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Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota Reviews List
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Family-owned and operated for over 100 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine and wine list. Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Filet Mignon "Columbia," and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared tableside 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 Torres, 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.
See more Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota details
213 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 213 reviews
5 stars
(98)
4 stars
(72)
3 stars
(28)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(7)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(120)
- neighborhood gem(89)
- special occasion(81)
- fit for foodies(80)
- great for lunch(78)
- hot spot(69)
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota Reviews List
Review 1 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service, food and everything was perfect!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Columbia- again!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Colubia is one of our favorite lunch spots. A couple times a year "the girls" go out there for lunch -- and of course, SANGRIA!! We love the 1905 salad - the original for my sister and I; with turkey for our daughters; and with shrimp for my new daughter-in-law. We were just there last Saturday and intend to do it more often!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mothers Day = Columbia Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Go to Columbia Restaurant every Mothers Day while on vacation in Siesta Key. Love the 1905 Salad, the Canneloni Langosta was heavenly. Already looking forward to next year."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
cuban flair
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great restaurant, great food,sangria and history. Get there early to get outside seating"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 5 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was spot on cooked perfectly not one flaw."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Having dined here many times before I am always impressed by the service and consistent food quality. No one should miss the 1905 Salad (whatever size) - it is worth the entire trip. My friend and I tried three tapas (new to the menu for me) along with our salad and while we thought the scallops were outstanding, the ribs and empanadas were somewhat dried out, though flavorful. However, ending the meal with churros made everything worthwhile. Yum!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a great time....good for people watching at one of the hot spots of central FL. Great food, great service...a hopping place!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Appetizers
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The appetizers were a bit tiny in size for the price. Everything else, 1905 Salad and Canelloni were great. Mojito was perfect! Our waiter Milan was excellent."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food like always....service was a bit slower - seemd the servier had too many tables - had to ask several time for water and drinks to be refilled."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Authenic Cuban Food Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We only visit Florida once a year, now, but always end our week's vacation with a dinner at one of the Columbia Restaurants. Last week, we enjoyed an evening meal at the Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota Saint Armands Circle. The food was prepared perfectly, was hot and tasty. Of course, you must start with a pitcher of Sangria, followed by their 1905 Salad, prepared tableside. I had Chicken Salteado, with yellow rice; the flavors of chicken, chorizo, peppers, onions, and potatoes layered over the yellow rice was delicious.
We have never been disappointed and have enjoyed all the Columbia locations. Each restaurant has its own character. The service staff was courteous, efficient and friendly. We recommend this restaurant and this location."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wait time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My overall visit was very good, however, with my online reservation I ended up waiting in my opinion too long for my table. It appeared the host was somewhat lost, I had to check on the wait time two different times. After the second time she asked another girl why we had not been seated yet. Once we got our seat it went much better, waiter was friendly and food was wonderful."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I LOVED this restaurant! We sat in the open air area if the dining room it was filled with interesting people
The sangria was the best I have ever had. When you order a pitcher it is made tables use
The menu is extensive with a lovely variety if fish to choose from not just the usual salmon with one whitefish
I had my kids with me (9&12). They had the chicken fingers which were obviously homemade
I had grouper which was prepared perfectly topped with artichokes and sundries tomatoes. The highlight of my meal was the
House salad. I have been thinking about it ever since. Don't miss out on the chance to try it evenif u make a meal out just that
This is by far my favourite restaurant in the area and I have been coming for years!"
