April 28, 2026
Salt & Ember Opens in Mount Dora with VIP Preview Showcasing Raw Bar and Elevated Bites
By Gina Horan
Salt & Ember Opens in Mount Dora with VIP Preview Showcasing Raw Bar and Elevated Bites
Salt & Ember made its debut in downtown Mount Dora with a VIP preview event that brought together chamber members, community leaders and local supporters for a first look at the city’s newest dining addition.
Chef/owner Fred Bisaillon and general manager Michelle Konish welcomed guests into the space, where passed bites highlighted the restaurant’s focus on both raw bar and refined execution. Offerings included raw oysters with mignonette, steak tartare on toast points, seared scallops and Chupa Chups for a bit of whimsy.
Party-goers got a clear sense of the menu’s direction and with 35 years of culinary experience, Chef Fred now adds his vision to the robust dining scene.
“Walking in, the atmosphere is inviting and warm. It’s a great spot for happy hour or a quick bite after work,” says Nicole McHargue of Winter Springs. It’s a true raw bar with fresh food, intentional sourcing and thoughtful presentation.”
Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce president Rachel O’Ryan, sees the opening as a strong addition to the downtown landscape.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Salt & Ember to Mount Dora’s downtown dining scene,” Rachel says. “Every time a thoughtful, high-quality restaurant opens its doors here, it adds something new and exciting to the energy of our community, and Salt & Ember is a wonderful example of that.”
She says they are especially excited to have Salt & Ember as part of Mount Dora Taste on Saturday, May 2.
“This is a showcase and such a great celebration of the local restaurants and flavors that make this community so special,” she says.
Following the preview event, Salt & Ember has officially opened to the public and centers its offerings around fresh seafood and prime steaks, with elevated touches like caviar and a curated selection of new and old-world wines and craft cocktails. The space features a cozy dining room, a lively bar and patio designed for outdoor dining.
If you go:
322 Alexander Street, Mount Dora
saltandemberrestaurant.com
**reservations made through the website
Open 7 days a week
Mon – Thurs – 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat – 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Sun – 11 AM – 9 PM
Bar Daily – 11 AM – Midnight
Happy Hour Daily- 4 PM – 6 PM
Brunch Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM – 3 PM
Photos by Gina Horan, Spencer MacDonald, Mount Dora Area Chamber
Gina moved to Central Florida from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2021. She holds a degree in linguistics and has worked as a fashion editor, photo stylist, lifestyle columnist and food writer since 1995. She later covered travel, events, restaurants, music festivals and sports throughout Northern California, including work as a morning show host with KSAN radio and food critic for KRON Bay TV. A veteran bartender, she has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Gina joined Akers Media in 2022 and is currently the Food and Lifestyle Editor. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books and podcasts, tasting menus and arriving in a new city without a map.
