Columbia Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
The state's oldest restaurant, owned by the Gonzmarts (the same Tampa family that has operated it since 1905), the Columbia anchors a whole block of Ybor City. Its gorgeous building exudes a dignified splendor, glistening with colorful, hand-painted Spanish tile and flounced stone fretwork. Locals and tourists alike flock here to enjoy a relaxed ambience, terrific food and flashy flamenco shows.

The Food
An impressive array of traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes. Start with sangria, Spanish red wine garnished with fruit, and move onto "champinones al jerez," mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic and sherry. Follow with red snapper Alicante, the mild white fish baked with onion, green pepper, garlic and wine, accompanied by yellow rice. For dessert, choose traditional Spanish flan, a smooth custard baked in a delectable caramel sauce. Finish with the local beverage of choice: coffe con leche, steamed milk and coffee made from slightly burned beans that give the drink its unique taste.