10th anniversary and 40th bday Citricos, Jiko, or California Grill

[JGR]

We are finally going to WDW sans kids for the first time since 2003! We always try to go out to eat at the signature restaurants but, our four preschoolers just ruin it for us and others...so we just have not done it to you or us.
Which restaurants are best these days? We used to like Cali Grill...but, have read some reviews that it has suffered lately. Open to any suggestions - have read that Jiko, Citricos, and Flying Fish are still great. We are staying at BWV for five nights and celebrating my 40th birthday and our 10th wedding anniversary--so it is kind of a big celebration for us.

 

[cbg1027]

My fav signatures:

Citricos is #1 for me. Best food and outstanding, amazing service.

Flying Fish comes in a very close second. Food was just as good as Citricos, but the service wasn't as personalized. It was still very good though.

Jiko is at # 3 for me.

Cali Grill in at #4. I still think it's very good. Hasn't changed any to me.

The Hollywood Brown Derby #5

Narcoossee's in at #6.....but I wouldn't even call it a signature in anything other than price. Not a signature worthy meal IMO.

I think I would recommend Citricos for you guys since it's the most calm, relaxed, and intimate of the signatures. Cali Grill gets really loud and tends to have more children than Jiko, Citricos, or Flying Fish.

 

[DEA]

I think you're going to have an excellent meal at any of your three choices. I think I had as good a meal at California Grill a month ago as I did at Citricos (on our trip without our preschoolers), although I liked Citricos better. The atmosphere varies so much among the three: Citricos I think of as light and airy, California Grill as industrial but with good service, and Jiko as dark and romantic.

As the PP suggested, Flying Fish is a great pick, too, in my opinion. It's also right there on the Boardwalk. As you're staying at BWV, it would reduce your travel time substantially.

Enjoy your celebrations, and I hope you have a wonderful grown-up meal at whichever restaurant you choose.

 

[rhodymom]

I think Citrico's would be great for your Bday. My husband and I alternate our nights out alone (we get a babysitter one night while in Disney) there. I love Jiko's though so it's a close 2nd.

IMO you can't go wrong with either.

 

[JGR]

Thanks for all of your advice!!!
I just made my ADRs and I made the following:

1st night Flying Fish
2nd night Via Napoli (to spend time in Epcot and see Fireworks) plus we have not eaten here...have any of you heard about it?
3rd night: Citricos - for the middle of the trip and the Birthday/Anniversary Dinner.
4th night: we moved our room over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas and are eating at Jiko. I have never eaten or stayed here so we are excited. I do not like to move rooms with the kids but, with just the two of us it will be no big deal.

We cut our trip short one day because of money and we are running out of our DVC points for the year...and too much time away from our little kids was scaring us. I hope we have fun...thanks for your help!
We leave in two weeks!!!