-By Darlin’ Diva
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a relaxing and romantic dinner for two, consider Citricos in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This hidden gem of a restaurant offers the perfect combination of delicious menu options and excellent service in a softly lit, cozy atmosphere.
Recently, my husband, Raymond, and I had the pleasure of dining in Citricos for the first time and could not believe we had waited so long to eat there! Just a short monorail ride away from where we were staying in Bay Lake Tower, Citricos was the perfect place to relax after a busy day in the parks. We arrived early enough to stop in Mizner’s Lounge for a glass of wine and enjoyed listening to the Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra playing just outside the lounge. Before we knew it, it was time for our reservation.
The entrance to Citricos is very unremarkable, but the dining room is lovely and, to me, boasts a certain elegance some of Disney’s other table service restaurants lack. We were escorted to our table by a very charming young man named Vince who told us our server, Michael, would be right with us. Sure enough, Michael arrived and was excellent at his job! We were offered helpful and sincere recommendations on various menu items and when the bread was brought to our table, Michael explained that the breads (organic 9-grain and Kalamata olive) were accompanied by unsalted butter sprinkled with Citricos signature blend of Mediterranean Sea salt and citrus zest. I’m sure we were 
extra hungry, but we thought that bread and butter was amazing!
Raymond ordered a bottle of wine and for our appetizer, we selected the cheese course. Remembering how much we’d loved the cheeses at the Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s Boardwalk, we were excited about trying a different version. Our hopes were high and we were not disappointed! The plate consisted of three cheeses and some additional sides described on the menu as “Wijngaard Chèvre Affiné from Holland, Taleggio D.O.P from Italy, and Cashel from Ireland served with seasonal accompaniments”– all were delicious.
For our entrees, we both chose the cod. Pictures do not do justice to this dish. Described as, “Pan-seared Icelandic Cod – Roated Yukon Gold Potatoes, Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon, New Smyrna Clams, P.E.I. Mussels, Carrots, Fennel, and Creamed Fish Fumet” – allow me to point out the most important details: the cod was perfectly prepared and the bacon (perfect little squares of meaty goodness) made this dish for me. All the flavors on my plate blended and complimented each other very successfully. When I mentioned the bacon to Michael, he was happy to share that the chef purchases the bacon from a special farm specifically for its excellent flavor and quality.
Sadly, we found ourselves too full for dessert…maybe next time! Because there will most definitely be a next time. In fact, we can’t wait to go back and bring our children who we know would have enjoyed Citricos every bit as much as we did.
Often overlooked, Citricos is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal in a wonderful atmosphere. Have you dined at Citricos? How was your experience?
My wife and I loved Citricos and we believe it is definitely one of the top TS restaurants in WDW. We found the service to be amazing, the food top-notch…and we also saved room for dessert…fantastic!!!
Only negative is that we recently ate at V & A, and now, we can’t go anywhere neither Citricos…because we will be pulled towards the unbelievable food at V & A. HA! Tough thing for us!
We dined there a few years ago with our 3 girls. My oldest still talks about the waiter we had, David. I loved the shrimp appetizer I had! We are going back in February for the Princess brunch being offered. Even though the menu won’t be the same, we are still very excited about going!