Hidden Gems (Restaurants) in Downtown Windermere
There’s a little foodie in all of us on the Erica Diaz Team! That’s why we created this article highlighting the hidden gems of the restaurants in Downtown Windermere. Each of them is situated along Main Street in the heart of Windermere. Next time you’re looking for a great place to catch up with friends over coffee or grab Sunday brunch with the family, check out one of these eateries!
The restaurants in Downtown Windermere are local favorites, and the Erica Diaz Team is sharing why they are so loved and some of their most popular menu items.
Dixie Cream Cafe
If you’ve been looking for homemade Southern comfort food, your search is finally over! Dixie Cream Cafe is serving up the real deal!
This Downtown Windermere restaurant began serving breakfast and lunch a little over ten years ago. Since then, people from all over have headed to Main Street in Windermere to enjoy this little local gem’s funky and unique vibes. Guests love the nostalgic feel found inside and out of the restaurant. It’s even built in a 1950s-style saw-tooth roofed building. The walls are lined with local artwork, and chandeliers hang from the ceilings.
“Comfort food is the heart of Dixie Cream Café, where we take pride in preparing your meal from scratch, so whatever you decide, you will be happy that you found us. Here at Dixie Cream Café!” – Dixie Cream Cafe
Address: 434 Main Street Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: 407-217-5047
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 2:30 pm
* BREAKFAST IS SERVED ALL DAY!
Expanded Outdoor Seating
Dixie Cream Cafe has expanded its outdoor seating options. They take COVID-19 precautions seriously while ensuring their guests’ comfort and safety. Whether you prefer to sit inside or enjoy open-air seating, they have created the space! They’ve even pitched a tent, so outdoor seating is an option, rain or shine!
Now Featuring a Fresh Juice Bar
Freshly squeezed juice is just a healthy energy boost any time of the day. Dixie Cream Cafe’s new addition is its very own juice bar. All of the juices and smoothies are made with 100% crushed juice! There are never any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners added, as well as no HFCS, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan! Next time you need a pick-me-up in Downtown Windermere, swing by Dixie Cream Cafe and check out their fresh juice bar.
Wake up at the Espresso Bar
While the fresh juice bar is Dixie Cream Cafe’s newest addition, the espresso bar is another local favorite. The espresso bar also features fresh homemade pies and cakes, so while you’re sipping your coffee, you can enjoy a sweet treat!
Popular Menu Items
Dixie Cream Cafe’s authentic southern comfort food is so tasty that it’s no wonder it was featured on the Rachel Ray Show!
- Dixie Cream Cafe’s Bananas Foster French Toast! You had us at Bananas Foster, but this meal gets even better (if possible) because it’s prepared with fresh brioche bread. This is also a great item if you’d like to place an order to-go. They package all the ingredients separately, so when you get home, it’s not soggy.
- Southern Fried Chicken and Cheddar Grits! If you’re looking for southern comfort food, you’re probably already sold on ordering this menu item. It is the real deal and hits the spot perfectly.
- Dixie’s Famous Smoked Brisket Hash! The brisket is slowly smoked for 12 hours. Then, it is hand-pulled and smashed with potatoes, seared, and griddled with Dixie Cream Cafe’s five herb-infused olive oil. Need we say more?
Five Star Reviews
The whimsical vibe, excellent service, and outstanding food are not noticed by those who dine at Dixie Cream Cafe. It has five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and its social media accounts. One of their most recent reviewers said:
To us, it’s all about the food! It is a cute place with significant social distancing, including outside dining, which was a significant plus. We used to live very close and go after church on Sundays. Then we moved to the Gulf Coast but always stopped when we got back in town. I LOVE their Tuna! Yes, with all the great things on the Menu, the Tuna Melt (tuna salad with cheese and tomato on grilled bread) is lovely!! They put something special in it, and I think I finally figured it out. Next time, I will try the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich.
I’m looking forward to going back soon! Don’t forget the Champagne!!!” – Linny R (TripAdvisor)
Paloma Coffee Co.
Be careful as you drive through Downtown Windermere because you might pass by Paloma Coffee Co. and not even notice. This lovely little community coffee shop is on the Erica Diaz Team’s list of hidden gems (restaurants) in the downtown Windermere area. It’s adorable both inside and out. You’ll find quality coffee, espresso, tea, baked goods, and more here.
