Florida’s most beautiful restaurant, according to LoveFood and several other sources, is the iconic Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district. This legendary eatery is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual masterpiece, blending Old World charm with vibrant Spanish-Cuban flair.
A Living Landmark
Founded in 1905 by Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest continuously operated restaurant and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States. Still run by the founding family, it occupies an entire city block and features 15 distinct dining rooms, seating up to 1,700 guests. Each room is a chapter in Tampa’s history, adorned with hand-painted tiles, stained glass windows, ornate fountains, and historic artwork.
Architectural Splendor
Columbia’s beauty lies in its details:
- Stained glass and mosaic tiling: Every corner bursts with color and craftsmanship, from the arched windows to the intricate tilework.
- Historic décor: Chandeliers, sculptures, and antique furnishings evoke the elegance of an old-world mansion.
- Unique dining rooms: Spaces like the Don Quixote Room, the Patio Dining Room with its Pompeii-inspired fountain, and Marilyn Monroe’s favorite private room each offer a different ambiance.
- Live entertainment: Flamenco performances in the grand Siboney Room add drama and authenticity to the dining experience.
Culinary Excellence
The menu is a celebration of Spanish and Cuban heritage, featuring family recipes passed down for over a century. Signature dishes include:
- The iconic 1905 Salad, prepared tableside with iceberg lettuce, ham, Swiss and Romano cheeses, olives, and a zesty garlic-lemon dressing.
- Classic tapas, deviled crab croquetas, and the original Cubano sandwich.
- Fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes, like the Mahi Mahi “Cayo Hueso” and Boliche “Criollo”.
Sangria mixed at your table and warm, crusty Cuban bread complete the experience.
More Than a Meal
Dining at Columbia is more than just eating-it’s an immersion into Tampa’s multicultural history and a celebration of family, tradition, and artistry. The restaurant’s grandeur, from its sprawling architecture to its lively entertainment, makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
“Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia, is also its most beautiful, with gorgeous artwork on the walls, pretty fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiling, arched windows, and stained glass. It opened as a small café in 1905 and is still run by the same family, although now it’s grown into a restaurant stretching along the whole block.” – LoveFood
A Must-Visit Florida Destination
Whether you’re savoring authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine, watching a flamenco show, or simply admiring the dazzling interiors, Columbia Restaurant stands out as Florida’s most beautiful-and beloved-dining destination. With additional locations across the state, the original Ybor City site remains the crown jewel, drawing locals, tourists, and celebrities alike for over a century.
Curious to know more about Columbia’s signature dishes or the stories behind its historic rooms? Let me know what you’d like to explore next!
Sources:
- https://wflanews.iheart.com/content/2025-02-27-stunning-florida-eatery-crowned-most-beautiful-restaurant-in-the-state/
- https://www.columbiarestaurant.com
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/columbia-restaurant
- https://d-ravel.com/your-new-favorite-tampa-eatery-columbia-restaurant/
- https://www.lovefood.com/gallerylist/256839/the-most-beautiful-restaurant-in-every-us-state
