Stella's Modern Pantry — Restaurant in Ocala

Yesterday, Haley (my daughter) and I had a day to ourselves. We had some errands to run and a lesson to get to, but after that we were free to do as we pleased. We decided to have an early dinner at Stella's Modern Pantry . Always a favorite gourmet shopping destination they also have an amazing menu, whether you're looking for a snack, dessert, or a full three course dinner, everything is always fresh, delicious and just amazing.

When you walk through the door, you're greeted warmly by the staff. Super friendly, courteous, helpful and always with a smile. You immediately feel like you're very welcome. The menus are overhead, on colorful chalk boards and the choices are absolutely mouthwatering. Haley and I chose to have side salads and one of the flatbread pizzas. We grabbed a seat at the counter, our favorite place to sit so that we can chat with everyone and watch Stephanie artfully prepare the gorgeous dinner creations. Haley grabbed a Manhattan Special soda from their impressive array of soft drinks from around the globe and I opted for ice water (although the wine menu was very tempting!), which they serve in the most adorable bottles. Our salads arrived and they were gorgeous! Fresh, chilled, crisp greens, sun dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, greek olives, pine nuts and delectable balsamic marinated onions, with the perfect crunchy croutons scattered throughout.

With perfect timing, the flat bread pizza came next. Echoing some of the flavors of the salad, the flatbread is thin, crisp and just perfect. Artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, greek olives and imported parmesan cheese, it's the perfect main course. Super generous serving size, Haley and I couldn't finish it, but we certainly tried!

We like to sit at the counter so that we can chat with everyone - talking about what's going on in town, the new products they're getting in, events that are coming up, we even had a conversation about some of our favorite (guilty pleasure) TV shows. There are tables as well, if you prefer a more private meal, but we just love to talk to everyone. As we munched on our dinners and chatted with Jeremy, we decided that we had to try some of the new pastry items.

We listened to the names of each, but my decision was made as soon as I heard the words "Key Lime" - I'm not much of a dessert person, except for cheese cake and anything key lime, so I ordered the key lime tart and Haley decided on the Pumpkin Mousse Custard tart (I don't remember what it was actually called, but that describes it pretty well). These were so good you can't believe it. What I love about key lime is that it's tart and sweet and this had the perfect balance. The white chocolate garnish was a perfect touch and the dark roast cup of coffee with steamed milk sent it over the edge.

Haley's is a little more difficult to explain.... sort of chocolate mousse, with pumpkin custard and this impossibly light whipped cream. Melt in your mouth delicious.

As always everything was outstanding! They make it seem effortless, yet every detail is spot on. Every taste, every dish, the unique items in the store. Nothing is overlooked, making this a favorite spot for us in Ocala. If you haven't been there yet, what are you waiting for? You will...

First, if you live near Ocala and haven’t been to the downtown square area where Stella’s Modern Pantry is located lately, you really need to check out how it’s transforming. There’s lots of great new places to eat, drink and shop, all within walking distance of each other. But on with the review of Stella’s. The interior ambiance is modern as the name implies and that really stands out in contrast with the rest of the old Florida feel you see in many of the other places in the area. (See photo). As you will see in the photo they have a nice selection of wine. The menu is also included so check that for details on corkage and the standard house choices. While talking first order options they have the usual choices with beer, wine, cocktails and non alcohol choices but they also offer Jamaican coffee, Greek coffee lattes, cappuccinos and even French press. Now on to the food. I ordered the Roasted chicken and garlic flatbread and it was excellent. Very thin crust and thoughtfully proportioned ingredients appropriate for the base. (See photo).

In speaking the server, I learned that everything served here is homemade and served fresh. If you are familiar with the modern day restaurant business you will likely appreciate how unique it is to find a place that is still making everything from scratch at the restaurant.

In summary, this is a unique place with an international flare and modern vibe that contrasts and therefore fits perfectly in the transforming Ocala...

Absolutely fantastic first-time experience. I went with my best friend today and she recommended this place. She has been before and told me I would love it. She was completely on point with that statement.

Had the Spanish egg breakfast. Eggs cooked perfectly in cast iron skillet with pieces of chorizo. Has a side salad(awesome house dressing), some heirloom tomatoes dressed and the crispy bread. I used the butter and preservatives on some of the bread, and the egg on the rest. Taste, and texture with great presentation all flawless. Had a few mimosas, love the original of course, strawberry is good and the blackberry is my jam. The bubbly to fruit ratio is just how I like it. The essence of fruit!

Dessert was a hard option. I needed something with chocolate so the chocolate mousse cake was happening. Freaking delicious. We were also suggested this pistachio bar. It reminded me of a pecan pie with gooey filling, had shaved almonds... no regrets it was toe curling yum.

So yeah, already have plans to go back with several from my work crew. After sending pictures and talking about it we've made plans!

If you haven't been here. Fix that situation and get inside...