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Known for its charming New England architecture and collection of quaint boutiques and antique shops, Mount Dora is one of central Florida’s most alluring cities. For a small town, Mount Dora has a lot to offer – and this extends to the food, too!
Rivaling big cities in terms of quality restaurants, this small town is a gastronomical hub with cuisine ranging from fresh seafood and upscale bistros to Cuban joints and English pubs. No matter what you plan to do in Mount Dora, you’ll likely work up an appetite at some point. Here are some of the best restaurants in Mount Dora, Florida.
Cody’s On 4th
If you’re in town for breakfast, make a beeline for Cody’s on 4th. This is arguably the best restaurant in town for breakfast food, with daily quiches, hearty build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, and the famous French toast casserole.
If you missed breakfast, you can swing by for lunch, which consists of decadent salads and a long list of sandwiches. No matter which meal you enjoy here, you’ll have the choice to wash it down with a great cup of coffee.
Copacabana Cuban Cafe
Hankering for something hearty? Check out the Copacabana Cuban Cafe, located in downtown Mount Dora. Serving up homestyle Cuban cuisine like churrasco, ropa vieja, empanadas, and more, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full (and happy) belly.
This is a great spot for both lunch and dinner, and you can choose to sit inside or outside on the island-themed patio. If you’re lucky, they might have some live music out on the patio, which is best enjoyed with a drink in hand.
Pisces Rising
When you think about Floridian cuisine, you likely have seafood at the top of your mind. Even in central Florida, you can find some great ocean-inspired cuisine, and Pisces Rising is one of the best restaurants in Mount Dora for fresh seafood.
The restaurant is perched lakeside, and depending on where you’re seated, you might get some great views across the water. The menu is quite seafood-forward, with fan favorites like shrimp and grits and calamari fries, but there are also plenty of options for meat eaters!
Magical Meat Boutique
You can take a journey across the pond without leaving Florida at Mount Dora’s British gastropub – the Magical Meat Boutique. This classic British pub serves up authentic favorites from Great Britain, including shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips – which are rumored to be some of the best in the whole state!
No British pub experience would be complete without some live music, which you can usually enjoy here. There’s also an outdoor patio and an authentic red telephone booth in the dining area to complete the British fantasy.
Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi
Serving up Asian food with flair, Wave Asian Bistro and Sushi is one of the best restaurants in Mount Dora. Of course, this sushi joint has all the regular menu items you’d expect, but they also have some one-of-a-kind delicacies like sushi burgers, sushi burritos, sushi pizza, and sushi hot dogs.
In addition to these inventive sushi dishes, the large menu also offers other Asian cuisine, like poke bowls, hibachi meals, and some great desserts. Wave is a favorite with Mount Dora locals and visitors alike.
The Goblin Market
The Goblin Market is a Mount Dora institution. It’s been around for nearly three decades, and people come from near and far to indulge in the restaurant’s tasty food and cozy atmosphere.
The menu is quite upmarket, with large slabs of meat, fresh seafood, and an impressive starter menu. You can sit in the book-lined dining area, or head out to the whimsical garden for an alfresco dining experience.
You’ll want to make reservations if you’re visiting this popular spot for dinner, though you should be able to snag a table sans reservations if you’re visiting for lunch.
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill
Anyone who loves Mexican food knows that an authentic, family-owned Mexican restaurant is hard to beat. Mount Dora’s Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill has won over the locals with a massive made-from-scratch menu with classics like loaded nacho plates, tacos, chimichangas, queso, and a whole lot more. Fiesta Grande is a great place for a quick lunch or a nice sit-down meal.
Barnwood Bar-B-Que
What started as a food truck is now an award-winning BBQ joint situated on the outskirts of Mount Dora. The restaurant serves both breakfast and lunch, and once you see the menu, you won’t mind driving a bit off the main drag.
The breakfast menu offers heaping plates of biscuits and gravy, in-house smoked sausages, and other classics like pancakes and omelets. If you want a real taste of authentic BBQ, make sure to visit for lunch and try one of the meat platters or the pit master brisket sandwich.
1921 Mount Dora
If you’re seeking a high end dining experience, there’s no better place than 1921 Mount Dora. This swanky spot focuses on sourcing fresh, local ingredients to provide seasonal dishes with flare.
The restaurant is part of the Modernism Museum complex, so you’ll be able to enjoy works of art as you dine on equally impressive masterpieces. There’s also an exceptional menu and a beautiful outdoor patio with views across the downtown area. Reservations are highly recommended if you plan to visit for dinner.
King Donuts and Deli
Those seeking to satisfy their sweet tooth in Mount Dora can head directly to King Donuts and Deli. While the star of the show here is no doubt the freshly baked donuts, this hot spot sells a variety of other sweet and savory treats.
The croissant breakfast sandwiches and loaded bagels are perfect for those looking for something more hearty, and there’s no shortage of sweet treats like donuts, pastries, muffins, and more. Just don’t show up too late in the day – it’s not uncommon for King Donuts to sell out of these tasty treats!
One Flight Up
For brunch with a view, visit the One Flight Up cafe where they serve delicious frozen coffee drinks and a variety of breakfast and lunch menu items. The quiches are one of the favorite items on the breakfast menu while the sandwiches, salads, and soups make for a filling lunch.
One of the best items on the menu is the smoked fish dip that is a blend of whitefish wahoo and mahi mahi paired with gourmet crackers, celery and carrots. Pick any seat on the balcony as you enjoy your meal and watch the street down below of this charming small town.
Magic Tea Market
While exploring the charming town of Mount Dora, be sure to get a refreshment at the Magic Tea Market. They serve milk teas, fruit teas, and cheese fruit slushes in a wide variety of flavors. Pick and choose from their tasty recipes or customize your own drink picking out your own toppings and sweetness level.
The shop has fun East Asian snacks as well including chips with unique flavors, candies, and mochi donuts. After your order is made, you can continue exploring or settle down into the shops seating area to enjoy your drink.