Reviews of California Grill
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Menus at California Grill
Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 05/14/2023
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
Visited here recently for my husbands 60th birthday. The set meal was not brilliant very very expensive and I think they should introduce a more simple option on the set menu for more fussy eaters. We spent around 500 dollars and we were rushed to pay the bill before we'd even finished eating our cheese and crackers. Well that's what they called it but it seriously wasn't what we call cheese and crackers. Its an absolute rip off. Please if you are looking for a special meal do not go to this restaurant they are getting away with charging silly prices because you get to view the fireworks from the roof top. Always wanted to visit this restaurant but especially since they introduced set menu, definitely not worth the money. They need to stop set menu and let people choose what they want. I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone and the waiter just ruined it even more by asking us to pay the bill while we were still eating... just bad manners and not trained well. He actually came up twice to our table to ask my husband to settle bill while my husband was still eating...unbelievable. Just such a shame was so looking forward to this special evening.
Pros:
fireworks from rooftopCons:
overly fussy and over priced set menu. Nothing for people who want more simple optionsReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 04/29/2023
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
Mused to be great. They we went to a set menu and it’s gone way down hill. Got a sashimi appetizer. Worst I have had. Grouper was fishy tasting.
Pros:
View of the fireworksCons:
For 4 people got a bottle of wine and 2 after after dinner drinks. Spent $650. Wouldn’t do it again. You are playing just for the view.Reviewed by mangoman18 Review Date: 09/30/2018
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
After hearing all of the positive reviews for this place, I have to say we were really disappointed with this meal. I will say the view is amazing from the top of the Comtempory. The restaurant itself looks a little dated and sterile for my tastes. I ordered the cowboy ribeye and my wife got the filet. Probably not the best place to get a steak, but we had heard good things about the steaks. I will say that some of the other entrees we saw other people get looked really good such as the pork tenderloin. Our server was friendly but he did mess up are order, which is kind of annoying, especially at those prices. He did get it fixed and was apologetic about it. Our desserts were both good. My wife really enjoyed the chocolate lava cake and my creme brulee was fine. Overall I don’t think this restaurant is a good place to spend your money. There are much better signature restaurants on property.
Pros:
View of the Magic KingdomCons:
Food, service, costReviewed by Billjo6 Review Date: 10/22/2015
Rating: (5) Recommended
California Grill has always been one our favorite places to eat when we visit Disneyworld. The food is outstanding and the service has always been top notch. We know this restaurant has become popular with families because of the dining plan. As a result, the atmosphere in the restaurant has changed over the years. But, after our experience at the California Grill last night we our eliminating it as a stop on future Disney visits. We requested to be seated in the Wine room as it always seemed to be a quiet haven inside the restaurant. As we entered the room we were nearly knocked down by two young children having a race around the table. The hostess had to ask the parents to have their children take their seats. We were seated next to a family with two older children who appeared to be behaving appropriately for their age and surroundings. As usual, the service was outstanding and the food was fantastic. Everything was going great until the two children at the table next to us decided to have a burping contest. The took turns seeing who could burp the loudest. Both parents were on their phones and appeared to be oblivious of their children's behavior. The contest ended when their server brought the check to the table. The parents never intervened.
When you visit a restaurant of this caliber and expense you have certain expectation about the experience. If you like great food, service and views California Grill is the peace to go. But, be aware of what else may come with this experience. After last night, we will be spending our dining dollars elsewhere.
Pros:
Food, service, viewCons:
Uncontrolled childrenReviewed 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 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 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.
Pros:
AtmosphereCons:
Food was not as good as in prior yearsReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 07/27/2023
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
Our waiter was rude and snapped at our party for asking to speak with the chef about allergies the way we have done at every other Disney restaurant. He then took it out on us by never taking our drink orders and delaying our main order. After 1.5 hours we had only received appetizers. The full meal took over 3 hours. For a supposedly fine dining experience, this was the worst meal of our trip.
Pros:
The view is amazing! The food (when we eventually received any) was also really good.Cons:
Our waiter was really rude and seemed to be punishing us for asking questions about allergies. It shouldn't take over an hour and a half just to get appetizers for a table of 5.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 05/31/2023
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
The California Grill certainly stuns with its amazing views and rooftop fireworks, however the price point is not at all worth it for vegetarians especially. Despite discussing no mushrooms for our dish with 4 dining staff members, the main entree arrived with whole mushrooms mixed in. They did offer, after a few conversations, to substitute tofu for fish on one entree. It was not well seasoned and bland and seemed an afterthought placed atop the dish with mushrooms. I would absolutely not recommend for vegetarians at this price point unless they begin to offer an on par outstanding vegetarian course.
I would add that the meat eaters with us did not think their meal was worth that price as well.
Simple standard Beverages (except water) are an also extra charge on top of the fixed price.
Pros:
View and deck to view fireworks but you can find good views elsewhereCons:
Vegetarian offerings and had to send back a meal which contained food we specifically asked to leave out and were assured this was not an issue.Reviewed by mhw Review Date: 08/22/2015
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
My family has visited WDW for the past nine years and Cali Grill has always been a favorite place to go for a nice evening out. However, the past couple of years, the menu selection and quality of the food has declined drastically. In fact, when my family and I rated our favorite meals during this past stay, Cali Grill did not even make the top five. The only saving grace was the location of the restaurant, fireworks and the excellent customer service. Note to Chefs, check out The Boathouse because the food quality and selection is what Cali Grill used to be.
