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Columbia Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
2117 E 7th AveTampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-4961
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
183 reviews for Columbia Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The white chocolate bread pudding was incredible."
(in 6 reviews)
"But the Ybor City spot is my favorite."
(in 42 reviews)
"...Criollo, Palomilla, Roast Pork "A La Cubana", and Paella..."
(in 6 reviews)
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183 reviews in English
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Review from Jacqueline L.
Tampa, FL
2/3/2012
Met here this evening for a birthday celebration with family. I had been to the Columbia on the pier in St. Pete once about a year ago and was less than enthused to make a return visit.
This location is beautiful, spacious, the food is better and I nearly hugged our waiter Matt for being such an amazing server. Our glasses were never empty, he was polite, friendly, helpful, attentive, more than happy to help some undecided folks in our party with some recommendations. I was even impressed with the presentation of the sangria that was freshly made for us. Was fun to watch and I don't even drink the stuff.
The food? Excellent! The portions were nice, the presentation was way, way above average and it was all so delicious.
It is a tad bit on the expensive side, but the ambiance, the food and the history the place holds is worth checking out.
I cringed at the thought of returning to the one in St. Pete, but I would gladly make another appearance or three at this location.
Thanks for a pleasantly memorable evening, Columbia! -
Review from Pooty T.
Boulder, CO
2/2/2012
Disappointing. The food is just not good. What effing restaurant charges $20 or more for an entree and serves it with frozen vegetable mix? This place does and it's disgusting.
I like the space, though, I'd suggest having a glass of Lustau Amontillado at the bar, pretend yr someplace classy, and eat somewhere else. -
Review from Brett N.
Tampa, FL
1/16/2012
I've been 3 times.
Each time I have had the following:
Poor Service
Poor Food
Over-priced bill for the items listed above.
I'm sorry to all the people who enjoy this establishment, I have been three times and I have not enjoyed my experience.
I want to be proven wrong...I REALLY do, please someone show me the light! -
Review from Steven W.
Acampo, CA
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Get a reservation. This place is popular. Waited over an hour but well worth it. Wonderful food. The best.
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Review from Leah T.
Houston, TX
1/1/2012
This was all around excellent! The food was to die for, the view was beautiful, the atmosphere was great, and the service was probably probably some of the best service I've ever experienced (if no the best)!
First: the food
I could hardly decide what to order because everything looked so good. Our waitress gave us great recommendations (most of which we ordered). The food was fantastic (especially the 711 salad), but the dessert was even better, especially the guava turn-over.
Second: the service
Our waitress was awesome! As I said previously, it was probably the best service I've ever experienced! She was so nice and helpful and entertaining. She even added an extra soup for my dad for free because she didn't want him to feel left out as we ate out salads.
I definitely recommend to everyone!!!! I hope to go back the next time I'm in St. Petersburg! -
Review from Grey K.
Oldsmar, FL
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
We stopped in around two in the afternoon for dessert and were told by the hostess it would be a 10-15 minute wait due to a shift change. 25 minutes later we were still waiting and to make matters more frustrating, another party of three who had arrived after us had been seated before us!!! Needless to say we decided to leave. I called to speak with a manger while waiting to be picked up. I was on hold for nine minutes. The manager apologized for the miscommunication but it did not seem heartfelt. Too bad.
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Review from Todd B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
This is the oldest Spanish restaurant in the U.S., and it feels as authentic as it is old. Yes, it's a touristy place, but the place and food are both extraordinary. The service was excellent, and I was impressed with the extensive menu. Everything sounded enticing, but I settled on the 1905 salad and the Mahi Mahi. The salad was made in front of my eyes, and the "small" was in heaping portions. The Mahi Mahi with a crust and creamy citrus sauce was one of the three best fish dishes I've ever experienced, and I almost returned during my trip just to have it again. I had a lot of fun and enjoye everything about The Columbia. It's a must for any trip to Tampa.
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Review from Mal C.
1/5/2012
Oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in the United States. How awesome is that?! The Flamenco dancing was so fun! If you're in town, you should definitely pay extra to see the show. The food was also delicious. I had the palomilla, which was delicious with the chopped onion and taste of fresh lime juice. Afterward, pick up some cigars in their cigar shop and learn about the history of Ybor!
