Columbia Restaurant - Celebration

- 649 Front St, Celebration, FL 34747

The **Columbia Restaurant** in **Celebration, Florida**, offers locals and visitors to the greater Orlando area a unique and deeply rooted piece of Florida’s culinary history. Recognized as a sister to Florida's Oldest Restaurant℠ (founded in Ybor City, Tampa, in 1905), the Celebration location maintains the family’s tradition of serving award-winning, authentic **Spanish and Cuban cuisine**. The experience here is more than just a meal; it's a step into an elegant Mediterranean-style setting, filled with the warmth of old-world charm and the vibrancy of Latin culture.

The establishment is a beloved local gem, perfectly blending the roles of a Spanish restaurant, a Cuban restaurant, and a versatile event venue. This long-standing family-owned operation is renowned for preserving century-old family recipes while offering a refined, yet casual, dining atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a place for a special romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a sophisticated corporate event, Columbia Restaurant offers a memorable backdrop.

The menu is a rich tapestry of flavors from both Spain and Cuba. Diners consistently rave about the signature dishes that have stood the test of time. One of the absolute must-try items is the **Columbia's Original “1905” Salad®**. This legendary dish, prepared tableside, is a delicious mix of crisp iceberg lettuce, julienne baked ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese, and the famous garlic dressing—a 100-year-old family recipe featuring fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar, and Spanish extra-virgin olive oil. This salad alone is often cited as a highlight and a reason to visit.

Beyond the salad, the menu showcases a wealth of authentic options. You can start with a traditional Spanish **Tapa**, such as **Gambas “Al Ajillo”** (large shrimp sautéed in Spanish olive oil and garlic), flavorful **Empanadas De Picadillo** (pastry turnovers filled with spiced ground beef), or the famous **Spanish Bean Soup**—the original recipe of founder Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. For heartier appetites, main courses include family recipes like **Paella “A la Valenciana,”** a traditional dish prepared in a paella pan with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, grouper, chicken, and pork with yellow rice. Other favorites include the classic **Roast Pork “A la Cubana,”** the **Original Cuban Sandwich** layered with ham, roast pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, and a selection of fresh seafood and steaks.

The bar menu is equally impressive, supporting the restaurant's reputation as a top-tier **Bar**. It boasts a **Great wine list** featuring fine Spanish wines, as well as an extensive selection of **Beer**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**. Guests often indulge in a pitcher of their famous Sangria or Mojitos. They also pride themselves on their coffee, serving up a **Great coffee** experience with specialty Cuban and Spanish coffees, and offer a dedicated **Dessert** menu with house specialties like **White Chocolate Bread Pudding** (best for sharing) and the classic **Flan**.

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The Columbia Restaurant is beautifully situated in the picturesque, planned community of Celebration, just a short distance from the major tourist centers of Orlando, including Walt Disney World. This offers an elegant escape from the hustle and bustle.

Address: 649 Front St, Celebration, FL 34747, USA

The location in Celebration Town Center provides a relaxing setting, with the restaurant overlooking a serene lake. Accessibility is a priority for the Columbia Restaurant, which features comprehensive accommodations:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Parking is convenient, with both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking** available to guests. The option for **Outdoor seating** allows diners to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and the view of the lake, with the added benefit of being **Dogs allowed outside** for guests with pets.

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Columbia Restaurant - Celebration provides a full suite of dining and event services, catering to a wide range of needs:

• Full-Service Dining: Offering complete **Table service** for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner** throughout the week.
• Reservations: **Accepts reservations**, which are **recommended** for Lunch, Dinner, and especially Brunch, as the restaurant often has a wait, especially during peak hours.
• Takeout Options: Providing convenience with **Takeout**, **Curbside pickup**, and **Onsite services**.
• Catering & Events: Operating as both a **Catering food and drink supplier** and an **Event venue**, they can host and cater private functions both on- and off-site.
• Private Dining: A **Private dining room** is available for more intimate gatherings, business meetings, or celebrations.
• Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes a variety of **Vegetarian options**, **Healthy options**, and **Small plates** for lighter or more flexible dining.
• Family Services: Fully **Good for kids**, offering a dedicated **Kids' menu**, **High chairs**, and **Has changing table(s)**.

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What makes the Columbia Restaurant in Celebration a standout choice in the Florida dining scene are its unique features and high standards of service:

• Historic and Upscale Atmosphere: The setting is described as **Historic**, **Romantic**, **Upscale**, yet **Casual** and **Cozy**, with Mediterranean-style dining rooms decorated with hand-painted tiles.
• Live Music: The addition of **Live music** further enhances the traditional and festive atmosphere, adding a layer of Spanish and Cuban cultural entertainment to the dining experience.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Recognized for a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and an acclaimed **Great wine list**.
• Signature Dishes & Dessert: A destination for signature items like the **“1905” Salad**, Paella, and desserts, which are consistently highlighted as a strength (**Great dessert**).
• Fast Service: Despite the upscale atmosphere and popularity, guests frequently commend the **Fast service**, ensuring a prompt and efficient meal.
• Serves Local Specialty: The focus on Spanish and Cuban cuisine, deeply tied to Florida’s own history (particularly Ybor City), makes it a purveyor of local and regional specialty cuisine.
• Crowd Appeal: Highly popular with **Groups**, **Family-friendly** diners, **Solo dining**, and tourists, maintaining an **LGBTQ+ friendly** and welcoming environment for all.

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To experience the historic charm and culinary excellence of Columbia Restaurant - Celebration, use the following contact details for reservations, catering, or general inquiries:

Address: 649 Front St, Celebration, FL 34747, USA

Phone: (407) 566-1505 or +1 407-566-1505

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Choosing Columbia Restaurant - Celebration is an intentional decision to embrace history, quality, and atmosphere. It is undoubtedly **worth choosing** for several reasons that set it apart from other dining options in the Florida region. First, the restaurant's deep-seated legacy—as part of a family operation dating back to 1905—guarantees a level of authenticity and tradition that is rare to find. This history is tasted in every bite of their century-old recipes, from the famous **“1905” Salad** prepared with flair to the satisfying Paella and classic Cuban dishes.

Secondly, the **ambiance is unparalleled**. The blend of a cozy, historic, and upscale setting, complemented by beautiful outdoor seating that overlooks the lake, makes it a truly romantic and relaxing spot. This aesthetic appeal, combined with the energy of **Live music** and a friendly atmosphere, creates a complete sensory experience. It’s a perfect destination when seeking an elegant dinner that still feels welcoming to the entire family.

Finally, the restaurant's consistency in **Fast service** and its wide-ranging offerings—including an excellent bar program, full catering services, and comprehensive accessibility—mean it reliably delivers a high-quality experience for any occasion. Whether you are a local seeking your next favorite spot for a flavorful meal or a visitor wanting a taste of Florida's unique Spanish and Cuban heritage, Columbia Restaurant - Celebration offers a memorable, high-value choice that honors tradition while providing modern hospitality.

Columbia Restaurant - Celebration

649 Front St, Celebration, FL 34747, USA