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Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.6
4.6
9168 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 97 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

What 9,168 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Tampa / Central Florida West

    Most Booked

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Good for groups

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Most Booked

9,168 Reviews

  1. PATRICKM

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 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!

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and great service, this restaurant is a must-try!

    Is this helpful?

  3. RichardM

    Tampa

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    Way overpriced for poor quality food. Everything except the food works.

    Is this helpful?

  4. SeanM

    Exclusive

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 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

    Is this helpful?

  5. Elaine

    Naples

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 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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  6. Diane

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and outstanding service. Definitely come back

    Is this helpful?

  7. keegang

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. JohnK

    Naples

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants. Food and drinks were great.

    Is this helpful?

  9. MindyB

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 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! 🤙

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As a first timer, the history of the restaurant, delicious food and excellent service exceeded my expectations.

    Is this helpful?

  11. LilianaG

    Orlando

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing! The meals are big. Lots to choose from. A beautiful place.

    Is this helpful?

  12. CarmenR

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 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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  13. BeverlyC

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 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!

    Is this helpful?

  14. AntoinetteY

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 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!

    Is this helpful?

  15. MaryM

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 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.

    Is this helpful?

  16. KateS

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 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.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Truthseeke63

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 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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  18. WayneM

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 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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  19. Barbara

    Naples

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Andi was terrific and makes up a mean 1905 salad!!!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 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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  21. GrammyLaura

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 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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  22. DaveC

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 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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  23. floridawhitmom

    Tampa

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    THANKSGIVING made easy! No cooking, no dishes, just delicious food and fun atmosphere with my family. Outstanding.

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  24. SimmieP

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You can never have a bad time or bad food here. Superb!

    Is this helpful?

  25. TonyL

    Columbus

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 6 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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  26. NW555

    Jacksonville

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 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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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kat was an outstanding server! Her patience with the kids and menu knowledge was right on!

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  28. marthak

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly wait staff. Manager stopped by to confirm we were enjoying our meal.

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  29. MicheleB

    Baltimore

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 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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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 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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  31. salp

    Orlando

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was great. She had a snafu but recovered.

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  32. LynnP

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great. Had a reservation at 530 and no problem being seated.

    Is this helpful?

  33. YvonneP

    Indiana

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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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  34. 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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  35. AllanS

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always been very satisfied with food,quality and service.

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  36. jbeatz

    Denver

    16 reviews

    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience2
    Service was horrible. Waited 30 minutes for 615 reservation. They claimed to forget us even though we stood 10’ away from hostess stand. All workers seemed grumpy and sad to be working. No charm at all. Did t apologize at all for making us wait so long. Food was excellent. Would I go again, no. Serve and attitude was too bad to overcome excellent food.

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  37. JohnW

    Indiana

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the roast pork & it was delicious. My wife had the pompano & she at every bite. Quiet for so many people. Service outstanding.

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  38. CherylB

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I were first-timers at the Columbia Restaurant; our son has been there multiple times and loves everything on the menu! The women at the table next to us overheard me saying that this was the first time for my husband and me. They suggested the half cuban sandwich and soup, and they raved about how delicious it was -- we'll have that next time! We all chose the paella dinner, and we all said, "WOOOW!" It was delicious! And our server was spot on! Thanks to the entire dinning experience at the Columbian Restaurant, we had the best time and we'll DEFINITELY be back again, soon!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service!! Would definitely recommend to anyone going to the area. The 1905 salad was superb!

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  40. Topher

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Michael took wonderful care of us. Food was delicious. Call ahead for reservations

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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 9168 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 97 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

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