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Review from Collin S.
Updated - 11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Full disclosure, on my last trip they gave me a tour of the place for free. Caesar Gonzmart, he of the 4th generation to run this landmark, walked us around the 12 different dining rooms and the back of the house for about an hour. As a longtime Tampanian, it was a such a pleasure learn even more about the history of the Columbia, and how it ties with the history of the city. Of course those ties are inexorable, but there were things I didn't even know... like it was just a saloon until prohibition began in 1920!
I never knew the amount of hard work and thought went into the design of each of the different dining rooms. Not just created for function, each are named and themed in a different manner. We also got a kitchen tour, and one of the more amazing things is that just one kitchen serves all those different rooms. And the bread still comes from La Segunda multiple times a day.
Then they served us lunch, and as usual it was amazing. Arroz con pollo, 1905 salad, and flan were all their usual deliciousness. Ambassador Limo is now offering this tour for $45 a person, and they'll pick you up and drop you off at Westshore Mall. I can't recommend the tour enough, even for a Columbia regular, and for tourists, no restaurant defines any city like the Columbia does Tampa. It's a great chance to see how this place became not only a successful restaurant, but also a living museum that continues to be a part of our city today.Listed in: Ybor City Places To Be, Gettin Ethnic
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/14/2011
It's one of the great experiences of this city, and if the walls could talk they would tell the… Read more »
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Review from Francisco M.
Orlando, FL
1/2/2012
This is my first visit to this Columbia location and like the other locations we were disappointed with the quality of the food. The service was very good and our waiter was very attentive to our needs but the food is a different story. We began with the Gambas Al Ajillo and it was just ok. The genuine Gambas Al Ajillo for those of you that have been to Spain are not big in size or spicy, these were both. The garlic gives it the flavor it needs, no need to add peppers to it.
I ordered the special of the day which was the Churrasco with chimichurri and white rice and it was not what I expected. The meat was tough and it was definitely not Churrasco. It was not grilled, the size was very small and it lacked that flavor you come to expect from a Churrasco. I have had Churrasco in Cuban restaurants in Miami and it does not compare in taste, size or flavor. It's extremely rare to find a Cuban restaurant that serves you white rice with no black beans but now I can say I found one. My wife had the Grilled Cuban Pork and I had to try it. It was very bland and chewy. Cuban pork is suppose to be tender with mountains of flavor that comes from hours of seasoning. The Yuca was rock hard and that's always a sign that its not fresh or made to order. We decided to end with the Brazo Gitano Dessert. The menu said flambee at the table and it came up short. A little liquor on top of a cold cake with whipped cream accompanied by a small flame and that was it. They do get an 'A' for the wine list, they have thousands of choices to pick from but they need to make their list easier to look through. They have over 200 pages of wines and it takes awhile to look through.
For those of you who think this is authentic SPANISH Food from Spain, I'm sorry but you are dead wrong. No way does it compare to traditional restaurants you find in Spain, this is well below Spanish standards. I lived in Spain for many years and the only restaurant that comes somewhat close to Authentic Spanish cuisine is Casa Juancho in Miami. Columbia offers a handful of Spanish inspired dishes but overall it's Cuban and not very genuine. Why do you think they don't have a Columbia location in South Florida/Miami? They cannot compete with the authentic Cuban restaurants you find scattered through Little Habana.
On a side note, the front of the house needs to learn to be more people friendly because they seemed very cold towards people. Smiling is all it takes to make a good impression. If you can't deliver on that, you shouldn't be hostess. -
Review from Joey T.
Tampa, FL
1/13/2012
My favorite restaurant in Tampa! 1905 salad, warm bread and chocolate bread pudding are incredible!
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Review from Mica S.
St Petersburg, FL
10/25/2011
Have been to this restaurant several times and have always had a good experience. I do enjoy the food. I think they have a great selection and representation of Spanish food, something for everyone. Their menu is loaded with lots of fish selections cooked a variety of different ways so if you're a fan of fish, you'll enjoy this. Everything is well prepared. As compared to other Tapas bars, this place is on the pricey side. The restaurant is also very good at accommodating large groups. They also have a convenient on-line reservation system.
