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Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.7
4.7
7836 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 239 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 7,836 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. T

    Tinas

    West Palm Beach

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined today

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

    EastTNCouple

    E. Tennessee

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

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

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day 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.
  4. c

    callysu

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 2 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.
  5. CZ

    CliffZ

    Atlantic City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All was good as usual
  6. SB

    SophieB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 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!
  7. KJ

    KellyJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

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

    James

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 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.
  9. F

    Frank

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 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.
  10. H

    Halsgal

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 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.
  11. JH

    JamesH

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    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.
  12. l

    ljbar

    New York Area

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

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

    RinaT

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    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.
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    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
  15. SA

    SandraA

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

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

    AllenF

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

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

    cynthiah

    Orange County

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun after the art festival
  18. SS

    ShelleyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food, the staff and the ambiance was perfect for our afternoon lunch. Mojitos, Sangria, and the 1/2 and 1/2 = 1905 Salad, and Cuban sandwich. YUM!
  19. RT

    RobertT

    Naples

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. Mallory made excellent recommendations on salad, entree and dessert. She was extremely professional and attentive to our dining needs. Mallory is one of the finest servers we have experienced. We felt very welcome and will certainly visit Columbia again!
  20. LM

    LarryM

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Columbia Restaurant has been our favorite go to restaurant for a long time. Staff has always made us feel welcome and the chefs keep taking it to the next level consistently. You will not be disappointed. My favorite is the bone in half chicken, and the wife’s is the eggplant.
  21. f

    foodandjewels

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish everything was outstanding. The food was incredible and the service fantastic. We had appetizers, main course and the white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Overall, we couldn’t ask for a better experience or better food. We will be back often!
  22. t

    travelswell

    Key West

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Columbia is always wonderful!! Must visit anytime there’s one close by! They also have wine and other items to take home with you. It’s my all time favorite restaurant, ever!!
  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Stopped for lunch. Their specialty salad and soups were delicious!!
  24. JS

    JohnS

    Philadelphia

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best stone crabs ever! Fabulous Mojito! Great service and fun atmosphere! Awesome Sarasota experience.
  25. TH

    ThomasH

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great everything. Food, drinks, ambiance, but especially the service. Our waitress was smart, helpful and witty. What more could you ask?
  26. MP

    MikeP

    Tampa

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to bring friends
  27. DC

    DebbieC

    Tampa

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Server was very pleasant and friendly.
  28. DE

    DavidE

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service and food is excellent! Our family always enjoys the Columbia Restaurant in many locations, always a pleasure. DAvid E
  29. D

    Denise

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was delicious. Our waitress Vanessa was wonderful, efficient and friendly. We highly recommend this restaurant!
  30. SF

    SteveFran

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Fun place to dine, great service, good food but a bit pricey, and noisy due to large crowds because of its popularity in the area.
  31. SC

    SueC

    Cincinnati

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was delicious but our server was a sour pus..we tried to make pleasant convo to lighten him up but he wasn’t having it. We were in FL on vacay for 2 weeks…ate at a number of restaurants while there and this server was by far the least friendly. We still tipped him 20% but it wasn’t easy to do so.
  32. D

    Davidp

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience. The bar menu was amazing. Best Manhattan I've ever had. Food was perfect as well as the service. 5 star all the way.
  33. J

    Jsmaj1

    St. Louis

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service...this place has become one of favorite restaurants on the Circle!
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service.
  35. DE

    dineDE1

    Philadelphia

    105 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    105 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Return dinner here when visiting Sarasota. We were able to get an outdoor table which helped reduce the noise- very loud and busy when we arrived for 7pm reservation. Next time I might opt for 7:30. Food was very good. Asked server to split one entree for 2 people. When food came there were two entrées. She realized the mistakea and, after we had started to eat, said she will take one of the plates away! We said no and she left to check the order. She returned and said it was her mistake, and motioned again and said I can take one plate away! We sad no and she offered to take the appetizer or dessert off the bill! I attribute this to her being young , inexperienced and not trained by management on delivering exceptional customer experience. Perhaps on our next visit we will try another restaurant in St Armonds circle.
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Vlad was a great server - sat later than our reservation but they were swamped so understandable. Thanks!
  37. F

    Family

    Cleveland

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meal at St Armand’s!
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Unfortunately I believe that our server had to many tables and that caused him to for lack of words neglect us, he only spent time with us when we ordered and for the bill. The food was Luke warm at best, been here a lot of times first bad experience, Thank you
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had Alice as our server. You can tell she enjoys her job. She made our lunch extra special.
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After a play at the Asolo

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 7836 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 239 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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