Columbia Restaurant - St. Augustine (FL)

5 /5 Shubhadeep Roy: We, a group of 3 families, were in St. Augustine for our New Year’s trip and had reserved our New Year dinner at this restaurant. The whole city was lit up, it was quite crowded and was hard to find a parking spot. It took us about 25 minutes to find parking and we somehow just made it around our reservation time. The ambience was beautiful, a perfect place to dine with friends and family. We ordered a variety of food and it was quite good. The service was great as well and what I really liked was that they did not automatically charge us a fixed gratuity in spite of being a large group. Would highly recommend.

5 /5 Kylie: I had a really good experience at the Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine, and I wanted to share a more detailed review because I feel like places with this much history deserve some love. It was my first time visiting, and the whole atmosphere felt charming in a very old Florida way. The building is beautiful and you can tell it has stories behind it. It almost feels like stepping into a mix of a museum and a cozy family restaurant. The staff were honestly the part I appreciated the most. It was super crowded when I went, and you could tell everyone was working hard. Even with that, the servers stayed kind, patient and really warm. I got to talk to the manager too, and he was welcoming in a very genuine way. You can tell the team here cares about keeping the experience positive even on busy days. The food was solid and comforting. I ordered the 1905 Salad and now I get why everyone talks about it. It tasted really fresh and had that citrus flavor that makes you feel like you are eating something simple but memorable. My entrée was the Cannelloni Langosta, and it was rich and creamy in a satisfying way without being too heavy. Everything came out pretty fast considering how packed the restaurant was and the portions were exactly right. The environment itself is lively. It is not a quiet place, but it has that buzzing energy where everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Families, couples, tourists, people celebrating things. It felt nice to be part of that. I talked to some other guests while I was there and they all seemed to love the restaurant. I think that says a lot. Even when a place gets as busy as Columbia does, it still feels warm. Overall, I left feeling full and happy. It is a great spot if you want a classic St. Augustine experience that mixes history with good food and friendly service. It is not a small or intimate restaurant, so expect some noise and a lot of people, but honestly that is part of the charm. I would come back again and try more dishes next time. With love, Kylie

5 /5 C M: Reservations as a must at Columbia, even more so during nights of lights. We started dinner with a mojito and strawberry cocktail, both were great! I’ve included full pictures of the menu below. We also ordered the skewer appetizer which was well seasoned. Unfortunately they were out of quite a few of the appetizers such as the croquettes. I recommend ordering the tossed salad as they toss it right at your table! Dinner starts with a large individual piece of bread and a side of butter. I ordered the Salteado with chicken which was great and came out very hot. Our server Sarah was great and even got us a children’s cup to take our Diet Coke on the road. They also give you the option to pay the check with a QR code, which was very easy to scan and pay with.

5 /5 bublehed (Bublehed): During a recent visit to St. Augustine, we decided to try a Colombian restaurant that had been generating quite a buzz—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, with vibrant décor and music that set the tone for an authentic and relaxed dining experience. The service was attentive without being intrusive; our server took the time to explain several dishes and offered thoughtful recommendations that made our meal even more enjoyable. We started with the empanadas, which arrived hot and perfectly crisp. The corn-based shells had just the right amount of crunch, and the fillings were seasoned beautifully. Paired with the house-made ají sauce, every bite delivered a burst of flavor that reminded us why Colombian comfort food is so beloved. Next, we tried the fresh house salad, a bright and refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, onions, lightly dressed to enhance rather than overpower the produce. It served as a perfect bridge between the hearty appetizer and our main dish. The fish entrée was the true standout of the evening. Cooked flawlessly, the fish was tender and flaky, infused with subtle citrus and herbs that highlighted its freshness. The accompanying sides complemented the dish well, rounding out a meal that felt thoughtfully crafted from start to finish.

5 /5 Diaz Lingiere (Rae): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First visit to The Columbia in St. Augustine, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the stop — historic building, beautiful tile work, and that old-Florida feel you just don’t get anywhere else. The place was busy, but everything ran smoothly. I had the 1905 Salad, made tableside — super fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. The ropa vieja and flank steak was perfectly pressed, with just the right mix of crunch and melt. Everything tasted authentic and made with care, not rushed. Shoutout to Jason, who made the whole experience even better. His professionalism, patience, and attention to detail stood out. He checked in at the right times, knew the menu inside out, and genuinely made us feel welcome — that kind of service makes all the difference. Overall, The Columbia is one of those places that reminds you why St. Augustine’s food scene is so special — great food, great people, and real pride in what they do. Highly recommend.