Mission Resort + Club, a historic Central Florida destination operated by MMI Hotel Group, announced the opening of Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, a fully reimagined dining experience in Lake County’s Howey-in-the-Hills community. The extensive renovation unites the former La Margarita and El Conquistador restaurants into a single, cohesive space. The new restaurant, which enjoyed a soft opening earlier this year, makes its formal debut just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Design Elements
Mission Resort + Club partnered with Interior Image Group (IIG) to bring the vision for Conquistador Bar & Restaurant to life as a refined, yet approachable gathering place rooted in Florida’s spirit of exploration and the pioneering legacy of Howey-in-the-Hills founder William J. Howey. Handcrafted tilework, cowhide accents, warm wood tones, and subtle metallic finishes reference the folklore of buried treasure without feeling literal; at the same time, a sunrise-inspired palette and abundant greenery soften the richer textures. The reimagined space boasts 164 seats, including our outdoor dining area. It unfolds as a layered, tactile environment, reinforcing the resort’s role as a community hub for resort guests, its members, and residents.
“This project was all about honoring our history while making the experience even better for the people who come here week after week,” said Cindy Staley, General Manager, Mission Resort + Club in a statement. “We listened closely to those folks and especially our members, and that feedback shaped everything from doubling the size of the bar to knocking down the wall to combine the two previous concepts into one. The goal was to build something that feels just as right for a quick drink as it does for a full evening out.”
Menu Inspiration
The culinary program reflects the same sense of exploration found in the design, blending Spanish influences with Floridian ingredients and classic techniques. The menu encourages sharing and variety, with a focus on small plates, seafood, and boldly flavored entrées. The cocktail program continues the global perspective with a lineup of citrus-forward and spice-driven offerings, and a robust beer list features Florida-based craft brews alongside domestic selections. New spirit-free cocktails ensure an inclusive beverage experience for all guests. Dish highlights include Seafood Paella, Lobster Fritas, and Braised Short Rib.
Valentine’s Day at Conquistador
For those seeking a new tradition on Valentine’s Day weekend, Conquistador Bar & Restaurant will present a limited-time, chef’s feature menu. Available Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, the curated lineup includes Lobster Bisque with cognac cream, Filet Oscar with jumbo lump crab and classic béarnaise, and Lobster Champagne Risotto, followed by decadent desserts such as Red Velvet Cheesecake and a dark chocolate marquise with raspberry coulis. Reservations are strongly encouraged via opentable.com.
The Great Room
Adjacent to Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, another newly unveiled space, The Great Room, is a warm, multifunctional gathering space designed to transition seamlessly from productivity to relaxation. Outfitted in inviting earth tones and accented with natural greenery, the room is anchored by a stone fireplace, with camel-colored leather seating, arched windows, and generously cushioned lounge areas that welcome business travelers, families, and remote workers alike.
“This space really came from listening to how our guests and members are using the resort and what they felt was missing,” continued Staley. “There simply wasn’t a natural place to gather, so we invested in creating The Great Room. Formerly the El Gitano meeting room, it can still be reserved for private functions, but it now also serves as an inviting, everyday space that works just as well for meeting up, working on a laptop, or relaxing with a drink.”
Now Open
Conquistador Bar & Restaurant is open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and for dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are available via opentable.com or by calling (352) 324-2024.
