Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

Name: Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Address: 411 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL, United States, 34236
Telephone: (941) 388-3987
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

9174 Reviews

$30 and under

Spanish

Top Tags:

Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine.

Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.

Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil.

Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms.

We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 109 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(941) 388-3987
Website
http://columbiarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jesus Padilla Jr.
Private party facilities
The Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota on St. Armands Circle is the perfect venue for your special event. Our Old World Mediterranean-style dining rooms lend an atmosphere of warmth and elegance to any gathering. For small groups, we offer private dining space.
Private party contact
Erika K: (941) 388-3987

Location
411 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
Neighborhood
Sarasota
Cross street
John Ringling Boulevard
Parking details
Parking options include a garage located at 47 N. Adams Drive, behind the Columbia. Garage parking is 50 cents an hour. Metered and free street parking also is available. Features of the parking garage include: - 484 parking spaces - 5 electric vehicle charging stations - Bicycle storage & repair station - Public restrooms
Entertainment
After your meal, stroll along St. Armands Circle, resembling an elegant European market with bright tropical landscaping. It is home to more than 130 shops that pamper guests from all areas of the world. Sarasota is a cultural haven with stunning beaches and superb shops and galleries. Outdoor activities like golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing and boating are also nearby.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

What 9,174 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Most Booked
Sarasota / Bradenton
Good for groups
Sarasota / Bradenton
Most Booked

