Reviews of California Grill
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Menus at California Grill
Reviewed by WarEagleAuburn Review Date: 01/03/2014
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
We usually dine at California Grill each trip, but probably won't do so again. The filets were not at all as good as we got at Yahtsman, and were smaller. The steaks came with a tiny amount of odd flavored risotto instead of a potato. I would have liked to have a choice of the side that comes with a $50 steak. The sushi was $24, which is much more expensive than any other restaurant we tried. Our waitress was overwhelmed with all of her tables and the various wine selections--seemed like she was always pouring wine instead of getting us refills on our drinks. The restaurant is beautiful.
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ViewCons:
Cost for what you getReviewed by wdwfan6 Review Date: 12/13/2013
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
Was excited to go back to the California Grill after the rehab. Change is good, but not in this case. Had a table next to the kitchen, so got to see and hear servers clanging dishes throughout the meal. No view out the window. When the server realized I was solo and not drinking alcohol, the service went out the window. I got extremely slow drive by service (drop a course and run), while the larger tables around me that were drinking received constant checking, smiles and chatting. 30-45 minute waits in between courses. The appetizer was 3 medium sized shrimp for $22. When I asked if they had something a bit more basic for the side dish to the swordfish I ordered (roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, etc), was told they did not have anything. The small piece of seared swordfish was cold, raw and undercooked inside. By the time the server came back, he just grabbed the plate and kept walking. The final straw was when he dropped the dessert menu and made a nasty, sarcastic remark "maybe you will find something here to eat." When I went to leave, the manager asked how the meal was. When I told him my experience, his response was "well I guess you had a bad night." That was all he said, then walked away to glad hand a large group of people. This is the last time I will dine there.
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NothingCons:
EverythingReviewed by John Review Date: 12/08/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Even though eating at the California Grill was by far our most expenisve meal at WDW, it was also the best. The food, service and being able to view the Magic Kingdom in the evening was great.
The Duck in all it's Glory was wonderful and the steak I had was perfect. My daughter-in-law had sushi as both an appetizer and an entree and she said it was the best Sushi she had ever had. My son had the Pork two ways and my wife had the Chicken and they were both excellent.
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Great Food, Service, and LocationCons:
NoneReviewed by MargieVE Review Date: 11/24/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
My husband and I have dined here a number of times over the years and were interested in seeing it after its recent redo.
We arrived early for our reservation and enjoyed a cocktail in the lounge. The atmosphere seemed to be lighter and less congested - but that may have been due to our timing (i.e. early hour and less busy time of year).
We were seated on time for our reservation. After asking about wine, one of the sommelier-trained servers came over to discuss wines with us. In the end, we went against his suggestion (of a good wine we’ve had before) in favor of something less available that we wanted to try. It was very good.
We routinely share all of the dishes that we order and in this case we chose four starters and one entrée. The starters were the clam appetizer (good, but not entirely clear how it was supposed to hang together as a dish despite our server's advice on how to eat it); crispy shrimp salad (very good); ravioli appetizer (good); and duck appetizer (very good). We chose the snapper for the entrée and it was also very good.
Our server was very accommodating with our approach to ordering and sharing, and did a good job of pacing the dishes and ensuring that we had enough share plates.
We had been concerned that the menu seemed reduced from what it had been in the past, but we enjoyed all of the food we chose and would dine here again.
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Setting, food, wine, serviceCons:
PriceyReviewed by mharder Review Date: 11/23/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
My wife and I ate at the California Grill on Nov. 18. It was our second visit (first since the renovations). I know some have been critical of the new menu, but we very much enjoyed the dinner. We each had the filet, which was done perfectly (we ordered it rare and it was not the least bit overcooked, which is sometimes been a problem). I order the ravioli appetizer, which was great. Found a terrific 2007 Cab from a small Napa producer on the wine list that was great. Service was the appropriate level of attentiveness.
Only one critical comment: we had a booth next to and directly across from the station where final preparations occurred and food was picked up by the waiters. It was interesting and fun to watch the chefs and the waiters, but it also was noisy, busy, and because we were near the heat lamps, it was actually kind of warm, which is not what we wanted on an 86 degree day. Next time I'll request a seat away from the kitchen.
One other comment. There are now 2 balconies from which you can watch fireworks. We were closest to the south balcony. I would recommend viewing from the north balcony. The building blocked some of our views.
Pros:
Food; extensive wine list; views; unique vantage point to see fireworksCons:
Expensive; seats near kitchen are noisy and the area is busyReviewed by FoxzLem Review Date: 11/20/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
They did an awesome job with the remodel. Was very excited to dine there this past October. Our food was wonderful but did miss some of the old favorites.
Wine selection was outstanding and our server was able to recommend different things to try.
Already have our reservations for when we go back next time.
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Location, View and foodCons:
Small portion sizeReviewed by SharW Review Date: 11/14/2013
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
Dined here on October 16, 2013. We have dined at this restaurant every year for the past 10-12 years. The new look to this restaurant is great. Menu is not as good as in prior years and if you want to make a substitution for one of the side dishes be prepared to pay extra. Had to pay extra for the Truffle Mac & Cheese - was not very good - had better Mac & Cheese out of a box. Food was not as good as in prior years - Yachtsman Steak House is far superior. Waitress was very good. Have always recommended this restaurant in the past, but I even have doubts that we will dine here next October.
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AtmosphereCons:
Food was not as good as in prior yearsReviewed by melody Review Date: 11/13/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I decided to take my family here for appetizers before the Spirits Confidential party. My family & husband had 3 different kinds of sushi and I had the meatballs. The meatballs were so delicious and unique. My husband is from NYC and has had some of the best sushi but absolutely loved the sushi at CA Grill! He said it even topped NYC! Waiter was very friendly and the manager seated us at the sushi counter. We will definitely return!
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FoodCons:
noneReviewed by Joeyvee99 Review Date: 10/09/2013
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Have to give a bad review to our favorite Disney restaurant. First off the menu is blah and uninspired. Gone are all the faves. Sushi selections are near non-existent. Had to send the short ribs back due to the huge fat veins running through it. Everything was blah. Highlight were the meatball appys. They were underdone but delicious and I like my meat rare anyway. Some diners may be put off. The server stood there with the water bottle on his neck while he was explaining the menu. Yuck, find another way to cool off. Doubt if I'll give a second chance to this one.
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decor and ambianceCons:
food & menuReviewed by allec999 Review Date: 10/04/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Newly remodeled CG is as good as ever. New look isn't a huge difference from the old, in my opinion, but the new platform to watch fireworks was nice. Almost too bright inside when fireworks going off (had some glare issues), but still looks great. Food was spectacular as always, and wine list is ever-evolving and relevant. A must-do for every trip.
