Went here last Saturday night. The place is very small and intimate. The staff is very friendly and we were greeted warmly immediately. The arrangement of the tables could use some work since they have to do a lot of shuffling and pulling tables out and having people slide around awkwardly. I understand they are trying to make the most out of small space but it was a bit distracting. They are still getting settled so I'll give them a pass on it. As for the important stuff, the food was great. For an appitizer, we had the wild mushroom sous croute which tasted like the best fresh pizza you can imagine but in a deconstructed form. For entrees I got the pork tenderloin and my wife got the short rib. The pork was great along with the apple balsamic reduction. The star of the dish, though was actually the sweet potato gratin. This was fantastic. The brussels sprouts were also very nicely prepared and obviously super fresh. The short rib was a very nice sized cut that was perfectly cooked and prepared. There wasn't anything overly unique in the preparation but it was done well and had a great, fresh pure quality beef flavor. The couscous that came with the steak had a pretty strong lemon flavor which didn't really complement (or make sense with) the rest of the dish, but on its own was ok. My wife doesn't like lemon flavored things so I enjoyed it. For dessert I got the hazlenut tart which had an amazing coffee ice cream and fresh raspberries that all went very well together. I don't recall the exact dessert that my wife got but I remember it including a very good berry sorbet. Citronnelle has quickly moved into the top tier of my favorite dining spots in Lancaster and I will be very closely watching to see when the menu updates to go back. read more

Nice little find! Open one week - and they seem to be hitting on all cylinders! Frisée salad was outstanding , the crepes were very nice as well - lots of interesting flavor had me guessing between cardamom and sage. It's byob, so cost effective. Lots of nice looking couples in here enjoying a special Tuesday night . Service was outstanding - Christopher graciously even charged my phone! Nicely done, add this one to your lists! read more

Absolutely wonderful....we have been there a couple of times and the food, atmosphere and staff have consistently been great. Another amazing restaurant in downtown Lancaster. I am not a big dessert person, but their Lemongrass soufflé and Banoffee ice cream was heaven. We actually brought "foodie" friends with us the last time from Denver, Co. & Dallas Tx and they both agreed that this was a 5 star restaurant. read more

Super cute atmosphere, BYO, and decent, but not spectacular, food. Would likely not go again, but a cute spot for a date.

Eating at Citronnelle makes me miss NYC less! When I go there I feel I am at the hottest new quaint chef-owned restaurant in the West Village...which is my favorite type of restaurant! But, now I can get it without the cost of a train ticket or gas and parking! I am thrilled to have a restaurant in downtown Lancaster that truly understands the people who love to eat and consider themselves "foodies." I don't mean the snobby types, but those people who really appreciate food and the attention to detail that goes into making it. It is obvious that a lot of time and energy goes into the preparation of the menu and each dish. I would say that if you go there...in order to get a full appreciation and the intended experience...order heavy! Meaning...you have to get a few appetizers, a salad, an entree for each person and definitely dessert. This will tickle you palette in many ways and give you an experience...not just "grabbing something to eat." And, it is okay if your palette does not LOVE everything you taste...this is art of food, so everyone has their own opinion, but you cannot say the food is "bad"...because it is quality all the way...but it may be a taste that is just not pleasing to you. I adore the ambiance and the clever use of space...again reminding me of the Big Apple. My husband and I enjoy eating near other parties as this has added to the atmosphere...we strike up conversations which is mostly about the food and how fantastic it is and what drew us to Citronnelle and to Lancaster. Every time we have been there we have had great service. We especially appreciate Christopher as he takes his job seriously, but knows how to have fun, too. His explanations are fun to listen to as it is almost like a monologue. Run, don't walk to Citronnelle...and remember, it is an awesome value for the quality. I cannot wait to go again! read more

I had dinner at Citronnelle a few weeks ago while visiting my family in Lancaster. The bottom line(s) -- Atmosphere: sophisticated, intimate, romantic, but not stuffy. It's a little cramped, but the noise level isn't bad (we were there on a week night, when the restaurant was half full or less). Service: friendly and attentive without being smarmy or overbearing. Food: beautifully presented, creative, and, my table was happy to see, vegetarian dishes aren't an afterthought (no bean burgers here!). We also appreciated the emphasis on organic, local ingredients - my vegetables were almost shockingly flavorful. Take-away: this is one of the very best restaurants in the area, although unfortunately its appeal might be lost on the traditional Lancaster crowd that's more comfortable at, say, the Log Cabin or The Pressroom. I hope it has the success it deserves and they can move into a bigger space. This is the future of food. read more

The octopus and soufflés were incredible, and it's a quaint and enjoyable atmosphere!

