Citricos?

[NMPensFan]

we have the dxddp for an upcoming vacation. I did a lot of research and saw Citricos had great reviews so I booked an ADR. But looking at the menu, nothing stands out to me. I keep on going back and forth about whether or not to keep the ADR. As soon as I decide to cancel, I read that it's another poster's favorite.

Can you help me decide by sharing what you all love about Citricos including specific food info?

Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

What is it that you like? Citricos is a very good restaurant, but if it doesn't have anything on the menu that appeals to you, check out the menus of other similar restaurants like Artist Point, Narcoossee, Yachtsman and California Grill.

 

[NMPensFan]

We like all kinds of food . We already have ADRs for Cali grill for brunch and dinner, Narcoossees, yachtsman, Hollywood brown derby and Le Cellier.

I'm curious about others favorite dishes at Citricos to help shine a light.

 

[goofy4prez]

We like all kinds of food . We already have ADRs for Cali grill for brunch and dinner, Narcoossees, yachtsman, Hollywood brown derby and Le Cellier.

I'm curious about others favorite dishes at Citricos to help shine a light.

As for food quality, I think that Citricos absolutely blows away your choices of Hollywood Brown Derby and Le Cellier... The Brown Derby is an average signature restaurant with better options a short distance away on the Boardwalk such as the Flying Fish (when it reopens). As for Le Cellier, I personally think it's like putting lipstick on a pig and trying to call it beautiful. LC to me is an average 1TS restaurant that Disney decided to call a signature a few years ago and do nothing but bleed more money (and dining credits) out of people. Come to think of it, they didn't even add lipstick to the pig, they just raised the prices and virtually nothing else. While California Grill is not one of my favorite signature restaurants, it is a decent choice and does offer a great view. As for Yachtsman and Narcoossees, I love them both.

I'm sorry, I got sidetracked and took a rabbit trail. To answer your question about Citricos; For several years I passed up trying this restaurant simply because I didn't think the menu or the decor had much to offer. I finally gave into the many excellent reviews and tried it a few weeks back for our June visit. Let me just say I left that place impressed with our dining experience. I ordered the salmon which was not on the menu but rather a special off the menu; it was awesome. My DD ordered something also that was not on the regular menu, I forget what it was but she was groaning and sighing and just about licking the plate clean. There were 8 of us in our party and not a single complaint. The dessert was incredible in presentation and taste with the Chocolate-Banana Torte. The service, well to say it was fantastic would be short changing this place. Our server was fantastic and the manager personally stopped by to congratulate my DD on her high school graduation and my wife and my 30th anniversary. We left this place wondering why in the world did it take us 10 years to finally give this place a try... It has now moved to a must do for us on our next visit.

 

[thumpergirl101]

I'm admittedly biased, because I worked at Citricos during my Disney College Program, so I have to recommend it. But I've had the chance to try just about everything on the menu (or the menu as it appeared a year ago), and it's all fantastic. The menu does change frequently depending on seasonal offerings, so keep that in mind.

It's true that Citricos doesn't have the most unique menu, or any major dishes that you couldn't find elsewhere on property. But the chefs are wonderful, so everything tastes excellent. The shortribs are the best I've ever had. I'm not a seafood fan, but even I enjoyed the fish and particularly the shrimp appetizer.

For appetizers, I recommend the shrimp, pork belly, or arancini.

For entrees, I'm partial to the shortribs, but I've heard excellent things about the pork porterhouse as well.

If you order anything other than the warm chocolate-banana torte for dessert, then you're cheating yourself. I'm still dreaming about it. Not only is the presentation gorgeous, but it might be the best dessert I've had on Disney property.

If you have any particular questions, I'm happy to answer. I can even recommend tables, if you're interested. The servers are all wonderful, as is the management, so if you go with Citricos it should be a great experience.

 

[owynn]

So the one problem I have in recommending Citricos is that I don't want people to flock there, and then I can't get a reservation. I LOVE this place. My DW and DS went there on our last trip. DS was 15 months old at the time. I had a Berkshire Pork Chop that was amazing (now listed as the Kurobuta Pork Porterhouse). My son and I licked the plate clean. He wasn't so keen on the sides and instead paired the pork with his applesauce pouch. The chef came around to see how everything was, and saw my son taking a piece of pork and then a swig of apple sauce. "Classic combo" he declared. My wife had hte Ashley Farms Chicken and declared it was the best chicken dish she has ever had. We had the Arancini and the Pork Bely appetizers and they were amazing. We bought one of the cook books with the Arancini recipe in it, just so we could try making them at home. I can't even recall what I had for dessert, either the Tiramusu or Creme Brulee, but it was delicious.

The staff, from the servers to the hosts, to the cooks were amazing. Our son had passed out in the stroller, so they setup the table so we could wheel him in next to us and brought out a high chair for when he woke. They had set the table for the two of us. As soon as he woke, right as the main course was being served, they whipped into action and transformed the table to accommodate him, with the high chair, a place setting, a kid's cup of water, etc before we even got him out of the stroller.