Address: 507 Main St. Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: (407) 876-0895
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm | Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Outdoor Seating Available
As part of Paloma’s safety measures to keep the community healthy while continuing to serve up fresh coffee, the inside seating area is closed. However, you can still enjoy your coffee and socialize with friends outside on their front porch and back patio.
Popular Menu Items
EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM. IS. AMAZING. However, a few items kick it up, making them more “popular” than the others.
- Lavender Late! Hot or iced? It does not matter; you cannot go wrong with this drink no matter how you have it.
- Chai Tea Latte! So rich and creamy, it’s the best you’ll ever have.
Reviews Say It All
While reading their reviews, we wanted to plan our next team meeting there! Here’s what one of the tasty reviews that made our mouths water said:
Excellent service. I highly recommend their Sandwiches. The Spanish Manchego Cheese is out of this World! You must try it! Los Cafés!!! They have a great selection, and they serve them at the right temperature!!! An extra recognition of the way they clean the place every day!!! Thank you for taking care of your customers!!! You guys Rock!!!! – Jorge Cabrera (Facebook)
Pizza 14
This wood-fired takeout pizza parlor is Downtown Windermere restaurants’ #1 hidden gem. It is fairly new, and not many people have discovered it yet. However, those who have tried it out are spreading the word as best they can.
Address: 625 Main St, Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: (407) 217-6530
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 3 pm – 9 pm | Sunday 3 pm -8:30 pm
Popular Menu Items
- Glass Bottle Sodas! Finding a restaurant that serves these is always a fun treat. For some reason, the soda tastes better.
- Boars Head Meats & Cheeses! While this is not a specific meal option, it’s awesome to know they use quality meats and cheeses on all their pizzas.
The Reviews Are In
After looking at Pizza 14’s reviews, we can report that locals love the place! Here is one of their most recent reviews:
My wife and I love pizza. Pizza 14 met all of our expectations and more! You can taste the quality of the ingredients they use. Anything that comes out of that wood fire oven is delicious. The staff are very kind and hospitable. There is a great ambiance; you can admire the slight town feel outside. Our only regret is not discovering this place sooner.
Looking forward to returning – Simon S (Pizza 14)
Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse
Looking for a fun, exciting place where you can stop by any time of the day and grab something tasty? That’s precisely what you get with Allen’s Creamery and CoffeeHouse! Start your day off with a cup of coffee, swing by around lunchtime for fall-off-the-bone BBQ, or end your evening with a cone of ice cream. Allen’s truly has a little bit of everything to choose from.
Address: 523 Main St. Windermere, Fl. 34786
Phone: 407-876-3558
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Family Owned
Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse results from a hard-working family’s vision. The owners, Mark, Mat, Amy, and Anne, envisioned creating a space where Central Florida family and friends could come together and make lifelong memories. Many years later, locals love the hometown feel they get when visiting Allen’s.
Popular Menu Items
- Allen’s Chain of Lakes Challenge! Can you say brain freeze? That’s what comes to mind when we think about this frozen-eating challenge. Only the brave take on this cold deal. You have 15 minutes on the clock to eat 11 scoops of ice cream, including sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and, of course, a cherry on top! A pretty sweet prize if you win is a free Allen’s t-shirt!
- Nitrogen Ice Cream! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to create precisely what you are craving. 1—pick your base. 2—pick your flavor. 3—pick your add-ins!
Tasty Reviews
Most reviews about Allen’s Creamery & Coffee House mention what the person ate. It sounds like the consensus is that this is the place to go if you are looking for a sweet treat!
“My first visit went very well. I tried Caramel Caribou, which was heavenly! I love the ambiance of the place. Definitely will be returning soon.” –
Erica Diaz Team – Hidden Gems (Restaurants) in Downtown Windermere
Downtown Windermere is charming, with brick paver roads, brick buildings, and overgrown oak trees. But it also has a few restaurants we call hidden gems. Each one is unique and full of character. If you’re looking to move to Windermere and frequent these local favorites, contact the Erica Diaz Team today. They can help you find your dream home.