Went recently for my 6yo daughter's birthday as she loves dancing, we took in the flamenco show. The charge is $6/adult for the show. I think if you're taking friends from out of town and want the tourist experience, it's all part of the ambiance. Honestly, I think it's rather dated.
The dining experience was fun in regards that it seemed every table was celebrating a birthday. As flamboyant as the flamenco show is, the birthday celebration is less than stellar. Maybe they should incorporate both and really have something! The 'show' dining room is also quite dark and noisy. The waiters seemed overwhelmed and service was slow.
The place has a monopoly on the block with the restaurant with two dining rooms, a Columbia store and a Columbia museum.
We're big fans of tapas and Spanish food. A must have here is the Sangria, probably the best I have had outside of Spain. Their bread pudding is also fantastic. In the future, I would continue to probably either dine in the front part, non-show, part of the restaurant which is more brightly lit and a patio sort of motif which is quite cute. I also enjoy their Columbia Cafe in downtown Tampa by The Forum. In the future, given the choice, I'd choose the Cafe. -
Review from Colleen B.
Orlando, FL
Absolutely delicious. This is the 4th location of Columbia that I have experienced and it's just fabulous. I am pretty sure this was the very first location too. It has various rooms that all have their own gorgeous design and you truly feel submersed in the experience.
My number 1 suggestion to anyone, get the white sangria. They make it fresh in front of you and it is so deliciously, refreshing. You may not even want to share the pitcher. The 1905 salad of course is key, it's what they are known for, you can't not get it when you come here. The fresh cuban bread that begins your meal is just the heavenly start. Save room! I am glad they introduced a tapas style serving as well because there are always so many things I want to try. Also, their dishes are a pretty good size and after you drink, eat bread and salad along with an app... there is hardly room for a 1/4 of your entree.
We dined in the bar room and it was awesome, so many windows on a sunny day! The service was amazing as I have experienced at all locations except the cafe. Make sure you have time to relax and enjoy the entire experience and bring loved ones and friends, celebrate! -
Review from Mimi T.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011
First, I must explain that I am a real lover of Spanish food. I have been to Spain 5 times, including for a full summer, and I am in constant search for authentic and delicious Spanish food here in the US. I have been unsuccessful in my search, including living in San Francisco and New York. The food at Columbia Restaurant is outstanding! We had a large party in the Flamenco dancing room and I was amazed at the quality of every dish. We ordered 3 different tapas for the table to share- gambas al ajillo- which is shrimp with garlic- this was probably my favorite!, stuffed piquillo peppers, and mejillones- mussels with chorizo sausage, all excellent. We then shared pealla a la valenciana and lechon (roast pig) for the table. The paella was really outstanding- exactly the right consistency with regard to flavor and moistness, which is difficult to accomplish. The lechon was good (although I am in favor of lechon filipino style which is more crispy). We finished with key lime pie, crema catalana, and flan - all were excellent! The Sangria was also a treat- just perfect with regard to authenticity. The restaurant was enormous and packed with many large groups of people. They handle their crowds well in their service and the food does not at all taste "mass produced."
As for the flamenco dancing- the dancers were very good- the feel of the experience wasn't really authentic though as the music was blasted through speakers rather than live guitar/singers, and this was christmas eve so they had a couple of christmas themed numbers and sort of cheesy overly dramatic non-flamenco style orchestral music. Nonetheless, it was still enjoyable and I don't think anyone easily has the opportunity to experience more authentic flamenco dancing in the US anyways, so I still thought it was worthwhile.
Regarding the ambiance of the restaurant- ok, so this part of florida you are often forced to deal with the Disney esthetic - if you can get past that feeling as you enter the touristy spanish "castle", please please please don't be a snob and pass up on this opportunity to taste delicious authentic Spanish food. It is worth it! -
Review from Jon B.
Wayland, MA
11/12/2011
A very worthwhile experience, both for the food and the historical ambiance.