 

[Pepper pots]

I originally had Citricos on my hit list as a good American friend of mine recommended it, but after checking out the menu, only one thing jumped out at me..My final signature restaurants are..Narcoossees..Jiko..Cali Grill..YS..and Jiko...

 

[Uncleromulus]

I still like Citricos but was dealt a severe blow when they abandoned their signature dish--Veal shank.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I honestly can't remember what I had there the first few times we went, but I remember loving it. I had a salmon dish a couple times that was honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. (I haven't seen the salmon on the menu lately, but maybe it was a special?) Citricos is definitely one of our must-dos.

As far as your other signatures, I've heard not great things about LC. We were also weren't blown away by CG - the view is nice, but we were also lucky enough to get a window table. If we were making a point to visit several signatures in one trip, I'd definitely put Citricos and Jiko on the list.

 

[NMPensFan]

To answer your question about Citricos; For several years I passed up trying this restaurant simply because I didn't think the menu or the decor had much to offer. I finally gave into the many excellent reviews and tried it a few weeks back for our June visit. Let me just say I left that place impressed with our dining experience. I ordered the salmon which was not on the menu but rather a special off the menu; it was awesome. My DD ordered something also that was not on the regular menu, I forget what it was but she was groaning and sighing and just about licking the plate clean. There were 8 of us in our party and not a single complaint. The dessert was incredible in presentation and taste with the Chocolate-Banana Torte. The service, well to say it was fantastic would be short changing this place. Our server was fantastic and the manager personally stopped by to congratulate my DD on her high school graduation and my wife and my 30th anniversary. We left this place wondering why in the world did it take us 10 years to finally give this place a try... It has now moved to a must do for us on our next visit.

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks!

I'm admittedly biased, because I worked at Citricos during my Disney College Program, so I have to recommend it. But I've had the chance to try just about everything on the menu (or the menu as it appeared a year ago), and it's all fantastic. The menu does change frequently depending on seasonal offerings, so keep that in mind.

It's true that Citricos doesn't have the most unique menu, or any major dishes that you couldn't find elsewhere on property. But the chefs are wonderful, so everything tastes excellent. The shortribs are the best I've ever had. I'm not a seafood fan, but even I enjoyed the fish and particularly the shrimp appetizer.

For appetizers, I recommend the shrimp, pork belly, or arancini.

For entrees, I'm partial to the shortribs, but I've heard excellent things about the pork porterhouse as well.

If you order anything other than the warm chocolate-banana torte for dessert, then you're cheating yourself. I'm still dreaming about it. Not only is the presentation gorgeous, but it might be the best dessert I've had on Disney property.

If you have any particular questions, I'm happy to answer. I can even recommend tables, if you're interested. The servers are all wonderful, as is the management, so if you go with Citricos it should be a great experience.

Thanks for your detailed answer. It's so cool that you've tried everything. I was thinking of the same appetizers you mentioned. Now I am focused in on the short ribs and torte.
Do any of the tables have a good view of wishes or the water parade?

So the one problem I have in recommending Citricos is that I don't want people to flock there, and then I can't get a reservation. I LOVE this place. My DW and DS went there on our last trip. DS was 15 months old at the time. I had a Berkshire Pork Chop that was amazing (now listed as the Kurobuta Pork Porterhouse). My son and I licked the plate clean. He wasn't so keen on the sides and instead paired the pork with his applesauce pouch. The chef came around to see how everything was, and saw my son taking a piece of pork and then a swig of apple sauce. "Classic combo" he declared. My wife had hte Ashley Farms Chicken and declared it was the best chicken dish she has ever had. We had the Arancini and the Pork Bely appetizers and they were amazing. We bought one of the cook books with the Arancini recipe in it, just so we could try making them at home. I can't even recall what I had for dessert, either the Tiramusu or Creme Brulee, but it was delicious.

The staff, from the servers to the hosts, to the cooks were amazing. Our son had passed out in the stroller, so they setup the table so we could wheel him in next to us and brought out a high chair for when he woke. They had set the table for the two of us. As soon as he woke, right as the main course was being served, they whipped into action and transformed the table to accommodate him, with the high chair, a place setting, a kid's cup of water, etc before we even got him out of the stroller.

Your son sounds precious. Seems like licked plates are common at Citricos. The arancini did catch my eye. Which would you recommend if you had to choose one, the pork belly or arancini?

I originally had Citricos on my hit list as a good American friend of mine recommended it, but after checking out the menu, only one thing jumped out at me..My final signature restaurants are..Narcoossees..Jiko..Cali Grill..YS..and Jiko...

I had thought about Jiko too but scheduling just won't work out. Our AK day meal will be Boma.

I still like Citricos but was dealt a severe blow when they abandoned their signature dish--Veal shank.

Seems like menus change regularly. Veal shank would jump out on the menu if it was there.

