Updates on the New Dining at the Downtown Disney District
By Rikki
We’re getting closer and closer to the debut of some great new dining at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Later this spring, Guests will be able to enjoy three new Mexican dining experiences. We also get to learn the timeframe for the opening of Din Tai Fung, future plans for more new restaurants and more!
Paseo
Mexico’s first Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán is bringing 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! These restaurants will officially open in May!
A stunning staircase will lead you to Paseo’s dining room and bar area. This restaurant features rich woods, tiles, textures, leathers and custom accents that celebrate Mexico’s craftsmanship culture. There will also be an extended upper patio that will offer exceptional views of the district!
Chef Gaytán’s cuisine will pair his love of Mexico with French culinary style and technique. Some Paseo menu items will include ceviches, Mama’s cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork), lamb barbacoa and mejillones (mussels).
Céntrico
Céntrico, will be found in the courtyard. It will serve upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails. Its open, airy spaces designed with custom wood elements and lush greenery will welcome you into its outdoor canopy.
Céntrico’s featured dishes will include 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.
Tiendita
At Tiendita, you’ll experience Mexican heritage flavors and street-food staples on the go. Guests will order at 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).
Din Tai Fung Opening This Summer
Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-awarded restaurant brand from Taiwan, will open this summer in the district. The restaurant will feature 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
Just announced! Two new restaurant concepts – a steakhouse restaurant and barbecue option are in the works for the Downtown Disney District. These will be located on the footprint of the former Tortilla Jo’s. More details will be shared soon.
Expansion and Reimagination for Marceline’s Confectionery
At Marceline’s Confectionery an all-new, expanded and completely reimagined experience featuring favorite treats is coming. While work on this location will soon be in progress, you can visit Marceline’s cart coming soon to the district to pick up your caramel apples, churro toffee and other handcrafted goodies.
During this update of Marceline’s, The Disney Dress Shop has temporarily moved to the WonderGround Gallery location. Also, select items from WonderGround Gallery can be found in Disney Home.
There’s also the Parkside Market which will be opening later, as well.
Final Thoughts
All of these new restaurants sound fantastic. It really sounds like the Downtown Disney District is really upping its game and there will be some great new and unique menu offerings to try.
But now, I want to know your thoughts. Which restaurant are you most excited to try? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
Book Your Next Trip!
Want to book a Disneyland vacation to experience some of these new restaurants? Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today!
By Rikki
