Mount Dora’s culinary landscape wouldn’t be complete without its standout restaurants. From historic gems like the Goblin Market, a local favorite since 1989, to modern innovators like 1921 by Norman Van Aken redefining Floridian cuisine, and cozy spots like the Lost Parrot Cafe shaping the coffee scene, these establishments have defined the city’s dining identity. This isn’t every option, but it’s a curated guide to Mount Dora’s best.
Haystax Restaurant
$ | (352) 589-0510 | WEBSITE
With a nice variety of comfort classics and hearty portions, you should add this Mount Dora hidden gem to your casual dinner rotation.
The Nest At Papilio
$ | (352) 298-4245 | WEBSITE
The Nest At Papilio is a gathering place for anyone with a craving for a crisp craft beer, a smooth wine so well-curated it barely needs a description, or a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The friendly bartender adds to the enjoyable experience, making it a perfect spot to relax. With its lovely ambiance and personable staff, it’s a hidden gem worth visiting. They now have a regular happy hour and an extended bar, making it even more appealing for beer and wine enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking to kill time or simply unwind, this charming spot is highly recommended and likely to become a regular hangout in Mt Dora.
Great Scott Farms
$ | (352) 383-6900 | WEBSITE
Back in the day, Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora was like a community hub, a gathering spot for families seeking seasonal fun and wholesome activities. The seasonal corn maze adventure has been a beloved tradition for years, with this year’s theme being space exploration. The maze is challenging yet interactive, with areas to complete an activity guide. Visitors can also try the night maze for an amazing experience.
If visitors get lost, they can simply wave the provided red flag, and a helpful staff member will guide them out. Beyond the corn maze, the farm boasts a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a slide, a bouncing area, fishing, and mini zip lining. There are also adult beverages, food trucks, and art, crafts, and jewelry for sale. Visitors can explore the on-site market, which offers a selection of reasonably priced organic vegetables, homemade sauces, honey, and other local items.
The cute farm shop has fresh veggies in the cooler, loads of trinkets, and amazing pickles. With ample shaded picnic areas, Great Scott Farms is the perfect spot for a fun-filled day with loved ones.
China Wok
$ | (352) 383-3682 | WEBSITE
Known for generous portions and their family-friendly Chinese classics like honey chicken, China Wok is a well-liked spot in Mount Dora with convenient takeout service. The staff is always very friendly and seems thankful for the business, and orders are usually ready in 10 minutes or less in the clean environment. Popular menu items include Cream Cheese Wonton, Pork eggrolls, General Tso chicken, and Beef Lo Mein, all served with that praised honey sauce that looks like real honey.
Parking can be challenging, but customers are willing to circle around to find a spot for the consistent and delicious food, making it a worthwhile visit among locals.
Peach Valley Café
$ | (352) 729-1669 | WEBSITE
Peach Valley Café will draw you in with the inviting aroma of bacon sizzling on the griddle. Plus, this is one of Mount Dora’s few breakfast spots that offer a huge single pancake.
Beirut Bites
$ | (352) 782-8816 | WEBSITE
Yes, this Mediterranean gem in Mount Dora gets all the praise, but it is a family-owned experience worth adding to your Florida list. And Beirut Bites has been serving scratch-made classics since it opened.
Cafe Gianni
$$ | (352) 735-3327 | WEBSITE
Cafe Gianni in Mount Dora will warm up their carbonara, which has creamy, rich edges and a generous mound of ingredients like pancetta and pecorino in the middle. The sacchatini comes with a delicate sauce that clings perfectly to each handmade pasta shape. Gianni himself greets you at the door with that personal touch, checking tables to ensure every bite meets his standards. Don’t skip the pistachio cheesecake—its nutty crust and smooth filling make for the perfect sweet finish.
At around $24 for pastas and $12 for appetizers like the clams, it’s worth every cent for homemade Italian comfort in a welcoming, wood-accented space where the staff makes you feel like family.
Foxtail Coffee Co – Downtown Mount dora
$ | (352) 729-2285 | WEBSITE
When you’re in the mood for a memorable coffee experience, including brews, cake pops, and other treats from the cozy downtown Mount Dora coffee shop, swing by Foxtail Coffee Co to fulfill that vision.
Village Coffee Pot of Mount Dora
$ | (352) 383-3334 | WEBSITE
Not to be confused with the other coffee shops in downtown Mount Dora, Village Coffee Pot is a cozy spot that lives up to its name with delicious, creamy gelato and rich, flavorful lattes like gingerbread and snickerdoodle. While the space is a bit cramped, it’s perfect for a quick stop while exploring the town’s Christmas lights. They offer tasty sandwiches for lunch and a variety of ice cream flavors.
With friendly staff and a pleasant owner, this small business is a great place to visit and return to.
