The Columbia Restaurant - a Florida tradition since 1905.
Beginning on October 15 and running until May 15, The Columbia in Sarasota features Stone Crabs. Served fresh from the Gulf of Mexico, either chilled or steamed, with butter, mustard sauce and lemon, or broiled “Carioca” style with Latin spices. Celebrate Stone Crab season with us.
Tampa may have the original Columbia (Florida’s oldest restaurant, opened in 1905) but Sarasota has the prettiest. Huge windows connect the hand-painted tile dining room to a sprawling covered patio. This space marries the intimacy of the indoors with the fresh air outside. The menu spotlights Spanish fare – paella packed with fresh clams, shrimp, and mussels; bean soup with chorizo; hot Cuban bread. Everything goes well with a pitcher of fresh sangria. If you go before mid-May, you can still order fresh stone crabs – chilled, steamed, or broiled with Latin spices. Southern Living - April 2010
Warm, crusty Cuban bread slathered with butter, the garlicky goodness of "1905" Salad and Spanish bean soup flavored with chewy bits of chorizo - that's Columbia's signature lunch, and they have been dishing it up since 1905. Aromatic dishes on the dinner menu feature traditional favorites of Spain and Cuba, offering tender pork, chicken and rice, fresh fish and shellfish. Entrees are served while still steaming and enhanced by overflowing pitchers of fresh, fruity sangria. Business people bring clients here for lunch and families celebrate milestones within these pretty tiled walls. Enjoy lunch or dinner at this restaurant known for its strong traditions and inimitable style. St. Armands Magazine - 2008
The Columbia Restaurant Sarasota is located on St. Armands Circle in Lido Key. Relax in one of our Mediterranean style dining rooms or enjoy an outdoor table on the patio while sampling our award winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Enjoy lunch or dinner while surrounded by the circle's paradise of lush tropical landscaping that create an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Columbia Sarasota opened in 1959 on St. Armands Circle, and is now the oldest restaurant in Sarasota.
Sarasota is a cultural haven with stunning beaches, acres of recreation, superb shops and galleries. St. Armands Circle is conveniently located near the beaches of Lido and Longboat Key. Lido Beach is located on Lido Key, one half mile southwest of St. Armands Circle. Explore the completely undeveloped and unspoiled North Lido Beach where you can walk under the Australian Pines or anchor a boat along the shore. Enjoy the park-like atmosphere of South Lido Beach or the public pool.
Longboat Key, a narrow stretch of eleven sun drenched miles, lies between the waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and provides an eloquent beach and bayfront setting for the ultimate in a tropical Florida vacation. Outdoor activities like golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing and boating are also nearby.
After your meal, stroll along the circle that resembles an elegant European market with bright tropical landscaping. It is home to more than 130 shops that pamper customers from all areas of the United States.
We invite you to visit our on-site gift shop for a selection of unique gifts, fine cigars & accessories. And don't forget to take home "A Taste of Columbia" with our World Famous "1905" Salad TM Dressing, sangria mix, Cuban and American roast coffee, hot sauce and Columbia seasoning. You'll also find a wide variety of unique hand-made and hand painted ceramic pieces imported from Spain.
Address: 411 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Open 365 days of the year.
Serving Lunch & Dinner daily.
Miscellaneous: Children's Menu
Reservations Suggested
Takeout: Our lunch and dinner menu items are also available for takeout. Please call (941) 388-3987 to place your order, and for pick-up details.
