Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL

Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine

Name: Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine
Address: 98 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL, United States, 32084
Telephone: (904) 824-3341
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

13061 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 tableside 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 in our courtyard or Mediterranean-style dining rooms, filled with hundreds of hand-painted tiles and Spanish-style fountains.

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

Sep 23, 2023

8:00 PM

Booked 179 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban
Hours of operation
Lunch and Dinner Daily Lunch: Monday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Dinner: Monday – Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone number
(904) 824-3341
Website
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
From groups of 10-72 we offer an outdoor courtyard and indoor private dining areas to host your birthday or anniversary party, office party, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life or wedding reception.
Private party contact
Our Private Event Coordinator: (904) 824-3341

Location
98 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Neighborhood
St. Augustine
Parking details
Free Parking while dining at The Columbia in the parking lot on Spanish Street adjacent to the restaurant.
Entertainment
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city, and home to the Columbia Restaurant of St. Augustine, located in the heart of the historic district on St. George Street, surrounded by shops and attractions. The Columbia is located within walking distance of several historic landmarks including Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (the oldest masonry fort in the United States), the Spanish Quarter, Flagler College, and Casa Monica. There are many museums to see, including the Museum of Weapons and Early American History and the Old Florida Museum.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 13,061 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Jacksonville / Northeast Florida
Most Booked
St. Augustine
Best Ambiance
St. Augustine
Best Value
St. Augustine
Good for groups
St. Augustine
Hot spot
St. Augustine
Good for special occasions
St. Augustine
Most Booked

