Citrone Italian Chophouse — Restaurant in Redlands

I don't hand out 5 star reviews often and this time I'd give 6 stars if possible to Citrone in Redlands. Last night's dinner was exceptional and the service was stupendous.

The ambiance inside is cozy and intimate with an open kitchen in view. I specifically chose Citrone last night to try the veal chop I saw featured on Yelp. Once seated I learned from my server that the veal chop is no longer on the dinner menu and is offered as a special on select nights, and tonight was not one of those nights. My heart sank as I looked over the menu for an alternative. While I trying to decide, a gentleman named Brandon stopped by my table to welcome me to restaurant. I shared my reasoning for visiting, a special celebration, and my heavy-heartedness that the one item I came for was no longer available. With a smile Brandon told me he'd be right back. After a moment he returned to tell me that he had two veal chops, one was spoken for, and the other was available for me. I was thrilled at this news and thanked him profusely. He went above and beyond to make my special night memorable.

My dinner consisted of a scallop appetizer served with corn, duck a l'orange, and the superb veal chop with risotto.

The scallops were lovely and deliciously light. The flavor and seasoning were exactly what you'd expect from a reputable restaurant. The duck had a savory, crispy skin with succulent, tender meat inside without any gaminess. Lastly, the veal with risotto was one of the most memorable dishes I've ever had. The meat exploded with flavor and decadence. It was juicy and tender like no other meat I've had. The risotto was creamy and buttery and topped with mouthwatering mushrooms. It was so satisfying it could have been an entrée all on its own.

In my usual fashion, I concluded my meal with a vanilla bean cheesecake that was airy and light while still having substance. Truly delightful.

This evening, there were no leftovers. I joyfully cleared my plates and plan to do it again soon! Bravo Citrone 👏

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Citrone is the French Laundry of Redlands and The Greater Inland Empire.

The restaurant is beautiful, featuring superior craftmanship of the millwork and thoughtful interior design. The sight lines walking through the front doors are fantastic providing luxurious charm.

We witnessed and benefited from the host leadership style from ownership Dan, with no small degree of pretentiousness. The trickle-down effect is quite apparent in the team members. Hospitality heaven – like any opportunity to experience something greater, whether in a place of worship, hospitality, or otherwise, the parties, in this case host and guest, must both be willing participants in achieving hospitality heaven. The Citrone team has curated the environment to take hospitality experiences to the highest elevation. Our waitress (K)Catherine delivered top notch service. She was engaging, responsive, knowledgeable and very pleasant. It’s not often I’d like to thank someone’s parents for how they raised their kid, but I’m hoping mamma (K)Catherine reads this, to know the wholesomeness you placed into her is being given to others she encounters. Thanks!

Chef Patrizio brings not only his heritage of delectable Italian recipes, but marries this with a refined culinary skill level, strong work ethic, and deep appreciation of the guest experience. Chef Pat is second to none in this market, committing to premium sourced ingredients and masterfully curated flavor profiles. If you’ll never have the opportunity to travel to Italy, you can at least taste it here with Chef Pat.

Finally, as a parent of special needs children, Dan the owner and Pat the Head Chef, showed extraordinary care and personally made the experience above what we expected. The intentionality of providing a memorable moment was apparent. This was very moving for my family. We thought we were just coming in for great food, but we left with full hearts and an unforgettable...

There was no shortage of attention here—it was the defining virtue of this place. While Kimberly took care of us, nearly everyone who passed by looked over to check if we were comfortable or needed anything.

As we settled in for a fabulous dinner, the indoor and porch seating filled up quickly, advancing twice during the evening. It became clear that this two-year-old Italian eatery had already established itself as a local landmark.

Sitting on the charming, cozy porch, we ordered their signature appetizer. Patrizio, the executive chef, visited our table, carrying a twenty-five-year-old vinegar bottle—adding a touch of intrigue to our dish.

Between him, Kimberly, and Brandon (the owner), attention was never lacking in this bustling, packed restaurant.

The traditional Italian cuisine was exquisite. Though we’ve dined at fine Italian establishments before, the flavors here were uniquely distinct.

We soon discovered the secret behind this unforgettable taste: their ingredients were meticulously hand-picked and imported directly from Italy. The wine, the sauces, the cheeses, even the meat—carefully stored in the freezer—were sourced with precision. The restaurant itself was a testament to this commitment, with grocery aisles lining the space beside an impressive wine cellar, reinforcing their dedication to quality.

Even their Hall of Fame reflects their humble approach. While most restaurants proudly display such accolades in a highly visible spot for all to see, here, they quietly tuck theirs away in the back of the kitchen—a true testament to their understated confidence.

Altogether, our experience here was truly one-of-a-kind. The outstanding food, the exceptional service, and the personal touch from all, Kimberly , the chef, and the owner—who made it a point to greet every guest—turned this visit into something...