If someone asked you what the biggest restaurant in Florida was, would you know the answer? For Tampa residents, this might be an easy answer. Not only is Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida the largest restaurant in the state, but it also holds the title of one of the oldest Spanish restaurants in the entire world! With 15 dining rooms, 1,700 seats, and 52,000 square feet of space, this restaurant takes up an entire city block and is easily one of the best places to eat in Florida.

Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been family-owned since 1905.
Flickr Steven Martin
Not only is this restaurant the oldest in the state, but it also is the largest, too.
Flickr Matthew Paulson
The Ybor City location is the original location, although the restaurant has since expanded to six other locations throughout Florida.
Flickr Matthew Paulson
First and foremost, this restaurant is HUGE. We’re talking 15 different dining rooms and 1,700 seats huge. Most of these dining rooms offer a different ambiance, too, like the main hall which is very different from the charming Sancho Panza room.
Flickr Matthew Paulson
With a mix of Cuban-Spanish cuisine, visitors can expect an eclectic menu that ranges from fresh paella to pressed Cuban sandwiches.
TripAdvisor arienne410

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The sangria here is also a fan-favorite, with a choice of red or white wine in a carafe that you can purchase and take home!
TripAdvisor management
But if you don’t want sangria during your visit you can always choose from one of the 1,000+ wines and 50,000 bottles that the restaurant offers.
TripAdvisor management
This ginormous restaurant has won some serious accolades over the years, too, like one of the “Top 50 All-American Icon” restaurants!
TripAdvisor management
So the next time you’re in Ybor City and you want to try the largest restaurant and the oldest restaurant in Florida, head on over to Columbia Restaurant.
Flickr Matthew Paulson
Click here to find out where Columbia Restaurant is in Tampa.
Google Maps

Have you ever been to the biggest restaurant in Florida before? What was your favorite menu item? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about Columbia Restaurant, including current hours of operation and other locations, then check out the Columbia Restaurant website.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for other fantastic restaurants in Florida, we’ve come up with a bucket list like you’ve never seen. Check out these 12 places to eat in Florida, one for each day of the month.

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Biggest Restaurant In Florida

Megan Todaro | December 13, 2022

What is the oldest restaurant in Florida?

Did you know that the biggest restaurant in Florida is also the oldest restaurant in Florida? That’s right, Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City holds the title not just for the biggest restaurant but also the oldest. Columbia Restaurant stood the test of time with humble beginnings back in 1905 as a tiny cafe serving Cuban food for the cigar workers of Ybor City. Eventually, the restaurant expanded, taking over the whole city block. But with a history dating back over 100 years, Columbia Restaurant is easily the oldest restaurant still alive and thriving in the state.

What is the most highly rated diner in Florida?

The most highly-rated diner in Florida, also the oldest continuously operating diner, is Angel’s Dining Car in Palatka. Angel’s dining car menu is filled with all of your favorite diner-style classics like pancakes and eggs, sandwiches, and so much more. But if there is one plate for which this diner is known, it’s the burgers and fries. Angel’s dining car has been serving a delicious burger and fries platter for nearly 70 years, which is why it’s one of the best places to eat in Florida.

What is the best little-known restaurant in Orlando, Florida?

The best little-known restaurant in Orlando is The Knife Restaurant, where you can indulge in all-you-can-eat meats served table side. As one of the best food places in Orlando to grab a steak, this Argentinian steakhouse offers guests over 15 different cuts of beef, chicken, and pork, all grilled to perfection. Good news for guests, this all-you-can-eat menu means that you won’t leave hungry. Plus, The Knife Restaurant offers appetizers and a huge salad bar too, to round out the meal. It might not be the biggest restaurant in Florida, but it is sure to be one of the places to eat in Florida for carnivores.

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Featured Addresses
Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA