Had a 5:45 PM reservation; arrived about 10 minutes early. Owner personally seated us and asked if we were going to the show at the Athens Theater down the street. We were. He knew all about the show and thought we should be finished with our dining by 7:10 in order to get to the theater on time. Our waitress was Amber. When she asked for our order we said we'd like some wine and sip for a few minutes before we started eating. She replied that she knew we were going to the show and that they were booked pretty heavily and sometimes the kitchen might be backed up in that situation. She told us about the specials in excellent detail, all the while keeping a genuine smile on her face. We worked the timing details out and Amber was on top of it. My wife had the Cress Salad and I had the Escargot appetizer. Main course came out when we finished the salad and appetizer. We had the Hanger Steak and the Duck breast; both were absolutely perfectly well prepared and delicious. Amber kept her eyeon us - didn't hover, but was there whenever we needed her and always very pleasant. All-in-all a great experience - both in service and in quality/flavor of our food. read more

3.5 stars The space is lovely, the waitresses were to be distracted half of the time. We kept having to flag them down. Seems to be more wine- focused than food. Let me explain... we thought the tuna tartar was delicious. The elk bolognese seems to enjoyable. My shirmp and grits was a bit on the salty side. I'm glad I asked for sauce on the side, and even with half the sauce, it was still too much. The most disappointing part is the chicken tikka masala. There was tiny bits of chicken, and too too much root vegetables, at different cooking levels, which make it both confusing and slighly annoying. Last, we tried the creme brulee, and the top was essentially a layer of slightly cooked sugar... I'll try the scallops next time. Maybe. read more

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AMAZING lunch spot in DeLand. I'd always avoided having lunch there because I assumed it was overpriced. It was equal to other places downtown but the food was superior! My friend and I ordered different items and both were amazing. This will be the new lunch spot we choose in Downtown DeLand. It was easy to get in and Connie , our server did a great job telling us about the menu, recommending items and taking care of us. read more

The five of us had dinner here and it was very nice. The food was fresh and delicious. Our server was excellent and friendly. The ambiance was warm and cozy, it's a small space. It is a nice splurge once in a while to get dressed up because it is a little pricey. I'd definitely go back and recommend it to my friends. read more

We had a delightful Saturday lunch at Cress. The menu is packed with delicious options. I had fresh fish, grits, with vegetables. Best lunch I've had maybe ever. My husband loves shrimp and grits and he rated it excellent. Our server, Samantha, was friendly and knowledgeable, and the owner and chef, Tom, even took the time to come out and chat with us. The place is easy to find. Free public parking in downtown and a big public lot one block away. Highly recommend Cress. Don't miss this gem in downtown Deland. read more

A friend took me to Cress for my 80th birthday. I had read good reviews and looked forward to dining there. My braised.leg if lamb was mediocre at best but my friend $52 ribeye was inedible. It was all fat and gristle. I watched her struggle to cut it and having to spit bites out for fear of choking.The chef owner came to our table and we explained the issue. His response was " that happens sometimes" then walked away. No offer to provide a another steak and no accommodation of price. He is the poster child for poor management of what is supposedly a fine dining establishment. read more

We had a beautiful lunch for my uncle's birthday with a party of four. The food was terrific ,our server was calmly efficient and the ambience is very nice. The server and Owner were very gracious in helping us to celebrate my uncle's birthday. I rarely give recommendations however in this case I make an exception they are five stars. read more

I hate being negative. But.... My food was less than mediocre. The vegetables were not cooked properly. The lamb was reheated and tough..... throughly disappointed in the whole thing. 2 of our 4 meals were not up to a standard I was expecting. And when I told the waitress she made no attempt to rectify just came back with the bill. Not impressed. read more

Had a large group going to the theater afterwards. I ordered the blackened fish sandwich with a mushroom soup. Both were good nothing special. Wife had the Mac cheese and added shrimp. The sangria was $9 and filled with ice not a good value. Service was outstanding and that's why I gave it 4 stars. Only having one bathroom was not good when you're drinking. read more

Cress Restaurant - Blackened fish sandwich and mushroom soup - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

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Had a nice visit to this small restaurant centrally located in downtown Deland. The service was fantastic. They were very attentive throughout the meal and I was greeted warmly upon arrival. Loved the seat they gave me right by the window so I could people watch. They have quite a large wine list for this area so I was impressed. Started with the escargot and it was delicious and flavorful. Had the ribeye for the main course. It was a little fatty, but the flavor was fabulous. Huge portion as well. Prices very reasonable as well. The ribeye, which came with sides, was only $49. I would return to eat here again. read more

Service from Cameron L was professional, friendly and nonobtrusive which is exactly what we prefer. The restaurant is elegant/casual and the menu reflects the ambiance. We arrived around noon for lunch and were immediately seated. We started with the escargot and was impressed with the size, the taste and the plating. For lunch we had the Local Shrimp and Grits ($16) and the (Blackened Fish Sandwich with soup of the day ($18). We enjoyed the portion sizes as they were reasonably priced, enough to finish and didn't leave us feeling to full to enjoy a walk and shop around town with room in our stomachs for chocolates and Icecream as we strolled and shopped the avenue. read more

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Wonderfully charming place! We sat outside and it was gorgeous. Situated in the heart of downtown DeLand, we enjoyed the cool weather and string lights while eating. Our server, Connie was wonderful. She was attentive, kind, and funny, but not overbearing. We had the cheese board as an appetizer and it was absolutely delicious, special shout out to the truffle gouda and strawberry and basil jam. My mom and grandma loved the soup of the day, root vegetable. I ordered the Tikka Masala Curry and the flavor was amazing but it was a little spicy for me so i was struggling to eat it. When I told our server, she immediately helped me out by bringing extra rice and a cute pitcher of cream. This made it much more enjoyable and it was delicious. We finished off with a white chocolate crème brûlée which was so good! Definitely recommend visiting downtown DeLand for this gem!! read more

Cress Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

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We called to make sure we could order from the dinner menu even though we wanted to go at lunch and we were told that would be fine. I was looking forward to the escargot and the scallops. We walked in around 12:00 and we were welcomed in by the owner, Tom. He was extremely friendly and offered a seat by the window or a table farther into the restaurant. We decided we'd prefer the table farther into the restaurant and were seated right away. He brought us water and Katherine came over to introduce herself. She was a wonderful server! She was attentive friendly and knowledgeable. She told us the catch of the day and the soup of the day. Then she gave us some time to look at the menu. She brought our sodas out and we placed our order. DH had a coffee rubbed filet and I had the sea scallops. The food was cooked right and was delicious! The atmosphere was delightful! Very open and inviting. The restaurant also had outside seating. We are definitely returning. read more

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Had a $17 burger with cup of soup. Marginal. Gummy roll, burger was built wrong, not garlic aioli poured under the lettuce rendering a sloppy sandwich, tasteless soup read more

With the Bite 30 going on, we decided to venture a little further out and make the hour long drive to Deland to check out Cress. We made a reservation ahead of time for Friday at 7:15pm (glad we did as it was busy). There is a public parking lot around the corner from them as street parking is limited. We arrived ahead of schedule and were able to be seated promptly. The location is very quaint..ladies leave your large purses at home if you are dining indoor. They do have outside seating available as well. I opted to order from the bite30 menu, but my husband chose to go off of the regular menu. He ordered their ribeye and it was cooked perfectly had a really nice Pittsburgh cook to it (a little char on the outside and warm center). I got a taste of it and it was delicious! I opted to start with the soup of the day, which was their tomato bisque. Clearly made in house, very hearty, rustic in nature (a little chunky) with homemade croutons. It was delicious! For my main entrée. I opted for the Australian braised leg of lamb. The lamb was fall off the bone, tender with really warm, hearty flavoring. It was served with a succotash, that also had some good flavor. For dessert, I opted for the James Beard award like cake. Which included a almond citrus flavoring. It honestly wasn't my favorite, but just because there was so many nuts actually in the cake. Overall, we found the food to be really good but our server was very slow and paid very little attention to us. It was a little bit of a disappointment after driving an hour to go out there. It's also a location you should be prepared to take your time or have a two hour plus meal. Our reservation was at 7:15 and we did not have our main entrées until almost an hour later. read more

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Great food, service was excellent and ambiance was very pleasant. Can't wait to go back again. read more

Cress Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

We knew we were going to be in the DeLand area this past weekend, so we decided to make reservations at Cress for a Saturday night, which came highly recommended from many of our chef and foodies friends. This is a more fine, elevated dining experience and Cress definitely lives up to all the wonderful things we had heard. We had reservations right at 5pm when they opened, so we were seated immediately, but it wasn't long before the place filled up completely. This is a popular pre-show dinner spot when folks are attending an event happening at the Athens Theater just down the street. We started our meal with Chenin Blanc (they have beer, wine, and a couple wine-based cocktails) and their famous signature escargot. Loved the wine (and great wine prices too!) and the escargot was top notch.... Garlicky, buttery, and the cremini mushrooms complemented this dish well. For our mains, we ordered the crispy duck breast and the braised Australian leg of of lamb. Both of our entrees were phenomenal. I absolutely loved my duck paired with the goat cheese, beet confit, orange citrus, and toasted pistachios. This flavor combo was perfection. My husband's lamb dish was also fantastic. Cabernet broth, seasonal succotash, roasted veggies, and cress grits... like a big comforting bowl of stew (he even had leftovers). Of course, we saved room for dessert -- their signature orange infused creme brulee with seasonal berries. I also paired this with the Italian coffee (cappelletti, espresso, and cream). The creme brulee is super light and it was the perfect cap to the meal. The service was remarkable. The GM walks around and talks to every table, and you can tell they are truly committed to the guest experience. This is probably why they have been in business since 2008 and won Best Overall Restaurant in the 2020 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards. We will definitely visit again the next time we're in the area! read more

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Great staff awesome food. The staff were fantastic. Knew the menu very well. The wine was perfect. The food was incredible. The ambience was lovely. I will definitely be back. read more

Cress is one of those places that you go for a special occasion, tablecloth on the table very very nice atmosphere, service is attentive, but not hovering. However, from a foodie's perspective, the menu is a bit small. However, what they make they make well, and it is always consistent. read more

My wife and I went and had dinner at Cress Saturday evening 9/14 and again, they did not disappoint. The service was spot on, as well as the atmosphere in the restaurant was great and what can I say but again the chef's did not disappoint my wife and I, the food was fantastic all three courses from the soup, to the main dish and the delicious dessert what more can you ask for. Thanks again for a wonderful dinner. read more

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It was our wedding anniversary and we wanted to have a nice dinner but not our usual place! We found this restaurant online and the menu looks good so we made a reservation online and went there! Our server is amazing, friendly and like a friend! Her service is awesome! Food is even better! We tried the bite 30 menu! They are so good and yummy! read more

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My husband and I wanted to try someplace new to celebrate our anniversary and had heard that Cress was the place to go in DeLand. It did not disappoint! I was worried that it would just be pricy mediocre food, but it was delicious. We started with the escargot- I was a bit concerned when it came out just piled on a plate but that concern quickly went away. Absolutely delicious! I ordered the leg of lamb while my husband ordered the chicken roulade. Both were outstanding- the chicken roulade won for the best entre, though. It was also the best service we've had out in a long time. The staff was very attentive and made you feel comfortable. This is one big piece that will have us coming back. read more

This is a restaurant to avoid at all costs. We went there a two or three weeks ago, and it was a terrible experience. We were essentially held captive for hours, waiting for lukewarm, mediocre food. It took about an hour just to get our appetizer. The escargots themselves were plump and of good quality, but they were horribly prepared--served nearly cold and just lying on a plate with no cups or shells. Escargots are one of the easiest dishes to prepare, yet they still managed to ruin them. After another long wait, our entrées arrived, and they were absurdly rich--everything was drowning in grease and heavy sauce. It was a disaster. The entire dining room was stuck in the same situation, and I think some furious customers even managed to leave without paying. No one ever explained what was going on. A complimentary glass of wine during the long wait or at least some effort on the bill would have been appreciated, but of course, that didn't happen. Independent and expensive places like this are not uncommon. They think they're good just because they list a $60 greasy dish on the menu and have a waiter with neatly trimmed mustaches. That's really not enough - especially in this economy! read more

We wanted to stop here for a super long time. We decided to stop and love it so much! The service was super great, they were attentive and super nice. All the food was omg delicious! I love that it has minimal seating. I love that it was quiet and nice ambiance! I will definitely will be back and highly recommend! read more

Cress Restaurant - Lamb - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

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Food beyond what you would expect for a small town. Even some of the best restaurants in New York City I go to are not as good. If you need a fine dining place for business a date or just want some good food. This is your spot. Only negative I'd say is there's no music or a bar to sit at which I feel is kind of mandatory for a fine dining restaurant other than that five stars read more

Just ate there tonight for Mr boyfriend's Birthday. It was a huge disappointment! The duck was raw and I ended up waiting another 10-15 minutes for them to cook it. Waitress made no effort to reach out to manager who was busy talking to his friends outside . We ordered dessert and I hoped a candle would have been added since it was my boyfriends Birthday . I have worked in the restaurant business for many years and that meal would have been comped and dessert on the house for someone's Birthday. It is an expensive place to eat and I won't be back read more

If I could I would give it a 3.5/5. This restaurant is a cute local restaurant located in the heart of downtown DeLand. Went for the bite30 menu. They start everyone with a strange slice of daikon/radish with a salsa on top. Ordered good local beer, but they had a strange choice of glass as the beer only filled about 3/4 of the glass. The fish ceviche had a good amount of fish, but the flavor itself was bland and over a bed of soggy butter lettuce. The chicken leg was the best dish with a nice spice to it. I would only come back for that dish. We also ordered the duck which was very well made but only came as two slices with a strange side of barley salad that was listed as couscous. The crème brûlée was a strange cherry garcia flavor that was gritty in texture and the layer of caramelized sugar was so thick. read more

