Centrico is one of the newest additions to Downtown Disney, taking over the space previously occupied by UVA Bar. Operated by the same owners, the Patina Group, Centrico introduces a fresh menu featuring a mix of both traditional and modern Mexican-inspired flavors.
This blog post is all about Centrico restaurant in Downtown Disney.
As one of the newest dining spots in Downtown Disney, Centrico has quickly become a popular choice—and it’s no surprise, given its stunning new design and enticing menu.
However, after dining here twice in the past two months, I’ve had two completely different experiences. The inconsistency has left me torn, making it difficult to pin down my overall thoughts for this review.
Let’s dive into the details.
Centrico Restaurant & Bar – Downtown Disney
Ambiance
The ambiance at Centrico is effortlessly beachy, with shaded seating areas and a beautiful design that immediately makes you feel like you’re on vacation. The muted colors and earthy tones create a calming atmosphere—a major upgrade from the old UVA Bar’s bright yellow tables.
What I love most is the attention to detail and variety in seating options. You’ll find everything from cozy tables around fire pits to traditional bar seating and larger group setups, making it comfortable for any dining experience. It’s a stunning transformation, and I appreciate how thoughtfully they’ve designed the space to elevate the overall vibe and escape the hustle and bustle of Disneyland.
Service
The service at Centrico was decent—nothing exceptional, but also nothing to complain about. While no one went above and beyond, the staff was consistently polite and attentive, checking in on us regularly during both visits. I do wish the team had a bit more knowledge about the menu to provide better dish and drink recommendations. Overall, the service was friendly and accommodating.
Price
Disney no longer lists menu prices for Centrico online, which is a trend I’m not too thrilled about. I’m not sure when they made this change, but it feels like a move to keep guests guessing. While I managed to snap a photo of the front menu during my visit, I missed capturing the back. Based on what I saw, appetizers range from $6 to $25, and entrées typically fall between $22 and $26. As for drinks, expect typical Disney pricing—on the higher side. Cocktails range from $14 to $20, depending on what you order. So, keep that in mind when budgeting for your meal.
Centrico Menu
I really love the menu at Centrico. It offers a great variety of dishes, featuring plenty of fresh ingredients and a unique set of flavors that go beyond the typical fare you’d find at Disney parks. It’s a definite step up from the usual “bar food,” with more elevated options that still include approachable choices for kids, like chicken tacos, quesadillas, and fries.
What stands out to me is the abundance of seafood dishes and the number of vegetarian options available. Several of my family members and friends are vegetarian or vegan, and Centrico is very accommodating when it comes to modifying dishes to suit different dietary needs. It’s a welcome change that adds to the overall appeal of dining here.
Food & Drink Review
Now, let’s get into the details of our experience. We ordered several of the same items on both visits, but they tasted drastically different each time.
During our first trip, I raved about the guacamole—it was honestly the best I’ve ever had. It had this unique, almost nutty flavor that was aromatic and perfectly balanced. But on our second visit? It was bland and underwhelming. It lacked salt, lime, and any of the complexity I remembered. We didn’t even finish it, and when you’re not finishing guacamole, something is seriously off.
Another dish we tried twice was the agua chile. The first time, it was flawless—the bean purée, shrimp, and lime juice were perfectly balanced, and the touch of cucumber added a refreshing crunch. My only gripe was that it came with a dash of chip strips on top instead of actual tortilla chips (you have to order those separately), but the flavors were spot on.
However, on our second visit, it was like an entirely different dish. The limey flavor was still there, but there was an overwhelming amount of cucumber—so much that it felt more like a cucumber salad than agua chile. And there were only four small pieces of shrimp buried under that mountain of cucumber. We ended up leaving most of it untouched.
In fact, come to think of it, we didn’t finish any of our food on that second visit.
We also tried a new dish: the street corn. I’m familiar with esquites, so I had certain expectations, but this was a disappointment. It tasted like canned corn with a random green sauce and some crumbled cheese. The sauce had zero flavor, and neither did the corn. There was no grilled texture or smokiness—just bland, uninspired corn. We barely touched it.
As for the fish tacos, they were a highlight during our first visit. My husband really enjoyed them, so we ordered two plates the second time around—but they fell flat. Even with three of us sharing, we didn’t finish them. It’s disheartening to say, but the only consistency I noticed was the steady decline in flavor and attention to detail.
We also tried their spicy margaritas, which were a letdown. They weren’t spicy at all, tasted watered down, and they didn’t come with Tajín on the rim. Please don’t call it a spicy margarita if you’re not even going to add Tajín.
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I’m struggling to think of anything I truly loved during our second visit. Our first experience at Centrico was incredible—possibly because it was shortly after their opening and they were putting in extra effort and trying new things with the menu.
Or maybe it’s a case of the menu being adjusted to cater to milder palates, sacrificing actual flavors and textures of traditional Mexican cuisine. Whatever the reason, it feels like a significant downgrade.
I’d love to say I’m excited to dine here again, but I’m not. While it’s a relatively easy reservation to get, I don’t see myself rushing back anytime soon. On my next visit—whenever that may be—I’ll definitely try some new menu items.
If you’ve had a consistently great experience here or found dishes that are worth trying, please let me know! I’m always open to giving restaurants a second or third chance, but I also don’t want to keep spending money on food that’s just not up to par.
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Disneyland and beyond!
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