By: Disney Destinations
April 10, 2024
Guests should get their tastebuds ready for more exciting, all-new dining in the works at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort! This spring, guests can come savor innovative flavors and culinary creativity with three new Mexican dining experiences, plus we’re announcing timing for the arrival of Din Tai Fung, future plans for more new restaurants, and more sweet treats coming soon!
Sneak Peeks of Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita, Celebrating Opening in May
With a vibrant expression of his native food and culture, Mexico’s first Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán is bringing an authentic Mexican fare to the Downtown Disney District. His dishes will take guests on a multi-sensory journey to the heart of his homeland of Huitzuco, Mexico, through three distinctive concepts opening in the next few weeks: Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita!
A stunning staircase will lead guests to Paseo’s show-stopping dining room and bar area lined with rich woods, tiles, textures, leathers and custom accents that celebrate Mexico’s craftsmanship culture. An extended upper patio will offer exceptional new views of the district!
Chef Gaytán’s connection to his homeland comes to life as he pairs his love of Mexico with French culinary style and technique. Standout Paseo menu items will include colorful ceviches, Mama’s cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork), lamb barbacoa, and the mejillones (mussels) pictured above.
Céntrico, the courtyard bar and restaurant, will be an energetic, central gathering place serving upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails. Its open, airy spaces designed with custom wood elements and lush greenery will welcome guests into its outdoor canopy.
Céntrico’s featured dishes will include the quesabirrias, chicken enchiladas, tlayuda (a Oaxacan shareable dish reminiscent of a pizza with a perfect crunch), and one of Chef Gaytán’s favorites, Caesar salad.
At Tiendita, guests will experience Mexican heritage flavors and street-food staples on the go. Through a self-ordering kiosk, menu options will include esquites (roasted corn), fish tacos, ice cream- stuffed chocolate tacos, and breakfast favorites like chorizo breakfast burritos and chilaquiles (marinated tortilla chips with egg). Guests may even see the expert culinary team at work, adding to the experience!
Chef Gaytán recently led a cooking demonstration at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival giving festival-goers a first look at his tetelas, which are stuffed corn masa triangles that will be on the menu at Paseo. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs through April 22, 2024. Guests can check out the Disney Eats Foodie Guide for a complete list of this year’s marketplaces and menu items!
Din Tai Fung Opening This Summer
Another delicious update! Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-awarded restaurant brand from Taiwan, will open this summer in the district, bringing their signature soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style.
New Steakhouse and BBQ Concepts Coming to Downtown Disney
We’re excited to let guests in on more mouth-watering plans we have underway! Two new restaurant concepts – a steakhouse restaurant and an adjacent barbecue eatery – are in the works for the Downtown Disney District. These will be located on the footprint of the former Tortilla Jo’s. We look forward to sharing more, soon!
Expansion and Reimagination Coming to Marceline’s Confectionery
Something sweet is underway at Marceline’s Confectionery. We’re designing an all-new, expanded and completely reimagined confection experience featuring guests’ favorite treats and fun new tasty offerings! While work on this location will soon be in progress, guests can visit the Marceline’s cart coming soon to the district to pick up their caramel apples, churro toffee and other handcrafted goodies.
During this transformation of Marceline’s, The Disney Dress Shop has temporarily moved to the WonderGround Gallery location, and select items from WonderGround Gallery may be found in Disney Home.
There’s plenty of great places right now for guests to enjoy a memorable meal or grab an iconic Disney treat in Downtown Disney District!
