NEW DISNEYLAND DINING: Paseo, Centrico & Tiendita Now Open in Downtown Disney!

The long awaited Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita have officially opened in the heart of the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland. 

The trio of Mexican restaurants from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán was celebrated with an early morning ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Mariachi Divas (who performed the song from “The Three Caballeros”), a lively dance performance, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie.

Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita join Napolini Pizzeria and Naples Ristorante e Bar (Downtown Disney favorites since the district opened in 2001) under the umbrella of the Patina Restaurant Group, which also operates Enzo’s Hideaway, Maria & Enzo’s, Pizza Ponte, The Edison, and Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, plus Tutto Italia Ristorante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzaria, Tutto Gusto, and Space 220 restaurant in Epcot.

“We are extremely proud to continue the evolution our partnership with Disney here at the Downtown Disney District of the Disneyland Resort to across the country at Walt Disney World,” said Patina Restaurant Group President John Kolaski. “Chef Carlos Gaytán has created an immersive dining experience that brings an authentic and upscale Mexican dining option not only to the Disney District but to all of Southern California.”

Meet Chef Carlos Gaytán

Chef Gaytán was not only awarded a Michelin star (the first Mexican-born chef to do so), he was also a semifinalist in the Best New Restaurant category by the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards in 2020, and was featured on Bravos “Top Chef” in 2013.

During the opening ceremony, the chef said the very first week he came to the United States 34 years ago, a cousin took him to Disneyland.

“I never went to cooking school but I love cooking – and I did a lot of homework just to get here,” he said. “I never knew that 34 years later, I’d come back here in a different way. This is a dream come true.”

In addition to Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita, Gaytán’s restaurant portfolio includes Ha’ at Hotel Xcaret México in Playa del Carmen and Tzuco in Chicago.

Read our recent article to learn more about what it takes to earn a Michelin star (which Disney just did for the first time, thanks to Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World).

Bon Appetit: Disney’s First Michelin Star & What Restaurant Might Get The Next One!

Paseo – Fine Dining

Paseo took over the second-floor space previously occupied by Catal – and expanded it. Though the large restaurant extends the length of the building, no table is far from the floor-to-ceiling windows that, thanks to the beautiful Southern California weather, will likely be open most of the year.

Patio seating with panoramic views of Downtown Disney is also available.

Paseo’s menu features reimagined versions of the chef’s childhood favorites, including cochinita pibil (a pork dish derived directly from his mother’s recipe) and pulpo enamorado, which features roasted octopus finished with a creamy tuna aioli.

Another notable dish on the menu is the chef’s interpretation of the classic mussels dish, mejillones, which combines French techniques with the Mexican flavors of chorizo and pickled jalapeños.

The restaurant’s bright and airy contemporary design from award-winning Mexican architect Jorge Gracia is complimented by artwork that celebrates Mexico’s culture and highlights Chef Gaytán’s strong connection to his heritage.

Similarly, the custom furnishings were created by a Mexico City-based design and carpentry company that produces traditional pieces with cutting-edge technology, but hand-finished by master carpenters.

A bespoke dinnerware collection for both Paseo and Centrico was created by a company rooted in Mexican culture and craftsmanship.

Céntrico – Casual Dining

Taking over the district’s central open-air space (previously Uva Bar), the newly expanded (and enhanced) restaurant and bar features a wood lattice-style roof, a large oval-shaped bar,  and cozy fire pit seating. 

Céntrico’s menu includes updated Mexican classics like carne asada and fish tacos as well as the chef’s signature Caesar salad (baby romaine lettuce, oven-roasted tomatoes, red onion, cincho cheese, avocado, creamy poblano dressing, and croutons). We recently tried all three of these dishes and will absolutely order them again.

The Huarache de Asada (flat corn tortilla, carne asada, black beans, spinach, caramelized onion, and goat cheese fondue) is another item receiving early buzz – and we’re told it’s sized to share.

During the grand opening reception, the chef shared bites of his special recipe for avocado flatbread made with ricotta cheese, avocado, preserved meyer lemon, salsa macha, serrano, and chives, which (as expected) was very delicious but also (as expected) a bit on the spicy side.

The cocktail menu includes the Ritual Margarita with Espolon tequila, ginger liqueur, guava, and lime juice, and the El Mariachi in Manhattan, a Mexican twist on the traditional Manhattan cocktail.

Tiendita – Quick Service Dining

While the service may be quick, Tiendita shares many menu items with its sister restaurants, including Mexican favorites such as esquites (Mexican street corn), tacos and burritos (chicken, pork, beef, and mushroom), tuna or crab tostadas, and shrimp or tuna ceviche.

Guests can order from self-service kiosks or from the counter. While waiting, they can watch the culinary team prepare their meal through the large kitchen window.

Walk-in service is available for all three restaurants, with reservations starting on June 1, 2024, for Paseo and Céntrico. Paseo is currently open for dinner, with weekday lunch and weekend brunch coming soon. Céntrico currently serves lunch and dinner.

For news about all the new restaurants coming to Downtown Disney, check out our complete dining guide HERE.

Let’s Hear From You!

Have you already tried Paseo, Centrico, and/or Tiendita? If so, what did you think? With the loss of Tortilla Jo’s (the future home of still unnamed steakhouse and barbecue restaurants), we’re very glad Downtown Disney has three new Mexican dining options – and something for every budget!

Related Downtown Disney Reading: 

Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!