Fortuna Bakery in Windermere is a bright, polished, upscale cafe located in the peaceful and picturesque community of Windermere outside Orlando, Florida. Fortuna means lucky in Spanish, and this bright little cafe certainly imparts good fortune on all those who wander across it. The community stands out as well-planned and thoughtfully designed, with grand oak trees dotting each street and walking path. Huge oak trees shade expansive sidewalks that are nearly as wide as the road, built for strollers or bikers alongside dog walkers. Tanned runners and reflective solitary thinkers surround the glistening lake.
Fortuna itself sits near expansive walkways, trails and benches, with a gigantic gazebo offering shade for those who want to enjoy nature while they sip their coffee. Water is everywhere, with Lake Cawood, Lake Smith and Little Lake Sawyer across the street, and Lake William Davis down the road. Just two miles down the road is the jewel of Windermere, Lake Butler. If you want coffee by the gleaming lake, Fortuna Bakery is for you!
Built among orange groves in the 1880s, Englishman Stanley Scott lovingly named the area to honor of his beloved Lake Windermere in England. Windermere Woman’s Club eventually became home to local government and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fortuna Bakery is new however, and you can tell by the crisp and clean building with all its polished, gleaming surfaces. Everything about Fortuna says it is well-cared for and efficient. Greeted with warm smiles and friendly hospitality, it is a bakery that welcomes you back with gratitude.
The coffee itself is delicious –the fresh brew has a rich and well-rounded sweetness, without any flavoring whatsoever, just enjoyed black. Alongside traditional croissants and turnovers are Columbian artisanal specialties like empanadas and arepas. It is spacious and clean, with as much or more outdoor seating as indoor seating. Adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of Windermere tree-lined lakeside neighborhoods, Fortuna Bakery & Cafe is a great stop for a special morning, or to make any regular weekday morning feel special.