Citricos Review
On our last trip to Walt Disney World in January 2022, we stayed at the Grand Floridian Villas. We spent a little less time in the parks so we could enjoy the amenities of the Disney’s Flagship Resort. I had eaten at Citricos back for Christmas Dinner in 2015, and it was fine, but it wasn’t my favorite.
At the time, I much preferred Narcoossee’s, which has the best surf & turf I’d ever had, and I’m from New England! But Citricos was updated in 2021 with a new menu and Mary Poppins Returns inspired décor, so I was excited to try it.
This past trip was unique. The first half of the trip, I enjoyed time with my family. Halfway through, my family left and my colleagues joined me for some business. I already had reservations for the family when the girls made a reservation for the second half so I actually got to try it twice in one week.
Feel
Citricos fits in nicely with the turn of the century vibes of the Grand Floridian lobby. It is on the second floor, tucked back opposite the new Enchanted Rose lounge.
Prior to the renovation, the restaurant was extremely dated, reminiscent of visiting my grandmother’s Florida condo that was decorated in the 80s. The new atmosphere is fun and vibrant, but also somehow calming. The mix of textiles on the tables is so unique and definitely brings the whimsy you love from Mary Poppins. I particularly loved the umbrella inspired light fixtures and Cherry blossom florals that would have been right at home on Cherry Tree Lane. Make sure you swing by the kitchen, the window separating the private dining room on the right features some of our favorite nannies’ famous belongings. However, the space is large and the kitchen is open so it does get a little loud.
Fare
In addition to new décor, Citricos got a menu revamp. The restaurant was known for its flavors of Provence, Tuscany and the Spanish Riviera. Even though the menu was updated, Disney stuck with that same idea.
The first night we started with the arancini, pork belly, and smoked duck breast. The arancini and pork belly were delicious but the duck breast was outstanding. Served over fresh tagliatelle pasta with a celeriac puree, the smokiness of the duck paired so well with the sweetness of the sauce that was on it. I would go back just for this.
After such a wonderful introduction, I was excited for the entrees. Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t have the same inspired flavors. I got the Short Ribs (because if they are on a menu, I am ordering them) and my parents each got the Filet. Both were good, solid dishes but nothing I would go out of my way for.
The next night, I thought I would try the local fish. While I liked both the tilefish and the cobia, again, nothing stood out. In fact, I barely remember the dish writing this only a few weeks later.
For guests staying at the Grand Floridian looking for convenient, signature dining, it would be an excellent stop on a monorail crawl. Grab a drink at Enchanted Rose, and then another one at Citricos with some appetizers before getting dinner at the Poly or Contemporary.
Finale
With so many wonderful signature restaurants, including Narcoossee’s a few hundred feet away, I would say skip Citricos unless you are staying at the Grand Floridian or are looking to try something new. It is good! But it’s not great.
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