13,061 Reviews

GF
GeoffF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambiance and the decor was wonderful. The menu was fantastic, very hard for me to decide on what to eat this evening. Sean our waiter was very professional but also personable. And finally, the dinners were perfectly prepared with a good presentation!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Columbia never disappoints. We had the 1905 salad, tapas (black bean cakes, shrimp and crabmeat dip and the scallops) and coconut mango upside down cake. All was delicious and the portions were more than enough for the three of us. Pearce was our server and he did a great job.
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JP
JaneP
Jacksonville
46 reviews
4.0
46 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Our party of 4 was seated promptly at our reservation time. The restaurant was busy and a little noisy but to be expected at this time of day. We ordered the soup and salad or salad and sandwich. One of our guests had the cuban sandwich but we all thought our lunches were very good. Our server was busy but friendly and efficient.
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L
Luv2dine
Los Angeles
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience5
Very attractive spacious restaurant; lively, great location. Food was okay, but not spectacular. Price is mid-range but somewhat pricey for the quality.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
10 reviews
vip
2.0
10 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food2service4ambience3
Very old restaurant which is cool, but was there for a nice evening with my wife for our anniversary. We were seated at a two person table when other larger tables were available. The table sat us right next to a beam which clearly hadn’t been cleaned for months…gross. I nearly lost my appetite. Appetizers were ok. Paella was ok, but chicken in paella lacked any flavor like it was baked naked and just thrown into the dish. For the $$$ we have had much better food at similar price points. The service was better than average, so positive points there. Overall, it was 2 stars and disappointing.
1 person found this helpful
JC
JamesC
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Have visited several of the Columbia spots and they are always great. Outstanding food and service in the heralded Cuban tradition
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JB
JoyceB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food2service4ambience5
The 1902 salad was very good however the cuban sandwich lacked flavor and the meat was overcooked.
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O
Oxman25
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Natalia, our server, was amazing and the food was spectacular.
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JB
JamesB
Orlando
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Consistently very good. We keep coming back You absolutely can’t beat their specialty salad, made at your table just for you. It can’t be beat
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CG
ConnieG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
We always enjoy the Columbia! Food was tasty, love the overall vibe of the restaurant. Sangria is a must.
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PS
PeggyS
Orlando
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meals were cooked and seasoned perfectly. We had the Spanish bean soup, chicken croquettes, the Paradillo and a pork loin dish. Plantains, rice and beans, and yuca were also perfectly prepared. Our waiter was attentive. Do not pass on an opportunity to eat here.
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FW
FriendsfromWestPalmBeach
West Palm Beach
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience4
The Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine, FL was a great experience as the menu has a wonderful selection and includes information on the family history. For starters, I had a cup of the Spanish Bean Soup and my wife had the small 1905 salad which was an option with her entree. The soup was excellent. The salad was a fun experience as they mix it up table side and was a smaller version of the 1905 salad. For our main entree's I had the Roast Pork "a la Cubana" and my wife had the Salmon St. Yago. Both entree's were delicious and lived up to their description in the menu. We saved room to try dessert, and I had the Chocolate Sueno (chocolate cake slice) and my wife had the Flan. Both desserts were just the right portion and not overpowering. The wait staff at the Columbia restaurant were attentive. The restaurant was lively but, we had a nice table for 2 in the main dining room which was near the fountain & away from main walkways through the restaurant. A fun local restaurant.
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n
nicknicknicknicknick
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall2food1service4ambience5
The restaurant was very pretty but my food was awful. The roast pork looked terrible and tasted like boiled chicken. I then ordered the chicken dish. The chicken cubes were very dry. I would not go back.
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BM
BoyzMom
Jacksonville
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am always so impressed when I visit the Columbia. Their hostess staff is terrific and accommodating. The food is consistently good and their service is terrific. Big shout out to our server Shane who is extremely personable and engaging, he kept me informed of the status of our food and prepared my salad and sangria to perfection! Great job Columbia for always providing excellent service, food and energy!
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RE
RENEF
Chicago
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
The Columbia is something of a Florida chain (6 or so locations). I think it trades mostly on its reputation (117 years in the business), than its food. Our meals were very good, but I would not "write home about them." The place was very busy, and you cannot just walk in. (We had a reservation, but tried to get seated about an 90 minutes earlier - nope.) Having said that, for St. George Street in St. Augustine, it is definitely on the top of the list.
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D
Ducks
Jacksonville
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We have been here for lunch several times but this was a first for dinner. The food selection was very good and the meals were excellent. The only downside was the noise. It is noisy but it is a large venue and there were lots of kids, which is certainly not their fault.
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DK
DebraK
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place! Never had a bad meal. I ordered a piece of mango/pineapple upside down cake that I’ve been dreaming about ever since! Thank you for another great meal - the 1905 Salad and the fresh Cuban bread are the best in Florida!
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SM
ShawnM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food3service3ambience4
The restaurant was busy, as expected for a Friday night. We were seated next to one of the exits so, there was always people walking by. There was an air conditioning vent above us and it was dropping on one of our party. Overall it was ok.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an excellent experience for the birthday! Sarah made it special!
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DT
DennisT
Jacksonville
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
My food was barely warm. Our Sangria was bitter. My husbands’ dinner was good. I was surprised because we have been going to Columbia for many years. Seemed like they were understaffed and we had a new waitress too. No problem. We’ll go back and try again.
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BG
BobbieG
Jacksonville
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit to Columbia Restaurant. We had family in from out of town and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their lunch. The food and wine were outstanding, as was our very attentive and friendly server (Lisa).
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RC
ReneeC
Denver
