Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City

My husband and I went to Columbia to celebrate our anniversary. We chose the dinner and a show option and really enjoyed our night there. The food was amazing! I look forward to going again in the future.

Fabulous atmosphere! Fabulous food and mojitos!
Very pleasant and helpful waiter! Unforgettable experience!

Excellent as always!

The front end staff is the reason for the low rating which is sad since the food the waitress and the ambiance were amazing. We had a party of 2 reservation for 3 o’clock (which we were a little early for). We waited for 25 mins and watched 2 larger parties (4 & 6) be seated before us even though they walked in 2-5 mins prior. When I asked the front end staff why they were seated and we were not I was told those people have reservations. I explained that I did too and was told again that the parties seated had reservations. It was clear after speaking to them that they were reciting words and not really listening to what I was saying or my concerns. Terrible customer service I nearly walked away but in the end was glad I did not. The food and waitress were EXCEPTIONAL

Business lunch this time. Service is always great. I think they missed the mark a little bit on my particular dish this time, but nothing that would merit dissatisfaction on my part. I love the Columbia in Ybor City.

Wonderful food and ambiance- was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint!!

The service was horrible. They charge an entertainment fee to your bill without telling the guests. Not a great experience.

Service was awful. Not just very slow but forgetful. Drinks and entrees came out and sat on trays near our table without being served to us. Overall a bad experience

As usual a wonderful show, decent food, great service.

Group of 6 enjoyed a delicious meal while watching the Flamenco Dancers. We all had the 1905 Salas...just darn yummy! The majority of us had the paella and loved it! My buddy thought his stuffed salmon was fantastic. We hope to go again!

My wife asked for NO spice. We were not told that the 1900 salad had some kind of onion or onion powder in it. Thus, my wife could not eat it!!! I think the prices are somewhat high for what you get, to include the 1900 salad. The small and large salad are almost the same size. Next time I'll just order the small, if there is a next time.

We've never been disappointed at the Columbia. The food, service, and ambiance are second to none in the area. Don't miss it.

Everyone in our group, enjoyed the food, drinks and the service!! Just an outstanding evening, we will be back.

THE 1905 SALAD IS ONE OF THE BEST SALADS ANYWHERE. PERIOD!
SUCH A REFRESHING FOOD PRODUCT. ONE OF MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE US.

Birthday dinner. First time there. Food very good and lively atmosphere. Will go again

Fantastic service and a wonderful meal!

Total disappointment. Loud , overcrowded and very mediocre food.

Great food and great atmosphere. Never a bad meal. My clients love going here for dinner.

We were disappointed with the table offered and were able to move to another that wasn’t right on a busy corner. I mention this because I made the reservation two weeks in advance and mentioned then, in writing, that it was our Anniversary and we wanted a nice table. I further mentioned that when the restaurant called to confirm the day before and was reassured be the caller. Our waiter for the night was overwhelmed we think. He was a nice man but too busy. The restaurant was really loud and was super busy. It was probably not the best choice for a quiet romantic dinner. We are not local, so didn’t know. In general, we think that this place is more about marketing than offering a great experience. They are certainly busy and successful.

Of all the times I have been and it’s a must do for me in Tampa this wasn’t a great experience

Great food in a historic restaurant with wonderful atmosphere. The Columbia is a must for any Tampa visitor.

First time we have not had the best of service and we brought out of town guests. Had to get more water from the bar, bread didn't come out until right before the hot food and we had to ask for it. . Had to send someone to find our waitress for the bill and take home boxes. Fortunately, we had brought these guests before so they knew this was not the norm. Never fear, we will come back as we know this is not the norm. Always enjoy our visits there.

Amazing food but the staff is what really brings the atmosphere. Request Carlos v. If you want knowledgeable staff with a good personality. And don’t leave before you’ve had at least 1 pitcher of sangria.

The service was quite nice. We got the cava sangria and the 1905 salad was delicious. We ordered 3 tapas style dishes. They were good but I really thought they would be better. Looking at people’s entrees, we wished we had gone with an entree. We just got back from Barcelona so our expectations of tapas may have been a little high. We just could have ordered better. A nice meal though.

It was lovely, clean and an easygoing atmosphere. The seating is intimate and the decor is beautiful.

Delicious! Went here for lunch and dinner only 4 days apart! Luisa was the best! Her recommendations for lunch were perfect! 1905 salad and 1/2 Cuban sandwich! Scallops appetizer delicious also!

Dinner was superb, had mussels, empanadas, and canalizes de langosta

Would have gone back for more if we didn’t have to leave!

Had more pics but wouldn’t upload!

Our server was Jennifer and she was horrible. We had to continually ask for our drinks to be refilled and she was hardly around. She seemed to not care about her customers.

The Columbia is always a delight to go to. Service is very courteous and prompt. Ambiance is lively and décor authentic. Food is not as memorable as the place

Came for Sunday lunch and enjoyed it very much. Service was great as was food. We rarely eat out due to strong feelings about quality of food and preperation practices. We prefer pasture raised meats and lots of fresh organic veggies/fruits. With that being said we still enjoy Columbia Restauant and frequent there more than most other places.

Great food service and atmosphere . Friendly and welcoming staff.

Very disappointed in my recent and first visit to Columbia especially knowing what a landmark staple this restaurant is in the community. We were seated 20 minutes late despite arriving early for our reservation. The hostess who eventually brought us to our table was downright rude. I had included some notes about a special occasion we were celebrating in my initial reservation and also spoke to someone about my requests by phone. Our seats for the dance show were at the extreme right of the stage with very limited visibility. When I asked about other seating options the hostess told me "this is what you get. I can't change your seat. It doesn't matter if you put in a request or not." Not the best way to start the night. From there the service was slow. Our appetizers took forever to come out and we barely had time to enjoy them before the entrees were served. Two of our entrée plates were at room temperature at best. The wait staff was not attentive. We had to ask multiple times for refills on our beverages. They did not come to clear our plates. They also congregated near the entry to the kitchen which was directly in the limited line of sight we had to the stage. The food was tasty, but the aggravation and cost was just not worth it for this mediocre night out. There are plenty of other great restaurants in the city if you're looking for tapas. I can't comment on the dance show because I was not able to see it.

Had a show and dinner book for 530pm didn’t get sited till 630pm. More than 50 people in one 10x10 room waiting to be sit. Just horrible.

Food & service good. Despite reservation, had to wait 45 minutes to get table.

Delighted with service from Alberto; he took good care of us.

Have been here many times, and today was on the lower end of service and quality I’ve experienced there. Had a server in the midst of a shift change. He was great; his replacement a bit less so—slower and not terribly friendly. Soup was lukewarm and Cuban a bit dry. Client’s shrimp and yellow rice also served lukewarm and seemed overly sauced. Not the end of the world, of course. Just not one of this restaurant’s best showings.

Great food, atmosphere, and super kid friendly.

We are long time customers. Wanted a nice experience but we're put in a terrible table with a doorway, a large birthday party and baby shower and a flickering light. Waitress was was rude, did not do a check and was not in the least personable. I would expect more from a $75 tab for lunch for two.

great place. Good atmosphere and incredible food. Highly recommend

We enjoyed our meal there. Waitress was amazing! Not hurried relaxed meal.

We had 8:00 pm appointment and they made us wait until 8:30 p.m. to sit us in.