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  5. Sarasota

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.7
4.7
7861 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 268 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 7,861 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Tampa / Central Florida West

    Most Booked

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. l

    local

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was amazing and food excellent
  2. LM

    LisaM

    Baltimore

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Food was not up to the level it has been in the past. Waitress was rude and in a rush.
  3. BJ

    BradJ

    Las Vegas

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    We have been to multiple Columbia restaurants and this was by far our worst experience. It was busy, but our waitress was interested about yapping than listening. Never received our waters or butter. Brought entrées out before salads and the entrées were dry and unflavored. Will be a while before I go back to this location
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Tom was a great server!
  5. S

    Sherefe

    Detroit

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Venessa our waitress was fantastic. The portions are very large and the bread pudding was amazing
  6. s

    syr11

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service. Very loud. Had an awesome time
  7. s

    sandeeseb

    Cleveland

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always good, and the service was good.
  8. NA

    NancyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our server Bill was very attentive and friendly. Red Snapper was delicious. The rice was not very warm.
  9. R

    Rich

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great and authentic Cuban cuisine
  10. S

    Stone

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Seated outside-near raucous band next door. Really were not looking for the inebriated concert atmosphere. Ordered stuffed shrimp-medium sized shrimp with crab sprinkled on top way too small to be "stuffed". Service poor as usual. Have dined dozens of times and witnessed steady decline.
  11. z

    zsnobird

    Tampa

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lucky to have made a reservation as this restaurant is very popular. We both ordered the stuffed shrimp entrée and it was delicious. Also had a bottle of the reserve Rioja red wine which was a great compliment to the dinner. The server was very attentive and the total experience was a positive one !
  12. DW

    DawnfromWolcott

    Tampa

    69 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    69 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    1905 salad had a little too much dressing and too little turkey
  13. EB

    ElizabethB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a stellar dining experience, service and food are phenomenal. So lucky to have The Columbia in Sarasota.
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food5service1ambience3
    Over one hour to be served. Server was terrible and eventually just walked off the job. Attitude was that he was doing us a favor. Asst mgr finally saw what was happening and was very apologetic but the outing was ruined
  15. JP

    JudithP

    Tampa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Food was somewhat mediocre. Espresso coffee cold and extremely small served in a huge mug. Environment pleasant, service very good.
  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Good food. Fascinating place. Seats over 300 people right on the main drag in St. Armands. Come prepared to try something new and be sure to wash it down with sangria! 1905 salad is delish.
  17. CW

    CaroleW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant by far at St. Armand’s Circle. We always start with the 1905 salad and the generous loaf of warm bread. My new addiction is the eggplant. The portion is so generous that half has to come home with me. Always friendly excellent service from Jason L in the main dining room.
  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Experience
  19. L

    Larry

    Detroit

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful meal. Our server( Joseph ) did a great job. We have been there at least 5 times and have never been disappointed. We look forward to coming back next year when we return to Sarasota.
  20. S

    Shelley

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Both the pitcher of Sangria and the 1905 salad we ordered were made table side by our server,Tim, who did an amazing job.
  21. SS

    SusanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great menu. Three of us had the half salad & half soup item. Was excellent. Fourth person had the shrimp & it too was excellent. He was disappointed that they did not have cocktail sauce or horseradish. Outdoor seating was wonderful. Our waiter Patrick was outstanding. Prices were reasonable.
  22. T

    Tinas

    West Palm Beach

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and sangria were delicious and our server Alex was fantastic. We had a great time and will be back.
  23. ET

    EastTNCouple

    E. Tennessee

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Service very slow and inattentive - servers working hard, just not enough of them.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Terrible service. Food was so salty it was inedible - sat with empty drinks for ten mins. When asked for refills server became hostile. Banging bowls/plates & smirked as she asked how food tasted. Restaurant needs an overhaul from the management level.
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    The food was delicious, but the service could have been better. The tables were too close together and made it difficult for our server to even come to our table. We were not asked if we wanted a second cocktail and our water glasses were never refilled. Our entrées came before we were even halfway done with our salad and the tables are so small we had to hold our salad plates and finish eating them. Would definitely go back again because the food was that good. Definitely get the salad that is prepared table side.
  26. c

    callysu

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The 1905 salad is a Must! The Sangria was also a great decision! I suggest having a reservation on weekends in high peak season.
  27. CZ

    CliffZ

    Atlantic City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All was good as usual
  28. SB

    SophieB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The wait to get a table was too long. The food was over cooked and too expensive for what we got. They brought us onions for vegetable!!! Both my friend and I ate half the food only and left the rest. The key lime pie was good!
  29. KJ

    KellyJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always my favorite place to eat I could just eat the salad all day
  30. J

    James

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food5service1ambience3
    Probably our favorite restaurant to go to on St. Armand's circle. The last couple times we have been there has just been terrible service. The most recent trip was the worst - we waited for a little over 20 minutes for anyone to talk to us after we were seated. At which point the waiter took our order and we didn't see them again until they brought the food. At which point we didn't see them again until it was time for the check. We didn't get any drink refills even though we did try to signal for our waiter a couple times by trying to make eye contact and hold up a finger, but they were either oblivious or too busy. Half the reason we enjoy going to the Columbia is the service. They have traditionally been the most friendly, supportive waiters. Overall the food quality was still great so we will go back on the next vacation, but if the service continues to be bad we may eventually look elsewhere.
  31. F

    Frank

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is my third time at the Columbia restaurant in the last 10 yrs. Always high quality food and service. I’ve taken three different couples and each has said the food was excellent. When I’m in town this is always a stop for us.
  32. H

    Halsgal

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Columbia is my one & only! Favorite restaurant since moving to Florida, 29 yrs. ago from the food capital of the US, Louisiana. I make it a point to bring all my Louisiana-visiting family & friends here because they are that good! It is always consistent with its quality & flavor. The menu is diverse for everyone & they are always accommodating to dietary & allergy needs or food preferences. I have been to 4 different Columbia Restaurants in 3 different cities & the food is always amazing & the ambiance in each location is enchanting.
  33. JH

    JamesH

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food are excellent. My wife and I have been going to Columbia Restaurant for 23 years and the experience has always been consistent.
  34. l

    ljbar

    New York Area

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Paella was a standout as well as the stones crabs.
  35. RT

    RinaT

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    The food was good, but the lack of ambiance was a big minus for me. Too many tables and felt a bit touristy. Probably good for big group dining.
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    4.83 on my scale It was amazing food and amazing service Atmosphere - Great! We sat in the street to enjoy our experience. Felt like we were on the streets of Columbia with all the people walking by. The conversations that came from the open restaurant. Very exciting place to eat! Drinks- Drinks were great! The sangria was amazing! Appetizers - GET THE SCALLOPS!!! We wanted the shrimp and the queso. We were recommended this trio that gave us shrimp, queso, and scallops! Meals - stuffed grouper- could get this for lunch on a Tuesday or dinner on a Saturday night. Light meal that won’t leave you feeling it afterwards but loaded with flavor! Lobster pasta dish- HEAVY with flavor. Extremely rich and flavorful. Loaded with lobster! Imagine lobster bisque with lobster stuffed manicotti! Amazing place to eat! Very pleased! 4.83
  37. SA

    SandraA

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent: service was superb: can’t wait to go back. The highest star rating over all
  38. AF

    AllenF

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    We both ordered Paella. It was disappointing. Server was excellent.
  39. c

    cynthiah

    Orange County

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun after the art festival
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best good, service and atmosphere around!

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 4.7 stars by 7861 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 268 times today
Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

411 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236

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

  • 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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