9,174 Reviews

TS
TeresaS
Charlotte
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! Server was excellent and food delicious!
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e
emsrq
Tampa
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service was great. The music was so loud though I could hardly hear my friend and I sat right next to her
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SD
SteveD
Tampa
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hostess team headed by Monique and server Kyle were outstanding. Music from outside speakers along the side was very much too loud. Also got more music noise from Cha Cha Coconuts. Less music noise is definitely more/better.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
A pleasant dining experience (as usual). Good service and good food.
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L
Laurie
Hawaii
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love Columbia...try to get to a location whenever we can when visiting Florida. I so enjoy the 1905 salad. Service is always fantastic. Highly recommend
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PA
PATRICKM
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great customer service from the Greeters/Hostesses, waiter,and food runners. Pleasant time there and our out-of-state family members were very impressed. Red and White Sangria pitchers were enough for our table. Always a good time there. Keep doing good things!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and great service, this restaurant is a must-try!
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RM
RichardM
Tampa
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience5
Way overpriced for poor quality food. Everything except the food works.
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SM
SeanM
Exclusive
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience4
Unfortunately the service let the meal down this time. Our waiter didn’t seem to know the menu at all and it took forever for our drinks and meal to come. One of our meals was cold on arrival We come here every time we are in town and this time it didn’t live up to past experience’s
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E
Elaine
Naples
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrating my daughter’s birthday- everything was perfect- food & Sangria delish- excellent desserts & our server Chris was superb!!!
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D
Diane
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal and outstanding service. Definitely come back
Is this helpful?
k
keegang
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always an amazing dinner at Columbia!!!!! Our Open table reservation was perfect!! We walked in the very busy restaurant and was sat right away!!
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JK
JohnK
Naples
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite restaurants. Food and drinks were great.
Is this helpful?
MB
MindyB
Tampa
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience3
Family in town & they wanted to go to Columbia. Two reservations for two tables of (7). In the note section I offered a credit card to hold, being a party of 14, and left my cell just in case. No one contacted me to say our booking would be an issue. We were running less than 5m late and so I called. The young lady, Leslie, confirmed two tables of 7 under Blake, not a problem. Upon checking in we had a very minimal wait before being taken to a table for only 7, there is 14 of us (minus 2 husbands parking.) There were four or five open tables around us, so I went back to inquire if the rest of us were supposed to sit possibly at the table directly adjacent and this little girl with braces rudely says she would sit the rest of the party when they checked in. 🤯 Baby girl we are the rest of the party. Right now there are people standing in the middle of the dining room who just need to be seated maam. She reiterated she would sit us when the rest of the party arrived adding we would not be sat together. A bit bewildered by the necessity of the last remark coupled with her tone, I asked for clarification , as there were a multitude of tables around the first one but she said we couldn’t sit together because they had other reservations. 😳 (Yes, that would be me, hello.) I asked if I should go get the rest of our party to wait together and she said yes. So now all 14 of us are back at the hostess stand and this little girl wanted to cop an attitude with me about the tables, refusing to apply some common sense to a position that requires very little brain function, telling me “I understand” when it was clearly evident she did not and I told her so. She rolled her eyes at me and turned her back. My husband then summoned a manager and guess where we were sat: at the original table and the one adjacent to it. Why were we treated that way? Common sense is free. 🙄 On a positive note: Our waiter was phenomenal and our second tables waitress was equally phenomenal. MAHALO! 🤙
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Kansas City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As a first timer, the history of the restaurant, delicious food and excellent service exceeded my expectations.
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LG
LilianaG
Orlando
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing! The meals are big. Lots to choose from. A beautiful place.
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CR
CarmenR
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Eight of our family reserved 2 tables since we couldn’t get one table. We explained we wanted to sit close together to celebrate Thanksgiving. When we arrived we were seated at 2 tables on opposite sides of the restaurant. My table received wonderful service however the other table was ignored for 30 minutes after being seated and never received refills on their drinks. The waitress let them know she didn’t want to be there. Very unfortunate experience.
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BC
BeverlyC
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
All the food at Columbia Restaurant is always wonderful but I was especially taken back sat how delicious their Thanksgiving dinner was!
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AY
AntoinetteY
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent service and food. One of our favorite places to go for special occasions and holidays dinners. For lunch, the 1905 salad with either bean soup or cuban is yummy!
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MM
MaryM
Tampa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
We had an excellent Holiday Dinner at The Columbia. The service was exceptional. The ambiance was beautiful, I love the Latin music. However to no fault of the restaurant it was extremely crowded. We had a pre-dinner basic vodka martini at the bar, which was VERY expensive. Overall the value for our dinner was well worth it. Again the entire staff did an amazing job.
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KS
KateS
Tampa
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience2
This was the second time we have had Thanksgiving dinner at Columbia. Excellent reservation system, right on time. The food was good although the dressing was a little different. Unfortunately the noise level was much higher than I remember. We couldn’t talk at all. The service was excellent but they were extremely busy. Made me very nervous.
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T
Truthseeke63
Tampa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience5
This was our first Thanksgiving dinner at Columbia. We had reservations, and although there was a very long line to check in, it moved relatively fast. We selected a nice outdoor table and thoroughly enjoyed the ambience. The food was absolutely delicious and the only complain I would have was that the vegetables were not Cooked properly…the carrots were mushy on the outside and very hard on the inside. Plus the green beans had a strange texture. Besides that, everything was absolutely delicious! The wait between the salad and the main course was long, but this was probably due to the constant influx of customers.
