Columbia Restaurant - Clearwater Beach

This truly is a gem of a Spanish restaurant, and so are the people who work here. This is a white tablecloth experience, that you won't forget! The food, atmosphere, and service is amazing! Everything is made to order which makes it all taste so fresh and luxurious, the sangria is fantastic. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who has food allergies, they have the best allergen menu I have ever seen! Matt was amazing and hospitable, gave us a wonderful history of the restaurant and was wonderful to talk to. Really appreciate everyone my wife and I talked to at this restaurant. If you are in the Clearwater area this is the place to be!

Roberto made our day with his recommendations and wonderful service. We had only visited the Ybor city Columbia over 15 years ago and were delighted to find this location on our latest vacation. What. A. View!! So relaxing and the fan cooled us on a hot day on the deck without being too loud. It was like having the place to ourselves on Monday at lunchtime. The empanadas were our favorite but always have to split the delicious Cuban sandwich and 1905 salad. Oh and GET THE BREAD PUDDING! As Roberto said, "Oh, you have no idea." 🧑🏼‍🍳 💋

Our food and service (Michael) were incredible! We had a pitcher of their red sangria, the famous 1905 salad, empanadas, crab croquettes, and the lobster paella. We had no room left so we ordered key lime pie to go and ate that after watching the sunset at the beach. Everything was delicious!

If you’re anywhere near Indian Rocks Beach and not stopping at Columbia Restaurant San Key, you’re honestly missing one of the most memorable dining experiences on the Gulf Coast. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a piece of Florida history with a touch of old-world Spain. The atmosphere is lively but elegant—arched ceilings, beautiful tile work, and that warm, welcoming energy that instantly puts you in a good mood, even before the food arrives. The real star here is the consistency. The Cuban-Spanish cuisine is packed with flavor and clearly made with care. The 1905 Salad is a must—fresh, tangy, and prepared tableside with a bit of flair that makes it feel like more than just a salad. The Cuban sandwich and paella are both standouts, rich and satisfying without feeling heavy. Even the bread they bring out at the beginning is worth slowing down for. Service is another highlight. The staff manages to be attentive without hovering, and they know the menu inside and out. You never feel rushed, even when it’s busy, which it often is—this place has a loyal following for a reason. What really makes it special, though, is the overall experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s a place where people gather to celebrate, relax, and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the beach, it fits perfectly into that coastal, unhurried vibe. In short: great food, great atmosphere, and a sense of tradition that’s hard to find anymore. It’s the kind of place you don’t just try once—you come back to.

I have eaten at the OG Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City many times and found myself next door to an offshoot while on a recent stay at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key. I had enough of the bar food at Kokomo's bar and grille and used Yelp to look to see what was nearby. I was shocked to see the Columbia was literally next door...! I wish I knew this earlier...! I gut have never eaten anything at Kokomo's...! This visit I had a Mr. Clean experience; and had the best server in the room! Donn was amazing and one of the best servers you could hope for! He was super familiar with the menu and also quite intuitive of every guest's needs. You cannot go wrong having Donn as your server. The food was absolutely phenomenal...!!!! Epic Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans & rice. The fresh bread brought to the table was hot! Fresh out of the oven. The first bread I've had in two months so was a nice treat! This location is right on Tampa Bay with amazing views and chill Sand Key ambience!