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: 4.6

4.6

13084 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 178 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 13,084 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

4.5Food
4.6Service
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

13,084 Reviews

JJ
JamieJ
Alabama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food! The place was very busy when we arrived but still got seated within 10 minutes.
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KW
KimW
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time and held up tremendously to our expectations.
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DB
DiamondBill
Jacksonville
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
We haven't been for a few years and had forgotten just how wonderful their salad is. Everything else, including the carmel flan was excellent. We will be going back again pretty soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Columbia was exceptional as usual. The waitress pleasant and perfectly attentive and the food fantastic.
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KT
KenT
Coastal Georgia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The 1605 salad prepared at the table was wonderful. Our entrees , mahi mahi and stuffed grouper,were delicious and served hot. Flan dessert was superb. Our server, Krista, was delightful.
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ML
MarkL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants in NE Florida!!! Staff and the food is awesome! I highly recommend the Bread Pudding for dessert!!!
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s
surfpup
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always delicious. The Columbia is a true Florida treasure!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about it was fantastic!! Will definitely be back!
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GA
GinaA
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience5
I found that the service was rushed. In and out in 50 minutes. Some dishes were removed from the table before we were both finished eating. I would not return.
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LM
LauraM
Jacksonville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again Columbia is excellent. We had a nice family dinner on Monday. Everyone enjoyed their meals. The flan was delicious!
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DS
DarrylS
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service from the time we checked in for our reservation and to the table service we received while dining. The Columbia Restaurant is one of our favorite places when traveling in Florida.
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JL
JeanL
Jacksonville
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was exquisite. Our order was perfect, he was personable a joy to talk with.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food3service1ambience5
We love the Columbia, the food and atmosphere were excellent as always. The service though was probably the worst I have ever received at a restaurant of this quality. Waiting for food during a busy time is always acceptable. Waiting for water is not. In a two hour meal, I got my drink when we sat, and one other refill when I flagged the waitress and asked for it. Waited 30-40 mins after sitting just to order. I don’t see this as a Columbia issue, but just our server. The tables around were having the same issues. The tables around us with a different server seemed to be having a much different experience.
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JV
JillV
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Columbia is one of our “go to” restaurants whenever we visit St Augustine. Our party of 7 was seated promptly, our server was excellent and the food outstanding. We are long time Columbia fans, having first enjoyed the great food in the original Tampa location.
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TM
TiffanyM
Orlando
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food1service2ambience5
Very beautiful restaurant, atmosphere was wonderful. I went for a special birthday dinner and was surprised with a song and a flan for dessert. However, I didn’t like the Jalisco winter, so I ordered another drink. No one apologized for me not enjoying the drink, nor did they discount or remove from my check. I only had one sip. I ordered the mahi (caya hueso) and the yuca was sub par, plantains were cold, and the fish was dry. My father cooks better fish than a high class Spaniard restaurant. I notify the server and he happily would have brought a fresh fish but I declined because I didn’t want to be a pain. I do wish he would have discounted the meal or taken the dinner off as I was unhappy. A manager didn’t even come out and speak to us and it was not on them, I just feel like the server didn’t really care for our happiness as much as he should have, especially on a special birthday dinner. I would return for the aesthetic, but not for the server experience.
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J
Jenn
Cincinnati
124 reviews
vip
5.0
124 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed the ambiance, the food and the service by Destiny. The salad was killer.
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GG
GeorgeG
Fort Lauderdale
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent Overall: The Food, Service, Value, Cleanliness and Ambiance was outstanding. Service was prompt and attentive. The noise level was great, we could all talk and hear one another. I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting St. Augustine (and the restaurant in Tampa too). Make reservations to avoid a wait.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
The table we were given had way too much traffic. It was right outside the doors to the kitchen and we constantly had food carried over the top of our heads with the fear it could be dropped. The table closest to the kitchen should be eliminated.
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D
Dominic
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious food, wonderful and friendly service. I have a dairy allergy, and they catered to it and guided me through their menu wonderfully. I will absolutly be coming back.
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JE
JenniferE
Nashville
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
We love the salad, however, the lettuce was a bit old and when served some had lots of cheese, some had none and the same w the ham. It was not nearly as good as I recall. My husband and I share the cannelloni, which was delicious. Service was very slow as well.
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AT
AmberT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious, bought all the stuff to make the 1905 salad now that we are home 😍
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
excellent service, food, and atmosphere. Outstanding.
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GF
GeoffF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
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 on September 21, 2023
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 on September 21, 2023
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 on September 21, 2023
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
RS
RogerS
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The food was authentic. The service was great. A little pricey but we will be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
11 reviews
vip
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
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 on September 20, 2023
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 on September 20, 2023
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 on September 19, 2023
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 on September 19, 2023
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 on September 18, 2023
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 on September 18, 2023
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 on September 17, 2023
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 on September 17, 2023
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 on September 17, 2023
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 on September 17, 2023
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
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
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 on September 16, 2023
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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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 4.6 stars by 13084 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 178 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 13,084 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