If spring has you craving creamy, award winning chowder, Mount Dora has a can not miss destination. Tonys Clam Chowder Seafood Restaurant serves a bowl so rich and satisfying that locals and travelers plan their day around it.
Cozy seating, friendly service, and a sprinkle of small town charm make every visit feel personal. Come hungry, and be ready to fall for a Florida legend one spoonful at a time.
The Famous Bowl of New England Clam Chowder
You know that first spoonful that makes you pause and smile. That is the moment at Tonys, where the chowder arrives thick, velvety, and piping hot.
The clams are tender, the potatoes are soft but not mushy, and there is a gentle peppery kick that lingers just enough to keep you chasing the next bite.
Every table seems to have at least one bowl, and it is easy to see why. Staff often offers a complimentary sample to first timers, and it seals the deal instantly.
Order a full bowl, or go big with a bread bowl if it is available during your visit. Either way, you will scrape the bottom.
Crackers come generously stocked, so you can stack, crumble, or scoop to your heart’s content. If you are already planning round two, grab a canned chowder to take home.
That way, the magic follows you.
Lobster Roll Lunch You Will Remember
Craving a classic lobster roll in Central Florida. Tony’s serves a roll that is simple, buttery, and focused on sweet lobster flavor.
Portions can lean modest, but the balance of seasoning and tenderness wins hearts, especially when paired with bright, crisp coleslaw or a cool potato salad.
Expect a toasted split top bun that holds up to every bite without getting soggy. Some guests note the meat is fresh frozen, yet the taste still lands beautifully.
Add fries if you like a salty crunch, or go light with a side salad. Ask for a lemon wedge to brighten the sweetness.
It is not Maine, but it is close enough to scratch that seaside itch in charming Mount Dora. Sit outside when the weather is kind and people watch down Donnelly Street.
The roll disappears fast, so savor it slowly and save room for chowder.
Hush Puppies Worth Writing Home About
Golden, crisp, and surprisingly soft inside, the hush puppies at Tony’s are a cheerful side you should not skip. They arrive warm with a gentle sweetness and a buttery finish that pairs perfectly with chowder.
Tear one open and you will see steam rise from the tender crumb.
These are perfect for sharing while you wait for platters and sandwiches. Dip them in a tangy sauce or eat them plain, letting the cornmeal shine.
Reviewers call them fantastic, and your basket will probably disappear before the mains land. Order extra if you have a hush puppy lover at the table.
They add texture and comfort to any spread, especially next to popcorn shrimp or a blackened fish sandwich. If you are building a sampler style lunch, hush puppies are a must.
One bite, and you will understand why so many diners rave about them.
Crab Cakes, Sandwich or Salad
When you want something meaty and flavorful, the crab cakes at Tony’s deliver. Order them as a sandwich with a soft bun and crisp lettuce, or go lighter with a salad that lets the crab shine.
The texture leans tender with a satisfying sear, and the seasoning is spot on without overpowering the seafood.
Many guests call the crab cakes delish, and the salad version wins points for generous portions. A side of potato salad adds cool, creamy balance, while coleslaw pops with sweetness.
Ask for a lemon wedge or a dab of remoulade if you enjoy a zesty kick. The combo with chowder is a power duo.
This is a smart pick when you want variety beyond the star chowder. It satisfies without weighing you down for an afternoon stroll through downtown.
You will likely plan a return visit to try both versions.
Seafood Platter For Sharing
Gather your seafood loving friends and split a platter that covers the favorites. Expect golden fried fish, shrimp, and hush puppies with crisp exteriors and moist centers.
It is the kind of spread that invites dipping, squeezing lemon, and comparing bites until only crumbs remain.
Reviewers praise the sampler for letting them try a bit of everything alongside chowder. Fries or coleslaw round out the experience with crunch and brightness.
It is plenty for two light eaters or a generous shareable for a group. Add a bowl of chowder to anchor the meal, then mix and match sauces.
Perfect for weekends when the patio fills with chatter and the Florida sun cooperates. Arrive a little early during peak hours since seating is limited.
With friendly service keeping plates moving, you will feel well looked after from first hush puppy to last shrimp.
Sides That Make The Meal
Sometimes it is the simple sides that complete the plate. Tony’s coleslaw is cold and lightly sweet, offering crisp contrast to warm seafood.
The potato salad leans creamy and comforting, a cool counterpoint to blackened spice or salty fries.
Speaking of fries, expect a classic golden fry that satisfies the craving. Even when not house made, they land hot and well seasoned, perfect for dunking in leftover sauces.
Mix and match two sides with rolls or sandwiches to customize your lunch. The variety keeps your taste buds engaged from first bite to last.
If you can not decide, ask your server what pairs best with your order. Staff is friendly and quick with smart suggestions.
On a sunny spring day, a tray of sides plus chowder makes a casual feast, especially when you snag an outdoor table on Donnelly Street.
Insider Tips: Hours, Seating, and Parking
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit. Tony’s keeps daytime hours, opening around 11 AM and closing mid afternoon most days, with Saturdays running later.
Seating is cozy inside with a handful of outdoor tables, so arriving early helps, especially on weekends and market days.
Parking downtown can be tricky at peak times. Consider arriving before noon or be ready for a short stroll from a nearby lot.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming once you are seated. Friendly servers move quickly even when every table is full.
First timers sometimes get a complimentary chowder sample, a lovely touch that might reshape your order. If you are traveling, a canned chowder to go keeps the flavor coming.
Check the website for current hours, since they can change seasonally. A little planning means more time enjoying bowls and bites.
Make It A Mount Dora Day Trip
Turn lunch at Tony’s into a full spring day in Mount Dora. Stroll along Donnelly Street, browse boutiques, and catch the Sunday market if timing lines up.
The town’s lakeside charm pairs beautifully with a comforting bowl of chowder, and the slower pace invites you to linger.
Start with chowder and a roll, then wander the waterfront or snap photos of colorful murals. Parking can be tight, but the walk lets you soak up the ambiance.
If you return for a second round to go, you will not be the first. There is something addictive about that creamy, pepper kissed broth.
With friendly service and a welcoming crowd, Tony’s feels like a local secret that everyone shares. By afternoon, you will have a new favorite Florida ritual.
Chowder first, then sunshine, and maybe one more hush puppy for the road.