Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City

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1. SL

   SeanL

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   If you’re visiting Tampa, stopping at the original Columbia Restaurant is a must! The interior is one of a kind, the service is impeccable, and the food is amazing. We try to stop in once a month because it’s a family favorite and it never disappoints.

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2. MG

   MasonG

   Atlanta

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Columbia restaurant has absolutely amazing food and mojitos!

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3. WK

   WaltK

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   A Tampa classic. Ambiance is terrific, menu is great, food is fantastic. It gets crowded, so ensure you have a reservation and some patience.

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4. SA

   SAnderson

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall3food4service3ambience4

   Not sure why I was asked occasion and server did nothing to acknowledge birthday. Server put in wrong order for birthday person and did nothing about it. Blah, not the best experience.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Took out of town guests love it

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6. D

   Dave

   Washington DC

   14 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Celebrating wife’s birthday. All was great except a customer at the next table who spent much of the evening practically yelling a sales pitch. Not the fault of Columbia

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7. JS

   JenniferS

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food was incredible. The staff was great. I was in town for a conference and brought my staff of 10 for dinner and it was phenomenal! Highly reccommend this gem!

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8. LB

   LarryB

   New England

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Visiting the Columbia Restaurant has been a tradition in our family since the 1930's when my Grandparents took my mother there. Everything on the menu is outstanding . If you have never been you must go!

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9. GG

   GerriG

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   What a charming, historic building! So many rooms in different decor! Our dinner was amazing: Cuban bread with crunchy crust, white sangria made tableside -- the Best we've tasted. Plus the 1905 Salad was beyond delicious! We couldn't finish our entrees. Kelsey is the friendliest server! Try to get her tables!

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10. R

    Reed123

    Baltimore

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    Wonderful Anniversary dinner, food was excellent!

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best Cuban food in all of Bay area

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12. GL

    GreggL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    impeccable service. Iobert seviced us original Columbia salad table side. Told us this main dining Was first a/c in Tampa.

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13. WM

    WillM

    Nashville

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My favorite restaurant in all of Tampa! Always an amazing time. The table side red sangria is to die for 😊

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14. TP

    TPuckens

    Orlando

    93 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    93 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food4service1ambience2

    We have been to other Columbia Restaurants and had fantastic experiences, but this was our first time going to the original Ybor City spot. The great/good: the salad is amazing, croquettas fabulous, and my wife said the eggplant dish was likely the best eggplant she’s ever eaten. My combo platter was also good, but not what I’d call great: the beef and pork were both over cooked although the flavors were outstanding. The bad: the ambiance of the room we were seated in was horrible - way too much light in particular. The chairs were incredibly uncomfortable - we couldn’t wait to leave and get out of them. The floors, while they were a beautiful tile, were horribly filthy - food and drink all over them. The worst: there was no personalization of the experience whatsoever. We were excited to visit the original location, but the staff there treated us just like a number. We had a reservation, but no personalization when we arrived - ok that’s fine. It wasn’t very busy but ok, I get the young staff seating customers may not be well versed in welcoming you (although it’s still unacceptable to me). The waiter (Billy) was horrible. A terrible representative of the establishment. No personality, no smile, no kindness. We were clearly just the next table for him and our experience there did not matter. The hiring staff failed on this one or maybe he had an off night - I could tell from his interactions at other tables that he was no different with them. As I started with, we have been to other Columbia locations and and loved it. We will go back because the food is amazing for the most part. We will not go back to this location ever again.

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15. DF

    DebraF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    By far, one of my top five restaurants to visit. The ambiance is suited to everyone. Beach tourists, event dinners, or romantic dinners. Everyone is welcomed equally. The waitstaff being in tuxedos may be misleading to some at first sight. But they are dressed that way to let you know they are there to serve you and make it a memorable experience. Our visit was my husband's birthday. Even though his birthday was the next day, we were leaving to go back home that day. So when we sat down, there was a birthday card signed by many of the waitstaff . And they brought him the signature flan dessert with a candle! The food was excellent as always. Fresh and delicious. Such a great experience. And we visited the gift shop next door, of course, for myself. I don't think anyone would be disappointed.

