Disney Dining: Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

If it’s been a minute since you’ve visited Cítricos, it’s time to book a table.

And I know it’s been a minute—because the restaurant, located  at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa—just reopened for the first time since the COVID shutdown shuttered many of the resort’s fine dining spots.

I recently had an opportunity to dine there and experience the new decor and menu. There’s so much to see and taste that we’re eager to share it with you!

Let’s jump right in with a photo tour.

The Atmosphere

Make your way to the second floor of The Grand Floridian and check in at the round podium. Victoria & Albert’s, still currently closed, is just to the left.

Picture windows offer lovely, sweeping views of the lush grounds below.

During the shutdown, the signature dining spot underwent a bit of a refresh, and returns to the Orlando dining scene sporting a subtle Mary Poppins Returns theme. Touches from the film can be seen throughout the whimsical decor, from corseted upholstery to butterfly-bedecked chandeliers.

In the restaurant’s wine room, we spotted Mary’s hat, carpet bag and umbrella—plus a few fun friends.

Gorgeous light fixtures and light grey paint have given the space a decidedly feminine, airy touch.

Light fixtures have been updated with whimsical butterfly cutouts.

As beautiful as the setting is, however, the food and drink are the real draw.

The Dishes and Drinks

Sommelier Israel Perez and Chef Andres Mendoza, along with Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer, have created a sumptuous menu celebrating the bounty of Florida cuisine touched with Mediterranean influences.

As we were seated, Israel greeted us and shared some highlights of the menu. We were excited to see non-alcoholic craft mocktails at the very top of the list.

Craft Mocktails

We had the opportunity to sample a few and found them to be every bit as celebratory and special as  traditional alcoholic libations. First, we tried the London Dry Juniper Seltzer. A mix of cinchona bark, smoked rosemary blended with citrus, lemongrass and juniper aromatics, it’s reminiscent of a gin and tonic.

If you’re looking for a drink that says, “I’m on vacation!” have a go at the Paradise Punch. Made with melted sugar and Caribbean spices mixed with vanilla, orgeat, strawberry and citrus, it has the vibe of a rum cocktail without the alcohol.

Tempting Starters

Next, we tucked into a vast array of starters. The Strawberry Salad was a feast for the eyes, with macerated strawberries and chamomile-infused goat cheese. I could have happily made a meal out of this lovely dish.

But then, the Corn Bisque arrived, perfectly creamy and velvety, poured table side for extra drama.

Next, we tried a show-stopping Citrus-Cured Hamachi, with passionfruit nuoc cham, compressed star fruit, pasilla oil and blood orange puffed tapioca. It’s tempting to simply stare in wonder at such an artistic dish.

Berkshire Pork Belly arrived to the table alongside a delicate croquette of boniato and plantain, accompanied by salsa verde and shaved jicama, which both offset the richer components of the dish wonderfully.

The Main Attraction

We then moved on to main dishes, which offered a tempting array of options, from a hearty plant-based entree, to beautiful fish and meat dishes.

To begin, we sampled the sumptuous House-made Rigatoni, featuring Bolognese, seasonal vegetables, roasted hen of the woods mushrooms and “egg yolk.” The sauce is made with a meat substitute, and the “yolk” is actually a tomato. This is one of the most satisfying plant-based dishes I have ever experienced.

Next, we sampled two fish dishes: The first, Domestic Golden Tilefish, was served with a Jupiter Rice chorizo “risotto,” Key West pink shrimp and confit tomatoes.

But my favorite dish of the evening had to be the Butter Poached Cobia, served with mashed potatoes, asparagus, local mushrooms and accompanied by a lovely grapefruit beurre blanc.

For meat lovers, the Guava Barbecued Shortribs offered a sweet and tangy version of a favorite, served with creamy cheese grits.

We also enjoyed a trio of sides, including Smoked Cauliflower, Grilled Marble Potatoes, and Truffled Mac and Cheese.

Again, we were so impressed with the complexity of each dish.

Sweet Treats

When it came time to bring the meal to a sweet ending, we were once more tempted by a wonderful array of dishes.

The restaurant’s custom-blended coffee arrived in these small individual pots, and the cup was a bold offering, the perfect complement to each dessert.

As we all sampled the desserts (isn’t it best to share, so you get to try lots of things?), I found that each was better than the last. It was hard to choose a favorite!

The Orange Blossom Flan was delightful.

But then, the delicate flavors of the Blackberry Tartlette, with lemon Bavarian, proved to be enchanting.

More edible art presented itself in the form of the Apple Rose, with marzipan, raspberry jam, and a frozen coconut milk on the side (not pictured.)

But I truly saved the best for last. The Chocolate Torte may seem innocent enough, but this is one of the best chocolate desserts I’ve had in a very long time. There is a rich, delicate complexity that makes the chocolate truly…enough. No fancy sauces. No bells and whistles. Just a perfectly executed chocolate dessert that hides a secret inside of Morello cherries.

If you’re anything like me, you will have no desire to share.

The Takeaway

What can I say about Cítricos? Not enough. While it’s been around for quite some time, it tends to rest in the shadow of other signature restaurants, like California Grill (currently open) and Flying Fish (we’re still awaiting a reopening date for this one.)

And it shouldn’t, because this is some of the finest dining that you’ll experience—not just within Disney, but throughout all of Orlando.

Beyond the beautiful setting and incredible food, expect impeccable service from a group of professionals that only Disney can deliver.

Be Our Guest, indeed. We’ll see you again real soon, Cítricos. Promise.