Reviews of California Grill

Reviews

105

Rating

7.66 / 10

Recommended By

76%



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California Grill

Services: Table Service

Menus at California Grill

Reviewed by kj831 Review Date: 08/26/2018

Rating: (9)
Recommended

We ate here on the first night of our trip in July. Me, Mom, Dad, my niece and her friend. I was only able to get an ADR for 4 people, and the CM at check in for the restaurant assured us it wouldn't be an issue at all to have 5. We were seated at a great table near the kitchen and one of the balconies for fireworks viewing. It was perfect. They decorated the table with Mickey Confetti, as it was a belated birthday for my Dad and early for my niece's friend's 10th birthday. Nasser was our server, he surprised the girls by telling them there was a call for them. Upon return, the girls were so excited that Goofy had called to welcome them to Disney. The food was delicious, except for the Birthday cupcakes brought to us. We got to see the fireworks which made for a ton of excitement from my niece and her friend's first visit to WDW.

Pros:

Excellent Experience

Cons:

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Reviewed by Aimee McCann Review Date: 12/20/2017

Rating: (9)
Recommended

The hostess took my cell number but we never received a text. It took awhile for the hostess to find us as they did not announce names. But we were seated next to the window with a great view of the castle MVMCP fireworks. Our waitress, Wendi, was able to answer all questions about the menu well and gave her recommendations which we found spot-on. The oysters, filet and scallops were delicious. We've eaten at CA Grill 3 other times and this visit will not be our last. Had a great time and were not rushed. Wendi gave us time to watch the fireworks, but was attentive to refilling drinks and bread during that time.

Pros:

Quality and quantity of food. Wait staff excellent. View of fireworks

Cons:

noise
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Reviewed by allec999 Review Date: 11/03/2017

Rating: (9)
Recommended

California Grill is a must-do for every trip for us, and this time, with friends, and the Halloween fireworks, it lived up to its reputation. Food was amazing, and service is always superb. Can't beat the view or the atmosphere. Only negative is that it wasn't quite as good as Jiko was the night before, which isn't a negative at all. This one shall remain on the list for every trip.

Pros:

Food, atmosphere

Cons:

Not as good as Jiko
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Reviewed by disneyhardin Review Date: 10/27/2017

Rating: (9)
Recommended

This was our first time eating at California Grill. Our ADR was for 8:55, but we checked in and were seated a little early.

When we walked off the elevator into the restaurant, I was very surprised at how loud and bustling the place was. We still had a wonderful dinner, but if you are looking for a quiet "date night" sort of restaurant, this is not it.

We were seated and had our appetizers just before the fireworks. Right at 9:00, we went out on the balcony and watched. It was an amazing view - the music is piped in nice and loud.

Our server was fantastic and our food was very good. For appetizers we had Oysters Rockefeller and the Goat Cheese Ravioli. They were both very good. For our entrees we had 2 different steaks. They were both prepared very well and the mashed potatoes were very good. For our deserts we had the chocolate cake and the beignets. All our food was excellent.

Pros:

Fireworks View is Spectacular

Cons:

Restaurant is very loud
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Reviewed by tiggeress Review Date: 02/07/2017

Rating: (9)
Recommended

I don't know about the reviews that say the food isn't as good as it was previously, since our food was as wonderful as it has always been.

Our server was the best of our trip, gracious, pleasant, efficient, and thoughtful (she brought my drink outside to me unrequested because she thought I would probably want it). I hate when servers approach the table talking, interrupting conversation, and she never did this. Our meal was perfectly timed and orchestrated.

My only, fairly minor, complaint is the restaurant not enforcing its own rules of attire. This is a fancy restaurant, that people pay a lot of money for and plan far in advance for reservations to eat here. There should never be people at the next table in shorts, t-shirts, flipflops and mouse ears (yes, all 7 people). They should be required either change their dress, or be put in a separate room with all the other people who don't want to follow the rules.

Even so, we loved it. This dinner, along with their brunch, were by far the best meal experiences of our trip.