Waffle House
$ | (352) 383-0587 | WEBSITE
Right off the main road in Mount Dora, Waffle House is a dependable spot for classic American diner eats, with steady food quality you can count on. The crew is known for their warm, polite service, making folks feel at home any hour. The place has a family-friendly vibe and serves breakfast round the clock, cementing its status as a local go-to. Recent write-ups shout out the excellent servers, with one noting a cheerful young woman who welcomed diners with a grin.
Still, some chatter points to waffles coming out a bit soft and occasional lags in staff attentiveness. Even so, plenty of regulars dig the energetic setting and solid grub, calling it always buzzin’ at Waffle House.
Cody’s On 4th
$ | (352) 735-8426 | WEBSITE
Stop by Cody’s On 4th in Mount Dora, where the cozy restaurant serves dishes like the popular Quiche and the highly recommended Mexican soup, which are among the best in town. The fresh, reasonably priced food is made quickly and to order, leaving visitors feeling energized and satisfied. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking a quiet, enjoyable dining experience with excellent service and a warm atmosphere.
China Star
$ | (352) 383-8088 | WEBSITE
China Star makes some of the best Chinese food in Mount Dora. And this standout location proves that black pepper chicken should have always been a thing.
Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings
$ | (352) 353-3341 | WEBSITE
Tucked inside the Walmart in Mount Dora, Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings is so popular that if you’re not there by noon sharp, you might find yourself waiting in a line that snakes past the grocery aisles. The place is spotless, with bright lighting and a tidy counter that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a proper eatery, not just a food court stall.
The staff, always patient and quick, handles the lunch rush with a smile, making sure every order—whether it’s their standout California Chicken Philly sub, loaded with chicken, cheese, and ranch, or a basket of Cajun-seasoned fries—comes out fresh and well-seasoned. It’s a kid-friendly spot too, with high chairs ready for little ones, and the portions are generous enough that you’ll likely leave with leftovers.
For a quick, delicious bite that won’t break the bank—think around $10 for a hearty sub—this is the go-to.
Serendipity Brews
$ | (352) 729-2213 | WEBSITE
With its cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibe, Serendipity Brews has become a local favorite because of their excellent coffee, craft beer, and unique drinks like hot chocolate with a coffee twist. The baristas provide quick and friendly service, creating a laid-back and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for mornings or evenings. Customers praise the artistic vibe, wide selection of artisan coffees, and local and national craft brews.
The restaurant also hosts fun events like open mic sessions and Valentine’s Bingo, which are highly recommended. As a dog-friendly establishment, it’s a great spot for pet owners too. With its relaxed atmosphere and great variety of beverages, Serendipity Brews is a favorite among coffee and craft beer enthusiasts.
Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Pizza Co.
$ | (352) 652-3100 | WEBSITE
The pizzas and sides at Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Pizza Co. in Mount Dora are crafted with names that hint at their bold flavors and artisanal roots. Ordering the Everything but the Bagel sounds more exciting than simply requesting a pizza topped with sesame seeds and garlic.
Tacos Chiapas
$ | (352) 360-3888 | WEBSITE
If you’re a lunch lover with a craving for authentic Mexican, Tacos Chiapas is your spot since they’re only open for midday meals.
Five Guys
$ | (352) 735-3500 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving a classic burger, head to Five Guys in Mount Dora. The newly remodeled restaurant provides quick service and ample parking, creating an efficient and busy atmosphere for burger enthusiasts. The straightforward menu, including cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes, offers delicious and juicy burgers cooked to perfection, making them worth the price. Customers have praised the staff, particularly manager Jason A., who is kind and considerate, remembering his guests’ names.
The staff is also helpful, like holding a customer’s purse when it was left behind, and they provide timely service, especially for delivery orders.
Olive Branch Mediteranean – Italian
$$ | (352) 729-6734 | WEBSITE
Tucked away on a side street in Mount Dora, Olive Branch feels like every day is Mediterranean-Italian night with your most generous, welcoming neighbor. The terrace views here are also lovely.
McGregor’s Bar
$ | (352) 735-7443 | WEBSITE
With standout items like garlic parmesan wings, peanut butter pie, and chicken salad, McGregor’s Bar offers classic bar fare in Mount Dora. The garlic parmesan wings are a recommended option, though some menu items may disappoint. Prices have increased, and wine quality has decreased. Despite this, the friendly staff and good atmosphere make it worth a visit, with some bartenders providing exceptional service.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (352) 729-2509 | WEBSITE
Jersey Mike’s Subs in Mount Dora is the perfect lunchtime escape, where you can grab a fresh sub and friendly service without breaking the bank. The Italian sub hits the spot every time, and the staff keeps things moving smoothly even when the line stretches out the door. It’s the kind of place where you can count on a quick, satisfying meal, whether you’re dining in or taking it to go.