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.
Pros:
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.
Pros:
NothingCons:
EverythingReviewed 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 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.
Pros:
decor and ambianceCons:
food & menuReviewed by 1283alex Review Date: 05/23/2013
Rating: (6) Not Recommended
Location is nice being high up with view and all, but food was average - didn't really feel it was worth extra dining plan points - wouldn't go back again on dining plan or as a paying customer - have been to a lot of fine dining restaurants & this one is simply over-rated - have ate at many other restaurant on Disney property that are better than this
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—Reviewed by DVCSammy Review Date: 01/15/2024
Rating: (10) Recommended
JUST AN UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCE!
How can you beat a rooftop restaurant that overlooks all four Disney Parks .. ..
Their top-notch staff started me off with thei RAVIOLO that was subtle and delicious .. ..
The came their PORK SKILLET which was delicious and the smoothest polenta you will ever fave and topping it off was their CALIFORNIA CHEESE TRAY with a Bleu Cheese that blew my socks off .. ..
Most shocking was trying some of the families dishes and they were amazing >>> Their PIZZA appetizer was easily the best pizza I've ever had and their KIM CHI FRIED RICE was the best fried rice I've ever had too!
And, as fireworks started, our server directed us to the outdoor patio to view the fireworks and had fresh coffee awaiting us when we returned to the table .. .. We were seated at 5:00PM and didn't leave the restaurant until after the fireworks at 8:30PM .. .. An unforgettable night!
Pros:
everything.Cons:
nothing.Reviewed by Jamiegii Review Date: 11/11/2022
Rating: (10) Recommended
My fiancé and I went in February 2022 to celebrate getting engaged the week before our trip. It was our first night and we were there during fireworks. Bring it was a celebration, we added on the wine pairings to the meal and we still talk about this meal over 6 months later. The short rib wontons were my fiancés favorite thing by far he said. The service was amazing and our waitress took such good care of us. Watching the fireworks on our first night, before ever entering the parks was a surreal and magical experience! The best start to vacation ever
Pros:
The food, fireworks, atmosphere, service and everything!Cons:
Expensive, although worth itReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 04/19/2022
Rating: (10) Recommended
we have dined here 2X since menu change -still really enjoy and is our fav at the parks. the dumplings are great and my wife makes at home - filet is very good.
Pros:
food view drinksCons:
a little expensiveReviewed by FleurDeLys Review Date: 12/13/2021
Rating: (9) Recommended
We dined here on Halloween with the 50th Anniversary prix fixe menu. We have been fortunate to have dined at California Grill 3 times previously, and it's a favorite special occasion dining experience. I always forget how noisy it is, though. It's not so noisy that you can't hear a dinner conversation, but it's still louder than it should be for a signature dining location. We were seated in a separate dining room at the far end of the main room (and it was still noisy). We had a lovely private table for two in a corner by the window and we watched the boats moving on the lagoon. We could also see the other fireworks shows from our table. Very romantic. We were seated right before the fireworks, and our waiter made sure that we got a good view on the balcony. I really do enjoy watching the fireworks up there with an unobstructed view - it seems as though we are transported to an island in the sky with no other people around. Of course, you can't really see the castle projections as well, and you are off-center from the castle, but we enjoyed seeing this different perspective. After we settled in back at our table, the server cordially presented our wine and chatted about the menu. The servers there are absolutely professional and make me feel like we are their only table - never rushed, always appearing just when you need them, with perfect timing for the courses. The food was excellent in both taste and appearance. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and it was definitely worth the time and cost.
Pros:
Professional servers, excellent food, great wine list, fireworks viewing, worthy of special occasion celebrationsCons:
It's noisyReviewed by StarTours1401 Review Date: 06/24/2021
Rating: (10) Recommended
My husband and I kicked off our honeymoon with dinner at the California Grill in June 2021, and it was the perfect start to a magical trip! The view of Magic Kingdom was breathtaking and the service was outstanding. Our server recommended the beef wonton appetizer, and it was probably one of the best things I’ve eaten in my life! Our entrees were also delicious, and our cocktails did not disappoint. If you’re looking for delicious food in an upscale (yet somehow laid back) environment, this is it! The only downside is the cost - It was quite expensive. I suppose all magic comes at a price!
