Enjoy Florida’s oldest restaurant in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City! Columbia Restaurant is not only Florida’s oldest restaurant, but the world’s largest Spanish Restaurant.
Founded 1905 years ago by Cuban immigrants, Columbia has been serving authentic Spanish cuisine at multiple locations, with Ybor City being its most historic. Since its founding, the Columbia Restaurants have been owned and operated by 4th and 5th-generation members of the original family.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>The restaurant has also won numerous awards and accolades from all across the country, with nothing but glowing reviews and delighted guests!
The Columbia Restaurant Menu
Visit Columbia Restaurant for lunch or dinner and experience a bite of history rich with relevance to Florida. Their lunch menu spans a plethora of pages, while their dinner menu boasts even more with delicious meals, soups, salads, and drinks.
Order a glass or a pitcher of the timeless classic Mojito and experience a taste of old Havana. Then, order a bowl of Cuban Black Bean Soup or a crisp plate of the Chopped Tomato Salad.
The classic choice for any time of day would be their signature Cuban Sandwich, which originated in the 1890s for the hard-working cigar workers. Enjoy multiple Tapas options such as Empanadas de Picadillo or Croquetas de Pollo.
For entrees, Columbia offers the classic Chicken and Yellow Rice “Ybor,” Ropa Vieja, which is shredded beef simmered with onions, green peppers, and tomato. There are also multiple seafood options as well for those who aren't much into red meat or chicken.
Finally, enjoy a delicious, authentic dessert such as the beloved Flan, Churros “Tres Amigos,” White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Crema Catalana, and more!
The Columbia is another one of Tampa’s must see food spots rich with local and international history and full of delicious meals. The deliciousness doesn’t have to leave at the door, guests can pick up their own copy of The Columbia Restaurant Spanish Cookbook and their very own Hand painted Ceramics imported from Spain.
Local Columbia Restaurant Locations and Hours
Ybor City, Tampa
2117 E 7th Ave., Tampa
Hours of operation:
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Water St., Tampa
Hours of Operation:
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Columbia Cafe at Tampa International Airport
4100 George J Bean Parkway, Tampa International Airport Concourse E
Hours of operation:
Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sand Key, Clearwater
1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
Hours of operation:
Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.