Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City, Tampa, FL

Award-winning

Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City

Name: Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City
Address: 2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL, United States, 33605
Telephone: (813) 248-4961
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

14898 Reviews

$31 to $50

Spanish

Top Tags:

The Columbia is Florida’s Oldest RestaurantSM, founded in Tampa's historic Ybor City in 1905. Family-owned and operated for 116 years, the restaurant has earned acclaim for old-world charm as well as for its award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine and wine list.

Open 365 days a year, including all holidays and serving lunch and dinner daily.

Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.

Experience the Fire of Flamenco!
Flamenco Dance Shows: There is an $8.00 cover charge per person for guests over the age of 12.
Tuesday through Saturday dinner reservation times for the 7 p.m. show are 5:30, 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday dinner reservation times for the 9:30 p.m. show are 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m.

Reservations for dinner and the show are required. Please call the restaurant to check availability for reservations.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 248 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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
(813) 248-4961
Website
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Geraldo Bayona
Catering
We can help you with all your off-site catering needs. We offer a full line of catering options, including food, beverage and service. Our staff will coordinate all rental equipment, setup and service.
Private party facilities
We offer private dining areas to host your banquet, business lunch, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, party or group event.
Private party contact
Our Private Event Coordinator: (813) 248-4961

Location
2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Tampa
Cross street
21st Street
Parking details
Free parking on the street or in one of our two private lots either directly across the street from the restaurant or directly behind the building.
Entertainment
Experience the Fire of Flamenco! Friday and Saturday reservation times for the show are 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. There is an $8 cover charge per person for the show. Reservations for dinner and the show are required. Please call the restaurant to check availability for reservations.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 14,898 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
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Most Booked
Tampa
Most Booked

