Best Cuban I've had in the central Florida area. Service was great. Will definitely be back

My husband and I enjoyed a yummy lunch at Copacabana on a Saturday afternoon. We were able to get seated right away and enjoyed being outside. The had fans going and nice music. The free bread appetizer was delicious. We enjoyed our entrees, but didn't think they were super flavorful. I opted out of beans in my Cuban bowl, and to my surprise the dish was very small. It had hardly any of the toppings except for cilantro. The service was below average. Our waitress was also being a hostess which is unfortunate, but doesn't excuse anything. It took way too long to have our order taken and we ended up having to flag someone down. We were never asked if we wanted drink refills, leaving us thirsty. It was a nice place to have lunch but we may try something else next time. read more

See all

We sat outside so it was very hot! They have fans but didn't seem to be blowing enough air. The food was okay; I was hoping it would have more flavor. I got the ropa vieja and it was very watery so it was making my rice soggy. The service was okay but the food wasnt very good. read more

Today is the 17th anniversary party. Salsa dancing and a fabulous mojito. Not leaving anytime soon. get here as fast as you can. This place is ridiculously great with authentic tasty Cuban food. read more

See all

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: 4 DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 4 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 3 MENU SELECTION: 5 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.43 Beautiful Cuban restaurant in the heart of Mount Dora with a lively outdoor terrace that comes alive with live music. We stopped in for the music and some Cuban mojitos, and they did not disappoint. The mojitos were perfectly balanced, refreshing, and priced just right. The only drawback was the outdoor sound system -- the speakers were set a bit too loud, and when they cracked or squealed, it was a little hard on the ears. That said, the atmosphere, extensive menu with something for everyone, and overall vibe make it a great spot. If you're in the area and just want to relax with a drink, I can definitely recommend it. read more

Copacabana Cuban Café - Cuban Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

I've given this place several chances, but unfortunately the service has been consistently disappointing. On multiple visits, I've had difficulty getting anyone to greet or acknowledge me, which creates the impression that customers aren't a priority. read more

5/5 for Copacabana Cuban Cafe! This is the second time I have been here and every time I am in Mount Dora I have to stop here and eat. There is sitting inside and outside, the outside did have live music but I was with my two little kids and decided to sit inside. My husband ordered the Pernil with yellow rice and black beans and tostones. He loved it. I got the steak with onions and yellow rice, plantains and black beans. I usually love black beans but it tasted weird to me so I didn't eat the black beans. My son got the kids burger with French fries and he ate it all up so apparently it was delicious! I had ordered a pitcher of Sangria and when the server brought it to the table I thought she had messed up because it was orange, little do I know they make their Sangria with orange juice and not wine. I thought that was strange, maybe they should rename the drink. Can't wait to come back! read more

See all

Review: Beware of Potential Scams I had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant that I feel compelled to share. We waited over an hour for our food, which was frustrating enough, but the lack of communication from the staff made us feel completely forgotten. While I understand that restaurants can get busy, waiting that long without any updates is unacceptable. The situation escalated when we had to wait an excessive amount of time for our check. Tired of waiting, we decided to leave cash on the table and exit rather than wait any longer. Just as we were about to leave, our waitress finally showed up. We opted to pay in cash and declined change. However, after leaving, we were accused of being $20 short. My boyfriend insisted that wasn't the case, and I asked if they had checked the table or the kitchen. In an effort to resolve the issue, my boyfriend went back inside to look for the missing bill. We explained to the waitress what we had left, but she was adamant that we were lying. When my boyfriend asked to speak with a manager, we were told there wasn't one on duty. After insisting on reviewing the security footage, the hostess eventually came out to say they found the $20. Shockingly, there was no apology from the waitress, and when I inquired where the bill had been found, I was told it had been stuck somewhere. This entire experience left us feeling scammed and dissatisfied with the restaurant. It seemed as though the waitress may have tried to pocket the $20 due to her displeasure with our tip, which was a reflection of the poor service we received. I urge others to be cautious when dining here--beware of potential scams! read more

When my mom and I arrived we were greeted by the friendliest hosts. The server was nice as well, when we ordered and informed her that we wanted to share and then that's when we were told there's a $5 sharing fee. Unfortunately, that sucks for people who aren't big eaters or have bariatric surgeries, in case any one comes and that happens to be them just be aware of that charge. The ambiance is nice. We got the palomia steak and it came with three sides so we got white rice, tostones and Maduros, overall was good. read more

5 stars for delicious food, pet friendly patio and fun atmosphere. I know we came on a special day because there was a live singer and musicians on the patio. We also had a whole tour bus from Miami come and fill the restaurant and let me tell ya, they were ready to party and so was I! We all got up to dance after finishing (and in between) meals. We also did the Congo line all around the patio area of the restaurant. It was so much fun! Food wise. I had ropa vieja and lomo de cerdo, yuca frita y yuca en mojo. All was tasty and I especially loved that green sauce they brought to the table. I added it to everything! read more

