The charm of Clermont—beyond those rolling hills and lakes—is that we’re blessed with every kind of eatery. We have cozy local haunts, polished waterfront bistros, and taco stands tucked inside gas stations. We also have destination restaurants, the kind worth planning a trip around. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat in this lakeside gem, wonder no more. Here are 15 of Clermont’s finest, freshly updated for 2025.
Roasted Spirit
$ | (321) 376-5004 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Whew. In the words of a wise bartender, “You gotta know when to sip ’em, know when to savor ’em,” and for Roasted Spirit, it’s time to savor. After hearing about this spot from friends within a three-hour radius, this place is a cozy gem of its own making and is definitely both a bar and a restaurant. Even during peak hours the room feels inviting, making drinks feel like those moments when you discover a hidden bourbon you’ve been searching for.
We could deep dive into the liquor selection, but all you need to know is there’s a spicy margarita that comes out as perfectly balanced fire.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs
$ | (352) 394-2828 | WEBSITE
What It Is: Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs is a very convenient and very corporate pizza chain with locations across Florida. It’s so convenient that, since its founding, it’s expanded to offer both drive-thru and dine-in options, bringing the same reliable and customizable pizza to families who appreciate it. The staff, particularly Olivia, receives high praise for their hospitality, while the kitchen team impresses with their pizza-making skills.
Customers recommend the stuffed crust pizza, 3-cheese bread, cinnamon bread with icing, Howie bread, butter garlic dipping sauce, and chocolate chip cookie. Ordering online and picking up in person is preferred for better deals and guaranteed dipping sauces, making every visit enjoyable. Joining the rewards program is a bonus for free food, and the kid-friendly atmosphere is appreciated by many.
The Tasty Crepes
$ | (407) 913-9496 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Unlike a lot of spots on this list, The Tasty Crepes is actually filled with people who live in Clermont. And by that we mean, families grabbing a sweet treat after shopping and couples enjoying a casual date night. All that aside, the crepes here are delightful. The food—including what might be the best cinnamon sugar crepe in town—is fresh and warm, the service is friendly and quick, and there’s live music by Drew Yardis strumming in the corner.
It’s basically a tucked-away gem with charm. After the market closes, things quiet down quickly, so if you’re not part of the lingering-over-dessert crowd, it’s probably time to grab your to-go box.
Root & Branch bistro + bar
$$ | (352) 708-4529 | WEBSITE
Root & Branch Bistro + Bar is yet another random hidden gem in Clermont’s local dining scene. It’s tucked away in Florida with a clean and welcoming atmosphere, but with a straightforward dining room and a menu full of very basic dishes we thought were only served at neighborhood spots. The fried green tomatoes, truffled fries, lamb shank, and pork chops are all well-cooked and generously portioned, though some items like the salmon can run a bit pricey while others stay reasonable.
The presentation is impressive, but the overall experience feels like it’s trying a bit too hard to be special. The service is top-notch with friendly and attentive waitstaff—including a beautiful bartender known for elegance and kindness—who are happy to make recommendations, but it all contributes to that polished, almost-too-perfect vibe.
Despite a disappointing Mother’s Day brunch menu, the restaurant’s commitment to customer satisfaction and creative ingredients keeps it popular, though you might leave wondering if it’s truly unique or just another place with good food and nice people.
Bobbi’s Roti Hut
$ | (407) 267-1567 | WEBSITE
What It Is: Even if you’ve never tasted Guyanese cuisine in your life, chances are you’ve heard of Bobbi’s Roti Hut. The beloved family-run spot has become a fixture in Clermont, Florida, making its inclusion on every best-of list fairly inevitable. In 2025, Bobbi’s was named one of the top 15 restaurants in the area—a well-deserved honor that only the warm, welcoming atmosphere can truly sum up.
Food For The Soul
$ | (863) 267-8880 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Points awarded to Food For The Soul for its community focus—and for championing small Black-owned businesses—but otherwise, it’s clear what really goes on here. Outside of peak hours when families and regulars fill the cozy space, this place hums with genuine warmth. Not to mention that spending $18 on fried chicken this exceptional—with skin so crispy and meat so juicy—is exactly the makings of a memorable meal. Instead, come here hungry.
The food is consistently stellar, the owner JD is actually passionate about every detail, and the homemade BBQ sauce will help elevate your experience beyond the already magical family feel.
Ay Jalisco Clermont
$ | (352) 646-3681 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Ay Jalisco Clermont is a tale of two experiences, and fortunately both have strong upsides. Arrive for an early dinner and you’ll walk into a relaxed patio setting filled with refreshing margaritas, very solid birria tacos, and chicken flautas, plus the occasional friendly check-in from the attentive staff. As the evening settles in, things mellow out.
Before you know it, the lovely, casual space is comfortably filled, and the bustling service has been replaced by a more laid-back vibe, allowing you to simply relax and savor that must-try tres leches cake.
Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza Clermont
$ | (352) 227-3512 | WEBSITE
What It Is: Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza Clermont is a surprisingly affordable pizza joint in Clermont (seriously, pies start at $16) that was blessed by America’s other pizza capital, New York. That sentence alone should tell you all you need to know about the place, but it’s also worth noting that Michael’s Ali is “famous” for their perfectly balanced coal-fired crust that comes with every pizza.
The Cove Bar
$ | (352) 989-0107 | WEBSITE
What It Is: The Cove Bar has been a Clermont fixture for years and remains one of those rare lakeside spots that feels just as essential today as when it first opened. The sprawling, beachfront venue with its hammocks and grill patio is consistently packed with relaxed, sun-kissed families whose kids are definitely enjoying the pet-friendly policy as well as the occasional local musician there to play live sets.
The remodeled space offers cold drinks and a great selection while maintaining that signature friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere, even if some wish for more vegan and non-alcoholic options. With food trucks and perfect sunset views, The Cove Bar continues to be the top choice for hanging out or grabbing a snack by the water.
McAlister’s Deli
$ | (352) 988-6619 | WEBSITE
What It Is: McAlister’s Deli is a popular sandwich spot in Clermont that offers a decent menu with plenty of options. While the original concept focuses on straightforward deli fare with crowd-pleasers like the New Yorker and French Dip Sandwich, this location sits in a convenient strip mall with easy parking access and plenty of seating inside.
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with simple décor and bright lighting that keeps things approachable, though some tables might need attention during busy times. The staff is generally friendly, though ordering can take a moment when the line builds up. Prices are reasonable, making it a solid choice for a quick, satisfying meal, even if the kids’ menu could use a bit more variety beyond options like the Toastie.
Pinsa Fire
$ | (352) 901-7307 | WEBSITE
What It Is: Tucked into the vibrant Montrose Street Market and Downtown area, Pinsa Fire is one of several impressive Italian spots to open in Clermont over the last few years. But unlike surrounding pizzerias that keep things more traditional, Pinsa Fire is proudly leaning into its Roman roots: crispy-crust pinsas, a mural of Rome stretching across the wall, and a quaint basement bar that feels like a hidden Roman grotto.
The place serves a variety of pinsas, including the popular fig & prosciutto and birria options, plus vegetarian choices with fresh, flavorful vegetables. Their Roman-Style Pizza—with its melty cheese and generous Parmesan sprinkles—is a must-try. Customers praise the excellent, friendly service and the impressive atmosphere of this redesigned downtown location, making it a top spot for both pizza enthusiasts and anyone seeking a memorable taste of Italy in a picturesque setting.
Fancy Sushi
$$ | (352) 241-8999 | WEBSITE
Verdict: In Clermont, spots like Fancy Sushi thrive because locals want fresh sushi without the pretense of a big-city scene. On the main strip, Fancy Sushi isn’t trying to be a flashy destination. It’s just a cozy, authentic restaurant with consistently fresh rolls, simple decor, and a crowd made up of regulars who appreciate quality and friendly servers who remember your name.
Corelli’s Pantry
$ | (352) 708-4085 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This might be the only spot on the guide where we’d go solely for the food. The Italian menu isn’t reinventing the wheel, but the fact that you’re served garlic knots that come out bursting with real garlic butter and cheese and the fusilli arrives perfectly cooked is, in the world of chain-dominated dining, basically like finding a parking spot right out front—a rarity.
If you arrive at Corelli’s Pantry before 7pm, you’ll actually find a cozy, family-style restaurant with that mom-and-pop warmth. After 7pm, it quickly adopts the feel of one of those bustling Italian family dinners where everyone knows each other’s names, but no one actually remembers who brought the wine.
Blue Deep Sea Coffee
$ | (407) 749-7078 | WEBSITE
Verdict: We’ve stopped by here several times (you’re welcome) and still don’t actually know what this coffee shop is or how it exists. Problematic as it may be, at least the café down the street made a choice with its minimalist branding, Blue Deep Sea Coffee’s theme is…a nautical gift shop? The lobby of a beachfront hotel? We truly don’t get it, and clearly, neither does anyone else—this place is half-full even on the weekends.
There is a working pastry display up front, in the event you want to reward yourself for making it through a coffee without falling asleep.
China Pearl
$ | (863) 204-8077 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Look, we appreciate a restaurant that sticks to the classics, but when that commitment translates to food that’s genuinely satisfying and service that’s actually attentive, it’s worth celebrating. The dining experience includes spotless tables, generous portions of dishes like pork egg foo young and mu shu vegetables with those thin, square pancakes, and a kitchen that’s visibly clean—all of which are handled with care and pride by the staff.
Some of this is expected, but as the meal unfolds, it becomes clear why these details matter: they enhance the genuinely tasty food. The most reassuring aspect of the place, however, is the sheer consistency here, all enjoyed by families, couples, and solo diners in a calm, friendly atmosphere and other patrons who just want a reliable meal.
But China Pearl is not a gimmick, it’s a go-to for people who value good value and quality cooking, and one of the most comfortably dependable dining experiences in the area.