Say what you like about Mount Dora’s relentless sunshine, but there’s something comforting in knowing that you, me, and the retiree on the park bench all agree: sometimes you just need a break from the glare. You can’t really resent it—like Spanish moss and golf carts, it’s a thing this town does well. Which means when you’re craving a meal away from the rays, you want this list. It’s got the spots where the shade is as good as the food.
Serendipity Brews
$ | (352) 729-2213 | WEBSITE
Serendipity Brews is the latest cozy spot from the team behind Mount Dora’s favorite coffee houses. It’s on a charming downtown street and, like those others, it serves excellent beverages – from artisan coffees to local craft beers – and it also has a dog-friendly patio that’s completely welcoming for pet owners.
Wolf Branch Brewing – Mount Dora
$$ | (407) 276-1510 | WEBSITE
The beer-loving, tap-pouring, small-town brewery in Mount Dora has got an extremely cozy taproom complete with rustic wood, soft lighting, and tasteful local art. If the forecast is saying stroll for an hour or two, then this is a brewery to set up in. Start with a pour of the Dora Blonde and a friendly chat with the bartender before moving onto something from the darker taps.
Copacabana Cuban Café
$ | (352) 385-9000 | WEBSITE
Copacabana Cuban Café’s downtown Mount Dora location is one of the places to be, day or night, throughout the Florida year. All the Cuban classics feature here: crispy Vaca Frita, those savory Moros, sweet Tres Leches cake, and even something for vegetarians: fried breaded mushrooms. Only this time you’ll be enjoying it with live Latin music in an outdoor courtyard protected from the elements.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
$ | (352) 729-2219 | WEBSITE
We love Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. We love their creamy gelati and refreshing Italian ice. And given the current heat, we really love that this entire spot has a spacious outdoor patio area. Sun beating down too much? Of course it is, thanks Florida. Don’t worry, they have plenty of shade and the soft serve will keep you cool if need be.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (352) 385-5741 | WEBSITE
Thanks to the wonders of warm bread with butter, some tastefully seasoned steaks, and an abundance of friendly staff – they really do make everything better, don’t they – LongHorn Steakhouse is now fully prepared for any appetite. Technically, it’s still a bustling spot (but also, it’s welcoming), so there’s no danger of slow service interrupting you or your cheesy mushrooms and T-bone steak.
Pisces Rising
$$$ | (352) 385-2669 | WEBSITE
Pisces Rising is a converted old-school establishment overlooking the lake in Mount Dora, and when the sun is setting and the outdoor patio is open, it’s a lovely place to be. It’s also a lovely place to be when the weather is the opposite. It’s like being on your deck when it’s raining outside, only you’ll be eating great appetizers and marinated steak tips, and drinking perfect drinks instead.
Five Guys
$ | (352) 735-3500 | WEBSITE
Of all the burger joints and fast-casual spots, Five Guys is one of our favourites. The newly remodeled restaurant aside, this is our favourite thing involving perfectly cooked patties. From the classic cheeseburgers, to the crispy fries, to the thick shakes – it’s an easy place to grab a satisfying meal, and there’s ample parking out front if you’re in a hurry.
Tacos Chiapas
$ | (352) 360-3888 | WEBSITE
Nothing can stop Tacos Chiapas’s lunch rush. Not heat, not humidity, not even a packed parking lot. It’s a force of flavor, impervious to competition, that thrives off regulars happily devouring quesadillas and sipping horchata. There’s nothing not to like about the constant buzz that is this family-owned food truck in Mount Dora. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, tacos stuffed like a well-packed suitcase – it’s got the lot.
PizzAmoré
$ | (352) 383-0092 | WEBSITE
The newest addition to the Downtown Mount Dora dining scene is PizzAmoré, nestled among the charming local shops. There’s a lovely outdoor patio area that wraps around the side of the restaurant, and if you’re looking for something truly satisfying, then an order of the fettuccini with pesto and alfredo sauce, along with a classic meatball sub, should do the trick.
McGregor’s Bar
$ | (352) 735-7443 | WEBSITE
Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and satisfying wings aside, McGregor’s Bar in Mount Dora is completely covered thanks to the wonders of modern construction. Outside of a particularly busy night, nothing will get in the way of you and your garlic parmesan wings. The peanut butter pie is definitely worth ordering too. As is the friendly service.
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill
$ | (352) 385-3540 | WEBSITE
What Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill lacks for in quiet ambiance – no offence to the bustling downtown Mount Dora – it makes up for in covered outdoor seating and top notch Mexican cuisine. The Mexican grill is the neighbourhood restaurant that every area wants (and needs). The margaritas are well made and not extortionate, the tacos crisp but still tender, and the marinated dishes exceptional.
Whale’s Tale Fish House
$ | (352) 385-1500 | WEBSITE
Whale’s Tale Fish House’s large parking lot is, even though you’re in a popular part of Mount Dora, surprisingly easy to navigate. It’s also convenient for quick service, which is helpful if you’re hungry and you’ve just ordered a Maryland lump crab cake. But even if you’re not looking for a full meal, it’s great for a few fried clams and a side of sweet potato fries before heading elsewhere.
Eden Abbey Brewing Community
$$ | (352) 729-6698 | WEBSITE
There are three things you should know about Eden Abbey and that’s that it’s welcoming, wonderful, and warm. Yeah, that’s right, we like alliteration – and anywhere with a cute beer garden situation that also serves great beer. And this spot in Mount Dora is serving some excellent comfort food classics like the Wagyu Burger and Fried Green Tomatoes, in a cheerful bar, that’s properly inviting.
Tonys Clam Chowder Seafood Restaurant
$ | (352) 729-2834 | WEBSITE
Of Mount Dora’s varied and brilliant seafood options, from golden fried fish to superb value shrimp rolls, it’s Tony’s Clam Chowder Seafood Restaurant that we find ourselves plonked down in most often. The chowder at the popular seafood spot is creamy, the clam and potato blend perfect with a spicy kick, and a portion of hush puppies alongside fish sandwiches is always wolfed down.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
$ | (352) 735-3810 | WEBSITE
Easily one of Mount Dora’s most reliable neighborhood spots, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has been serving up consistently good food and friendly service for years. Their full American comfort menu is always available, so expect things like the generous brisket shareable platter or the fresh and tasty 1985 chef salad. There are a couple of seafood options too, like the highly recommended shrimp bowl, but you come here for the hearty portions and the welcoming small-town atmosphere.
The Cuban sandwich and chicken nachos are flavorful and plentiful, making this a great spot for any casual occasion. While they occasionally face minor hiccups like running out of condiments, the clean restaurant and friendly staff keep customers coming back time after time.