Mount Dora’s vibrant food scene: What to eat and where

ABOVE: Mussels Mariniere and toasted ciabatta board from Goblin Market (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Nestled among live oak hammocks and the shore of Lake Dora in Central Florida, historic downtown Mount Dora boasts a vibrant and growing culinary scene. From cozy cafes and global cuisine to family-owned bistros and upscale dining destinations, the picturesque city offers a diverse array of restaurants serving up delicious dishes to satisfy every palate.  The formerly sleepy town was recently dubbed one of the ten "best small-town food scenes" in the country by readers of USA Today.  

To make the most of your visit, here are some favorites of what to eat and where in the City's quaint and walkable downtown entertainment district. 

---

ABOVE: Blackened shrimp & grits from Pisces Rising (photo by Pisces Rising)

A TASTE OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Diners can launch their Mount Dora culinary adventure by sampling the flavors of the South at Pisces RIsing with its Southern-inspired dishes, as well as steaks and seafood. Indulge in classics like blackened shrimp and grits, brisket poutine or try their unique fried-avocado tacos. Pisces Rising's brunch on Sundays features a delicious braised short rib hash, lobster Benedict and Nashville hot chicken and waffles.

The epitome of old Southern charm and hospitality is the historic Lakeside Inn that sits right on the waterfront. Its Beauclaire Dining Room and Veranda restaurant are open to the public and offer diverse menus including salads, fried green tomatoes, potato crusted salmon, plus filet and lobster.

---

FESTIVE LATIN DISHES

Above: Seafood paella from Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant

​For those with a passion for fresh Latin fare, downtown Mount Dora is a must-visit destination. Explore the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a hearty and shareable molcajete, authentic street tacos, and sizzling fajitas along with fishbowl-sized margaritas from Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill.  
​
A trip to Mount Dora wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of its authentic Cuban restaurants.  Try the perfectly prepared vaca frita, the tender pernil, the pechuga a la parilla or the seafood paella at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant on Donnelly Street.  Additional Cuban favorites along with live Latin music makes Copacabana Cuban Cafe another festive option just a few doors down.

---

BOLD ASIAN FLAVORS

Above: Poke bowl and sushi burrito from Wave Asian Bistro (Wave Asian Bistro photo)

Embark on a culinary journey throughout Asia without ever leaving downtown Mount Dora. In this walkable historic district you'll find an array of international restaurants for adventurous diners seeking global cuisine. If you’re unsure where to start, check out Shiva Indian Restaurant for excellent malpe shrimp, chicken tikka masala, and various flavorful lamb dishes. Whatever you do, be sure to order their bubbly and perfectly charred naan bread.

Tucked along one of downtown's alleys, Wave Asian Bistro features cleverly presented and Instagram-worthy sushi creations, like sushi pizza, large sushi burgers and more.  Funky Monkey, a cozy tapas bar, also offers a handful of Asian-inspired small plates.

---

ABOVE: Stuffed ravioli by Cafe Gianni (photo by Cafe Gianni)

EUROPEAN CUISINE

Downtown Mount Dora boasts fine Italian restaurants like Cafe GIanni with its fresh housemade pastas and the Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille featuring tender chicken piccata, house-made lasagna, penne alla vodka and other classics.  Savor the rich flavors of French cuisine with appetizers like escargot and brie fondue, along with dishes like steak au poivre and salmon dijonnaise at Mount Dora Bistro.  Not to be overlooked is the authentic British pub, Magical Meat Boutique, known for its juicy burgers and crispy fish and chips, as well as Bavaria House, a German restaurant with schnitzel, wurst, gulasch suppe and more. 

---

GOURMET PIZZAS & HANDHELDS

ABOVE: Brick oven pizzas by Shadrach's Fiery Furnace (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

When it comes to pizzas, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Pizza Company features perfectly baked brick-oven pies with bubbly charred crusts that never disappoint. The fire-roasted appetizers are also en pointe.  Another tasty option is Back Porch Pizza with its Neapolitan-style pies and tasty appetizers.  Sharing the Nacho Problem poke tuna appetizer and the Notorious F.I.G. pizza always makes for a great meal, and the craft cocktails are an added bonus.

If you love superior sammies, you can’t beat The Butcher’s Nook with its made-to-order sandwiches featuring premium imported Italian meats on uber-fresh bread.  You can't go wrong with anything on their menu.  Nearby, The Salted Fry offers a menu of gluten-free sandwiches and Belgian-style fries with a variety of dipping sauces available.​

---

UPDATED AMERICAN FARE

ABOVE: Steamed mussel appetizer at The Goblin Market (Mount Dora Foodie photo)

If you’re looking for casual or modern American fare, try lunch at The Frog & Monkey, a basement pub known for the best burgers in town, or take in beautifully presented appetizers at 1921's bar, followed by an exceptional dinner at The Goblin Market, a long-standing local favorite with dishes ranging from crusted rack of lamb to tender steaks, fresh seafood and delicious soups in a cozy and intimate setting.

There are also casual coffee shops and cafes that offer light breakfasts and lunches like Serendipity Brews, Cody’s on 4th, and One Flight Up Cafe.  Mount Dora Marketplace, a micro food hall, has an ever-growing lineup of take-out options to enjoy at its outdoor tables or one of the scenic lakefront parks within walking distance.

---

THE VEGAN SCENE

Mount Dora's burgeoning food scene has also expanded its vegan offerings. With its delectable selection of plant-based dishes, salads and treats, Dark & Light Cafe inside Mount Dora Marketplace stands out with the most tempting offerings for lunch and take-out. The delicious korma, aloo, and dahl dishes from Shiva Indian Restaurant are excellent options for vegan foodies who love the bold flavors of South Asia. 

---

SWEET ENDINGS

ABOVE: Mochi donuts from Magic Tea Market

No meal is complete without a sweet finish, and downtown Mount Dora has plenty of delectable treats to choose from. Be sure to save room for the decadent crepes at Claire’s Creperie inside Mount Dora Marketplace, or indulge in house-made artisanal chocolates from KKO Chocolate. Downtown Mount Dora’s local bakery, Alyson A. Bake Shop, is the spot for fresh coffee, savory and sweet scones, cookies, muffins and cheesecake bars. A favorite is the savory Mexican street corn scone.  If you haven't tried mochi donuts, Magic Tea Market will turn you into a true believer with their many fresh varieties, including creme brulee, matcha oreo, and churro.  Not to be forgotten are the various ice cream shops that all offer something different, including Scoops on 5th, Mount Dora Confectionery and Waffles & Cream. 

---

DINING WITH EASE

Many of downtown Mount Dora’s independently-owned restaurants are closed on Mondays, so the least busy days to enjoy dining in the Historic District are Tuesdays through Thursdays, which also helps in securing nearby parking.  Free public parking is available on many streets and in the free public parking lots located on the map below.  

ABOVE: Mount Dora's free parking lots near its downtown restaurants and shops.

​The charming area, a favorite of tourists, also has many great bars serving up excellent craft cocktails, craft beer and wine, along with live music, so allow time to duck into a couple of those, as well.​

​For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram  and Facebook page.  Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go.  For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account. Discover the area's entertainment calendar here.

Sign Up for Mount Dora Buzz