Columbia is a 105 year old restaurant in the middle of Ybor City - the old cigar making district of Tampa. Walking in evolks the Spanish Cuban history of the city. Its worth a few minutes to look around.
At the server's suggestion, we tried their sangria to start. What a difference from the watered down type you usually get. Just wine and brandy mixed with fruit over ice. Fantastic!
The food is very good: tapas or appetizers to start and a full range of Spanish style entrees. We had wonderful tapas followed by salads that we could have easily shared. Entrees included excellent salmon, a fine filet in wine sauce and my paella - cooked just right.
This is a place to linger over. Courses come at a moderate pace leaving time to enjoy drinks, food and talk.
Highly recommended. -
Review from John C.
Austin, TX
12/9/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We loved it! The scallops Casimiro and the devil crab croquettes were excellent. The Paella Valenciana was good, although a touch on the salty side. The sangria was very good, but not the best I've had in Tampa. The service was friendly and attentive. This is definitely a place that people go to celebrate--a very boisterous dinner crowd!
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Review from Maria G.
Atwater, CA
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Expensive. First time eating columbian food.. so i says i wanna try a lil bit of everything... had the meat sampler plate. It was definately not what i expected. I felt like they just put everything on a plate and the drenched it with black beans on top... there was not a dry spot anywhere on my plate. Service was really slow and we were the only table seated at the time. Probably not recommend or return both due to price n service.
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Review from Kylin B.
Saint Petersburg, FL
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I always forget about this place at the Pier. I don't know why, because it's gorgeous!! The view sells the restaurant. Literally they could have grilled a boot and topped it with ketchup and sauerkraut and put it on a plate, and I would have gladly picked up my steak knife and sliced right into the heel. Because the view is so geniusly distracting, that the food is truly a secondary element. I like the grub there, the fish is always cooked to perfection. And you know the sangria is delicious. But I always leave forgetting the food, but only because I was falling in love with the view of the bay. Man it's good.
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Review from Ken D.
Tampa, FL
1/16/2012
you just have to go.
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Review from Michael Z.
St Petersburg, FL
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanted to love the Columbia. The building inside and out is pleasing to the eye. But a gift shop next door is the first warning sign of a tourist trap. Still, a restaurant does not last for over 100 years serving bad food, so I had to give it a try. We opted for a Flamenco show with our meal which lasted about 45 minutes and is $6 additional per person. It definitely added a nice touch, but the numbers were hit and miss. Some of the performers gave off the vibe of just going through the motions, while others were clearly putting their heart into it. It is good enough to try once, but not so impressive I would go out of my way for a repeat performance.
The food, which was a bevy of tapas, was simply ok. Service was accordion like - long periods of nothing followed by drinks and plates all showing up at the same time. It was a Saturday night and the place was crowded, so I am sympathetic. But it was noticeable. Nothing was terrible. But nothing was remarkable either. I am afraid that the appeal of this restaurant lies more in its past than it's future. -
Review from Sandy J.
9/10/2011
This was my 1st time coming here. This place is huge! I really liked the ambience and how it was set up as an indoor and outdoor spot. There isn't outdoor seating, but the way it was decorated gives you that indoor/outdoor quality. It reminded me of the scene in "The Mask of Zorro" where Antonio Banderas met Catherine Zeta-Jones. They also have a more casual part of the restaurant for those that just prefer drinking over eating.
Service was good; food was good, although my Mahi Mahi was slightly overcooked. I also really liked their sangria. I think it's slightly better than Ceviche's.
They also have Flamenco dancing; I forgot when the show begins though, sorry. -
Review from Howard Z.
Paramus, NJ
1/18/2012
Classic place to get some hispanic food. My personal favorites is the ropa vieja and paella. If you get the sangria, get it with the brandy that has the little plastic bull on it. They bring out all the ingredients and make it right in front of you. Service is a little slow, but I have never been there where it was not busy.
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Review from Mark H.
6/8/2011 ROTD 9/15/2011
THIS AIN'T A CUBAN RESTAURANT, PEOPLE! Stop the madness.
