Columbia Restaurant - Tampa, FL

Tampa is experiencing a restaurant BOOM! New ones are poping up every day. But, I still find the old tried & true restaurants to hold their own against many of the nouveau, eclectic palate types. My all time favorite is the Columbia Restaurant. (I've hosted New Years Eve dinner there for four of the last five years!) Steeped in history and woven into the fabric of Tampa Bay, the original Columbia Restaurant, the World's Largest Spainish Restaurant  located in Ybor City never disappoints. Founded in 1905, 5 generations of the Gonzmart family continue to serve their century old recipes such as paella, snapper pompano, fillet mignon "Columbia", and red or white sangria made table side. You must try the "1905" salad! It could be a meal all on its own. But, share the salad, because you will not want to miss your Spainish bean soup, main course, espresso and flan for dessert.

  

Topping off this award winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine is the entertainment. Monday through Saturday the Ybor City location features flamenco dance performances. Let the costumes and the sound of the clastinettes transport you to the courtyards of Spain! Reservations for the dinner with show are made separately. The Columbia also has live jazz performances.

There are numerous Columbia restaurants throughout Central Florida. All are great, but there's nothing like the original in "Ybor City" with it original Spanish tile on the exterior/interior walls, and hand painted ceramic pieces imported from Spain. (Plus, it's the only one with the flemenco performance.) Valet parking available. Dress depends on your occasion; smart casual to business.

Taste the "Flavor of Tampa"! 

4 ½ Valcooks Aprons

Columbia Restaurant

2117 E. 7th Avenue

Tampa FL 33605

(813)248-4961

columbiarestaurant.com

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