New Downtown Disney Restaurants Opening Soon (+ More Announced)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

It’s time to ready your stomachs because two new, highly anticipated restaurants are opening soon in the Downtown Disney District! Additionally, we now have word of what’s coming to the location formally occupied by Tortilla Jo’s, which has recently permanently closed.

The two upcoming restaurants (well four, technically) I’m referring to are Din Tai Fung, Paseo, Centrico and Tiendita. These eateries were announced during the parks panel presentation during the loathed 2022 D23 expo and while progress has been slow, we’re now just a month or so away from these culinary delights making their debuts.

Let’s dive into the details of these restaurants and what we know about what’s taking over Tortilla Jo’s spot. Additionally, we’ll discuss the status of a few other eateries that have been confirmed, but haven’t yet began construction.

Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita in Downtown Disney

As recently announced by Disney Parks Blog, this three-in-one eatery will open to guests in May. No specific date was given but considering that Mother’s Day is a massively profitable weekend for restaurants, I would imagine they would push to be open by then.

These concept restaurants are being brought to the Disneyland Resort by Mexico’s first Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan. His dishes inspire a multi-cultural journey to his homeland of Huitzuco, Mexico, with style and technique from his culinary training in France.

I took the photo above in March and as you can see, much of the infrastructure of Centrico and most parts of Paseo are already done. Since this photo, they’ve begun installing tables and decorative features, indicating that an opening date is imminent.

In Paseo, a stunning wooden staircase leads you upstairs to the main dining room and bar lined with rich tiles, woods, textures, leathers and accents that showcase Mexico’s proud culture of craftsmanship. In addition to the main dining room, there will be an extended patio offering a unique view of Downtown Disney.

A full menu hasn’t been released yet, but a few examples you can expect include elevated versions of ceviches, roasted marinated pork, lamb barbacoa and mejillones (mussels). These dishes, and more, celebrate Chef Graytan’s love of his homeland, with nods to the French culinary style.

The courtyard bar and restaurant, Centrico, will occupy the space of the former Uva Bar in the center of the walking space through Downtown Disney. Its open, airy space designed with lush greenery and wooden elements create an upscale, yet relaxing environment for guests.

Again, we haven’t seen a full menu, but elevated quesabirria, chicken enchiladas, tlayuda (an Oaxacan, pizza-like sharable), Caesar salad and an assortment of tequila-based cocktails make up a few of the featured items.

Tiendita, the third and final element to this new concept, will serve as the quick-service location, with a variety of selections such as fish tacos, roasted corn, ice cream-stuffed chocolate tacos (you read that right) and breakfast favorites such as a chorizo burrito will be served.

This is great as the resort, Downtown Disney specifically, is severely lacking in the breakfast department. It’ll be great to have an option in the morning (and a quick one, at that) for a pre-park meal. Furthermore, Tiendita will feature self-ordering kiosks instead of traditional cashiers.

Din Tai Fung and More Upcoming Downtown Disney Restaurants

The next restaurant we’ve finally received an update on, and the one I’m personally looking forward to the most, is Din Tai Fung. Much like Paseo and Centrico, we don’t have a firm opening date yet, but Disney is advertising a summer 2024 opening.

Din Tai Fung is another Michelin-level restaurant coming to the resort, with the brand being based out of Taiwan. They’re known for the house-made baos, but also feature signiture soup dumplings, wontons, noodles, steamed buns, pork chop fried rice and a variety signature, crafted cocktails.

Furthermore, we now know the highly anticipated Ponto’s Bakery will move into the space currently occupied by Earl of Sandwich, in the building adjacent to the entrance to Disney California Adventure. Earl of Sandwich is in the process of moving into a temporary location near the Star Wars Store to accommodate this move.

Presumably, the current building will be demolished to allow Ponto’s to build a custom space. Earl of Sandwich will finally get its permanent space in the west end of Downtown Disney near the guitar pick-shaped stage.

New Steakhouse and BBQ Concepts Coming to Downtown Disney

Tortilla Jo’s, a long time Downtown Disney restaurant that’s been open since 2004, recently closed its doors for good. It simply didn’t fit in with the new aesthetic Disney is going for with the new Downtown Disney. For a while, what would take its place was a mystery. Until now, that is.

While Disney remains mum on the details, we now know that a new steakhouse and bbq concept will take the place of Tortilla Jo’s. Disneyland has been without a steakhouse since the closure of Steakhouse ‘55 at the Disneyland Hotel a few years ago and the resort has never had a proper BBQ eatery, so these will undoubtedly be welcomed additions.

It’s unclear if the steakhouse will be a revitalized version of Steakhouse ‘55 or one run by a third party. The latter of which is the most likely, as Disney already has a relationship with STK Steakhouse at Disney Springs in Florida. Personally, as long as it isn’t a Ruth Chris, I’m good either way.

Planning a trip to Disneyland? If you’re considering staying on property, read about our tour of the new Pixar Place Hotel. Additionally, get tips and advice on purchasing tickets by reading 10 Best Disneyland Tips: Tickets. Furthermore, stay updated on ride closures by reading and bookmarking my 2024 Attraction Refurbishment Calendar. Finally, to save money on Disneyland tickets and vacations packages, see my friends at Get Away Today.