Copacabana Cuban Café

320 Dora Drawdy Way, Mt Dora
(352) 385-9000

Recent Reviews

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nate dyer

Good little spot. Not too bad on the prices. We did the daily specials. Just wished it was a true Cuban from Tampa, not Miami. We waited around for 5-10 mins at the please wait to be seated sign before we just picked a spot and sat down.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Joni L

We had the misfortune of dining at this establishment for the first time, and unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations. The service was subpar, with our server taking an inordinate amount of time to attend to our table after being seated, despite the restaurant not being busy. Throughout the meal, she would frequently disappear, leaving us unattended for extended periods. The cuisine was also a letdown. The Paella Valencia, and Sauteed Shrimp & Scallops that we ordered were disappointing. The paella lacked flavor, while the calamari was overcooked and rubbery, rendering it inedible. However, what truly upset us was the use of imitation scallops in both entrees, particularly given the price point of the paella. The sauteed shrimp & scallops came with a small side salad that arrived undressed, with the server not offering any dressing options. We had to request it, and it took another 10 minutes to arrive. The flan was unpalatable, with an excessive amount of caramel sauce and a grayish, mushy texture that suggested it had been prepared days in advance. We sent it back, and it was removed from the bill. The sample platter appetizer was the sole redeeming aspect of the meal. Given the subpar experience, we would not recommend dining here and suggest exploring alternative options in Mount Dora.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Ross Barnett

I was highly disappointed with Copacabana when we came on 2/17. We showed up for a family dinner at 5:30pm on a Tuesday when the restaurant was almost empty. For such a slow night, I’m sad to admit the service was a total disaster. They brought our food out but forgot my 3-year-old’s plate who was already very hungry. The waitress forgot about us and we had to keep getting up to ask her to please find out where this plate is. We did not receive an apology from any staff, just that “it’s coming”. I asked if it was forgotten as 10 minutes rolled by with the entire table having gotten their plates besides the toddler… and I was lied to and told “it wasn’t forgotten”. I expected a truthful answer and, at bare minimum, a “sorry” would’ve gone a long way! But it was easier to lie and walk away, then bring her plate out 15 minutes later. This is unacceptable and the reality is, if her plate wasn’t forgotten, it would’ve arrived along with everyone else’s. We killed two and a half hours here and were not offered any sort of apology or reduced price for this experience. At the end, after waiting fifteen minutes for the waitress to return (she didn’t), the head of the party had to go locate her to pay. It felt like they washed their hands of us before we even finished eating or just had moved on from our table completely.

This experience was unacceptable.

I hope staff receives training. I will be taking my business and family elsewhere.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Rob Sinninger

Staff was friendly when we saw them. Food was fine - bread and sauce was very good, roja viejas was good but Mahi Mahi sandwich was plain with no sauce. No table condiments except sugar. Most disappointing was that food once ordered took over 40 mins and only update was just a few minutes before it came. Another table we came in right after was served and done before our food even came out. It wasn't busy as there was no wait to be seated.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Gomez Family

We used to love this place and it was always a must-visit for us, which makes today’s experience especially disappointing. The service was very slow, and our server was not attentive. We had to look for her several times just to request basic assistance.

Additionally, even though we were only a party of four, a 20% gratuity was automatically added for a “large group.” We always tip and are happy to do so for good service, but given the experience we had, this felt inappropriate and frustrating.

It’s unfortunate because we truly enjoyed coming here in the past, but after today’s experience, we don’t plan to return ☹️

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 1

Raul Candelario

The food was cold and too salty. The service never offer napkins. The water was bad. The bathroom was dirty. The oxtail have no meat. The rice too salty. Pass by table two times only.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

DBish

Terrible service and mediocre food. Was disappointed after seeing positive reviews. Staff was very rude and service was dreadful. Food was terrible. I’ve had better Cuban food at a convenience store. Do not waste your time or money. Many other lovely places in MtDora who deserve your business.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

F H

Today i visited the restaurant and nobody help is i was waiting like 25 minutes my wife asked another person and they send this guy and he said that the girl that is supposed to help us was to busy and he started helping us he bring sodas and we ordered an appetizer and our food after waiting for another 20 minutes i asked the guy for the appetizer and he said that they give the appetizer to another table i told him to cancel the appetizer then the food show up and it was the wrong order i told him to cancel everything then i told the manager and she said i can serve your table then i said no I don’t recommend this restaurant

Angie Singh

We were sat at a broken table, when informing the staff nothing was done so we selected another seat. The staff used the corner table by the bathroom to have a heated discussion about personal issues… our drinks were not filled until we asked nor were we attended too because our server was busy with the discussion. The food wasn’t great but the ambiance made it even worse.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Michele Yankee

Grabbed lunch with friends. The patio was lovely and the food delicious with large portions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Danielle Radford

We really enjoyed our dining experience! We ate here with our 3 year old and our 9 month old, they were accommodating our kids and our family. The food was very good and the live music outside was a nice bonus!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mercedes Dacal

Terrible experience The bistec empanizado was with too much grease, black beans too much cumin, even the white rice wasn’t good. Took more than 15 minutes for someone come to take an order. The only two items good was the Mango daiquiri and the pudín . Cazuela de mariscos, tostones terrible too and the expresso was like an American coffee.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Timothy Buchholz

Authentic Cuban food. The empanadas are great, and the Cuban sandwich is fantastic

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Will

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 😁

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wanda Lopez

Excellent customer service had the best time in new years margaritas was just perfect 🤩 highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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