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WM
WayneM
Cincinnati
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall2food1service2ambience1
My wife and I visited for thanksgiving and ordered the traditional thanksgiving dinner. We could only eat about 20% due to such low quality. When I brought the problems to the server he simply ignored me and deflected. I e been to this restaurant many times however, I’m not sure I’ll ever return.
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B
Barbara
Naples
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Andi was terrific and makes up a mean 1905 salad!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another yummy thanksgiving dinner!! What could be better? A sunny day with beautiful food in St Armands Circle!
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GL
GrammyLaura
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The portions were generous and taste was perfection. Our server made the experience even more enjoyable. Service was quick. We were seated even before our reserved time. All great!!
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DC
DaveC
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Turkey dinner was great. Sweet potatoes were like a dessert. Wait staff were attentive and helpful(as usual)
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f
floridawhitmom
Tampa
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
THANKSGIVING made easy! No cooking, no dishes, just delicious food and fun atmosphere with my family. Outstanding.
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SP
SimmieP
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
You can never have a bad time or bad food here. Superb!
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TL
TonyL
Columbus
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were excellent as usual. I found a small piece of plastic in my salad and quietly pointed it out to our server. She notified the manager and he quickly came to our table apologized and comped my salad. He handled it perfect and we will remain loyal customers. In fact we have reservations for lunch and a dinner there next week!!!
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NW
NW555
Jacksonville
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
Service was excellent. Food is always inconsistent. Black beans and rice were room temperature. Palomilla sandwich meat was all grizzle. Bread was not toasted. 1905 dressing was forgotten. Spanish bean soup was great. Cuban sandwich was tasty.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kat was an outstanding server! Her patience with the kids and menu knowledge was right on!
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m
marthak
Tampa
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly wait staff. Manager stopped by to confirm we were enjoying our meal.
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MB
MicheleB
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food2service2ambience3
Overall, the food was disappointing. My chicken dish was over cooked and did not come out hot. The Carrizo was extremely tough, the flavor was way too strong, it was unedible. Our server was stressed out, sloppy, and forgetful.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Ate outside it was great! Had the Red Snapper Adelito and the Chicken Salteado and both were very good!
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s
salp
Orlando
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waitress was great. She had a snafu but recovered.
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LP
LynnP
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great. Had a reservation at 530 and no problem being seated.
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YP
YvonneP
Indiana
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
The salad and sandwiches were delicious. The stone crab claws were a bit pricey but good. Beautiful day to sit on the covered patio!
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c
curly
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
These old line restaurants can sometimes be stuffy, dated and past their prime. Not so with Columbia. Really good food, buzzy ambience and terrific service ( esp. noteworthy bc the place was packed.} Don't be dissuaded by the age of this place--it was great in every way.
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SN
ScottN
Nashville
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Got to know the place pretty well; we were there nearly 2 hours. Watched nearly 2 rounds of customers come and go. Just 4 of us and 1 joined for the last 30 mins. I think we got the table that time forgot. Hostess was as nice as the service/waiter was good. They had plenty of help, but our waiter was inattentive and just not good. I’m sure he’s a good person though. Got to know and see all of the other waiters quite frequently. Not sure where ours would go to. We Had to ask for refills (even for cocktails), had to remind them that we had ordered the (1905), they forgot the bread that we had asked for. Eventually got the crab claw tools. I think other staff were tired of seeing our order waiting at the kitchen window, so they went ahead and brought it out. Luke warm food. All that we ordered were entrees and a dessert to go. Nothing big. Ordered Rock Crab, so maybe they assumed they would get the 20% tip without working for it due to the $100 price tag of the Crab. (Not a brag, believe me, as price wasn’t listed. Definitely a regret) Based on tonight, I don’t know what the hype is about other than the place is run by 4th generation family. Maybe it’s more about tradition than anything else. Wife and daughter enjoyed it last time they were there. This was my first time. All of us were disappointed tonight. Tonight was Easy money for the Columbia from our table.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (941) 388-3987.

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota is rated 4.6 stars by 9174 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 109 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

411 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
John Ringling Boulevard
Neighborhood
Sarasota
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking options include a garage located at 47 N. Adams Drive, behind the Columbia. Garage parking is 50 cents an hour. Metered and free street parking also is available. Features of the parking garage include: - 484 parking spaces - 5 electric vehicle charging stations - Bicycle storage & repair station - Public restrooms
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jesus Padilla Jr.
Entertainment
After your meal, stroll along St. Armands Circle, resembling an elegant European market with bright tropical landscaping. It is home to more than 130 shops that pamper guests from all areas of the world. Sarasota is a cultural haven with stunning beaches and superb shops and galleries. Outdoor activities like golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing and boating are also nearby.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://columbiarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(941) 388-3987
Private party facilities
The Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota on St. Armands Circle is the perfect venue for your special event. Our Old World Mediterranean-style dining rooms lend an atmosphere of warmth and elegance to any gathering. For small groups, we offer private dining space.
Private party contact
Erika K: (941) 388-3987

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

The Original Cuban Sandwich

Pompano "Lido Key"

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Menu

What 9,174 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant rated?

Is Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day