The sangria was the best I have ever had. When you order a pitcher it is made tables use
The menu is extensive with a lovely variety if fish to choose from not just the usual salmon with one whitefish
I had my kids with me (9&12). They had the chicken fingers which were obviously homemade
I had grouper which was prepared perfectly topped with artichokes and sundries tomatoes. The highlight of my meal was the
House salad. I have been thinking about it ever since. Don't miss out on the chance to try it evenif u make a meal out just that
This is by far my favourite restaurant in the area and I have been coming for years!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mediocre at Best
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The '1905 salad' that this restaurant is known for was very tasty, as were the churros on the dessert menu. However, all of the tapas that we had were below average in taste/quality, and were very tiny portions (even for tapas) for the price. The restaurant has way too many tables, making service (including bar service) slow and tiring on the wait staff (or at least, it appeared to wear them down). The decor is nice but, unfortunately, the patrons were not dressed to match and most of them were on their cell phones at the table making Columbia feel more like a casual dining establishment than a 'nice restaurant'."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"very noise restaurant. food is hopelessly overrated, but realtively inexpensive. they live from their publicity, nothing else. my wife does a better beansoup thaan the "cuban" restaurant."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 15 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New Server?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to the Columbia several times over the years and the service has been overall good. This last time it seemed we got a server in training. She was okay, but never talked about the specials, was clumsy serving, too timid, and never offered us a chance to order dessert or after drinks; just brought the check and that was it. It was my birthday and though the food was great the service really fell flat. I was not expecting any special attention, but I have worked in the industry and know how to be a good server. I will go back to the Columbia because of the reputation and the food."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 16 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I met my neice and 2 of her
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I met my neice and 2 of her friends for dinner. It was a special occasion since they flew into Ft. Myers from Maine, NH and Mass for a short vacation. I live in Clearwater. I chose St. Armand's Circle as a central place to meet. We had a great dinner and enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. I purchased the Columbia cookbook at the gift shop and gave it as a gift to my neice so she could take a taste of Florida back to Maine."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 17 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AccommodAted my handicap with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"AccommodAted my handicap with compassion and ease . CA guests loved the food and ambiance. Can't beat that 1905 salad and their white Sangria!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went back for lunch just to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went back for lunch just to have the 1905 salad again!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was so over-aircontnued
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was so over-aircontnued that it ruined my wife's meal. She had to stand outside to warm up in between the courses. The waiter said the AC could not be adjusted"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were there for a 70th Birthday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were there for a 70th Birthday celebration. Everyone was friendly and helpful. We shared several tapas, the delicious 1905 salad and a few entrees. For dessert we had the white chocolate bread pudding; which was yummy and a birthday treat from the restaurant, the flan; which was amazing!! We all had a wonderful time and will return again."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The matre d' was especially
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The matre d' was especially nice to offer us a table in a back room so we could have more privacy."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fun Night!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a night! First time to Columbia, and we'll be back. Food was outstanding, sangria was perfect, and service was spectacular. Enjoyed the evening immensely!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
ALWAYS A SOLID CHOICE FOR
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"ALWAYS A SOLID CHOICE FOR LUNCH OR DINNER"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 24 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had a waitress named Elena
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a waitress named Elena who didn't speak English very well, but also she talked fast, noise was up so we couldn't even hear the specials on our side of the table. Usually I get a welcome to Columbia and some chit chat, do you want it all on one check? I would have settled for a warm, welcoming smile. We five ladies go to lunch often and the service people love to see us coming, we are fun, not complaining and seem to make their jobs a little more pleasant if we can. Elena never smiled, when she mixed up the order and I tried to remind her (she seemed to have a hard time understanding), she snapped at me "I know it!". However she didn't. She mixed up my order. We asked for separate checks, and she managed to get those wrong."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Have always enjoyed the Columbia
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have always enjoyed the Columbia in Tampa and St Augustine and here. Made a reservation on line. Hostess had the reservation & indicated we would be seated in a minute. A minute turned into 20 minutes! They had forgotten about us even though we were standing right by the hostess stand. Place was like a cattle call. Very busy & very noisy. Hostess seemed disorganized. We were seated at tables right on top of each other. Food was good as always. Sangria and 1905 salad excellent. Our waitress was terrific. Very pleasant & attentive. Not sure how she kept her composure in all the chaos . Would recommend the food highly but try to go when not so busy."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 26 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
LOVE the Columbia! Some day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"LOVE the Columbia! Some day I hope to go to the original in Tampa and see the flamenco dancers!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Once great on a downhill slide.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Air conditioning was not working. We had really poor server, slow, forgetful. Waited 20 minutes for drinks and had to be reminded. This restaurant is on a downhill slide."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 28 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a great experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always a great experience at the Columbia."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 29 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant is very good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is very good. I have eaten here many times. Love the salad. They make great shrimp wrapped with bacon. It is the only place to get an authentic Mojito."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 30 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesomeness in food and locale
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All of the Columbia restaurants are spectacular in ambiance, food quality, service and of course their Sangria. There is no variance in the excellence of their menu or service. Simply put they are a true gem and a one of a kind eatery that I love to visit as often as possible."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 31 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy food, great white sangria
