Experience a taste of Tampa’s rich history and Spanish heritage at Columbia Cafe, a charming eatery that blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Located within the Tampa Bay History Center, Columbia Cafe has classic Spanish dishes, such as paella, tapas, and Cuban sandwiches, along with refreshing sangrias and cocktails. The restaurant’s waterfront location and inviting ambiance make it a favorite spot for enjoying delicious cuisine while overlooking the picturesque views of the river and downtown skyline.

The Tampa Bay History Center is undoubtedly a favorite destination for its unique exhibits and engaging activities, but there’s another reason families have been flocking to Water Street for years: Columbia Cafe. This charming spot is a faithful replica of the original Columbia bar, established in 1905—long before any of today’s visitors, young or old, were around. The flagship Columbia Restaurant has earned the title of “One of Florida’s Top Restaurants” multiple times since 1967, and its legacy continues here.

Besides its tremendous history in Tampa, the colorful and majestic Columbia Cafe will immerse you and your family in Spanish culture. The restaurant is connected to the River Walk where you can stroll around after a meal and enjoy the different things it has to offer (including a nearby park and splash ready water fountain). Another plus is that Columbia Cafe is attached to the History Center, so you can learn all about Tampa Bay’s history and culture.

Ask anyone to name a restaurant synonymous with Tampa, and you’ll most likely hear Columbia Café. Owned and continuously ran by the same family since 1905, the restaurant is touted as the oldest restaurant, not just in Tampa, but the entire state of Florida. While the original restaurant is located in nearby Ybor City, the smaller café version is in downtown Tampa and located within the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk.

The Columbia Cafe gives everyone who comes to visit this Tampa restaurant an immediate feeling of Cuban- Spanish flair. Over the years this family owned Restaurant has received tons of nominations and awards and it is one of the oldest restaurants in Florida. It features a gorgeous outside area that is even more beautiful at nighttime, which makes the Cuban Cafe a perfect place for a romantic date!

Sunday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pmFriday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm(Inside Café is closed at 5:00pm with the museum) 📍 801 Water Street Tampa, FL 33602. Located on the Riverwalk, Columbia Cafe is one of our favorite spots to unwind and listen to music. Most, if not all, Fridays and Saturdays have live music on the patio, adding to the already amazing ambiance of dining next to the Riverwalk.

Columbia Restaurant’s original location in Ybor City opened in 1905 and is the oldest still-standing restaurant in Tampa. The Columbia Cafe along the Riverwalk isn’t nearly as old, but unlike its older sibling, it has outdoor dining. Part of the Tampa Bay History Center, Columbia Cafe-Riverwalk Tampa features an expansive patio that overlooks the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay.

A Tampa legend, the Columbia Cafe is a historic restaurant that features a large courtyard overlooking the water with tables designed with painted mosaic tiles. Settle into one of the green and white chairs while enjoying the Florida sunshine and authentic Spanish favorites. Located on the Tampa Riverwalk, this is a popular spot for live music and sangria made tableside.

The Columbia Cafe is a picturesque dining spot located at the Tampa Bay History Center that overlooks Garrison Channel and the Riverwalk. The Cafe is part of the Columbia Restaurant Group with the original Columbia Restaurant, which opened in 1905, located in Ybor City. The decor is Spanish-inspired and both indoor and outdoor seating is offered.

The second location of the famous Columbia Restaurant which has been an Ybor City staple since 1905, The Columbia Cafe is a delicious option right off the Riverwalk. Waterfront dining is completely open-air but fully covered and surprisingly breezy (with lots of fans because, Florida). An indoor dining room is available as well.

Nestled on the scenic Riverwalk, Columbia Café offers diners a taste of Tampa's rich history. Operating since 1905, it brings Spanish flair to the waterfront. The iconic "1905" Salad is a timeless favorite, and no visit to Tampa is complete without trying a traditional Cuban sandwich, and Columbia’s version is iconic.

The Columbia Cafe has indoor & outdoor seating overlooking Garrison Channel separating downtown from Harbour Island. Serving popular dishes from the restaurant's flagship in Ybor City, including the Original ‘1905 Salad’ & chicken and yellow rice. Also serves cocktails, beer, wine, including the Spanish cava sangria.

An extension of the famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, the Columbia Cafe offers great lunch and dinner options from its picturesque location on the Garrison River. The Spanish decor inside and out adds to the delightful ambiance, and the tapas-style dishes are mouth wateringly good!

You can walk around Ybor during the day and stop by The Columbia and have some delicious food that's been there since 1905. The kids can munch on some of Tampa Bay's favorites like the Cuban sandwich or 1905 Salad starting at $5.95. View this post on Instagram

A beloved Tampa restaurant since 1905, Columbia Café is a charming slice of old Florida. This iconic restaurant — part of the legendary Columbia Restaurant Group — offers a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in a vibrant setting.

But for one closest to the original 1915 recipe – with the same proportions of meat and Cuban bread brushed with butter and pressed to a delectably crispy finish – make your way to Columbia Cafe At The Tampa Bay History Center.

Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk is a Spanish and Cuban restaurant in the Tampa Bay History Center. This famous restaurant is over 116 years old. It has been giving customers a great experience the whole time.

Nestled in the the Tampa Bay History Center, enjoy Riverwalk views and legendary Cuban eats from your perch at the Columbia Cafe. This is just one of the brand’s handful of TBAY locations.

There's also La Cote Basque Winehouse Restaurant in Gulfport which is pretty good. They put on some dinner theater as well, so it's a unique experience in the area.

Make a visit to Columbia Café, located in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center. This café has an adorable outdoor seating area, as well as a bar.