I think a lot of people go here thinking it is going to be a Cuban restaurant because so many Tampa natives associate "Spanish" food with "Cuban" or any ole "Latin cafe" food. This couldn't be further from the truth. The Columbia serves up SPANISH FOOD, as in, from Spain--not caribe Latin food as in Cuban or Puerto Rican. The original owners of this restaurant were not Cuban, they were Spanish. You wouldn't go here expecting Mexican food, so you shouldn't expect and all Cuban menu, respectively. Confused yet?
Anywho, check this place out for Spanish cuisine. Lots of fish and borderline Italian-like, Mediterranean dishes. They do have a Cuban sandwich on the menu that's made the traditional, old school way and a dish called La Cubana Completa which offers a variety of Cuban-style foods, but other than that, it's all old world classics.
This place has been a staple eatery in Tampa's Ybor City since the turn of the century, so it's worth checking out because that type of longevity isn't accidental. Been eating here for years and will for many more to come for the "1905" Salad alone if nothing else! -
Review from Melissa V.
Tampa, FL
Now, one of my lunch date favorites!
First off, MAKE A RESERVATION... I showed up at 1:30p on a Saturday, first visit in quite a long time... I completely forgot what a tourist trap it is. We pulled up and there are 2 buses loading up people that are coming out of the restaurant... at least that was good timing. We still had to wait about 30 minutes. Eyes rolled thinking... TOURISTS!! However, during my 30 minute wait, I snuck off into the Columbia's little souvenior shop and found myself behaving like these tourists, completely fascinated with the little trinkets and sangria glass bottles..... actually, a really great little shop to buy a fun gift for a friend.
The structure of this building is absolutely breath taking - the pictures, the doorways, the ceiling, EVERYTHING is a beautiful.
I haven't been for the eveing flamingo shows, but it's on my list of things to do very soon.
The 4 things you MUST order, don't miss out!!! -
1) Devilled Crab Croquettes (appetizer)
2) 1905 Salad
3) Traditional Cuban sandwich (Real Tampa style)
4) Sangria de Cava (Mmmmmmmmmmm!)
***The White Sangria... very tasty... and FYI - It is made with a sparkling wine, not champagne. Fresh oranges, lime, and cherries.... so light and tasty, the perfect drink for summer time. -
Review from Christopher T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011
Good spanish food, atmosphere and service not to mention the history associated with this place. Great building!
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Review from Michelle M.
Tampa, FL
8/3/2011
Tampa is known for their Cuban food and Columbia's is no exception. Expect a festive, lively atmosphere and some of the best Cuban food in town. The 1905 salad is exceptional and Cuban Black Bean soup will hold it's own against any tradtional black bean soup. My favorite dish on the menu is the Seafood Paella, but I also love the Ropa Vieja and Filet Steak Salteado. You probably will be too stuffed to make it to dessert, but if you want to bring home a cuban treat try the white chocolate bread pudding or the churros.
Live music is available every Friday and Saturday and you can make reservations in the Flamenco Room for live dance performances. Warning: it gets really LOUD in this room so I would not recommend booking the room for a romantic dinner out. -
Review from Diesel D.
Atlanta, GA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Summary, great atmosphere but flavors lack.
The bad...everything was entirely too salty. The salt over powered all the lobster, shrimp, and mussels in the dish. Totally ruined what could have been great.
All the other reviews are right about the building, a classic -
Review from Alison S.
7/26/2011
DELICIOSO!
I have been very pleased with my Columbia experiences. The food has consistently been beyond satisfying. The combination of food bliss plus gorgeous, historical decor makes for a favorable and romantic dining affair. A reservation is a smart idea and if you are in need of entertainment to prelude an inspired outing, see the Flamenco show!
Let's talk carne asada and camarones, si? I had a steak and prawn dinner that was so very succulent and seasoned flawlessly. With sauces, rices and breads that add the perfect flavorful highlights to the meal. A nice glass of red wine truly rounds it out to make an indulgent and incredible dinner.
The only thing distracting me from my food, drink, and handsome romancin' husband is the high volume of both people and noise. The service both times has been on the slow side because they were pretty jammed packed. However, one waiter was so gracious for our patience that he gave us dessert and drinks for free. We had not raised any issue but with out mention he knew his service was lacking and humbly made up for it.