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16. JS

    JosephS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was incredible and the service was amazing. Paul, our server was very attentive and a true professional. He took the time to chat with us and tell us some of the incredible history of the restaurant. Will not miss the chance to eat here anytime I’m in Tampa.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service was great! But they seated us in the bar area and it was too loud and busy for us, not relaxing.

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18. T

    Tylers

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We let our waiter make recommendations for each course and he did not disappoint. His knowledge of Spanish wines was great too.

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19. g

    gogobucs

    Tampa

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server Kayla was such a wonderful delight. The food was excellent and we enjoyed the show but Kayla was the real treat for our evening. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings out we have had in a while and Kayla played a big role in that. Thank you!!!

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20. AB

    ABon

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Truly a historic gem with great food and exceptional staff!

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and experience

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22. GJ

    GloriaJ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome restaurant with such an amazing history- rare gem that you don’t find these days. Met one of the owners, Andrea, and I love their commitment to include people with special dietary needs/restrictions by providing a menu that lists the allergens. Bravo Andrea and Columbia for pioneering what should be required for all restaurants! Lest you think that without these common allergens like dairy, gluten or eggs, the food is bland. No! In fact, the true culinary skills of the chefs shine and bring out the authentic taste of each dish! I’d give this place 100 stars if I could. Our server, William, was very attentive and very accommodating with all of our requests! Last time we went, Billy, was equally as good! It was a very wonderful experience and place to have celebrated my special birthday with the people I love! Thank you, Andrea and Columbia!

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23. k

    kcej

    Cincinnati

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing! Sangria was amazing! Love the ambiance

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We haven’t been to Ybor in many years or The Columbia. It was awesome and we will be coming back. It’s a drive for us coming from St. Petersburg but worth it!

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25. C

    Caino

    Baltimore

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Take a step back in time at the Columbia Ybor City. Classic Dishes are complemented by sangria made table side. The 1905 salad with garlic dressing is a perfect and light starter. The pompano en papillote melts in your mouth and the stuffed shrimp is decadent.

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26. JW

    JohnW

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We enjoyed the experience of dining for the first time.

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27. WC

    WendyC

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We visited 12 years ago and hoped it would live up to our memories it excelled

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28. RP

    RobertP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding - highly recommend this historic landmark and the staff its very professional and hospitable.

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Columbia Restaurant is a must while in Tampa! Everything about it is awesome! I loved our waiters and the food is superb. You don't want to miss this!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Celebrating my mothers birthday

    Report
31. BJ

    BrianJoyce

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best meal I have had in a restaurant in a long time. Everyone in my group loved their meal.

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32. PC

    PeterC

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience4

    The restaurant was extremely crowded and loud. Our server was not very attentive. I think he was possibly new and couldn’t handle a large table with our small table of three. The portions were not what we expected for the price. This was not our first time there. We won’t be going back too soon. We brought my elderly mother since she always likes it there but she was a little disappointed as well.

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33. JM

    JuliaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Food was great. We took Cubans home and they were not very good.

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best dinner in Tampa

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35. C

    Caino

    Baltimore

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very attentive and friendly service. Great authentic food and nice presentation with a robust wine list. The ambience transports you to a different place and time. An all around great experience.

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36. SG

    StevenG

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It’s our go to place for special occasions. Never disappointing.

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37. DG

    DennisG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The food and service was amazing. Courtney and Rico were excellent. And the show was entertaining.

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    It was freezing cold in the restaurant and the waiter said it’s cold for us we can’t work with it any warmer. I was a little put off by that but he warmed up after I told him one of the people in our party has cancer. Other than that it was very good I wish they had an outside area.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Luisa was absolutely fabulous. She offered great suggestions and never steered us in the wrong direction. She made sure everything was cooked perfectly to our liking. Our beverages were never empty, and we never had to look around to find her because she was always there. We went at lunchtime on a Tuesday and found a great parking spot and walked in early for our lunch reservation. We were seated promptly. The food was delicious and the drinks were fantastic. We will definitely be going back and recommending it to everyone we know. The famous salad is just the start of their menu. There is so much more there to try!!!

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40. F

    billyF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Love this place grow up in tampa been eating there since i was little great food and great staff

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