See all

We stopped in for a late lunch and we were immediately seated. We ordered a few beers and they were really cold. For our lunch I had the masitas de puerco, also and order of rabo, chillo, and paella the food came out and was very good. Great flavor and a sizable portion for all our meals. The service was excellent and we really enjoyed our lunch. read more

See all

This place was very well put together and the staff were very friendly. The restaurant had a very latin vide and there was a DJ setting up. If you want to have a party, this place knows how to get down! I had the grilled chicken and 3 sides. It was good nothing to brag about but it was good. My uncle had mashed potatoes but had so much butter or oil that you could get a stick out of there. I would go back. read more

People love hearing the music here. It and a random outside kitty cat asking for food is the best part. Other than that, service is not good. Water is nasty tap water, food is not good. Lastly, they will charge you to share a plate even if you order two items. They will notate sharing and not tell you about it. The menu will say $5 to share a plate and then receipt says sharing $6.25 and server is clueless on how to explain this. She quickly runs away, & asks for the manager. Manager says I'm sorry we didn't change it in the register to charge $6.25 bc it is a festival and the menu still says $5. FYI, if you want to share a plate, they don't split it for you, & won't give you an extra plate. You have to ask for it but still no problem, you get a sharing plate charge on your check. Fully unacceptable as we ordered fried cheese with watery guava not even sauce and fricasse chicken with one potato. This whole experience was a joke. We also came in earlier so it was not too busy. This said sharing service charge was taken off, and this experience will be chalked up to a restaurant we will not go back to again. read more

See all

The food is great and the service is good but slow! We've been here twice and both times we waited for our server to approach our table for over 5 min and when we waited for our food, we waited a VERY long time both different times. One visit they weren't busy. We also didn't like that they kept trying to sit people with babies right next to the speakers outside. And trying to fit families of 5-6 at a table that only fits 4. The food does taste good but we were there from light to dark and it was draining especially with kids. I recommend getting it To go and walk around and kill time while they make the food. read more

My party of 5 stopped in for lunch on a Saturday. We knew there would be a wait due to the busy craft fair that was going on. After waiting, maybe 30 minutes, we were seated at a table on the patio. Drinks were ordered and brought out fairly fast. I ordered the cuban sandwich with fried yuca. It took a while for our entrees to come out, but that was expected. There were 2 side dishes for others at the table that the server forgot to bring out, and it took a long time to get her attention and get those out. My cuban was just okay. The bread was delicious but not much meat and 2 small pickles for the whole sandwich. The yuca was also just okay. There was nothing to rave about. Where we sat on the patio, there was a cart with tubs on it where the bus boys would sling dirty plates and cups into. Yes, I said SLING. Two different times plates were thrown into the tubs that were filled with liquids and those liquids splashed all over the legs of my friend. The staff knew they messed up but never apologized. read more

See all

I want to like this place... Sometimes they have live Cuban music going and that is very nice. First time we visited was not very busy, and we got just appetizers and drinks and it was nice. Second time we visited was, I believe Valentine's Day last year. It was not good. Food not very good. A fly in the salsa... Not very good service. Did not complain but had avoided going back. Third time was 11/22/25. It was fairly busy. No live music but DJ playing music a bit too large. Sat at the patio bar area. Service was HORRIBLE!!!!! Super, super slow and non-attentive service. Saw people leaving because they could not get served. Bad all the way around. I went inside to pay because trying to show her my credit card several times over 20 minutes- she seemed to be ignoring me... Finally after waiting at the inside bar she took my card. And she automatically gave herself a 20% tip. I was not happy about that... She said "it's outside / read the sign"... (Sign said tabs after- think it was patrons after 10pm and people that leave without paying will have a 20% gratuity added - the charge was at 7:35pm). Then she turned and walked off... Quire an attitude! I would have given her something even though she did not deserve a penny, but this INFURIATED me!!! Went outside and asked the server to speak to the owner. Gentleman came over and I explained the situation to him. He looked at my receipt, walked in and got some cash to cover the tip, came out and handed it to me and apologized for the situation. I thought - okay, I'm still not happy, but appreciated his efforts. We would hold off giving a poor review. TODAY - balancing my accounts, and noticed we were charged an extra $6. She apparently charged my credit card an additional $6 over and beyond the 20% she had taken for herself earlier. Now I am angry about this all over again and will never visit this place again!!!!! read more

This is by far the better Cuban restaurant in Mount Dora. The food is very good. I think people just go to the other one because it is more visible but that is a mistake. The entrance is tucked in between two buildings and behind their patio seating. The severs are kind and helpful. We loved everything we got but the medianoche was one of the best I have ever had. Next time you want Cuban head to Copacabana. read more

We went to Copacabana for the first time to meet friends. Everyone enjoyed their food. I ordered the Palomilla and chicharones. We sat outside because the we away nice. Our server was very tentative and made sure to come around all the time in case we needed anything. I would say service was great. I would rate the whole experience a 5 star and would recommend this place. read more

Copacabana Cuban Café - Yellow rice and plantain. - Cuban Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Turns into dance place after dinner outside. We had a great time dancing. We just had drinks cannot speak to food.

