Mount Dora is a beautiful quaint town with a lot to offer, from casual Southern spots to high-end fine dining that locals and tourists alike rave about. There is something here for everyone, but some stand out above the rest.
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The combination of beautifully prepared food, comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, and outdoor seating access makes the following restaurants stars in town. Find out what the best restaurants are in Mount Dora and keep them in mind for your next visit to this gem in Central Florida. Our list below is in no particular order.
1. Pisces Rising
If you’re looking for dinner with a view, Pisces Rising, located on Lake Dora, is the one! Enjoy your meal and the beautiful sunset or come for lunch and soak up those warm Florida rays.
Pisces Rising is known for its emphasis on regional sustainability, and their cuisine celebrates the offerings of Florida’s local farms and nearby Gulf. Their outdoor seating area has plenty of space for social distancing and is a real tropical experience. Palm trees serenade you as you dine outside, making you feel like you’re on vacation.
My favorite part of this restaurant is the views and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, every dish is presented beautifully with tons of visual appeal.
I would highly recommend ordering their fish of the day. It comes with a divine lemon beurre blanc sauce. For a lighter lunch, try the smoked brisket sandwich, smoked in-house, and served on a brioche bun with onion jam. For dessert, try the bananas foster, which is prepared tableside!
2. Magical Meat Boutique
This British gastropub is as fun as its name. The Magical Meat Boutique is known for its authentic British cuisine and beers. The Magical Meat Boutique is a fantastic casual spot to kick back and relax. Their outdoor seating area has a very easygoing atmosphere and plenty of space for social distancing.
My favorite part has to be the interior decorations. It feels like you’ve taken an international trip to England! They have even incorporated the quintessential red telephone booth in their dining room.
The owners, Phil and Kate, have clearly given their all to create a wonderfully authentic experience. Phil even built the bar himself! If you want the full British experience, you must order the Fish and Chips; they are the best I’ve had in Florida. The batter is light and crispy with a generous portion size. This dish pairs perfectly with an ice-cold British beer.
If you’re looking for an experience to give you a laugh and put a smile on your face, check out the Magical Meat Boutique.
3. 1921 Mount Dora
1921 Mount Dora is an upscale dining experience with a delightful selection of creative cocktails. Their dishes represent modern Florida cuisine and use sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible.
1921 is part of the Modernism Museum complex. Their dining room showcases the spirit of the Modernism Museum and features many pieces of modern art. As an art lover, having artistic expression and creativity infused with my meal made the experience really stand out.
1921 also has the option for outdoor seating on the patio, which has a cozy vibe and a fantastic view of Mount Dora’s downtown. 1921 Mount Dora is a place where everything on the menu makes you want to try a bite. They have a great happy hour where you can grab well-priced drinks, like their red Sangria with a small bite, such as a burger with garlic aioli.
For dinner, try their braised short ribs and a piranha cocktail for an infusion of flavors you won’t forget. For those who prefer craft beers, their selection on draft features three Florida craft beers, like Cigar City’s Guayabera.
4. Fifth Avenue Streatery
Fifth Avenue Streatery is famous for its classic dishes with a Southern twist. They pride themselves on making every item from scratch and providing a homey feel to every customer.
The owners of Fifth Avenue Streatery wanted to bring a quaint, casual dining experience with a beautiful ambiance to the people of Mount Dora. Nestled among the trees, you can sit on the picnic tables and enjoy the blue skies during the day. At night, the sky and trees are lit up by strings of lights, adding a romantic feel.
What stands out about Fifth Avenue Streatery is that it is a hidden jewel. The street’s appearance may not look like much, but its true colors shine when you come onto the property. The warmth of the staff, its eclectic appearance, and flavorful food at great prices make you want to come back for more.
If you’ve never had beer cheese, try the Drunken Steer. It’s a sandwich made with Philly meat, sauteed onion, and topped with beer cheese on an Italian bun. It’s every bit as satisfying as it sounds.
5. The Olive Branch
The Olive Branch is the spot to go for Mediterranean-Italian cuisine in Mount Dora. They are best known for their varied menu, including everything from fresh seafood, pasta, Greek salad, and delicately cooked meats. If you are craving Mediterranean flavors, the Olive Branch is the place to be.
Their staff is personable and friendly, leading to a warm and welcoming experience. This casual fine dining restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available. Large umbrellas shade the outdoor seating on hot sunny days. They have an extensive wine list featuring many Italian wines, a welcome change from the typical selections.
If you are a seafood lover, the shrimp and scallops dish will be right up your alley. The juicy shrimp and scallops are sauteed in a fragrant pesto sauce and served over al dente linguine.
The desserts that really shine on the menu are the tiramisu and the limoncello mascarpone cake, both light airy and filled with an Italian flare.
6. One Flight Up Cafe
One Flight Up Cafe is known for its balcony overlooking Main Street. Here you can sit and people-watch for hours in downtown Mount Dora. Its relaxed vibe is perfect for a casual lunch break after shopping or walking.
This charming cafe is a hot spot for locals and the perfect place to get a scenic overview of Mount Dora. I would recommend trying the harvest chicken salad sandwich for a satisfying and filling meal while you’re there.
As the name suggests, One Flight Up is reached by climbing a flight of stairs and, therefore, may not be easy to reach for all patrons. However, if you make it to the second floor, you won’t forget it, as it is a delightful experience.
7. The Goblin Market
The Goblin Market has been wowing guests in downtown Mount Dora for 24 years. It is a local favorite and a spot that guests travel from far and wide to visit.
The Goblin Market is known for its cozy atmosphere, impeccable service, and delicious food. If you plan to sit at the bar on the second floor, bear in mind that the staircase is quite steep. If you can handle the stairs, watching the staff craft your gorgeous drink is one of the highlights of dining here!
The romantic garden area is the perfect area to relax and enjoy your meal. Covered in plants and vines, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a natural oasis.
The book-lined walls in the dining room are definitely one of my favorite aspects of the decor. It gives it a touch of hominess and sophistication.
If you are a Caesar salad fan, don’t miss out! It’s topped with perfectly cooked white shrimp, and for a unique twist, includes an apple chutney. For dinner, try the rack of lamb infused with fennel. If you like an Old Fashioned, try The Sticky Pig Cocktail. An unusual combination of applewood bacon-washed bourbon, fennel-Madeira molasses, and angostura bitters will make your taste buds go wild. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they have a great selection of red and white wines, by the bottle and by the glass.
Mount Dora’s restaurant scene is as quaint, charming, and eclectic as the town itself. When planning on visiting restaurants in Mount Dora, it is best to call ahead for dinner as many places suggest reservations.
For lunch, it is on a more casual, first-come, first-served basis. Restaurants in Mount Dora are taking safety guidelines and regulations seriously, and lots of the restaurants offer outdoor seating so that you can feel safe and comfortable during your meal in downtown Mount Dora.
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