We had my Birthday Brunch here today and it was great. We had the Bread Basket which came with homemade orange marmalade that was to die for. I had the Wild Mushroom Omelet and my boo had the Burger and we both loved our food. They gave me a complimentary cucumber and apple sorbet for my BD with a candle in it, very sweet. Not to mention it tasted delish! We will come back again for dinner. read more

So fabulous! We took our daughter there, a new Lancaster resident. Don't be afraid of the Octopus, just spectacular. And, as others have stated, do order the soufflé. We had a chocolate and a lemon, both equally delicious. They make a special point of noting on their menu the dairy free items, gluten free, vegan, etc., a great touch. And they offered to make a regular menu item dairy free - and were very happy to do it. We will be back! read more

We celebrated my dad's birthday here - he's notoriously fussy when it comes to restaurants and it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I made the reservation. Guess what?! He loved it - he ordered the NY strip medium rare - and it was done just right. The menu is thoughtful and small - and each thing we ordered was made perfectly. The atmosphere is intimate - and the service was prompt and attentive. We went at dinner - I'm looking forward to sampling their lunch/brunch menu in the next few weeks too! read more

This place is the bomb-diggy. Awesome service and terrific food. The crab cake appetizer is the shiz and so are the soufflés. Perfect for a date night. Can't wait to come back... read more

Absolutely amazing! Food was outstanding, service - great, and the atmosphere perfect! I have not had a bad meal of Chef Rafael's. Love it! So glad they moved to Lancaster. read more

We were visiting from wine country Luckily we ordered the desert when we placed the salad order. It was the perfect finish to one of the best meals we've had here in PA Note; we are from the Sonoma/Napa valley (wine country) Ca. We are fortunate to have some of the best places around the country. The only thing this place could possibly do to add a bit is being in some of the wines from that region. Otherwise bring your own and expect an experience that you won't soon forget read more

Amazing food, great ambiance. Overall a wonderful dining experience. The attention to detail and flavor profiles were on par with some of my favorite restaurants. Our new favorite. read more

The brunch is great! the selection of teas is amazing and soothing. The soufflé is incredible and a must at this establishment. I am planning on going back for dinner soon! read more

The food at Citronnelle is beyond delicious! The ingredients are fresh and seasonal, and chef Raphael prepares his dishes so carefully and perfectly. The portions are extremely generous and yet I still found myself licking my plate afterwards! The lamb I had was very tender and the burger I had for Iunch the next day was amazing. I would recommend trying a dish on the menu that's in season, as well as their homemade sorbets and ice creams for desert. The owner Susan and her staff also do a fantastic job of making sure their guests are happy. All around an incredible dining experience. I wish I lived in Lancaster so can eat here all the time! read more

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Sweet place, romantic atmosphere, great service, bright vibes. Just came for dessert and we tried everything on the menu. I don't live in Lancaster so I never got a chance to return, but I believe they have a seasonal, changing menu. Very nice but pricey. read more

So, since my first visit we have come back here a few times. We came to 2 or 3 "global wednesdays" which were great until we had a really weird mushy chicken confit. So since then we have not been back until last night. I started with a warm vichyssoise which was DELICIOUS!! My friend got the wagyu beef which was full of flavor. For mains we got the ny strip and the duck. The steak was delicious but I felt the sides it came with left a lot to be desired. My friends duck dish was good, the duck was perfect and the sausage it came with was delicious. Again, the beans were just kinda meh. Dessert was DELICIOUS!! Some kind of deconstructed apple pie, awkward to eat but tasted bangin. So why only 3 stars? Service last night was terrible. The server was very awkward, and not very knowledgable. At a chain restaurant I would not be nearly as upset but this is a fine dining establishment and there is NO excuse for sub par service. I think for the money spent, we will visit JJJ next time. read more

Another wonderful find on our getaway to Lancaster (one of our favorite culinary destinations) ! AMBIANCE: decorated tastefully in "1960ish" motif, very cozy and secluded. FOOD: very delicious, creative and interesting. Had pate(A), White Gazpacho (A+++), Octopus (A), Pork Chop (A+), Corn Polenta Cake (A++) and Peaches & Crème (B) for dessert. All the dishes were wonderful visually and portioned just right. SERVICE: our server Scott was very nice and friendly, accommodating to our needs, efficient and professional. VALUE: very adequate to the experience received. We definitely plan to come back and can't recommend it high enough for every foodie (and the rest of the world) : ). read more

Amazing food, great atmosphere, awesome staff, one of the best places in Lancaster! Everyone that works there is so nice. Everything is very fresh. They have a Lemon Grass Coconut Sufflet for dessert that you need to order before you eat because it takes 30 minutes to make. read more

