The only REAL restaurant in Chandler
I am neither a fan of the French or their food. However, I am a mid-level executive who travels a lot on business and I have an expense account, so I know good restaurants.

Citrus Cafe is a very good restaurant. Don't be fooled by the shopping center front door.

Citrus Cafe is a bistro through and through, and it is the one place in Chandler I can take my NY or LA friends to, have a great meal, great wine, and a good time for around $35 a person including drinks.    [30 May 2003 00:53:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: It's all good

     ­Steve, Chandler AZ   ssorian at aol dot com

An Oasis in a Sea of Desert
Having lived and dined at Michelin 5-star restaurants on numerous continents, I can say that the Citrus Cafe is real cuisine, comparable to any in Europe. Cost is irrelevant when eating like that in the Sonoran desert - pure magic.    [31 May 2003 21:15:45]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: anything you try is excellent

     ­Jepp   

Good except for the lamb
The lamb was fatty and tough in spots, the creme brulee was too sweet but everything else was good. Very expensive.    [21 Mar 2004 00:20:56]

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Recommended Dishes: escargot, onion soup

     ­lennynyr   

Poor quality meat in my experience
I was surprised after eating here about all the praise this restaurant gets online. My waiter must read some of it because he used some of the same points about exploring the “dining experience” that reviewers have used here. I arrived at the restaurant with a good appetite but I found the quality of the meat, although well prepared, to be poor, and the same for my date’s food. It is possible to serve not quite fresh meat but prepare it well, although you can never completely hide the taste. Regardless my date and I suffered some stomach discomfort the next day (we had chicken and duck). I talked to a friend later and he reported the same problem (with the rabbit). Although the chef has good recipes he may not be selecting the quality of his meat carefully. My duck tasted greasy and slightly spoiled.

I will say that Citrus had a very eloquent and well-spoken waiter, who had a sense of style that takes time to learn. The problem is that even the most eloquently served poor quality meat will still cause bloating and stomach discomfort. Perhaps people that have iron stomachs can eat at Citrus from time to time and enjoy the atmosphere, yet be willing to sacrifice some occasional discomfort for the experience. But in my opinion people should have higher standards for their food. For example you can go to AJ’s Fine Foods, pick up all the same ingredients, and make your own high quality French cuisine at home for half the price. Check your local bookstore for books on French cooking and try it at home. Or if you enjoy service, find a restaurant with more quality control over its meats.

Citrus was not the worst place I have eaten, but given the prices I thought they could do better and it made me angry. They have style but lack quality.

I hope I do not offend people that really liked Citrus Cafe, but this is my honest opinion.    [21 Jul 2005 15:34:42]

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Recommended Dishes: sorry I can't

     ­Tony   

French comfort food at its best
Judging by some of the less-than-rave reviews already posted I could understand why folks might be hesitant to dine here. However, these reviews date from well over a year ago, and the restaurant has changed hands since then.

Today the Citrus Cafe counts among its laurels a "Best French Restaurant in Phoenix" review as well as AZCentral listing it as a "Top 10 restaurant to go to on Bastille Day." These reviews are deserved--the menu is excellent, the waitstaff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, and the wine list expansive enough to cover just about any type of grape you might be coveting. The atmosphere is cozy, the lighting is romantic, and the music audible but low enough that it complements your meal instead of distracts you from it.

The main menu has been carried over from the restaurant's previous incarnation as many of the regulars insist on their tried-and-true favorites. However, the daily menu board is always worth a look. The restaurant is a bit like a hidden jewel but once you've found it you will find yourself looking forward to your next visit. All my friends that I have taken there have said the same.    [04 Dec 2007 17:51:58]

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Recommended Dishes: Roasted Duck with Pomegranate-Orange Glaze, Dover Sole

     ­Isabelle