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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

4.7
4.7
8944 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 115 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

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

What 8,944 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
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Tampa / Central Florida West

    Most Booked

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Most Booked

8,944 Reviews

  1. thomaslawler

    Naples

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Upon arrival the table we wanted was not set up. The hostess tried several times to get a bus boy to clean and set it up to no avail. There were 4 other hostess's who stood around and would not assist. Our hostess went to the back an got all the set up articles, cleaned the table and set it up for us. There were a lot of employees just standing around unconcerned with doing anything to help. Sad comment on the staff at Columbia House. Lazy, aloof employees.

    Is this helpful?

  2. PaulH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, nice atmosphere. Going back sometime soon.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kinniburgh

    Naples

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always go to The Colombian when we visit St. Augustine, Tampa and Sarasota - never disappoints

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful Birthday lunch—great food, great caring service, really feel taken care of. We Loved their white and the red Sangrias, Only wish 1905 Salad was with Romaine rather than Iceberg lettuce. Oh, the warm Cuban Bread! Marvelous. Everything perfectly cooked.

    Is this helpful?

  5. DonnaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It had been awhile since I was there and it was awesome. Waiter Louis was great the food was delicious and portions were perfect. Price was very reasonable. Had my favorite the 1905 salad and Cuban sandwhich Of course had to have desert and also got a to go order to take home to have the next day. Will be back!!! A perfect place to go by yourself or with friends or family.

    Is this helpful?

  6. LindaA

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanks Tyree for a great lunch with Mom! Food is wonderful as always!

    Is this helpful?

  7. DianeM

    Naples

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were excellent! One of my Favorite restaurant. Always consistent!

    Is this helpful?

  8. DebB

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shared the tapas trio and churros with my daughter — Everything was delicious and there was more than enough food for both of us

    Is this helpful?

  9. LisanFlorida

    Baton Rouge

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Always a favorite! Such a wonderful restaurant with so many memorable meals over the 25+ years we have been dining at Columbia 💙

    Is this helpful?

  10. ATang

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the white cava sangria, 1905 salad, paella and flan. Everything was perfect. Staff was great also. Just go here. You won't regret it.

    Is this helpful?

  11. PerryC

    Indiana

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We come to SRQ once or twice a year and never miss coming to the Columbia. Today’s experience was one of the best! Our excellent server, Bill, explained the origin of the amazing Columbia Restaurant Salad, made table side. We appreciate the great service! We will definitely be back- probably again before we leave.

    Is this helpful?

  12. CindyB

    Las Vegas

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For a wonderful lunch have the 1905 salad, the gazpacho and the sparkling sangria!

    Is this helpful?

  13. DaveS

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dinner as always. The salad and cava sangria are the beat!

    Is this helpful?

  14. TonyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    In the median right across from us was a young woman singing to very loud recorded music. Add that to street noise, ie motorcycles and vehicles, it was difficult to talk. Main problem being the singer.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JimmyD

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very good experience as usual. The food was great as was our server, Vanessa. Always a fine experience at Columbia.

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  16. JenniferC

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food, I think our server was new. But he was very nice and attentive and ready for the upsell. Didn’t realize we had agreed to a bottle of water, which was room temp and mineral springs water, but it was still nice, could have used ice though. Lol. All in all a great experience. The Cuban sandwich isn’t listed on the dinner menu but you can still order it.

    Is this helpful?

  17. StevenW

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chris, our waiter, was fantastic! As always, excellent service and quality.

    Is this helpful?

  18. ferrari308qv

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food3service5ambience1
    I usually enjoy my experience at any of the restaurants. Today, I was seated near the kitchen entrance. The waitresses and other staff were constantly arguing among themselves. They did not appear to care if customers heard them. Would not recommend anymore.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Vilene

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service and ambience. Been there several times and always a good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  20. JaneJane

    Dallas

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Some parts were fantastic: appetizer platter, wine, service. Paella and Cuban entrees were disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  21. ThereseM

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely ambience in an open air setting. Great food and service!

    Is this helpful?

  22. NancieD

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    My grouper was not fully cooked. I only ate a tiny piece of it. I was violently ill that evening as a result. The kitchen needs to pay more attention to the dishes they send out to customers. A refund on my cost would be acceptable. Will never return to this restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  23. VincentF

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and the server was so accommodating

    Is this helpful?

  24. darcyc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When we arrived our reserved table was ready and waiting for us. We had a nice corner table which was relatively quiet and cool.

    Is this helpful?

  25. patrickd

    Orlando

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Met with friends we hadn't seen in many years. Auguste was our waiter and did an exceptional job managing our meal and time there while allowing us to get caught up with conversation. Columbia has always been our favorite place to eat regardless of the occasion, and we have eaten at all of them with the exception of Celebration!! Great food, great ambiance, and OUTSTANDING service has always been provided during our visits/

    Is this helpful?

  26. DeniseR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food2service3ambience4
    I have always loved the Columbia but lunch yesterday was a disappointment. Why? The gazpacho. It tasted like lightly chilled Campbell's tomato soup. What happened to the delicious gazpacho of yesteryear?

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for birthday lunch. Food and waiter were very good.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great service overall. Food was great as well.

    Is this helpful?

  29. TimR

    Indiana

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome evening dinner for our anniversary!! One of our favorite restaurants anywhere. Tim & Mary

    Is this helpful?

  30. TerryK

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    You Can Never go wrong with Columbia. Sangria, Fresh Cuban Bread, 1905 salad... and that's just to get you started! The entree's are fantastic if you have room after the amazing Tapas. Service was great and every employee moves around the tight tables like they are a team on a mission. We have been to several of the Columbia locations and they never disappoint. Consistent Service and food every time. Great Job!

    Is this helpful?

  31. MyronW

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Cuban and Mojitoes on the island! Enjoyed the people way hing on the sidewalk as well.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Todd

    Richmond

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always. Great selections and nice portions. We enjoy the salad and Tapas. Mojitos are always good as is the Sangria.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The White Sangria is excellent. Great Cuban food. Nice atmosphere. Great service.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love coming here. Our server Bill was great. Will be back again.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Hasan5070

    Naples

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great overall dinner at Columbia. My main course, Pompano with Crab Shrimp and Artichoke in papillote was too salty. All else was perfect

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite restaurant in Sarasota! For the 1st time I tried their bread pudding which was absolutely amazing! I recommend leaving room for dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the Columbia the food is delicious and the service is impeccable.

    Is this helpful?

  38. MikeD

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The mojitos and Chardonnay were excellent. Muscles, salmon and paella were also excellent. We’re not easily impressed, but Columbia was an exceptional dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  39. MJC201

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The crab cakes had wonderful flavor but unfortunately had a great deal of shell, sadly. The special upside mango cake was incredible. Our server Chris was professional, pleasant, and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  40. BillH

    Tampa

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    We had a reservation and there was no wait for our table. Our server, Melissa, was excellent! Very knowledgeable and professional. Our entrees were excellent. My only minor complaint was the 1905 salad. While the salad was prepared beautifully, the dressing was lacking the acid from the vinegar. It was too oily for me, so I asked for extra lemon. Next time we go, I will ask about that when we order the salad. We live locally and this is a great spot!

    Is this helpful?

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 8944 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 115 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
  • 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

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