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Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.8
4.8
10730 Reviews
$30 and under
Spanish

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 290 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine.

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

Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil.

Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms.

We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
    (941) 388-3987
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Jesus Padilla Jr.
  • Private party facilities
    The Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota on St. Armands Circle is the perfect venue for your special event. Our Old World Mediterranean-style dining rooms lend an atmosphere of warmth and elegance to any gathering. For small groups, we offer private dining space.
  • Area
    Sarasota
  • Cross Street
    John Ringling Boulevard
  • Parking details
    Parking options include a garage located at 47 N. Adams Drive, behind the Columbia. Garage parking is 50 cents an hour. Metered and free street parking also is available. Features of the parking garage include: - 484 parking spaces - 5 electric vehicle charging stations - Bicycle storage & repair station - Public restrooms
  • Entertainment
    After your meal, stroll along St. Armands Circle, resembling an elegant European market with bright tropical landscaping. It is home to more than 130 shops that pamper guests from all areas of the world. Sarasota is a cultural haven with stunning beaches and superb shops and galleries. Outdoor activities like golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing and boating are also nearby.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 10,730 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Great for brunch

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Hot spot

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Sarasota / Bradenton

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota dazzles with "excellent food and service" in a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its "amazing 1905 Salad" and delectable Cuban specialties, this historic spot is a "must-do on St. Armand's Circle." Despite occasional noise and busyness, patrons celebrate its "consistent quality" and "impeccable service."

10,730 Reviews
  1. John

    New York City

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was excellent. Our server was very professional and courteous.We were celebrating my daughter’s birthday and she had a wonderful time.

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  2. Robert

    VIP

    Des Moines

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great family memories made tonight--great food, great service, great tradition!

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  3. Jessica

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and very friendly staff! The mojitos were amazing!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robbin

    Grand Rapids

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best meal we had on our vacation in Florida. Service, ambiance, food...all top notch. Tapas, salads, bread, and desserts were phenomenal. Our server was amazing. We go back every year to this particular establishment. It's THAT good.

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  5. Paul

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Third time this week, something different every time. Best scallops I ever had for lunch today. Can’t go wrong with their famous salad. Highly recommend, always get reservations first or you either can’t get in or will have to wait a long time.

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  6. Mary Catherine

    Tahoe

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    11 am reservations were enjoyed by the six of us. Sunday(s), street parking and the nearby garage parking are free and we took full advantage of that "bonus". By noon, this wonderful restaurant was "hopping" with customers. Our menu selections were all served hot, fresh and delicious. The Scallops Casimiro and Stuffed Mushrooms are a tasty choice for starters. The 1905 Salad is a wonderful dish and this delicious salad can be shared between two people. And finally the Cuban Sandwich -- beyond delicious! A large sandwich so bring your appetite. Our server MAX was outstanding. Very attentive, but not aggressively attentive. Max gave us just enough time in between ordering and enjoying our selections but was quietly attentive to refill water glasses and asked if anyone wanted refills of beverages. Extremely good server - if I could give MAX 10 stars, I would! Value - expect to pay about $25 - $30 per person (beverage included.) TIP: Book your reservation(s) at least 2 weeks ahead of time and enjoy the 11 am time slot for a beautiful brunch. Bring your appetites! Sidewalk tables are available for those who wish to enjoy their Columbia experience with their fur baby or for those just wanting to sit outside and soak up some great Florida sunshine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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  7. Myra

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Max was a great waiter.He enhanced our dining experience . Great personality and very friendly and efficient. Food as always so consistent and delicious!!!Always a treat to dine at Columbia!

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  8. hal

    Nashville

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely wonderful evening, the Columbia never disappoints! 55 years and counting, can’t wait til the next time!

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  9. Margaret

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great. Our server was very nice snd food was promptly served.

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  10. Christine

    Naples

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Our table was right in the walkway between 2 rooms. One of the 4 guest got hit in the head with a tray full of dishes. It was a Saturday at 5 pm. Service was just ok. He would come by but forget what he was suppose to bring to the table. I have been there before and it was better than this visit. Try and ask for a window seat or an area you won't get hit by a tray or so much traffic.

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FAQs

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (941) 388-3987.

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota is rated 4.8 stars by 10730 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 290 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

411 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    John Ringling Boulevard
  • Area
    Sarasota
  • 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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Cuban
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking options include a garage located at 47 N. Adams Drive, behind the Columbia. Garage parking is 50 cents an hour. Metered and free street parking also is available. Features of the parking garage include: - 484 parking spaces - 5 electric vehicle charging stations - Bicycle storage & repair station - Public restrooms
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Jesus Padilla Jr.
  • Entertainment
    After your meal, stroll along St. Armands Circle, resembling an elegant European market with bright tropical landscaping. It is home to more than 130 shops that pamper guests from all areas of the world. Sarasota is a cultural haven with stunning beaches and superb shops and galleries. Outdoor activities like golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing and boating are also nearby.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (941) 388-3987
  • Private party facilities
    The Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota on St. Armands Circle is the perfect venue for your special event. Our Old World Mediterranean-style dining rooms lend an atmosphere of warmth and elegance to any gathering. For small groups, we offer private dining space.
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  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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