Visited on: 08/02/24
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pisces Rising in Mount Dora offers a spacious dining area with beautiful outdoor seating that provides stunning views of the lake. The ambiance is serene and inviting, creating a perfect setting for a relaxing dinner with a touch of elegance. The décor is tasteful, blending modern elements with a cozy, welcoming feel that immediately puts you at ease.
The service at Pisces Rising was exceptional from the moment we arrived. The staff was super friendly and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a great experience. Our server, noticing that the bar was running behind, personally prepared our drinks, which added a thoughtful and personal touch to our visit.
For an appetizer, we had the Calamari Fries, featuring deep-fried buttermilk and sriracha marinated colossal squid with haricot verts, pickled cherry peppers, togarashi seasoning, and sambal aioli. The calamari was fresh and tender, though the breading could have been lighter and crisper. The aioli was outstanding, providing a perfect balance of flavors and elevating the dish to an 8/10.
We ordered the Crab Stuffed Salmon as our main course. This dish included oven-
roasted fresh Atlantic salmon filled with lump crab meat, garlic mashed potatoes, and a side of shrimp mac and cheese instead of asparagus. The salmon was flavorful and well-seasoned, although
slightly overcooked due to the crab stuffing needing thorough cooking. The mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth, bursting with flavor, while the mac and cheese was rich and comforting, despite the shrimp being a tad overcooked. Overall, this dish earned an 8/10.
We also tried the Shrimp and Grits, which included blackened shrimp and stone-ground grits with pepper jack cheese, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, spinach, and a white wine garlic cream sauce. The sauce was the star of the dish, packed with flavor and perfectly complementing the other ingredients. The grits were a bit too thick, resembling mashed potatoes more than traditional grits, and the shrimp were slightly overcooked. Despite these minor issues, the dish was enjoyable and received a 7/10.
The highlight of the meal was the guava drink, which was expertly crafted with just the right amount of sweetness. It was incredibly refreshing and perfectly balanced, making it a delightful accompaniment to our meal. This drink earned a well-deserved 9/10.
We spent about $103, including the tip. While Pisces Rising is on the pricier side, the quality of food and service makes it worth the cost. The restaurant's cleanliness was excellent, contributing to a pleasant and hygienic dining atmosphere.
Overall, Pisces Rising provided a wonderful dining experience with fresh, flavorful food and outstanding service. The serene lakeside setting and attentive staff made our visit memorable. While there were a few minor issues with some dishes, the overall experience was highly satisfying. We would definitely recommend Pisces Rising to others looking to enjoy a meal in Mount Dora. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Pisces Rising offers a dining experience that is both delightful and worth repeating.
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