My child said that it was the best restaurant she ever went to,and I agree with her. One of my favorite dishes was the tropical strawberry rhubarb and the French chocolate sorbet! I would definitely recommend this restaurant! read more

Our New Years Eve 5 course special meal may be the best I have ever had, bar none. May have enjoyed single entree dishes more but tonight's meal with it blend of spices and tastes were outstanding. Have enjoyed Citronelle several times before but this sets a new standard. Only disappointment was the lack of a dress code with sweatshirts clashing with the Sorbet. read more

Went for sunday brunch based on my sister-in-laws recommendation. Was glad I did! The food was fantastic and the atmosphere cozy. We got to meet the owner while we were there and we were made to feel very welcomed and appreciated. I had the open faced omelet and would highly recommend it. The coffee was delicious and the desserts were fantastic. Please give this place a try, you won't be disappointed. By the way the chairs were very comfortable as well! read more

Great service and excellent food. Great flavors and high quality dishes. We had the octopus app the 3 pork dish and the fish special, every dish was delicious. And the dark chocolate souffle was to die for. The owner is making guests welcome and spent time at every table. I would' call it French though. Flavors are more Asian and N. African influenced in my opinion. Surprising and Excellent choice in Lancaster. read more

I am not a French cuisine expert in any way, shape, or form so take this review for what it's worth:) I spent the evening here with a friend, and thoroughly enjoyed the cozy and relaxed feel. Our server was great and very helpful in explaining the menu and informing us of the evening special. My friend and I split the first course of Sesame Roasted Duck breast. Absolutely delicious. I chose Spicy Merguez Sausage Bolognese as the second course and loved the spicy lamb paired with the mild tomato sauce and mini eggplant. For dessert I chose the Signature Souffle. I am not a huge dessert buff, and I found it a bit on the sweeter side. However the presentation was exceptional, so I found myself enjoying it anyways:) I highly recommend this place for it's warm and cozy atmosphere, flavorful menu, and all-around good vibes! read more

Another fabulous experience at my favorite restaurant in Lancaster. The fish special was delicious and probably the tastiest crispy skin fish I have ever had and it was nestled on top of the best ever roasted artichokes and other veggies. I was also wooed by the octopus first course. The atmosphere was classy and rustic. Even the bathroom was beautiful. I have never been disappointed at this Lancaster gem and I will be returning soon! read more

The food is awesome. This isn't just brunch or dinner, it's a food experience. The flavor combinations and quality ingredients show. We spent about 2 and a half hours there trying various courses and chatting. A great place to go with some family and have a unique dining experience read more

Absolutely delicious. Each dish had wonderful delicate flavors. We had pork belly & prawn/squash bisque soup for appetizers Dinner lamb & sirloin. Highly recommend these dishes. Each time we go, we learn of a new unusual vegetable used on plate. Great for food lovers! read more

Very NY-esque, smaller and cozy feel inside. Hands down one of the best meals in Lancaster! They really focus on every individual taste that comes together for an extraordinary meal! Be sure to save room for their brilliantly crafted desserts! So thrilled to have a restaurant like Citronnelle in Lancaster-- we will be taking many trips back!!! read more

A wonderful addition to downtown lancaster. From start to finish, our meal was fantastic and the ability to enjoy our own wine took the experience to the next level. We shared the foragers delight which was an amazing fusion of flavors with the most expertly poached egg I've ever been served. Both of our dinners (chicken two ways & pan seared salmon) came perfectly prepared with delicious accompaniments---everything was well thought out & had a delightfully surprising elements. The experience was made by the chef & his wife checking in with is at the end of our meal, answering our questions, sharing restaurant recommendations, and in general being wonderful hosts. We'll definitely be back! read more

Amazing!! The food was out of this world (you must have the soufflé!). The staff is so wondering!! I high recommend this fabulous restaurant!! Yum!!! read more

What a welcome addition to the Lancaster culinary landscape! The food is carefully prepared, delicious, and beautifully plated. Portion size is stop on. Much as we enjoy the main course offerings, the desserts are really worth saving space for, and brunch is absolutely delicious... I dream of their french toast with the house-made lemon curd! Best of all, the atmosphere is sophisticated without being pretentious. The space is fairly small though, so make sure you make reservations on weekends...oh, it's BYOB, so grab a bottle from home. read more

We had a wonderful meal here tonight. My foodie friends from DC loved the place and I'm sure we'll return next time they're in town. The food, presentation, and service were all perfect. read more

Fabulous food and a lovely little restaurant. As many other reviewers have said, the lemongrass souffle is superb. Top notch grub!