Cress Restaurant - Crème brûlée cherry garcia flavor - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

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The hubby found this place for a birthday dinner and it was spectacular. The food was worth every penny. He could not finish all of his beef tenderloin, which is saying a lot. Everything on both plates was moan-worthy. We also had the perfectly prepared escargots for an appetizer, but somehow that picture has vanished. Downtown DeLand is very charming. read more

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This is a charming restaurant downstairs you can sit outside. The food is really good and it's a great place to have meetings or have your group out for some kind of an award banquet. It's set up excellent. They have a good choice of foods all kinds of things you can order from breakfast to hamburgers to steaks, and there's Muriel's painted all downstairs on the walls quite charming read more

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Cress last night - what a great choice. Food was superb to be certain, but the best part of the experience was meeting and getting to know the owners over a glass of wine she poured for us after our meal and we had paid our check. We talked travel, food, and life. Very peaceful vibe. Very very good value for money at Cress read more

I forgot to get a picture of everything because I was digging in! I truly enjoyed everything we ordered. We ordered the strawberry and goat cheese salad, Herb Crusted Smart Catch of the Day, Braised Australian Leg of Lamb, almond cake and the most delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Everything was delicious and tasted freshly prepared! Looking forward to going back to try more items on the menu. read more

Cress Restaurant - Herb Crusted Smart Catch of the Day, Braised Australian Leg of Lamb, and the most delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc. - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

The menu selection and food were excellent. We were a party of 7 people and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their choices. Delicious food, quaint environment and nice wine options. This was an unexpected pleasure in a small town. I would definitely return. read more

Cress Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

Our first time at this great little restaurant in the beautiful town of Deland FL. Our service was great, the appetizer was delicious and the catch of the day was unbelievable. Our dessert was Cremè brûlée which was delicious but served cold instead of hot. All in all we enjoyed our dinner and wine (Duckhorn Sav Blanc) very much. read more

Cress is such a pleasant surprise of a find in Deland! Definitely fine-dining service standard with a cozy ambiance. The food is such excellent quality full of depth and so much flavor!!! We had the duck and mushroom steak and both dishes blew us away with flavor! Looking forward to going back and trying different dishes. Seating is limited, but well worth the reservation. Fortunately, my husband and I were able to walk in without one and be seated right away to an open table. Amber was our server and it was so refreshing to finally find a sit down restaurant with excellent customer service. If you're looking for good date night this is the place! read more

You will pay for it but the food is fabulous. Starting with the staff everyone was super helpful and so helpful. The food was awesome. You could taste every mushroom on the flatbread. The duck was cooked to perfection. Tje fish cajun special was just like a taste of new Orleans.. great job. read more

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Ok ok ok hear me out. Let's start with the good. We stopped by with no reservation and they took us immediately. The location and ambiance is stellar. The staff is amazing/friendly and knowledgeable. The menu has something for every palate. While we skipped dessert we did have plenty to eat and drink. Liza had the sparkling Rosé and I had the Merlot both were very nice. The appetizer was Gnocchi, it was delicious full of flavors and textures I've never had before. The dinners were something else;while I had the Fillet Liza had the prime rib I ordered mi Filet Med Rare and I usually order my steaks and it was not, the steak was overcooked and the vegetables were burnt. Liza's Prime was a little better but still overcooked and as hard as a hockey puck. The entrees were a real downer as I had waited to eat here for a while and was expecting a much better experience. The cost for us was about $130 or so (not bad). I have heard nothing but amazing things about this place but unfortunately my experience was very different. read more

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Disappointing dinner. Gaps in service, warm beer, cold food that had to be sent back. Great menu but an off night for an expensive meal. What was good: corn silk soup, hummus platter, Cress salad, and two had high quality NY Strips. read more

I've been here before, years ago and absolutely loved the experience. I've been waiting to return and introduce a new person to the amazing cuisine located in the heart of Deland. The food was amazing, even down to the detail of the smoked grapes on the cheese board. The food is filling and the prices are reasonable and worth it for the culinary experience. We had a table in the back and enjoyed the liveliness of the table next to us. We all had a great time. read more

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The food was absolutely delicious! We made a last minute reservation for dinner on a Saturday night and they were able to accommodate us. When our food took too long to get to us, the server comped each of us (4 total) a glass of wine. The space is small, but there are outdoor tables available. read more

Cress Restaurant - The Crispy Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast - Seafood Near Me - DeLand, Florida

Deland, Florida: Recently tried this up-scale (yet somewhat casual) restaurant for dinner. We shared the mushroom flatbread app that was delicious. Their duck confit was truly delicious and perfectly prepared and seasoned. Their bread pudding is a must have and quite shareable. Kitchen staff know what they're doing for sure. Very good wine list. Friendly and efficient service. Highly recommended. read more