Citronnelle is a reservation-focused BYOB restaurant at 110 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17603, in downtown Lancaster’s Penn Square district. Its kitchen works from a modern French foundation while drawing on Mediterranean, North African, Basque, and Asian flavors, making it a thoughtful choice for travelers seeking a polished, unhurried dinner rather than a conventional bistro meal.
What to Expect at Citronnelle
Dinner at Citronnelle is centered on creative, thoughtfully sourced cooking in a compact, contemporary setting. The food’s identity is deliberately wide-ranging: French technique provides the framework, while the restaurant’s culinary vocabulary reaches toward the Mediterranean and North Africa, with Basque and Asian influences also part of its stated approach. Expect composed plates, changing seasonal ingredients, and a meal that rewards sharing questions with the staff before ordering.
The atmosphere is refined without being formal in the old-school sense: modern décor and an intimate scale make it particularly suited to couples, small celebrations, and travelers planning a destination dinner after exploring the center city. Citronnelle is BYOB, so select a bottle before arriving and bring it to dinner; this is a practical advantage for diners who want to pair wine with a multi-course meal on their own terms. Check the restaurant’s official website for the current menu, specials, and service updates, as dishes and ingredients can change.
- Modern French point of view: A contemporary French restaurant format rather than a traditional, fixed French brasserie menu.
- Cross-cultural cooking: Mediterranean, North African, Basque, and Asian influences broaden the kitchen’s flavor palette.
- Thoughtfully sourced ingredients: Seasonal products shape the restaurant’s creative dishes and changing selections.
- BYOB dinner: Bring wine or another preferred bottle for a personalized pairing with dinner.
- Intimate modern room: Classy, contemporary décor makes the restaurant well suited to date nights and small parties.
Citronnelle at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17603 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Lancaster, a short walk west of Penn Square |
| Operating Hours | Friday-Sunday, 5-9 PM; closed Monday-Thursday |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; dinner restaurant with BYOB service |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown RRTA service near Queen Street Station; Central Parking Garage on S Duke Street is about a 10-minute walk |
| Official Website & Phone | citronnellepa.com · +1 717-208-6697 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday dinner, through Citronnelle’s official reservations page. With service limited to three evenings a week and a small dining-room feel, early planning is more useful than hoping for a late walk-in table. Aim for the first seating if you want time afterward for downtown Lancaster, or book later for a relaxed dinner that follows a show. Because it is BYOB, purchase your bottle before your reservation and confirm any current bottle policy directly with the restaurant.
Citronnelle is roughly five minutes on foot from Penn Square and the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, about eight minutes from the Fulton Theatre, and around 10 minutes from Central Market and the 300 block of North Queen Street galleries and shops. RRTA buses converge around downtown and Queen Street Station; travelers arriving by rail can take a short rideshare from Lancaster Station. Street parking can be limited around dinner, so the Central Parking Garage is a useful backup. Call before booking if step-free entry, wheelchair turning space, or other access arrangements are essential; the staff can match current seating and entrance conditions to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Citronnelle open, and what is the best time to visit?
Citronnelle is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 PM to 9 PM, and it is closed Monday through Thursday. An early reservation is best for a quieter start to the evening; weekend prime-time tables merit advance planning.
How expensive is Citronnelle, and do I need a reservation?
Citronnelle falls in the $$$ price tier, appropriate for a special-occasion or carefully planned dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday; use the official online reservation page or phone the restaurant for current availability.
How much time should I allow for dinner?
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for a proper dinner, with more time if you are lingering over several courses and your BYOB pairing. Its downtown position makes it easy to combine with a performance at the Fulton Theatre or an evening walk around Penn Square.
Is Citronnelle suitable for dietary needs, families, and wheelchair users?
The kitchen’s seasonal, composed cooking means dietary requests are best raised when reserving rather than at the table. The polished, intimate setting is strongest for adults and older food-curious children; diners needing step-free access or specific mobility accommodations should call ahead before confirming a booking.
When planning your Lancaster travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Lancaster, pair this stop with standout local spots including Bespoke Brewing, The Demuth Museum, Amish Farm and House, and Passerine (nearby).