 

[NMPensFan]

I honestly can't remember what I had there the first few times we went, but I remember loving it. I had a salmon dish a couple times that was honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. (I haven't seen the salmon on the menu lately, but maybe it was a special?) Citricos is definitely one of our must-dos.

As far as your other signatures, I've heard not great things about LC. We were also weren't blown away by CG - the view is nice, but we were also lucky enough to get a window table. If we were making a point to visit several signatures in one trip, I'd definitely put Citricos and Jiko on the list.

I know LC doesn't have the best reputation but it's one of our must dos. Signatures are a focus but it's hard scheduling because so many of them don't offer lunch. There are only so many nights for dinner, lol. We couldn't make Jiko work for our schedule but it's on the list for next time.

 

[Uncleromulus]

NMPENSFan:

No real good view of anything from Citricos.

 

[owynn]

Your son sounds precious. Seems like licked plates are common at Citricos. The arancini did catch my eye. Which would you recommend if you had to choose one, the pork belly or arancini?

Thank you. He's certainly an amazing little man. As for the pork belly and arancini, tough call, but I would lean towards the arancini. Its not something that you will find that often, and they were done to perfection.

 

[Scott MC]

My 3 favorite restaurants on property are Flying Fish (at BWI), Narcoossee's and Citrico's.
Flying Fish is hands-down my favorite, but if deciding between the 2 at the GF, it comes down to stomach vs. heart for me. My heart is with Narcoossee's. The setting, the view, and watching the fireworks from the deck are priceless. The servers and quality of food have gone down over the years we've found. Whereas at Citricos, the dining room is pretty and elegant, but lacks the wow factor of Narcoossee's. That said, we've never had a bad meal here, and have found our favorite servers have always been here. I like the pork 2 (or 3) ways.

 

[NMPensFan]

My 3 favorite restaurants on property are Flying Fish (at BWI), Narcoossee's and Citrico's.
Flying Fish is hands-down my favorite, but if deciding between the 2 at the GF, it comes down to stomach vs. heart for me. My heart is with Narcoossee's. The setting, the view, and watching the fireworks from the deck are priceless. The servers and quality of food have gone down over the years we've found. Whereas at Citricos, the dining room is pretty and elegant, but lacks the wow factor of Narcoossee's. That said, we've never had a bad meal here, and have found our favorite servers have always been here. I like the pork 2 (or 3) ways.

Narcoossees looks amazing! I can't wait for our ADR. And we should be there for Wishes...

 

[gzmtlock]

My favorite Citrico's dishes:

Shrimp appetizer - I am still trying to recreate this one at home. The ingredients look so simple. But the flavor is anything but.
Halibut for the entree (can you tell I love seafood?)
sorbet for dessert (I'm not much of a dessert person, I can't manage rich and big at the end of a meal)

We are strongly leaning towards Citrico's for our Christmas Eve dinner this year - that's how much we enjoy it!

 

[thumpergirl101]

Actually, there are a few tables that have a decent view of Wishes, if you time things correctly. If you ask at the podium if you can get a fireworks view, they'll do their best to accommodate you. If you want specifics, your best bet is Table 83, which is a four-top. If your party size is larger, you can see some of the fireworks from Tables 81 and 85 (6-tops) or Table 82 (8-top).

It's not a perfect view, and the Grand Floridian has a lot of better viewing spots, but if you happen to be at dinner during the fireworks, you should be able to see a decent amount.

 

[Uncleromulus]

"Decent" being the operative word.

 

[NMPensFan]

My favorite Citrico's dishes:

Shrimp appetizer - I am still trying to recreate this one at home. The ingredients look so simple. But the flavor is anything but.
Halibut for the entree (can you tell I love seafood?)
sorbet for dessert (I'm not much of a dessert person, I can't manage rich and big at the end of a meal)

We are strongly leaning towards Citrico's for our Christmas Eve dinner this year - that's how much we enjoy it!

Great review, now I'm thinking of the shrimp too.

Actually, there are a few tables that have a decent view of Wishes, if you time things correctly. If you ask at the podium if you can get a fireworks view, they'll do their best to accommodate you. If you want specifics, your best bet is Table 83, which is a four-top. If your party size is larger, you can see some of the fireworks from Tables 81 and 85 (6-tops) or Table 82 (8-top).

It's not a perfect view, and the Grand Floridian has a lot of better viewing spots, but if you happen to be at dinner during the fireworks, you should be able to see a decent amount.

Thanks. Wishes will be right at the end of the meal but we might already be finished and I don't want to hog a table if so. I've never been to the Floridan. If you don't mind, where would be a good place to watch wishes that's not in citricos?

 

[gzmtlock]

If you don't mind, where would be a good place to watch wishes that's not in citricos?

Boat dock, just beyond Narcoossee's. Might be others, but I'm sure that's a good one. When we were leaving Narcoosee's the other night to head over to BLT, families were catching spots on the benches on the boat dock, about an hour before Wishes was scheduled to start. I don't know that you need to be out there that early, that's just what I saw.