My husband and I had the pleasure of eating at Citronnelle for brunch. The entire meal, from start to finish was absolutely amazing. I had the leek and cheese souffle. It was perfect, light and airy. The cheese was rich and delicious, without being overwhelming. And it was served with a fresh side salad. My husband had the French toast...the lemon curd will be making a daily appearance in my dreams for days to come!!! The tart and citrusy filling was the perfect accompaniment to the fluffy bread and sweet strawberries...not soggy, nor dry, it was absolutely mouthwatering. Every bite seemed better than the last. My husband and I will definitely be back again soon to try the dinner!!! read more

This is a beautiful restaurant and a wonderful addition to Lancaster! We have eaten here twice--dinner and brunch and both times it was amazing. Fresh, wonderful food. It is a small restaurant and so tables are close and cozy but I feel that adds to charm of it. It's like being at a big city restaurant. Love, love, love and will, of course, be back many times!! read more

We ended up going here for dessert after Aussie and the Fox had an hour and a half wait time. It was a surprisingly beautiful place; it's tiny inside, but the ambience is just lovely. Since it was a spur of the moment decision, we had no reservation. We showed up, and they were kind enough to accommodate us in a timely manner (party of 5 in about 10 minutes); the only off-putting thing was that they asked us to stand behind the curtains until the table was ready. Understandably they didn't want us in the middle of the place taking up all the walking space (this place is honestly so small), but this is a flaw that needs to be fixed. This can't be the first time they've had to shove patrons behind the curtains like a bad secret. We tried almost every dessert on their menu: Signature Citronelle Soufflé, Peanut Butter Mousse Napoleon, Blood Orange Genoise, and the seasonal house-made ice cream duo. The soufflé took 20 minutes to prepare (which was considerately noted on the menu), so we had the waiter bring out the desserts as they were done. The flavors for the ice cream duo were pumpkin and ginger. The pumpkin left a strange smoky aftertaste, but I liked it (my company did not). I was not a fan of the ginger (my company was). The Peanut Butter Mousse Napoleon (salted peanut butter on shortbread crumble and apple brandy-infused raisins with red grape sorbet and chocolate paint) was good enough, though not being a peanut butter lover, I feel biased; the sorbet was divine, but the chocolate paint wouldn't budge even after we took a knife to it. The Blood Orange Genoise (toasted almond ice cream with crushed almond brittle and creme anglaise) was very good; I found the cake to be slightly too sweet, but the almond ice cream - oh my God, too lovely. Finally, the soufflé - though it was the most hyped, it just fell flat for me. The coconut and lime creme anglaise was good but nothing special. Overall, a very nice dining experience. read more

What a delight and surprise! The food was NYC A level sophisticated and delicious. We have been there three times now and our new favorite place. The owners are so attentive and really care about service and quality. The overall vibe is terrific great for dates or just treating yourself to a wonderful meal. Compared to NYC the prices are so very affordable. read more

A companion and I went for dinner soon after Christmas. It was my second visit, after being away for about a year, and I'm pleased to say this is still one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. We went on a Friday night on a whim, and I assumed that without a reservation, we wouldn't be able to get a table. But although the restaurant was pretty full, we got a table right away. As a new addition, there was some kind of fire burning on a ledge at the back of the dining room. That's a really nice touch and makes the space cozy on a winter night. I had the forager's delight, even though I'm not much of a mushroom fan, and pumpkin risotto, which were both excellent. For desert we had the lemongrass souffle, which, though not as puffed up as most that I've seen, was a great way to finish a meal on a cold night. Our server (unfortunately I forget his name) was discreet but attentive even though he had the dining room to himself and was both waiter and host that night. My companion and I are both vegetarians, and personally I'd like to see more vegetarian and vegan items on the menu, but of course you can't please everybody. If I lived near Lancaster, this would absolutely be my go-to restaurant for a date or any special occasion. read more

Sadly, the price was TOTALLY out of line with the experience. Four or five appetizers/entrees only, all entrees included something off-putting (granted, to me) a flagrant refusal of substitutions/subtractions costing $25-$30? Sides were $7 (seriously, Brussels sprouts are $2.50/quart). And finally a corking fee of $5 (I understand if you have a special bottle brought to a restaurant which offers bottles for sale, a corking fee is understandable) smacked of insult. Can I then charge you for the trip to the wine store, gas, wear and tear on my car, and my valuable time spent on your behalf of un-providing?? Also, I, while may be in the minority here, don't appreciate having to locate a server to rearrange tables so I may use the restroom. I don't see a future for Lancaster dining experience at Citronelle at present status quo. read more