Reviews of California Grill
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Menus at California Grill
Reviewed by bryanmmunoz Review Date: 01/05/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
We just returned from a NYE trip to WDW. This dinner and one other stood out above the rest. This was my 20th visit to the world and can you believe I had never stepped foot in the restaurant? Without a doubt the view is simply breath taking. To be honest I had to fight back the tears.
That being said - my sister and I have over 20 combined years of service industry experience...so a view is not going to win us over when it comes to the meal!
I've read reviews about service being poor and the food being over priced for what you receive and I simply believe that to be untrue. Service will always be the wild card since you are dealing with personalities, but the food for the price was spot on. I felt the pacing of our meal went perfectly. We had bottles of wine, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and more cocktails (we went all out this trip) and felt as though everything was brought to us at the moment we were ready!
The entire staff was courteous and welcoming. Encouraging us to return for the fireworks later that evening (which we did).
This will now be on the list as a "must do again" at Disney. It was a fantastic experience and I recommend to anyone who is looking for an excellent meal and ambiance.
Pros:
View, pacing of meal, drink selectionsCons:
—Reviewed by SharW Review Date: 10/20/2014
Rating: (7) Not Recommended
Definitely has gone downhill. Trying to make menu too fancy. Have gone here each year for the past 12 years but will be taking it off our schedule for next years visit. Waitress was very nice but we get great service and better food elsewhere at Disney.
Pros:
Great view of Magic KingdomCons:
food not that great and very costlyReviewed by Eean Review Date: 10/16/2014
Rating: (5) Recommended
My husband and I originally ate at the California Grill back in the summer of 2010. Since then, we had been itching to go back. We had a memorable and delicious meal. We went to Disney World in the summer of 2013, but the restaurant was closed for refurbishment. Consequently, I was very anxious when we booked our trip for August 2014 to make a dinner reservation at the California Grill. This time we had our three kids in tow with us. We have boys ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old. First of all, we were very impressed with the refurbished decor, and of course you can't beat the view! Although our table wasn't quite ready, we ordered a bottle of wine from a server in the bar area named Justin. He was very friendly, and he set the tone for what we thought would be a wonderful evening. However, our service once we were seated at our table wasn't quite what we were expecting. Although our server was efficient, she was less than friendly. Unfortunately her attitude put a damper on our evening.The food was fine, but I definitely remember it being better when we dined there before. Our kids actually didn't even like their meals. It's hard to justify spending two credits on a meal that was just so-so. Next time, I'm tempted just to go to the bar, order a glass of wine and maybe some sushi -and of course enjoy the view!
Pros:
Beautiful view and interior decor; great wine listCons:
ServiceReviewed by LLSS Review Date: 09/30/2014
Rating: (6) Recommended
My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner to California Grill. The view is absolutely spectacular.
We started with the appetizer meatballs. The flavoring was great, though they were a bit dry. We had the fillet and Seafood pilaf for our meals. The filet was good, but far from the best I have ever had. The seafood pilaf was actually quite good. We each had desserts which were good, but once again, not over the top great.
After dinner we hung around to see the fireworks from the deck, which was quite spectacular. Honestly, you are paying for the view here, not the food. The food was good, but nothing to write home about for the price we paid. Next time I think we will head elsewhere for a bit better food.
Pros:
View, good foodCons:
Very expensive for what you getReviewed by nlg0517 Review Date: 09/20/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
We didn't make reservations here but were happy to sit at the bar for dinner. We didn't miss the fireworks because it was Night of Joy & there weren't any. Everyone was very nice. We had the best service from Clinta the bartender. He was very personable, offering suggestions, making small talk & letting us take our time, all while he was training a new employee. We started with the ravioli (wonderful) & BBQ flatbread (very good). The mixed drinks were very good, not too strong. I had the chicken which was delicious, juicy with a crispy coating but I wouldn't call it fried. DH had the filet and he really enjoyed it, very tender & cooked well.