Pros:

As Wonderful As You've Heard

Cons:

People Not Dressing As Required
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Reviewed by clayalex02 Review Date: 09/08/2015

Rating: (9)
Recommended

My sister and I ate here on August 31 and we very much enjoyed the meal after having to reject the first table we were offered. They tried to seat us at the very first table in the restaurant, not sure why there is even a table there as it is in the middle of traffic and would have been horrific. Our next table was in the very back of the restaurant in what looked like an addition. We could not see the Magic Kingdom but could see Epcot and Hollywood Studios, unfortunately by the time we were seated the fireworks for both were over. Ordered cocktails off the menu, both were very good, but the names escape me now. The waiter was very personable and we liked him, even though he thought we were a couple and tried to give us ambiance with the candles. We started off with the Dragon Roll, which was yummy! I ordered the pork two ways, which I thought was very well done and enjoyed it very much. Sister had a filet which she also enjoyed. For dessert, I ordered the breadpudding, which was not bread pudding and was not even the cobbler that the waiter tried to say it was. Not good! So I helped Sister eat her fritters which were warm and doughy pillows of goodness. The only disappointment of the night was that we were in the middle of eating when the fireworks show started which we went to watch and our food was left out on the table. We saw others that had been covered.

Pros:

food, view

Cons:

none
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Reviewed by Harrimans Review Date: 07/11/2015

Rating: (9)
Recommended

We thought the service was very adequate if not overly friendly. I actually prefer this but can understand why others would be put off a bit.

The food was excellent! Pork flat bread was very good. Sea Scallops and filet were to die for. Creme Brûlée was the best we ever had.

The view outside on the deck made our night. Most unique view of Wishes in all of WDW.

The pacing of dinner was just right. Wine selection is superb.

A great night out...

Pros:

Food, view

Cons:

Loud and crowded
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Reviewed by caltex Review Date: 05/24/2015

Rating: (9)
Recommended

The sushi and sashimi are outstanding! In particular, the pork belly nigri was the best I have eaten. The Yuzu marinated sashimi was flavorful and the texture was superb.
The other entrees that my wife and I had was the oak-fired filet of beef (she loved the super tender filet, but the risotto was too strong) and the pork two ways - loved it. The downside was the service. Started off great, but trickled down as the evening progressed. Specifically our server did not always check in on us as our drinks needed refills on several occasions. I'll leave with a positive note, it was great to walk on the observation deck and watch Wishes. It gives the observer a different perspective of the fireworks show. Overall, we might just visit the bar and order the sushi. The bar offers the full menu, but it is first come first serve.

Pros:

Sushi, Observation deck

Cons:

Service
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Reviewed by Dispro Review Date: 03/22/2015

Rating: (9)
Recommended

The view from California Grill is what keeps us coming back! Unfortunately, some of the menu items that used to be our favorites are either missing (Valrhona chocolate cake) or not as good as they used to be (sushi). However, if you order the right things, it is still awesome. As someone else mentioned, the pork tenderloin with goat cheese polenta is incredible. However, you will need to ask for the "retro pork" or the "pork old school" in order to avoid the pork two ways that is on the menu (that I ordered once and found to be disgusting). The flatbreads are also delicious. My husband chose to order some type of fish this time, and it was just okay... So he will go back to the retro pork next time. I still don't know why they took away the Valrhona chocolate cake, and I voice my displeasure every time (although it doesn't change anything). I rated Cali Grill a 9 because there is no 8.5 on the rating system, however, if my husband had ordered the pork, it would have been a 9 anyway. We did have a tablecloth and always have, so I'm not sure why the last reviewer did not. FYI, they do have a good bar here if you like alcoholic beverages. The lemon drop with the sugared rim glass is delicious.

Pros:

Best view at WDW (my opinion)

Cons:

Some menu items aren't as good as they used to be
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Reviewed by Irene Review Date: 02/09/2015

Rating: (9)
Recommended

Beautiful place to watch the Wishes fireworks. Food was cooked to perfection. Service was excellent. Worth the two dining meals required. Only drawback was the number of young children in the restaurant. Our reservations were for 8:30. Two tables near us had young children that did not want to be there. You could tell they had a full day in the park and were tired. Crying, up and down in their seats, under the table was quite the distraction. You had to feel for them. But, for those having a celebration(30th anniversary) it was not what we hoped would be our experience.

Pros:

Service, food and view

Cons:

Young children in the evening
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