The dessert that caught our attention was aptly named Aurora, the same as our daughter. It was sweet and perfect, a decadent bowl of both chocolate mousse and vanilla custard.
So grab a group of friends, family or the love of your life and go experience the Columbia Restaurant. You'll be very pleased that you did! -
Review from scott m.
Loganville, GA
8/31/2011
great atmosphere, very old bar and interesting mix of tapas. The scallops were amazing.
The TAPAS were amazing.. The bar was very interesting. amazing that this building has been there since 1905. This place is definately a place that deserves a visit if you are in Tampa -
Review from David F.
Jacksonville, FL
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Coolness, coolness, coolness!!! Now I can check off this restaurant from my "to try" list!!! Waited a while for a table and our food, but it was really worth it. The historic nature to the restaurant is unparalleled.
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Review from Tommy Q.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pros:
Beautiful architecture
Well dressed and attentive wait staff
Tasty and reasonably priced food
Warm delicious Cuban bread with butter
I had the sirloin steak with onions, parsley, and garlic. EXCELLENT!
Possibly the best flan I've ever had.
Cons:
Showed up with no reservations around 3 pm - the dining rooms were not packed at all yet it took the staff 20 minutes to seat our party of 6.
although the staff was attentive and friendly, took quite a long time to bring the actual food out
Overall great food and atmosphere and cool history. If ever in Tampa again I'll come back. -
Review from Lance S.
Lakeland, FL
6/2/2011
One of the best, if not the best Columbian restaurant I have been to. I have been to the one in Tampa and St. Augustine. Both are great, but Tampa's ambiance is unsurpassed. There is so much history at the Tampa location.
The food is wonderful, the dancers are great, ask for a tour it is worth it.
I've had several different dishes and all of them have been great.
I will continue driving 45+ minutes to go to this restaurant! -
Review from Josef W.
Murfreesboro, TN
6/7/2011
This is a restaurant I have heard of for years.
We went one evening during the week. The restaurant was not crowded and we got to see the Flamingo dancers, an interesting show. I think anyone would enjoy the show.
We had the White Sangria, "Sangria de Cava", very refreshing with champagne, brandy, orange liquor and citrus. The Original "1905" salad was a wonderful beginning.
My friends had Palimilla steak with plantanos and rice, Chicken "Valenciana" sauteed with vegetables, herbs and rice. Topped with chardonnay and green peas. I had the Merzula "A la Rusa" breaded and grilled fish with Russian sauce and yellow rice.
All in all a great time was had by everyone. The building is interesting and the walls are covered with old photographs and paintings.
The service was EXCELLENT, I can't remember the young man's name but he knew the menu and prepared an excellent Sangria at tableside. -
Review from Michael C.
Tampa, FL
4/6/2011
My parents have two favorites when they come to Tampa: The Columbia and Berns. Both are excellent, but on the pricey side.
For a little history, The Columbia is the oldest restaurant in Florida, serving Cuban food. But this isn't Miami Cuban, this is "been in Tampa for over a hundred years" Cuban, so it has far more Spanish influence.
We started with their house salad (their salad dressing is reason enough to come) and the crab croquettes. Next my father and I each had the seafood paella. We love paella and we're hoping to share one giant dish. Unfortunately the paella has shrunk in size with the recession - but not in price. It was still a great dish, and I ended up having some left overs, but we had been in the past and both could split one.
Lastly we had the bread pudding for desert. It was delicious and rich and probably not something my diabetic father should have had.
The Columbia has a rich history and everyone that has lived in town probably has a story. If you want the best of Tampa, this should be on your list. -
Review from Lam N.
Cypress, TX
3/13/2011
The girlfriend found this place from yelp. When we went to Orlando we drove to tampa to try this place out.
First off, I highly recommending getting a reservation since this place seemed like it can get really packed and fast! We ate there for lunch and was seated promptly. The parking situation there is very easy, they have a couple of parking lots to choose from and there was a guy in the parking lot directing traffic.