14,898 Reviews

LM
LindaM
Chicago
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous! Every bite of food was wonderful and great attentive service too.
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AM
AdamM
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience5
Service was great! Bread was good the entree was 6 out of 10.
Is this helpful?
AB
AB77
Orlando
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great ambiance to go along with excellent service and tasty dishes. This restaurant never disappoints.
Is this helpful?
FR
FeliceR
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, Tony, is the best! Impeccable service and friendly demeanor make a lovely experience in dining room with stage for Flamenco dancets.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 1 day ago
We appreciate the great review and feedback for Tony, Felice! We look forward to your return!
Is this helpful?
JW
JerryW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great place for dining, formal or informal! Staff is outstanding and the food excellent.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 1 day ago
We appreciate the great rating and feedback, Jerry! We hope that you will dine with us again soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Columbia is always top notch, no wonder they’ve been in business for so long. Love the food and the service was excellent!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 1 day ago
We are so glad to hear that you continue to have great experiences with us at Columbia Restaurant. We look forward to providing many more great dining experiences for you in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food1service5ambience4
Ok, honest review here! The sangria was good, the bread was fantastic. The 1905 salad was good and so was the Spanish Bean Soup! The entrees, no-no-no- Husband ordered Paella and was cold and the rice(I swear it was risotto, but menu said Spanish rice) was so undercooked it was like chewing on uncooked popcorn kernels. I had the Pollo Manchego and it was so cold, I don’t know how long it was sitting for before getting to me. Could have been a bad kitchen day, but with spending $150 we deserved hot food. Bad experience.
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SH
SusanH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was impeccable and fun! The wait staff made us laugh and we had an amazing time. Gorgeous ambience and amazing food, too! Wish I hadn’t waited 12 years to get there!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We appreciate the great review and feedback for our staff, Susan! We hope it will not be another 12 years before we see you again.
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CF
CarrollF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Customer svc was outstanding, the show was great. Food as always was the best. My friends from out of town had such a great time. Thanks again
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
You're welcome, Carroll! Glad to have been able to help you impress your out of town guests. We hope to see you back again soon!
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a
angeloc
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went there for lunch with out of town guests and we were not disappointed food excellent and the service was good. I would recommend Columbia in Ybor.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We appreciate the compliments and the recommendation, Angelo!
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DM
DennisM
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food, service and atmosphere. Would definately recommend Columbia Ybor.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for recommending us, Dennis!
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E
Eric
Tampa
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food5service1ambience5
The 1905 salad is always spot on! The crab croquettes were excellent! We ordered 5 more orders of the croquettes to take to an open house… Unfortunately the service was nonexistent. This is the only time in decades that this has happened. Our waiter disappeared for 35 minutes. Used the excuse that he didn’t want to rush us…I won’t sit in his area again!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We appreciate you sharing your feedback with us, Eric. Please accept our apologies for the delay in service. We hope that you next visit is 5-star worthy!
Is this helpful?
BB
BigB
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second visit! Just as amazing as we remember only we brought our chef son who was blown away!! More than a restaurant!!Thanks again!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for sharing the Columbia Restaurant experience with your son. We are glad that you all had another great meal with us. We look forward to serving you again in the future!
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I
Iammercy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was the best Birthday dinner in a long time. Enjoy every bit of it. Thank you
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We are so glad your birthday celebration was great! We hope that you will dine with us again soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best restaurant in Tampa. Always a pleasure. Food is amazing, service is top notch.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was quality as always. The food was delicious. We will definitely be returning again and again.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad that your recent visit was great and that you will be returning! We look forward to providing you with many more great experiences in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience5
Great for entertaining guest. Loved the enthusiasm and entertainment.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for the great review and for recommending us for impressing guests! We look forward to seeing you again soon!
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T
Travlah
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic original location of Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City did not disappoint! Wonderful tapas, tasty paella, and top shelf mojitos make a great meal. Enjoy dinner and then take a walk to enjoy the Ybor night life!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We appreciate the great review and compliments! Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
Is this helpful?
CK
CindyK
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very very loud. Very hard to carry on conversation. Table of two wasn’t given quite the attention of bigger parries.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We are sorry to hear that your recent visit was not perfect, Cindy. Please request a quieter area of the restaurant when you make your next reservation and we will do our best to seat you at a more secluded table. We hope that you enjoyed your meal and that you will decide to return soon.
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TS
TampaSteve
Tampa
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolute perfect experience. From the food to the ambience to the service, nobody does it better than the Columbia.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We are so glad that you had another great dining experience at Columbia Restaurant, Steve! We appreciate your feedback and kind words!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve never been to the Olombi restaurant in Tampa in all of our years living here. It was an awesome experience. Food was phenomenal, service was stellar and drinks were spot on!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are glad that you were finally able to make it in and that you enjoyed the experience! We look forward to serving you again in the future.
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S
Sarah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I'm so glad I finally got to dine at this iconic restaurant! It's beautiful, inside and out, the service was stellar and the food was amazing! It's a little on the expensive side but we'll worth it. Will definitely be back!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for dining with us, Sarah! We are so glad that you enjoyed your visit and that you will be returning in the future!
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TC
TravelinCouple56
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
There were a lot of noisy distractions. The flamenco dancers were practicing while we were visiting with friends. Toward the end of our dinner, a small music group performed in the room where we were eating dinner. It was hard to carry on a conversation due to the volume.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We are sorry that you did not enjoy our live music. When you make your next reservation, please ask to be seated in a different area of the restaurant that does not have a live performance. We hope to see you again soon!
