10 Best Places to Eat in Mount Dora

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Mount Dora is a small town in Central Florida that attracts visitors from all around the world. Known for it’s charm, and New England feel, people are always asking us where to eat when they come to Mount Dora. We have lived in the area for almost 14 years, so we’ve eaten at many of the Mount Dora restaurants. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the 10 best places to eat in Mount Dora.

Where’s Mount Dora Florida?

How far is Mount Dora from Orlando?

First, let’s talk about where Mount Dora is located. Mount Dora is about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando. Nestled on the eastern side of Lake Dora, this allows for some of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.

Which Mount Dora restaurants are the best?

Mount Dora Restaurants on a Map

Right in Downtown Mount Dora, you will find a wide range of authentic food offerings. Along with choices of cuisine, there’s also restaurants to fit every budget and occasion. This made it very difficult to narrow down to 10 best places to eat, and honestly I still would have a tough time if I decided to do 20 places. But, be sure to read to the end. I do share a bonus 5 best places to eat around Mount Dora.

Casual Dining Mount Dora Restaurants

Where to Get Breakfast in Downtown Mount Dora?

1. Cody’s on 4th

Let’s start with breakfast. The best place to eat breakfast in Mount Dora is Cody’s on 4th. Here you can build your own breakfast sandwich, choose from daily quiches, or try the famous french toast casserole. Cody’s is open daily for both breakfast and lunch. We have a full write up, and more about their menu HERE.  

Mount Dora Cuban Restaurants

2. Copacabana Cuban Cafe

A great place for both lunch and dinner, Copacabana is perfect for a casual night out, or a nice date. I don’t think we’ve ever been for lunch, but they do have a special lunch menu. Matt enjoys the Churrasco with black beans and sweet fried plantains. I’ve had several things off the menu, like chicken, empanadas, and more. But, my new favorite is the Cuban Bowl with chicken. The plantain  chips with dipping oil is an appetizer must for us. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which is covered. Sometimes they even have live music outside. 

Mexican Restaurants in Mount Dora

3. Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill

As a family that loves Mexican food, we tend to find ourselves at Fiesta Grande often. Queso or Choriqueso is ordered as soon as we place our drink orders. Family owned and operated, they cook all their authentic menu items from scratch. I typically get some kind of combo meal, Matt’s favorite is the Chimichanga with grilled chicken. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, and have specials for lunch. Also, they have a full bar with drinks of the day. Both indoor and outdoor seating, but no dogs are allowed. 

Where to Get the Best Burger in Mount Dora

4. The Frog & Monkey Restaurant & Pub

That’s right, Frog & Monkey has been voted as “Best Burger” in Lake County multiple times, and we have to agree, they are great! We also both really like the French Onion Soup and salads. Located in the basement of the Renaissance Building on Donnelly, the entrance is actually in back of the building. A fun place for dinner, especially if you can catch some live entertainment. Perfect place to meet up with friends. Open for both lunch and dinner, but they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

5. Olive Branch Grille & Bar

Even though I had attended a business event at Olive Branch a couple years ago, we only recently finally went to sit down and have dinner here. I can say, if we did go out to eat more, I would definitely be at Olive Branch. Between casual and fine dining, they often have live entertainment in their outdoor seating area. A mix of Mediterranean and Italian dishes are on the menu. We were both pleasantly surprised at the French Onion Soup. Everything we had, we loved. Steak, parmesan, pasta, and even dessert. You might even be able to see sunset sitting outside, depending on the time of year. 

Mount Dora Restaurants that serve seafood

6. Tony’s Chowder House 

When you think of dining in Florida, do you think seafood? Many people ask where they can get seafood around Mount Dora. At Tony’s Chowder House, Matt says they have the best clam chowder he’s ever had. I suppose when you have award winning chowder, like Tony, you hear that a lot. You can even find it canned in local stores, or order online.  Also known for their lobster rolls, shrimp po-boys, and other seafood favorites. Open for lunch Monday through Thursday, and later for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Both indoor and outdoor seating, they are pet friendly. 

Best Sushi in Mount Dora

7. Wave

Once my oldest got me on sushi, going to Wave became a family favorite. Even though we don’t all eat sushi, they have a large menu of Asian inspired meals, such as noodle/rice bowls, salads, and more. Wave has an impressive following to see the crazy things they come up with to serve on their menu. Some of the most popular are sushi burger and sushi taco. And if you can, save room for dessert. 

Where to eat in Mount Dora Florida for Fine Dining

Celebrating special moments and occasions call for more fine dining, and there are a handful of really great restaurants in Mount Dora. We don’t do a lot of fine dining, so a couple of these places we’ve not been. But, these restaurants come very highly recommended by locals and visitors. 