Okay, let's start off with the food, we got the following:
House Special Salad - This salad is the bomb - it's very intense.. if you cannot handle intense flavors this salad is not for you - they squeeze a whole lemon into the mixture and toss it right in front of you... the salad was exactly to my palate. I loved it - it had all the right flavors and was very intense in lemon juice. Sometimes I found myself feeling like i ate one of those sour candys that are suppose to make you clench up your face.
Then we got this garlic shrimp dish - Shrimp "Al Ajillo" - man this was really good - the garlic was intense and the shrimp itself really flavorful. I even took the bread that we got and dipped it into the sauce to savor the taste of it.
Ropa Vieja - my girlfriend and I shared this dish - although i wish we didnt... the rice and beans were the best part of this dish - i would have been completely satisfied if they just served us rice and beans. It was probably the best rice and beans that i've ever had... the dish also came with fried plantains, chicken, and a slice of what I thought was beef.
Bread pudding - this bread pudding of theirs was good and tasty - the only thing that i wish it had was ice cream... If this place had some good ice cream that they could have placed over the bread pudding then this place would have gotten 5 stars!
overall, i walked out of there very satisfied and full - If you haven't been and you're visiting - make sure you take some time out of your day to check this place out - you won't be sorry! -
Review from Dan R.
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
The building is authentic and very cool. That's it. It is Cuban in name only.
I ordered Paella hoping to experience true Cuban cooking. It was poorly prepared and bland. The chicken was over cooked. And even though it was cooked in a paella pan the rice did not have that crunchy bottom layer to it that true paella is known for.
The flamenco dancer seemed entertaining and that would be the only reason I would ever go here for. -
Review from Lee W.
Fairfield, CT
5/3/2011
Great food and drinks!
very interesting building. the service was great. the food was excellent. cant go wrong here! -
Review from Ernie H.
Clarkston, MI
11/1/2011
Great atmosphere and prices were within reason, I have had a couple of Cuban sandwiches prior to coming here, but this one was one of the Best. You must also have a cup of one of the soups. The service was also excellent.
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Review from Carol M.
New York, NY
10/18/2011
Read alot of reviews before we went. I love the history of this restaurant but most of all I love the food! We went on a Monday afternoon and there were a decent amount of patrons. We made reservations which I would suggest for busier times.
The food and drinks were excellent. The service was a tad slow and our waitress got one appetizer and one entree wrong. I'm sure they would have exchanged the entree but she didnt return to the table soon enough. It was still delicious and my husband didnt mind. We started with a mango tango daiquiri and a mojito. Both drinks were sooo delicious. The mojito was made with fresh mint, lime and had a stick of sugar cane.
For appetizers we had empanadas and gambas al ajillo (to die for!). For entrees we had roast pork and (chicken) should have been eggplant riojana, all delicious.
Leave room for dessert. The key lime pie was ridiculous and my husband said the bread pudding was the best he's ever tasted. I would return without hesitation on my next trip to Tampa. The only thing I am sorry about is not being able to try more things on the menu! -
Review from Rochelle R.
Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2010 4 photos
Since I am in Florida, I HAD to try the cuban food. Turns out Ybor City is one of the first cuban settlements in Florida. Based on the overall reviews, I wasn't sure how good Columbia would be, but I figured I should try it since it was the oldest Cuban restaurants in the area. It was established in 1905. Besides, I was a tourist, so I am allowed to do check our a touristy spot.
The interior was nicely decorated. So much character. It looked like I could've been somewhere in Havana. The place is huge! There menu offerings were vast and it made it hard for me to choose. I wasn't sure if I should go for the chicken or the cubano sandwich. I eventually decided to go with someething I couldn't get back home....I got the La Completa Cubana, which is a sampler of Roast Pork, Boliche, Empanada de Picadillo, platanos, yuca, black beans and yellow rice. It was so yummy. I washed everything down with a mojito which was also delicious. For dessert, I had to order the Key Lime pie since I was in Florida after all.
Conclusion, cuban food is definitely much better in Florida. If Columbia is only 3.5 stars by Florida standards, then I can't wait to try a 4 or 5 star restaurant. All I know is that Columbia kills all the cuban restaurants in LA and the OC in terms of food and ambience...and yes, I think it's even better than Porto's! Gasp!
