The Disneyland Resort announced today the timelines for the opening of several new restaurants that will be delighting guests palates in Downtown Disney District very soon. This includes the three new dining experiences from Mexico’s first Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán with Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita and also Din Tai Fung, the Michelin-awarded restaurant brand from Taiwan.
Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita Opening in May
First off, Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita will be officially opening and serving guests its Mexican food starting next month in May. These new restaurants will take guests on a culinary adventure to the heart of Mexico in Huitzuco, Mexico, the home of Chef Carlos Gaytán. These restaurants, just weeks away from opening, will be bringing authentic Mexican fare to the Downtown Disney District. Ahead of their opening, Disney shared some details about each of these establishments.
Paseo
Guests will be getting an incredible experience from the moment they enter Paseo. The experience will start with an incredible staircase that leads guests to a beautiful dining room and bar area. The restaurant’s decorations are made of rich woods, tiles, textures, leathers, and also plenty of custom accents that celebrate Mexico’s craftsmanship culture. There will also be an extended upper patio for guests to dine while enjoying some lovely views of Downtown Disney District.
The view isn’t all that guests will love at Paseo, however. The real star is the food! Chef Gaytán will share his connection with his homeland as he combines his love of Mexico with French culinary style and technique. There are some standout Paseo menu offerings that include some beautiful ceviches, Mama’s cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork), lamb barbacoa and the mejillones (mussels). The mejillones are what is seen above.
Recently, Chef Gaytán led a demonstration for the 2024 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. There, he gave a first look at his tetelas, which are stuffed corn masa triangles. These will be on the menu at Paseo. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will continue through April 22, 2024.
Céntrico
Céntrico is found in the courtyard in front of Paseo. Anyone walking through Downtown Disney District recently can see that it is really starting to look incredible. It is being described as an “energetic, central gathering place serving upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails.” This place has open, airy spaces that are designed with custom wood elements complimented by greenery to give a fresh welcoming.
It also has some featured dishes that guests won’t want to miss. This includes quesabirrias, chicken enchiladas, tlayuda (a Oaxacan shareable dish reminiscent of a pizza with a perfect crunch) and also one of Chef Gaytán’s favorites, Caesar salad.
Tiendita
Tiendita will offer the flavors and street-food staples of Mexican heritage for those who are on the go. This location will include a self-ordering kiosk and 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). This location will also give guests the chance to watch the culinary team at work!
Din Tai Fung Opening This Summer
Din Tai Fung has been eagerly anticipated ever since it was announced to be coming to Downtown Disney District. Disney announced today that the restaurant will be opening this summer! When it does, the Michelin-awarded restaurant brand from Taiwan, will offer their signature soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style.
Steakhouse and BBQ Coming to Downtown Disney District
Disney also announced today that there are two new restaurant concepts coming to Downtown Disney District as well. The first is a steakhouse restaurant. The other will be an barbecue eatery that will be adjacent to the steakhouse restaurant. Both of these will be found where the former Tortilla Jo’s was located. More details about these locations are promised to be announced soon.
Marceline’s Confectionery Expansion & Reimagining
Marceline’s Confectionery has had some weird things happening regarding it being open or closed on any given day on the Disneyland App. These quirks could have been clues to something coming for the confectionary. Disney announced today that “we’re designing an all-new, expanded and completely reimagined confection experience featuring your favorite treats and fun new tasty offerings!” To accommodate this, the current home of Marceline’s will be closing. While it is closed, a Marceline’s cart will be found in the district with caramel apples, churro toffee, and other handcrafted goodies.
During the transformation of Marceline’s, there have been some other moves happening in Downtown Disney District as well. The Disney Dress Shop is temporarily where the WonderGround Gallery was before. With the closure of WonderGround Gallery, select items from this location can be found in Disney Home next door.
There are a lot of exciting things happening in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! What are you most excited about? What are you most looking forward to tasting? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