Copacabana is your place for Cuban if you're visiting Mount Dora! There's another Cuban restaurant in better location that is always super busy but the reviews don't seem great. We love that this one is such under the radar. The food is good and priced well. The first time we visited we had a Cuban sandwich. This time we ordered the Fricase De Pollo for $17. It comes with your choice of rice, beans and tostones or maduros. I love that it comes with potatoes and olives (although I feel like there wasn't much on our dish). We also got a side of fried yucca for $4. It has a ton of garlic on top, which I loved. Another plus, free Cuban bread to start with two different dipping sauces!! Love that while waiting for your food, it really makes a difference. Service is quick and friendly. read more

See all

Been coming to this restaurant for years. Maybe decades. A long time anyway. Food and service are much better than average. But here's the prob.... Went there Saturday and couldn't get served. There were lots of empty tables inside and out. Apparently they were short staffed and the kitchen was preparing a catering meal. We were told the wait would be about an hour. Not even able to wait at the bar. We asked if we could be put on a wait list and was told that there is no wait list and we should just come back in an hour (or so). We went to another restaurant. We don't live close by and when we go there, 4-6 times a year, it's to specifically to go to this restaurant. A good and reliable restaurant cannot allow this to happen to walk in customers. May have been there for the last time. I'm very sorry about that. read more

Horrible, horrible, horrible service, we got to the place and it was the host with a curly hair and telling us that the wait was 45 minutes and the place was completely empty, then we told him we only wanted a drink and he told for that too. STAY AWAY!!! I am very disappointed with this place. read more

Copacabana Cuban Café - Cuban Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Dry food, rude service, overpriced. Drove an hour just to eat here after hearing so many good things. Waitress was absolutely dismissive and rude. No manager was available, I would have had to complain to the problem. Just don't bother wasting your time or money!!! I should have left the minute I asked for a drink menu and was given a qr code to scan. How tacky and unprofessional. Bathroom was also filthy, and no the place was not busy. read more

I had such a wonderful experience at this Cuban restaurant that I had to leave a review! From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with warm hospitality and an atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home. The decor had an authentic Cuban charm--colorful, cozy, and vibrant--with lively music playing in the background that set the perfect mood. To top it off, they had live music during my visit, which truly brought the whole experience to life. It felt like a little piece of Havana right here! Now let's talk about the food--wow. I ordered the Ropa Vieja, and it was absolutely incredible. The beef was so tender and flavorful, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. It came with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains, and everything on the plate was seasoned just right. Every bite felt like it was made with love and tradition. You can tell this place takes pride in what they do--from the food to the service to the whole vibe. Whether you're Cuban or just love Cuban food, this is a spot that will leave you full and happy. I'll definitely be coming back and bringing friends next time! read more

See all

My wife and I have been coming here regularly for the past several months, and it has never disappointed. The food is consistently excellent, the service is good, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We usually come on Sundays and order the Cuban combo, which includes a Cuban sandwich, fries, and black beans. The portions are very generous and we always leave full. It's hard to find an authentic Cuban restaurant outside of Miami, but we've found one right here in Mount Dora. My wife is Cuban, and she definitely agrees and approves this review read more

I've been here a few times. The first time it was so delicious. The other times have just not been good so I think this is my last time there. They do have spectacular mojitos, but that's not enough to keep me coming back. We ordered 2 orders of empanadas. We ordered 3 beef and one chicken. When it came to the table it was 3 chicken one beef. Fine, not a huge deal (they took those back and gave us what we ordered). My daughter got ranch for her chicken tenders and the waitress forgot it and she was almost done with the food by the time she got it (after reminding her). The food just overall lacked flavor. I forgot to take pictures of everyone's food. I got the salad that comes with avocado, tomato, onion and cucumber with vinegar and olive oil. When I got it, the salad was dry. I waited for a while for the waitress to come back and asked for the dressing that was supposed to be on it. She came back with a thing of oil and vinegar (didn't look or smell like olive oil) . There was something floating in the oil and the vinegar tasted weird. It seemed like they had both been sitting and not changed for a long time. I also got the pork belly with guacamole. The pork belly literally had ZERO flavor. It didn't even have salt, and if you've ever had fried pork belly, you know how essential salt is for this dish. The guac had sooo much cilantro it was unbearable, on top of having no real flavor. I don't know if I just got lucky the first time I went, or if they've gone down hill but we will not be back. The waitress was very friendly, it just took a while for her to come back to the table when we needed something. read more

