"We had an incredible dining experience at Columbia. I ordered the Caesar salad, which was made fresh tableside — the presentation was amazing and it tasted just as good as it looked. For my entrée, I had the filet mignon with Spanish rice and vegetables, and it was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. We also ordered the paella, a classic Spanish dish, which was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. For dessert, we enjoyed flan and chocolate chip banana bread pudding, both excellent. We finished the night with a cup of espresso, which was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Highly recommend Columbia for both the food and the experience."

"Excellent food and service with phenomenal and amazing space and attraction. It is designed perfectly and each section has a different theme which shows the profound qualities. Although we didn’t have any reservations but they seated us quickly. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxing, and we enjoyed everything. In short, this wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience! Highly recommended it!"

"The Columbia Restaurant is a great South American restaurant located in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa. They have a wide selection of Colombian based dishes. I had the Mahi-Mahi which did not disappoint, it came with plantains, warm bread, and rice- which were all flavorful and filling. I love the atmosphere of this place- it has a lot of cool artwork and definitely has some neat history to it. They deem to be the “oldest” restaurant in Florida. They have multiple dining rooms inside so they are able to accommodate a lot of people- however I would recommend reservations if you come around dinner time on weekends as it can get busy. Prices are a bit on the expensive side but the quality and portions of the food is great. Highly recommend! (No dress code required)"

"Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City continues to live up to its legendary reputation. While walk-ins can be challenging during peak times, it’s absolutely worth making a reservation—and even more worth checking in early if you arrive ahead of schedule. We were quoted about an hour wait, but by letting the host know we had arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to be seated in about 35 minutes (2:05 instead of 2:30). We started with the iconic 1905 Salad, which is a must-order every single visit. Crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, ham, Swiss cheese, olives, and that unmistakable garlicky dressing come together perfectly. It’s simple, bold, and unmistakably Columbia—one of those dishes that never disappoints no matter how many times you’ve had it. For the entrée, the Palomillo – Classic Cuban Steak was outstanding. The steak was tender and flavorful, topped with fresh onions and herbs, and paired beautifully with yellow rice and sweet fried plantains. It’s comfort food done right, steeped in Cuban tradition and prepared with consistency and care. Beyond the food, the ambience is what truly sets Columbia apart. From the historic dining rooms to the attentive, professional service, everything feels intentional and timeless. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience, and one that feels just as special on repeat visits as it does the first time. If you’re visiting Ybor City, Columbia isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. Make the reservation, arrive early, enjoy the atmosphere, and settle in for an exceptional dining experience that has stood the test of time."

"Ive now been a few times. What a great place. I have the arroz con pollo and it was very good. Bread is excellent. Cuban sandwich was ok. Not much meat. Service was great. I recommend to all who visit or live in Tampa."