8. 1921 Mount Dora 

Probably considered the most high end restaurant in Mount Dora, we have friends who say this is their favorite place to eat downtown. Hopefully one day we’re able to give a full review. Just know, they pride themselves on sourcing their ingredients from Mount Dora and surrounding areas. The menu is ever changing, so be sure to check what they’re serving. Reservations are highly recommended, and they are only open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, and Friday through Sunday for brunch. In addition, you can enjoy happy hour each day they are open. 

9. Goblin Market

Again, I have another friend that loves Goblin Market. Many people rave about their menu and atmosphere, but Matt and I are not too intrigued by the menu. Although, this doesn’t mean they don’t have great food. Enough people talk so highly of Goblin Market, I felt it deserved to be on the list of 10 best places to eat in Mount Dora. Goblin Market is open Wednesday through Sunday for both lunch and dinner. Lunch is a smaller choice menu, and seating is first come. But dinner is busy, so reservations are suggested. They remain open between lunch and dinner service with a limited food menu too. Located in the alley called Dora Drawdy Way, between 3rd & 4th streets. 

Lakefront Restaurants in Mount Dora Florida

10. Pisces Rising

Back to seafood, Pisces Rising is known for their extensive seafood menu. Also, one of the only two restaurants in Mount Dora that I would even consider lakefront, even though it’s not directly on the lake. Depending on where you get seated, you may have a view west down 4th Street to Lake Dora. Even may catch a beautiful sunset. Matt and I both really like the shrimp and grits. One of my favorite atmospheres of places to eat in Mount Dora, both indoors and out. Often they have live music on the deck outside. 

Where to Park in Downtown Mount Dora

This is such a hot topic when it comes to visiting Downtown Mount Dora, but unless there is a major event going on, you can typically find parking. Most streets allow parking all around the main downtown area. Plus, you can also find parking lots behind the Renaissance Building, across from Fiesta Grande, by Wave, at the corner of 3rd and Baker is a lot, and on Donnelly, just before the train tracks is a two story parking garage. It’s shown on the map. If you continue down Donnelly towards Evans Park, there is parking there too. Good luck! 

Additional Best Mount Dora Restaurants

Like I mentioned earlier, it was really tough to narrow down to just 10 best places to eat in Mount Dora, therefore I kept it to just in the downtown historic area. But, as a bonus, here are 5 more places to eat around Mount Dora that are outside the downtown. 

1. Barnwood BBQ

Award winning BBQ, Barnwood began as a food truck. They have competed against some of the top BBQers across the country, and have had impressive results. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Saturday, we have been for the breakfast buffet, and it’s pretty good. You can even find their sauces and rubs around town in some local stores. I bought the rub as a Christmas gift for Matt. 

2. Kings Donuts

One of the newest Mount Dora restaurants, and don’t be fooled, it’s not just donuts. Although, the donuts really are great!! Open Tuesday through Sunday at the wee hours of the morning through lunch (or sellout). Not only did we try the donuts, but we also had a croissant breakfast sandwich. I think it’s the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. The croissant was so fresh! We still need to get back and try more donuts because by the time we got there, they were out of several we wanted to try. Lots of people are already loving this new place!

3. Mount Dora Pizza & Subs

A family favorite, we all say their pizza is the BEST! I really do wish they were right in Downtown Mount Dora. But, we still make sure to take our visitors to get their pizza. Typically we get the antipasto salad to go along with our pizza. If you’re in the mood for pasta instead, they will not disappoint your belly. Get something with meatballs. You will thank me later.

4. Peach Valley Cafe

Another place pretty new to Mount Dora, Peach Valley Cafe is a smaller local chain. They offer lots of fresh breakfast items. Open daily through lunchtime, they are known for their warm orchard fresh apple fritters. You can find many gluten free options on their menu too. I’ve had the gluten free french toast, and love their superfood breakfast bowl. Peach Valley Cafe is located right at US 441 and Donnelly. 

5. Vincent’s Italian Restaurant

Great place for a casual or romantic dinner. Owned by some of the same family as Mount Dora Pizza & Subs, but pizza is a little different. Still a wonderful place for authentic Italian dishes, salads, and spacious enough for small gatherings. We’ve celebrated quite a few occasions here. You can find them on US 441, south of Downtown Mount Dora. This makes it a perfect place to stop and eat on your way into, or out of, Downtown. 

Final Thoughts on 10 Best Mount Dora Restaurants

Believe me, I know there is no way to please everyone, and we all have our favorite types of places we like to eat. Hopefully some of your favorites made our list. If not, be sure to let us know where you like to eat best. We are up for checking out new restaurants when we can. If you are new to the area, or just visiting, I hope you find our list of best Mount Dora restaurants to be helpful. 

If you are spending the day in Mount Dora, check out our BEST places to get dessert around Orlando. There are a couple places in Mount Dora included.

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