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great respite in crazy St. Armand's Circle. Love Columbia Restaurants wherever they are. Great white sangria goes with everything!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great spot!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We loved this restaurant! Great food and great service tried to go back a second night and couldn't get in....definitely recommend to anyone!!!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 33 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is always good; 1995 Salad the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was packed due to Spring Breakers! The food is always great; need better staff at desk, though!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I cannot stress enough how wonderful this experience was. The ambiance, the food.....outstanding!!!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 35 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been to columbia's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been to columbia's many of times, in the past 15 yrs. This is the second time in a month, we had a reservation & when we arrived, we had to wait for 5 to7 min. It was annoying to me & my friends. Other people were coming & getting to sit right away. I did ask the hostess, what is taking sooo long? she said "oh they have to set the table" I was thinking how long can that take. This past time, I made the reservation for 2. When they seating us, the table was set for 4. Why would they set it for 4, when the reservation was for 2."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 36 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Two of the particular dishes
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Two of the particular dishes our party chose were just rather plain and uninteresting. I had my favourite - Chicken Salteado - which was excellent."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 37 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As usual the food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As usual the food and service were great."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 38 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The Wifes food was cold then
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Wifes food was cold then I ordered a cuban coffee and the expresso machine was broken it took a manager to get the coffee off the bill. Server was very slow. I have had better experiences at this resturant in the past it was not a good night."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
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Review 39 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth a visit.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We visit Columbia restaurant every year while visiting Sarasota. We always make reservations, as this is a very popular spot. I find it to be very consistent. The menu takes a while to review. Many dishes have a "story" behind them and the titles of dishes are not always intuitive,so give yourself time to read. The sangria is always good, but the Maker's Champion is my favorite drink on the menu. The only issues Ive had are with the hosts/hostesses. They seem to always forget about us and I have to remind them I havent been seated after watching others being seated before us who had later reservations. To their defense the hostess station is always mobbed, but they should be used to that by now."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 40 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Needs adult supervision
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our second time to the Columbia. We recalled that getting a table without a reservation meant a long wait and that is why we booked through OpenTable. We arrived early thinking that if we could not be seated right away we would go to the bar for a drink. They only had "kids" working as hostesses. We were treated rudely when we checked in and were talked down to by the kid hostess saying to the effect "Yeah like so you're reservation isn't until 8." We weren't seated until well past our reservation time. The next night we went down the street to the Crab & Fin. And it was like night & day. We arrived early and got seated right away by an adult hostess and had a first class experience."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
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Review 41 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Group of 6 of us had a wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Group of 6 of us had a wonderful dinner. The red snapper was outstanding. Went there for the traditional items like the paella and we were not disappointed. Sangria was a fun way to start the dinner. Our server Lorena was outstanding. Yes a place tourists like to go, but this place is worth it for the menu and quality of the food."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 42 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always good food and service here. Great place for lunch and dinner."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2000
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 43 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, nice atmosphere,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food, nice atmosphere, acceptable service from an unhappy waiter."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 44 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the Best in Florida Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been going to the Columbia Restaurant for many years. There are several in Florida owned by the same family and I have eaten in the one in Sarasota and the one in Clearwater. The menu is extensive with Cuban and South American dishes that are unique. You can get grouper, for example, made one of 6 ways. The fish is always excellent. The jumbo stone crab claws are great when they are in season. They have a good wine list including their own private label wine and they make the best Mojitos in Florida! The Sarasota restaurant is located on St. Armonds Circle surrounded by many upscale shops and it is fun to walk around the area before or after dinner. Columbia is a top choice for me and reservations are a must during the high season."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 45 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The atmosphere is noisy but
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The atmosphere is noisy but great fun and vibrant. The actual food is always a disappointment to me, although I still return..... only for the atmosphere. Some of the tapas seem to be cooked long before serving. My husband's mussels & chorizo were not good, and all in all I would never go back for the food..... However, the Columbia keeps going because of the atmosphere and location ..... and the service is always attentive.."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 46 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We visited Columbia twice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We visited Columbia twice during the week. Both times we had the best meal of our week in the Longboat Key/Sarasota area. Service attentive and fish outstanding both the grouper and snapper. Blue Crab cakes were sweet and almost all crab. Pricing very reasonable and fair, compared to some other area restaurants where $40 steaks are suddenly the norm. Place noisy when full but that is part of the atmosphere and given it is the height of the spring season just to be expected."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 47 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
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Review 48 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Columbia is always a highlight
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Columbia is always a highlight of our visit to Sarasota. And every year surpasses our memories!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 49 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food and good service"
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 50 for Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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