephenMay 12, 2014#1 restaurant is Tampa! 1905 salad is a must. Red sangria is great, white is even better. Everything is delicious! Service is top notch. Building is historic and beautiful.
mark cobbAugust 8, 2017Never had anything bad. Have to have the 1905 salad and Cuban sandwich. The service is top notch always great
whether your a local or visiting, you need to make a stop by here drink some sangria, eat the 1905 salad, & some paella 😍🇪🇸🍷
Steve PolandJanuary 16, 2017Spanish bean soup was to die for. The 1905 Salad was good but hyped a bit too much. Great ambiance. We got a spot at the bar and avoided the wait.
Ernest CalderonAugust 29, 2014The 1905 salad is great, Mojito is great the ambiance and the service was wonderful and our desert was incredible!
Normen StrobelDecember 14, 2014Spanish bean soup is surprisingly good. Salteago is like a Chinese stir fry, nothing special. Bread pudding is awesome, very rich, reminds me of crime brûlée, more than enough to share.
Happy Gigi21July 17, 2015Had the Pollo Riojana, sangria and flan. Great food and experience! Must go when you're in Tampa.
Ben ArntsonAugust 3, 2013The key lime pie is an experience that can change one's outlook on dessert. I crave this pie as none have been its equal in my travels
Brycen EdwardsJuly 5, 2011I have tried most of the tapas menu and everything has been good. I love the Ropa Vieja and the fresh fish of the day is always good. The 1905 salad is HUGE as well most of their portions are big.- Nick PasquisOctober 16, 2012I have been to 5 star restaurants and this place is my all time favorite! The bread is amazing! The Spanish bean soup is to die for and palomilla was out of this world
Heather NelsonFebruary 14, 2016My Heart belongs to this place, So many childhood memories. Great food, I recommend the Flan, and also an Amazing floor show on given nights.
Brendan CarlinMarch 8, 2014A trio of tapas and the 1905 salad are perfect for a date or small group. The mojito pitcher is prepared at the table and the staff is exceptional
J 🏁January 30, 2012You MUST eat here while visiting Tampa. The building is beautiful, the service is amazing as well as the food. Sangrias are to die for! Get the 1905 salad! You won't be sorry.
Sharlene GrantJuly 8, 2016Always a great meal and always great atmosphere. You can dine in many different rooms and try something new each time.
$ŦEPҤλ₦łE VJune 18, 2012Great place! Have their House Salad to die for. Romantic setting, quiet. Great Rice, Chicken, Cubans, Everything. Not really expensive
Kellee AbozoglaiDecember 1, 2011Top to bottom amazing. Start with the 1905 salad. Sangria, paella and the white chocolate bread pudding are a must. However, I don't think you can go wrong no matter what you order!
Paul NovareseNovember 24, 2015Classic. At first you might think it's a tourist trap but it's the real deal. Good and service are excellent. Get the sangria.- Tori JirakDecember 4, 2014Atmosphere, sangria, paella and stuffed peppers are all to die for! What a cool place that I would recommend to tourists and locals.
Rosie PaulsenJune 27, 2021Can help it, the bread kills me, so we share the "Ribeye" with potatoes and vegetables and of course we have to have the "white chocolate bread pudding"
Nikki PetersJuly 16, 2013Fantastic lunch. Just plan to be there a while and enjoy the atmosphere. It takes a while to get your food but well worth the wait. :)
We are here on Christmas and there is an hour wait they are sooo packed...despite this the servers are attentive and accurate. Filet mignon cancha is incredibly good...so tender you dont need a knife
Michelle SJuly 31, 2013Great sangria and service, lobster flatbread and soups are amazing...chorizo app and rib app a little dry and tough...paella was not authentic no crust on rice and meat over cooked
TBOcomJune 21, 2011Tampa's grand palace of Spanish cuisine since 1905. From its flamenco dancers to its ceramic exterior, the Columbia is all color. By day, it's business lunches; by night, a Tampa tourist draw.
Dani CJuly 26, 2015The deviled crab croquette tapas was tasty yet pricey. The 1905 salad was awesome! The only negative was the prices and the service was SLOW!
Perfect place to bring out of town guests. Outstanding Spanish food with signature items like the 1905 salad and sangria.
DanJanuary 18, 2020Small 1905 salad, Cuban sandwich, empanadas, cup of Spanish bean soupUpvoted Mar 9
Alice FerrisAugust 27, 2012Try the 1905 Salad - Crisp Iceberg lettuce with julienne of baked ham, natural Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and garlic dressing
The (original) Cuban sandwich is a must, with a side of 1905 salad and tequila from Columbia's private barrel at Patron
Jerry BlackwellFebruary 3, 2015The paella was simply the best. The sangria was pretty authentic as well. It did go just fine with the paella
Stephen GlassmanNovember 25, 2013Great food (even better dessert) and selection, as well as a very interesting interior and atmosphere. Certainly recommend.
Everything! 1905 salad, paella, pollo de croquetas,, Merluza A la Rusa, sangria are a few of my faves!
Connie ChiuDecember 5, 2015The baked stuffed grouper with rice is amazing. The guava baked dessert is so good.
Kevin RogersonAugust 7, 2014Food was amazing - the salad made fresh at the table side must be ordered. If you go and don't get salad -DUMB
Patrick WillsSeptember 3, 2014The best food! The best wine options! The best staff! Highly recommend anything and everything.
Candy WatsonOctober 13, 2011BEST Cuban food there is HANDS DOWN! Sangria to die for, atmosphere is incredible, and right in the middle of historic Ybor City. Family friendly
The Cuban bread, paella, chicken & yellow rice/black beans, & 1905 salad are all very delicious!!
Trish SteedApril 9, 2013I love the wall recognizing employees here. Some have worked here 50 years! Great ambiance.
BrittneyFebruary 21, 2018Great menu. I try to order something different every time I'm there. Sizable portions too.
Allison PlanteMarch 28, 2012Spanish bean soup is the best thing I've ever had! Save some bread to mop up the broth with! White sangria is a winner as well.
Susan CollinsAugust 30, 2013Great food. Chaotic and loud atmosphere but worth it. Inconsistent service. If you visit, ask for waitress "Susan".
965 Photos
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The Columbia Restaurant
2117 E 7th Ave (bt N 21st & 22nd Sts)
Tampa, FL 33605
United States
Tampa, FL 33605
United States
Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- Midnight–9:00 PM
(813) 248-4961
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
Places inside The Columbia Restaurant
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- 9.1
"The roast pork and the garbanzo bean soup are my favorites!!! Fast service, too"
Ginger D - 7.0
"They ran out of sour mix so the margarita was made with fresh squeezed lime, yum. Also recommend the black bean cakes. Extremely tasty. Key lime pie also excellent."
Lisa D'Mekko - 7.6
"great breakfast, good place for an informal breakfast meeting."
Tom Wiebe
Places people like to go after The Columbia Restaurant
- 8.1
"Fun atmosphere - all kinds of pirate/nautical kitsch. Large bar with two aquariums. Nice outdoor seating, too. Good prices. The Cuban pork is delicious."
William Gee - 9.0
"All fruit preserves and jams in the food store are organic and contain only 2-3 natural ingredients. Lingonberry preserve of course is one of the best to try."
Ross
- 8.8
"Great cigar selection, good prices and helpful people. Excellent beer selection."
John Grist
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