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I ate at Columbia Restaurant on 09-14-23 and it was quiet so our service was top notch. We ordered the stuffed mushrooms, empanadas, scallops, and paella. We thought everything tasted fresh and was served in a timely fashion. Our waitress (Ann) was extremely friendly, polite, and professional. I don’t understand some other reviews about rude staff because I did not encounter any of that behavior. I’d definitely go back.
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S
Stand
Jacksonville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was lovely. Really appreciate the continued care to keep the quality of food as it's always been. One glitch was that with a reservation and many empty tables at 1:45 in the afternoon, they chose to seat us by the serving station. Just odd.
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JB
JamesB
Orlando
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
I always love coming to the Columbia for lunch or dinner. The food is delicious and the salad is beyond words. I do wish something could be done about the noise in their first floor dining room. It has high ceilings and all hard surfaces. It does become quite an echo chamber.
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SM
ShellyM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Food was bland. Expected much more flavorful food for being a Cuban restaurant. The bean soup and thin steak w/onions had no real flavor at all. The steak was dry and overcooked The yellow rice was fair. The red snapper was ok but a little over cooked. Salad was very good. Good service and nice room. Overall the food was a disappointment.
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RR
RexR
Orlando
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always request the second level. Food is always excellent and the service was very good.
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ME
MarkE
Orlando
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service was great. The 1905 salad was watery and the lettuce was not crisp and cold . The Gambas Al Ajillo was perfectly cooked and delicious. The Paella was exceptional as always. The Snapper Adelita was very dry and overcooked. This is a favorite dish of ours at Columbia. The server recognized that it was not prepared properly and it was removed from our bill. We love Columbia Restaurant and this will not prevent us from returning.
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DD
DrDonKeydick
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Juan was amazing! Food was authentic and very flavorful.
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JT
JenniferT
Louisville
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Food is always good but service has gone downhill. Past several times service and food has been very slow. No water refills, ordered a meal specifically for a gluten allergy which came incorrect and they had to redo the meal. The redone meal didn’t come until the rest of the party had finished their meal. Disappointing.
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TM
TeresaM
Las Vegas
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience5
Place is beautiful and the service was great .... unfortunately left a lot to be desired. Fount it extremely bland.
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RR
ReneciaR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Columbia is known for their famous salad which was so good! I was pretty disappointed in the serving size as we ordered two big salads for 4 adults and 2 kids, I did not expect to get full but I certainly expected more than three fork fulls. The waiter commented that he kinda eyed it and combined two salads into one big bowl. That bowl looked like one order. So that was disappointing. The Columbia special old fashioned was great as well. The entrees were mid tier. I would go back for the salad! Maybe next time it will be a true side salad.
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CM
ChuckM
Jacksonville
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
I been eating at The Columbia since 1970. Good foo and service. Prices are a little high.
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JR
JeanR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sunday at noon was a perfect time to come in early September. Food, service and ambiance was excellent!
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KM
KalynneM
Orlando
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
The service staff was attentive and welcoming. However, the food didn't quite match up to the surroundings; it felt average and could benefit from some elevation. Additionally, the extensive menu was a bit overwhelming; streamlining it to a concise one-pager might make choices more focused and the dining experience smoother.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Columbia restaurant was a great experience! The waitress was kind and sweet very aware of our table, she never missed a beat! Food came out amazing, fresh and well prepared. Thanks to you guys my first date night was amazing!
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EC
ElizabethC
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were exceptional! Highly recommended!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints we eat here often food is always delicious! Atmosphere is amazing staff is over the top!
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JD
JamesD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
My wife's favorite restaurant! We come here every anniversary and each time we have a great meal every time. The staff is excellent. The atmosphere is amazing. Always busy but not overly load. Added bonus is,after dinner you can walk off those calories by walking and shopping in St. Augustine.
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GG
GourmaundGuest
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Columbia Restaurant remains a favourite choice for entertaining our visiting friends. Consistently good, the menu is interesting and flavourful. This occasion our server was Pearce, who made sure we did not miss an interesting selection, and performed flawlessly at the table preparing the special dishes we ordered. Bravo!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very nice place to eat and enjoy. Our waitress was Gina, and she was great. I hope she can serve you in your visit there.
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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 - St. Augustine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (904) 824-3341.

Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine is rated 4.5 stars by 13061 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

Sep 23, 2023

8:00 PM

Booked 179 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine

98 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
St. Augustine
Hours of operation
Lunch and Dinner Daily Lunch: Monday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Dinner: Monday – Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free Parking while dining at The Columbia in the parking lot on Spanish Street adjacent to the restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city, and home to the Columbia Restaurant of St. Augustine, located in the heart of the historic district on St. George Street, surrounded by shops and attractions. The Columbia is located within walking distance of several historic landmarks including Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (the oldest masonry fort in the United States), the Spanish Quarter, Flagler College, and Casa Monica. There are many museums to see, including the Museum of Weapons and Early American History and the Old Florida Museum.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(904) 824-3341
Private party facilities
From groups of 10-72 we offer an outdoor courtyard and indoor private dining areas to host your birthday or anniversary party, office party, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life or wedding reception.
Private party contact
Our Private Event Coordinator: (904) 824-3341

Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 13,061 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine restaurant rated?

Is Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information