Columbia Restaurant St. Augustine

St. Augustine outpost of the Columbia — Florida's oldest restaurant, founded 1905 in Tampa's Ybor City by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr. and still fifth-generation family owned. This location sits on the corner of St. George and Hypolita in the historic district, styled with hand-painted tile, dark wood, and a Spanish interior courtyard. The kitchen holds to the original Spanish/Cuban menu: the "1905" Salad tossed tableside with garlic, oregano, Romano, and Lea & Perrins; paella "a la Valenciana" for two; arroz con pollo; the pressed Cuban sandwich; and white chocolate bread pudding. Open every day of the year.

What to order

The "1905" Salad tossed tableside is the house move — worth watching the server work the bowl. For the main, paella "a la Valenciana" for two or arroz con pollo for one; wash it down with sangria de cava by the pitcher.

Hours

Daily 11a–10p