Step into this iconic Spanish restaurant, where 119 years of vibrant decor meets scrumptious tapas and exceptional service, creating an inviting atmosphere for all.
"The Columbia Restaurant in Tampa is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. It is renowned for its historic significance and for serving the 'Original Cuban Sandwich'. The restaurant has been a staple in the community since 1905, embodying a fusion of cultural flavors that represent the heritage of Ybor City." - Kevin Chau
"Tampa International Airport is a standout for many reasons (not least of which is the enormously Instagrammable mega-flamingo statue, Phoebe), but one of the best parts is that many of the city’s top restaurants have outposts on site—which comes in especially handy when I’m visiting my folks. In “Airside C,” Ulele (named for a perhaps apocryphal Tocobaga princess who reputedly saved a Spanish explorer, à la Pocahontas) serves gator tail and okra fries; Goody Goody is the reboot of a local 1920s burger shop known for its tomato-based secret sauce; and Cigar City Brewing was the first micro-brewery in North America to make beer at an airport. But if this is your first time in Tampa, you have to try Columbia Restaurant—Florida’s oldest restaurant, which opened its doors in 1905. The original location in the historic cigar-manufacturing district of Ybor City is a tile-covered Spanish Revival gem with live flamenco, but the airport location in Terminal E has quite a bit of character as well, thanks to a dark-wood bar, ornate chandeliers, and framed archival photos. There’s a full menu of Cuban and Spanish dishes, but if you’re a first-timer, I’d stick to a trio of Tampa-specific specialties: deviled crab croquettes, best served doused in hot sauce; the signature “1905” salad, which is loaded with shredded ham, Swiss cheese, and olives; and a pressed Cuban sandwich, which in the Tampa iteration includes Genoa salami as a nod to the city’s Italian immigrants. —Nicholas DeRenzo, contributing editor" - Michelle Baran
"Columbia Restaurant uses a Cuban sandwich recipe dating back to 1915, featuring Spanish ham, slow-cooked lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles, yellow mustard, and Genoa salami." - Carrie Honaker
"A massive cultural icon, The Columbia resides in the Historic Ybor and rightfully so, as it was founded in 1905. Owned by the 4th and 5th generations, The Columbia has remained in the same family for over 110 years. Live jazz and flamenco shows, authentic Spanish food, and too many events to list, The Columbia Restaurant offers a truly in-depth experience. If you’re looking for a taste of history, culture, and an overall unforgettable trip, definitely stop by." - Harbr Co.
"For devotees of Cuban-American cuisine, a pilgrimage to this jewel of Historic Ybor City is practically obligatory. Adorned with gorgeous painted tiles, the striking edifice occupies an entire block. However, the opulence goes beyond the façade—founded in 1905, this original location is the oldest continually operating restaurant in all of Florida (multiple offshoots have since sprung up).Equally impressive, its rooms can seat over a thousand guests; and a well-oiled kitchen turns out a steady stream of beloved specialties—from deviled crab croquetas to gambas al ajillo. At lunch, the Cubano sandwich, which has a legitimate claim to being the original version, lives up to the hype. During the evening, live flamenco performances gild the lily." - Michelin Inspector
