Columbia’s 1905 Salad: A Look at Tampa’s Iconic Culinary Legacy

YBOR CITY — Each year, the Columbia Restaurant, with locations in Sand Key, Sarasota, St. Augustine, and Celebration, prepares over 545,000 bowls of its famed Original 1905 Salad. This iconic dish has become a hallmark of the Tampa culinary scene, attracting tourists who even indulge in it at Tampa International Airport before their departures. The celebrated recipe has gained further recognition through live television demonstrations and a plethora of social media features, solidifying its status as a must-try dish in Florida.

Connoisseurs of the salad argue that its flavor is uniquely enhanced when enjoyed at the restaurant’s historic location in Ybor City, complemented by a pitcher of sangria and served alongside La Segunda Cuban bread. Andy Huse, an author and curator of Florida studies at the University of South Florida, emphasizes its significance, noting that while many cities boast signature sandwiches, few can claim a salad as their own.

Celebrating its 120th anniversary, the Columbia Restaurant is recognized as the oldest continually operating restaurant in Florida and the largest establishment serving Spanish cuisine statewide. With a remarkable capacity of 1,700 guests and 15 dining rooms adorned with intricate decor, the restaurant is a key destination for both locals and visitors.

The Original 1905 Salad’s inception can be traced back to the 1940s, attributed to Tony Noriega, a server at various Latin establishments in Ybor City. Legend has it that he first concocted the salad late at night in his home after a long shift, combining leftovers into a dish that soon delighted patrons at the Columbia and other local restaurants. As word spread, variations of the “Tony Salad” appeared throughout Tampa, but it was renamed the 1905 Salad in the 1970s as part of the restaurant’s anniversary celebrations.

While the salad’s basic components—iceberg lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, and a variety of other ingredients—have remained consistent, its preparation reflects a commitment to quality and tradition. The Columbia has even trademarked the salad’s name, protecting its legacy against the myriad reinterpretations that have emerged across Florida.

In the Ybor kitchen, the salad is prepared with precision, featuring crisp iceberg lettuce from a dedicated crisper specifically designed to maintain its freshness. Servers, dressed in tuxedos, present the salad tableside, soaking it in a signature vinaigrette crafted from high-quality imported ingredients, including Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, which the restaurant uses at an impressive rate of 20,000 bottles annually.

As the presentation concludes, the salad is tossed, plated, and served with generous grinds of Romano cheese and a side of Cuban bread, making it an ideal starter or main dish for a satisfying meal. The Columbia Restaurant not only promises a culinary experience steeped in local history but also embodies the vibrant flavors of Tampa’s rich Latin roots.

For those wishing to experience the Original 1905 Salad, the Columbia Restaurant operates multiple locations throughout Florida, including Ybor City, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, and the Historic District of St. Augustine. For more information regarding hours and offerings, visit columbiarestaurant.com.