I was surprised at the number of small children here so late at night. One even sat at the bar for awhile, which I thought was illegal. All that being said DH & I were still able to enjoy a nice dinner & conversation
Pros:
Food atmosphereCons:
Hard to get intoReviewed by BWK0701 Review Date: 06/23/2014
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
This is very hard to write since California Grill is one of my all time favorite restaurants. At first we were seated in front of the new kitchen which is extremely loud could not hear our own conversation, after requesting another table we were moved to an excellent location, waitress was nice. Food was not prepared correctly after pointing this out service and food quality went horribly wrong. After almost 2 hours of a very bad experience my party of three finally got out without desert or viewing fireworks. When concerns were brought to management they were basically ignored.
Pros:
ViewCons:
Food and serviceReviewed by fdmarks Review Date: 04/29/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
We thought we would treat ourselves to a special night out and were not disappointed. My DD loves the MK fireworks but is not fond of the crowds rushing to leave the MK afterwards, do dining here was perfect. We only waited about five minutes to be seated and the view of the MK was perfect. My DD had the tomato flatbread and loved it. My DS decided on the roasted surf and turf and said it was quite good. My wife tried the octopus salad and thought the artichokes were a nice touch to the dish. I ordered the charcuterie and thought it was the best I have ever tasted. My DD had the dragon roll and shared it with my DS who had the shrimp salad. My wife ordered the farmer salad. We were not rushed and harried by the wait staff and leisurely took our time to order the entrees. I tried the bison tenderloin and thought it was quite good. It was different from what is offered at Artist Point. My wife had the veal chop and thought the presentation and taste of the food was superb. My DS tried the scallops and grits. He liked the scallops but the grits were not his favorite part of the meal. My DD loved the seafood stew. The waitress suggested we try the cabernet sauvignon to complement our meal and we were glad she did. Watching the fireworks while finishing up the meal with a great desert was such a treat. My wife and I had the chocolate pudding cake, my DD tried the sundae, and my DS had a crème Brule. To finish the evening, my wife ordered a cucumber fizz and I had a blue martini. The bill with a 20% tip came to $585, but it was worth it in service, quality, and variety of food choices. This is one of our favorite places to dine and relax after a hard day of walking around the parks.
Pros:
Stellar service, superb suisine, fireworksCons:
Can be priceyReviewed by Staceylanee Review Date: 04/19/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I'm saddened to read some of the negative responses concerning CG. My husband and I dined there Nov 2013 and it was incredible. We've enjoyed most of Disney's finer eating establishments and this is by far one of our favorites. Everything from start to finish was done with excellence. We had the rock shrimp salad, the dragon roll, short-ribs, and filet. The wine selection is outstanding. Planning to dine at CG again in May with a group of girlfriends! I would recommend CG over and over again!
Pros:
Amazing food, wine, service, and view.Cons:
NoneReviewed by mawdryn Review Date: 03/18/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
My husband and I dined here for his birthday dinner on March 8th. We had reservations at 6:55pm and arrived at 6:45. We were seated right away.
Our table was just ok. We had to go outside to view "Wishes." But, that was fine, the view on the deck was amazing.
We were on deluxe dining, so for appetizers, we had the ravioli and California roll. For our entrees, we had the bison and dragon roll. Dessert consisted of the seasonal tasting and the creme brulee. Everything we ate was delicious and fresh.
The service was VERY slow and often lacked the kind of attention one would receive at a high end restaurant. The entire meal took over 3 hours. Our waitress was so loaded down with tables, that she couldn't provide adequate or reliable service. That's the best way to describe it.
I saw her leave our bread where the wine glasses are housed, and bring it to our table 20 minutes later. Needlesstosay, it was cold. She did comp us a glass of wine and a cup of coffee. We didn't even have to ask for it.
I would totally dine here again, just hope for better service.
Pros:
Location, View of MK Fireworks, and FoodCons:
ServiceReviewed by angiem0217 Review Date: 02/19/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
We had ADr and were seated right away. new renovation was really nice. Seated right by the window and had a great view of the fireworks. It was amazing. The food is awesome. It was me, husband and 6 year old son. The children's menu really did not have anything a 6 year old would like and he did not eat. I would not go back and take a child. This is a very nice upscale restaurant and if you want a nice dinner with no kids, this is the place to go.
