Just know, I have never written a review like this in my entire life.
If you have ever read the book "Unreasonable Hospitality", then you know that the staff at Donuteste embody it, radiate it, and thrive off of it. I DO NOT live in Lake Mary and find myself EXCITED to make the drive over there once every 2-3 weeks. When I am having a rough week, I purposely make a drive over because these are the people I want to be around.
From the way that Chef Victoria and Chef Shalom "Wecolm Home" each of their guests to the way that Alex always has a smile on his face as he is making matcha/ lattes to the way they make you feel a part of the community they are trying to create, it's nothing like I have ever seen/felt before. I have seen people ask dozens of questions, and there is nothing but a smile on everyone's faces.
Here are just a few more pros: All items truly taste fresh (which makes sense because the pastries/bagels are made a few hours before opening EVERY DAY) You are gaining a once-in-a-lifetime EXPERIENCE by meeting this staff (special shout out to Sasha and Mandee who were not previously mentioned). Their coffee beans are FRESHLY grinded as soon as they open and taste unlike any other coffee I have ever had. Never burnt or lacking in flavor. NOTE: Their coffees are typically made with oat milk (they are plant-based), BUT they have whole milk for those who prefer that. Try a matcha at least once. I do not like matcha so I was reluctant at first. However, I think I have now tried almost every flavor. The team is constantly creating a new cinnamon roll flavors each couple of weeks (which makes me always excited to come back for more).
Notes: Get there early if you plan on getting a specific cinnamon roll. Certain flavors can sell out within 2-3 hours of opening. Navigating to the building the first time can be tricky, BUT DO NOT GIVE UP (you will thank me later). They are INSIDE of an office building and their website gives some "landmarks" to look for. Worst case scenario: Message them on Instagram the day before your planned trip over there to get some extra assistance. When you order a bagel sandwhich, know that it is coming out fresh, a little hot, and mouth-watering delicious (even if you have to wait 10 minutes, ORDER IT). They DO...
Read moreDonut’ste is a family favorite for us! Chefs Shalom and Victoria are so incredible kind and hardworking. Listening to them speak about the quality and care they put into all of the pastries and food at Donut’ste is so special. We’ve been getting pastries from them since they had the cottage location in Lake Mary. Let me tell you, this location is next level!
Located right off of I4 in Lake Mary, it’s conveniently located to stop by for a quick visit. Parking is easy, there’s plenty of space to sit outside and enjoy all of your treats.
They’re serving food now which is so exciting! All pastries and beverages are still plant based but they do have dairy milk options for drinks as well as a few non plant based food options.
Prices are fair for the quality, tips are included in the price.
Things you should try: ANY pastry. They’re all amazing. I think anything vanilla bean that they do is incredible. Their filled rolls are also so so delicious. There are always new flavors being made and I’ve never had one I didn’t love. Coffee & Matcha. They’re always coming up with unique beverage ideas and of course, using super high quality ingredients. I love the passion fruit, mango matcha. They’re also doing some autumn seasonal beverages. Their barista Alex is so sweet and makes a great drink! Food. Loved the impossible sausage “egg” and “cheese” on the vegan brioche OR their house made bagels. Both are great options! The everything bagel is sooo good. I’ve also had a plant based breakfast burrito from them with salsa on the side.
All of this to say, if you want to support a family owned business where they really put so much love and intention into everything they do, come to Donut’ste. They will treat you...
Read more“Welcome home” the first thing said to you on arrival to my families new favorite gem in town. From quality of product to the incredible scenery and top notch service this little hideaway is everything we’ve always wanted. My husband got the banana cream pie latte and being from Daytona originally he has been craving to find a place that has a great banana coffee and this beyond exceeded his cravings and hopes. I had the Madagascar Vanilla Latte and the immediate smooth vanilla taste with the after tart of the espresso paired beautifully with the food we ordered. Pictured in this review is the cheesy pablano bagel toasted with their house made garlic dill which was a perfect pairing and was easily large enough to fill us both up if we weren’t salivating at the rolls we ordered as well! I originally thought the pepper might be a bit spicy but the heat was so minute that it was borderline addictive with that housemade spread. Next on the palate was the peach cobbler cinnamon roll and Dubai chocolate cinnamon roll and my goodness those rolls are NEXT LEVEL! The sweetness of the pistachio icing mixed with the fresh pistachios and chocolate chips combined in such a beautifully unique way with the cinnamon roll my tastebuds were begging for more. The peach cobbler cinnamon roll was an immediate transportation to your favorite hometown diner after a high school football game. That warm cozy feeling that kept you craving more. I wish there was a way to rate this place more than 5 stars because of all the 5 star reviews I have ever given this is by far the most deserving eatery I have ever rated. Thank you for being a part of our community, we simply cannot wait...
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