CressOur Concept
We are open for dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 5:30 pm. We are also open for Sunday Brunch from 11 am to 2 pm. For dinner, we offer a diverse 3-course prix-fixed menu or an exciting Chef's Choice Tasting menu from Chef Hari Pulapaka.
Cress Anniversary
We opened our doors on August 29th, 2008 in the midst of the toughest recession in recent decades. Now in our 9th year, we are as strong as ever and fully committed to our pledge of thoughtful sourcing, supporting local farmers, and drawing inspirations from all over the world.
James Beard Awards
Chef Hari Pulapaka is a four-time semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award-Best Chef South and has been invited to cook on multiple occasions at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. Here is a link with more information.
Cress2016 Year in Review
2015 saw a tremendous flurry of positive energy and activity and we are proud to have been as actively engaged in as many aspects of hospitality as we were. Additionally, we are honoured to have been recognized by so many illustrious organizations. Here is our 2015 Year in Review and 2016 is already shaping up to surpass our own expectations!.
Welcome to Cress 386.734.3740
Looking For Gift Certificates?
We are now pleased to offer gift certificates online (via SquareUp) in three denominations: $50, $100, and $150. Here is a link to purchase these gift cards
Buy an Original Creation (Sauce Manchurian) By Chef Pulapaka (limited quantities)
You may also call us at 386.734.3740 or stop by the restaurant during operating hours and we are happy to help you obtain a wonderful gift.
Follow Us On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
About Us
Cress Restaurant is an exciting independent restaurant that debuted in Historic Downtown DeLand, FL in August 2008. Cress is owned and operated by Hari and Jenneffer Pulapaka and supported by a dedicated and talented staff. Chef Hari Pulapaka is a four-time (2015, 2014, 2013, 2011) James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef-South, a two-time (2013 and 2012) Food & Wine Magazine's nominee for the top 100 People's Best New Chef, and is also an active, tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University and Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka (General Manager and Wine Director) is also a podiatric surgeon who owns her own private medical practice The DeLand Foot and Leg Center. Hari, Jenneffer, and the entire Cress Staff are tirelessly re-inventing the cuisine, service, and overall dining experience at Cress.
Wine at Cress
Follow our exciting new feature where we offer great midweek specials on wine and celebrate the enoyment of pairing them with food! Follow Wine At Cress
Our Food Stamp Challenges
Jenneffer and Hari Pulapaka have taken the Food Stamp Challenge on multiple occasions. Here is a link to our daily posts during this challenge: Food Stamp Challenge Blog.
Upcoming & Recent Events
Sustainable Seafood Dinner
Wednesday, September 28th,6:30 PM
Cress Restaurant
Details coming soon.
Cress Restaurant at James Beard House (NYC)
Monday, April 4th
"Global Table, Sunshine State", James Beard House
167 W 12th St, New York, NY 10011
We are proud to be the featured restaurant at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.
Click Here for the JBH Menu & Online Link to Buy Tickets
Kestrel Vintners Winemaker's Dinner
Monday, February 22nd
Cress Restaurant
We hosted our first winemaker's dinner of 2016. Kestrel Vintners (Washington State) and Cress Restaurant partnered for an exclusive, intimate, delicious wine and food event with winemaker Justin Michaud. The event was SOLD-OUT.
Sustainable & Locally Sourced Dinner
Tuesday, February 9th, 6:30 pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3755 NW Highway 17-92 (I 4 Exit 104), Sanford, Florida 32771
We showcased Florida Lionfish, an invasive specices recently rated a "Best Choice" by Monterey Bay Seafood Watch and a variety of locally sourced ingredients in a 3-course dinner and conversation. The event was SOLD-OUT.
Click Here for the Dinner Menu
Asheville CAN-JBF Mini Chef's Boot Camp & Advocacy Dinner
We partnered with the Chef Action Network, James Beard Foundation, and The Market Place Restaurant to bring leading chefs, artisans, writers, and scientists for a two day salon to think through ways of celebrating & improving the food culture & system of the Appalachian region followed by cooking a fundraising dinner titled "Eight Chefs. One Night Only. In Support of a Good Food System for All."
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016, 6:30 PM
The Market Place Restaurant, Asheville, NC
Would You Like To Receive Weekly Updates?
Every week, Chef Pulapaka personally sends an update to all subscribers about special events, weekend specials, and recipes. If you are interested, please sign-up for the Cress Newsletter.
What Our Customers Say
Good food and service. Great place for special occasions. Check to see availability and reservations. Award-winning dining.
Barbara G
Lovely restaurant in downtown DeLand. Food plated well and service was top notch. Great wine places within walking distance for an after dinner drink.
Hazelali1107
I have been wanting to go to The Cress Restaurant and finally went. I had the best fish I have ever had. The flavors of the sauces, spices and the presentation were amazing. The appetizers and desserts are also amazing. If you want to experience an unique blend of flavors don't miss this upscale restaurant.
cac12655
Our group of four had the three course offering with wine parings. Everything about the experience was wonderful. The food and service were excellent and reasonably priced for an all-inclusive dinner.
Gene1946
Great food. Nice place for our staff meetings. The restored pew is perfect. Wonderful flavors Chef. We loved our holiday party at Cress, and look forward to our next meeting. Fab team.
Three Dfalc
Wonderful staff and great friendly casual service. The chef - Hari Pulapaka is fabulous and is a master of spice and bold flavors. The wine list is extensive from nice simple house wines to a beautiful Jarvis. Seasonal menu that changes. Currently the carrots & beets course is to die for and the herb crusted fish of the days is Golden Tile from Port Orange. This is a place to relax, eat, wine, and enjoy our friends.
Foodie Nosh