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B
Barbara
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent. I will definitely be returning.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience and that you will be returning! We look forward to it!
Is this helpful?
SM
SherriM
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding experience! Courtney was the best! She was attentive and knowledgeable. Food was amazing. Well worth the drive. We will definitely be back!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience with Courtney as your server, Sherri! We appreciate the feedback and look forward to your return.
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CP
ChandrikaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food3service5ambience5
Need to add more vegetarian options. Not happy with menu.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 2 days ago
We appreciate your feedback, Chandrika. We always advise you to speak with your server for guidance with the menu. They are likely able to suggest a meal option that is not on the menu, something customized perhaps. We hope that you will return soon and allow us another opportunity to serve you.
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CD
CarlaD
Key West
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience5
Food was great, but service was slower than usual.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for your review, Carla. We hope your next visit is a 5-star experience.
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LP
LisaP
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best server for my sister's first visit to the Columbia. She was educational and engaging and did not steer us wrong in food choices. As usual, all of our dishes were perfect; I appreciate the consistency in food during the 30+ years that I've enjoyed this spot.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad that you had another great visit and that your sister's first visit was a memorable one. We appreciate the great feedback!
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M
Mels
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Be sure to make reservations and avoid the crowds. Food was delicious!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for your review and for recommending reservations, Mel!
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p
pjtucket
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Truly enjoyed the show and the service was exceptional.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed our Flamenco show! We hope that you will dine with us again soon!
Is this helpful?
DW
DavidW
Houston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great historical place in Ybor city I had dinner with family
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your family dinner at Columbia Restaurant. We hope that you will chose to dine with us again soon!
Is this helpful?
BN
BarNone
Tampa
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good lunch option. My only gripe is that there is no beer menu. Without that, I chose not to order beer
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We appreciate your review and feedback and are so glad that you enjoyed your lunch. Our servers are well trained to answer any questions you may have about our menus. Please do not hesitate to ask for guidance.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful! Looking forward to going back again.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded 6 days ago
We are so glad that you had another wonderful experience!
Is this helpful?
AH
AshlyH
Tampa
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great business lunch meeting at the Columbia. Our server Cortney did a great job and was patient with us chatting so much. Will be back again.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We are so glad your lunch meeting was great and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
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TS
TonyS
Orlando
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good service and food quality was great. I highly recommend Columbia Restaurant.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We appreciate the great feedback and recommendation, Tony! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food service and the atmosphere was amazing!! We will be back for sure!!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience and that you will be returning! We look forward to serving you again soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall4food5service1ambience5
I would have given a five star review if we had even average service. But I would still go back to eat at Columbia in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, we had very slow service. Columbia was not that crowded. I honestly think our waiter has memory issues. We had to ask for second drink and more water. He came to our table with 2 bowls of soup even though he had already cleared our dinner plates. My husband ordered flan and he brought the check totaling forgetting about the flan. As aforementioned I would go back to Columbia. That’s just how marvelous the food is !!!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We are sorry to hear that the service you received was not perfect. We appreciate your feedback and would like to share it with our operations team so that we may improve training. We look forward to serving you again soon so that we may provide a 5-star dining experience.
Is this helpful?
ED
EmmaD
Atlantic City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for a special occasion dinner. The service, food, and atmosphere were all phenomenal.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We appreciate the great review and compliments, Emma! Thank you for recommending us for a celebratory meal.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is the best restaurant that I have ever been to!
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
What a wonderful compliment! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Over salted shrimp and over salted French fries. Mojitos made from a mix. Special request were possible but not appreciated.
Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityResponded on September 21, 2023
We are sorry that you did not enjoy your meal. We would have been glad to remake or replace any items that you were not enjoying. Each mojito we serve is made to order with fresh ingredients. You can even order a pitcher and watch the preparation table side.
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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 - Ybor City offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (813) 248-4961.

Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City is rated 4.7 stars by 14898 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 29, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 248 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City

2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
21st Street
Neighborhood
Tampa
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
Free parking on the street or in one of our two private lots either directly across the street from the restaurant or directly behind the building.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Geraldo Bayona
Entertainment
Experience the Fire of Flamenco! Friday and Saturday reservation times for the show are 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. There is an $8 cover charge per person for the show. Reservations for dinner and the show are required. Please call the restaurant to check availability for reservations.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(813) 248-4961
Catering
We can help you with all your off-site catering needs. We offer a full line of catering options, including food, beverage and service. Our staff will coordinate all rental equipment, setup and service.
Private party facilities
We offer private dining areas to host your banquet, business lunch, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, party or group event.
Private party contact
Our Private Event Coordinator: (813) 248-4961

Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

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Menu

What 14,898 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City restaurant rated?

Is Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Tampa Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day