Columbia Café at Tampa International Airport

We were seated right away. Quick and friendly service. They have a couple of vegetarian options. I got the black bean soup with rice. I did ask for hot sauce to give it a bit more flavor. The Colombian salad looked sooooo good. My husband had the Cuban sandwich and French fries. He enjoyed dipping the sandwich in some of their special dressing from the salad. There is a bar here as well and they offer key lime pie.

Great light meal and dessert at this cute airport restaurant. Cuban sandwich and the 1905 salad were both good. Also tried the churros- wasn’t super impressed with theses- a bit on the greasy side. Loved the espresso cafe with milk!

I arrived at Tampa International Airport nice and early. The lines were short, and the wait time was minimal. With two hours to kill before my flight, I decided to check out a nearby restaurant. I was delighted to see so many Spanish delights on the menu. Debbie, my waitress, was exceptional. She represented the restaurant as if it were her own. When I asked for coffee, she inquired if I wanted regular coffee or Café con Leche (coffee with milk). I wasn’t expecting an espresso with hot milk, which brought me a comforting taste of home. Coming from a deployment with the American Red Cross, I felt truly at home. I chose the French toast made with Cuban bread and applewood bacon (I’ve been craving bacon since I arrived in Florida 14 days ago). The cooks did not disappoint, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I asked to speak with the chef, who came almost immediately. When I introduced myself, she called me a young man. At 61, that made me feel great. I would definitely return if I find myself at Tampa International again. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience!

Food was great. I had a Cuban sandwich which I really enjoyed. (Photo attached is just half of the sandwich). My wife had the palomilla, she said it was good, it comes with platanos and either rice or fries. We had the keylime pie as well. The costumer service was exceptional.

For 6am in the airport, this place has amazing food and dining experience. French toast is to die for. Eggs were great. If you have some time to spare, please give this place a try.

First of all, the food: $20 before tax for a piece of chicken and some rice? I guess that's the price you pay for airport food. This is my third time eating at this establishment, and I've never had a problem before, even at the Sand Key location. Secondly, if this is a family-owned restaurant that's been in operation for 119 years, they should be more welcoming and attentive to their customers. What happened to me was that the man working at the to-go/takeout section was quite rude. He pointed me to a dirty table in the common area to wait my order, and when I asked if I could sit at one of the open tables in the empty dining section (I wasn't planning on eating or drinking there, I just wanted to sit and wait), he said no. I told him that I was a paying customer and asked why I couldn't sit there for 10 or 15 minutes while I waited for my to-go order. He still said no. In my opinion, the restaurant business is all about hospitality. My mom loves this chicken, and I was buying some for her to take back to New York. I'll be sure to tell her exactly what happened, and I will never eat here again. By the way, when I took the picture, the manager was sitting there talking to the man from the to-go section. Maybe they were saving all those tables for him. I know some section at restaurant can be closed for time period but letting sit for paying customer like 10 to 15 mins will not going to hurt the business. Hope my mom enjoy the foods.

Columbia Tampa International Airport I know this picture is not the best, but get over it, I was trying to avoid the people across from me thinking I was taking a picture of them. I don’t usually eat before a flight, but since I knew I would be landing late, I decided to grab a small bite at one of Tampa's oldest and most famous Spanish restaurants, Columbia. The hostess on duty was about business, greeted every customer with a smile and got everyone seated with a menu as soon as he saw you walk up! Excellent customer service and please forgive me for forgetting his name, slim black gentleman, medium height, nice smile, I am sure if you read this review, you know the exact employee I am speaking of, he is a gem! I decided on the half Cuban Sandwich, and the 1905 salad which is a must every time I visit the restaurant. I love the tableside presentation, while this does not happen at the airport location, my salad was still delicious. I received a Spanish Bean Soup by mistake, but hey, now I have a soup that was lovely and might be my new option when flying. Full of garbanzo beans, ham, chorizo, and potatoes. The broth was full bodied and thickens as the potatoes dissolve, loved it. My Cuban Sandwich I am sad to say was a disappointment. Served lukewarm, the cheese wasn’t even melted. I know it sat under the warmer because the bread was also a bit chewy versus the crisp hot sandwich that I have grown to love. We all have a bad day, and this was just one for my poor Cuban. With the stellar service, my accidental soup delight, and faithful 1905 being on point, I can give them a pass on this one. So if you ever find yourself at Tampa International Airport, leaving from Airside E, drop by Columbia, order whatever you want, people watch from a seat near the boarding gates, and most of all don’t forget to tell them @Unnerved Traveler sent you! Bon Appetit!

I’ve been to Columbia 4 times now and have gotten a few different dishes (paella, arroz con pollo, lechon asado). Each time the food has been underwhelming (meat is plain and a little dry, rice and beans are not seasoned in any way, maduros are a little stiff). Maybe I’m just spoiled with other Cuban restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area like Bodega, but it just leaves something to be desired. The service was great and their drinks are always good though, I still think it’s worth going for those and the overall experience