See all

I had actually been here one other time, was put on the waiting list and they still haven't called me that the table is ready - it's been over two years LOL. This time we sat outside on the patio and had average service. It's a nice atmosphere and authentic Cuban food. They bring Garlic bread strips with dipping sauce to the table. I had the media noche sandwich with sweet plantains. It was a big serving and I was only able to eat half of it. Pepsi products so I had a sweet tea which was not very good. read more

See all

Fantastic Cubano's and Coffee. Will be back in our next trip to Florida. Wonderful staff, super friendl. Would highly recommend on your trip to Mt Dora read more

Gave this place 3 chances ! Before I decided to trash it...& after the owner said in denial of his mediocre food " are you sure you have the right restaurant " I had to tell him I was a food & wine reviewer, something I usually dont do.....this people are in such denial, im gonna have to cook for them one day....or bring them to the tri county in south florida so they can taste real authentic cuban food .....wrong person to tell " are you sure you have the right place ?" Anyways , im not even wasting my time to keep reviewing this place.....but I will say this ...when you a 3.7 average rating in multiple reviews site ? Does that tells you anything? Problem is this place should have a 2.5 rating.....worst place in the south florida tri county s better! Michelin776689 read more

Excellent arroz con pollo and mojito. Kind and helpful servers. Great covered patio to sit outside when the weather is nice. Definitely would go back read more

This place was so fun!! Came in on a Sunday and the place was so full of LIFE. Live music, everyone up dancing, even my dog was up, haha! Food was great, definitely recommend the yellow rice (delicious) and the ribs were excellent. read more

Copacabana Cuban Café - Cuban Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Loved it. I had the following: Fricase de Pollo con Papas Shredded chicken cooked with potatoes in tomato sauce, paired with yellow rice and black beans....and sweet plantains! $16.59 The house sangria was wonderful, sweet and fruity. Live music inside and out. Watching the folks dancing was so fun. Don't miss the inside vocalist who is amazing and captivating. read more

At the Copa, Copacabana, the worst Cuban North of Habana. Terrible drinks. Everything is basically a margarita. Terrible cortadito.. No sugar and watery. No milk or foam. That's because, according to our waitress all Cuban coffee is the same. ' This would have most self respecting Cubans running out of this joint and hightailing it to Calle Ocho for something legit. We asked for sugar. The put-out server slams down sugar substitute packets. "This is all that we've got." She says. Going well so far. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Other folks' food came out. Disgusting plating with heaps of sour cream, my "tell" for masking bad foods with happy fats . Lousy preparation. We cancelled the rest of the meal, paid and left. Good pianist. Nice ambience. Everything else is a pass. At the Copa, I fell into disgust. Barry would never have written a tune about this faux Cuban greasy spoon. read more

Copacabana Cuban Café - What passes for sugar here. Apparently they don't have any. - Cuban Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

See all

The decor and vibe is good. There is indoor and outdoor seating that is always a plus. Outside was a DJ playing music on a Saturday evening. We chose to dine early before the crowds arrived. The staff are friendly but service was slow. The empanadas were delicious, hot and full of flavors. My sandwich was a little dry and served with cold fries. I was thankful to be able to use the table side green chimichurri. The coffee and flan were a great end to a meal. I would come back to eat empanadas and have coffee with my flan! read more

See all

We waited an hour and a half for our lunch while repeatedly being told the food was "about to come out." The only thing we received were greasy, burnt croquettes. When we finally asked how much longer it would take, we learned the kitchen hadn't even started our order. We canceled and left after wasting our afternoon. Complete lack of management. Would never come back. read more

3 strikes....YOU ARE OUT! Been a fan if CopA for over 15 years.....lately our last 3 visits....food quality and service terribly bad. Wonder if new owners totally destroyed a gem. read more

Friendly service, good atmosphere, and the best Cubano Sandwich we've ever eaten! Definitely a must do when in Mt Dora!

The service was good. That's it. 9 of us, everyone ordered something different. The food was flavorless and burnt. Everything we ordered did not taste well. It felt like everything was fried on the same burnt oil. Sadly it was very bad food. Low quality and badly cooked. read more

The food was delicious Service was great Ambiance was nice and kept clean 10/10! Would be back read more

Ay, qué lástima este lugar. Total disappointing. Food took 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive, yes we stayed, hoping for great food. It was not great, not good at all. Did not even taste like Cuban food. Next time I will try other options around. Hopefully they focus on the kitchen and stop sending waiters over to apologize for the wait. read more