CA Grill vs. Spoodles & Kona Cafe --Help!

[michellex2]

I've got 1 more decision left for dining. I'm trying to decide between California Grill and a counter service meal on another evening (due to the 4 credits for CG), or skipping CG and eating at Spoodles and Kona Cafe, or sharing a meal at CG and doing one of the other restaurants. I've not eatten at any of them so it is hard to know. I'm taking my 84 year old mother who enjoys almost any good food. I already have dinner reservations at Le Cellier, Teppanyaki, Le Chefs de France and Bomas. I have a CG reservation (8:20 pm) that would allow us to see 9 pm Wishes. What do you think? Is CG that special compared to the other two restaurants? How about sharing there -- has anyone done that? Any input would be appreciated -- I'm all decisioned out. Transportation isn't as issue as we have our own car and since my mother is in a wheel chair, valet parking is free.

 

[bavaria]

CG is definitely a special evening. My personal preference would be
- CG
- Spoodles
- Kona

The menu changes frequently at CG, so don't have your heart set on something specific. It also has a wide variety of items, in my opinion. Sharing hasn't been an issue when we've been there - nobody seemed to mind.

It's another place which gets very mixed reviews here, but we always enjoy it. We've been for special occaisions before and it's very enjoyable. We even took a 4 yo for her birthday and they treated her like a princess.

Spoodles has excellent food, but it's a large, somewhat noisy place if it's busy. There isn't really a view, although you may get a table by the window lookign out on to the Boardwalk.

Kona is a solid standby but the least special of the three to me.

Looks like you made some good choices - Chefs de France is one of my favourites and Boma is definitely an experience. Make sure that you spend some time taking in AKL when you are there.

 

[BCV23]

I agree that California Grill is special. The portions aren't huge though so it might work better to split somethings and pay for one person out of pocket? The flatbreads can be an entree easily and aren't too expensive. The desserts are so rich that it would be very easy to share those.

We haven't had dinner at Spoodles but the food and service at Kona are great. However, the view at California Grill is spectacular and it is just special there.

 

[Leota]

I think CG is completely worth the 2 credits & would highly recommend it. I, personally, would do Kona instead of Chefs. I found Chefs to be the most disappointing meal I ever had in WDW.
Kona is one of our favorite WDW restaurants. The food is consistently outstanding. Spoodles used to be one of our favorites when they had the old Tapas menu. I haven't been there since the new menu tho.

 

[SB in KY]

We used to be HUGE fans of the CG...however on our last 2 visits the food was not exceptional and the noise level was so high we were literally screaming at each other across the table and still could not converse....we gave up and ate in silence....not my idea of a memorable evening. It had not been that way at all on earlier visits and it had been our absolute favorite place on propery...after 1 disapointing experience we just figured it was on off niight at a bad table, but our next experience was even worse...we won't try again for a long time.

I would save my TS credits and do Spoodles and Kona...we have had excellent meals both places...and while the view doesn't compare to the CG the service was better, we could enjoy a leisrely meal with conversation and the food was quite good.

 

[erikthewise]

I agree that California Grill is special. The portions aren't huge though so it might work better to split somethings and pay for one person out of pocket? The flatbreads can be an entree easily and aren't too expensive. The desserts are so rich that it would be very easy to share those.

I'd like to see someone just try to share my valrhona chocolate!

 

[BCV23]

I'd like to see someone just try to share my valrhona chocolate!

SB, try dining at CG earlier if that works for you. We've usually had quieter experiences that way (although not our last trip in May). We also love the wine room which is usually very quiet. What do you recommend at Spoodles? Don't see many dinner reviews of it.

 

[snowbunny]

I really like Chefs de France, it's probably my favorite restaurant in Epcot. It really captures that brasserie atmosphere that you find in Paris and the food is very good IMO. On the other hand I've been to Kona once and won't go back - it's just a coffee shop. Everyone has different tastes for sure

 

[BCV23]

I really like Chefs de France, it's probably my favorite restaurant in Epcot. It really captures that brasserie atmosphere that you find in Paris and the food is very good IMO. On the other hand I've been to Kona once and won't go back - it's just a coffee shop. Everyone has different tastes for sure

snowbunny, what meal did you have at Kona and how long ago? Breakfast is akin to an excellent coffee shop IMHO but if your coffee shops have dinners like Kona, I need to move to your town!

We really enjoy Chefs as well BTW, although a few years back I thought it was in a slump. Back to being very good now though. But you're so right, we all have different tastes. It is one of the things that make this board so fun to read.

 

[Cookie Princess]

I would give up a meal at Kona and Spoodles for a dinner at CA Grill any day of the week.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I haven't eaten at CG or Spoodles, but Kona Cafe was the best meal of our trip last month, maybe the best meal I have had period. I had the Mahi Mahi and my son had the terriyaki steak. They were both amazing. My son was just saying tonight that was the best steak he ever had (comparing it to my cooking of course!) The service was excellent, and it had a nice, casual feel to the restaurant. Appetisers and deserts were also very good. I'm taking my husband back next year so we can eat there on our anniversary.

 

[henrylovespooh]

I've not eaten at CG, but I have to rave about Kona Cafe. We had dinner there in March and loved it. It's such a deal on the dining plan too. I had wonderful crabcakes, the filet with awesome mashed potatoes, and a macadamia nut tart for dessert. The ambience isn't anything to write home about, but I think it's some of the best food in WDW - not touristy resort fare at all.

I would go Kona and Spoodles, a place I've also enjoyed.

 

[ttfn3]

I've eaten at all 3 and CG is wonderful - definitely a treat. My vote is to use the TS credits and eat here. You can't beat the view - the best at any Disney restaurant. The last time we ate there at the end of July, it was much quieter now that they limit the access to those that have ADRs. If you aren't big eaters, you could split a meal by having the flat bread (wonderful!!) and an entree. The portions aren't huge but it depends on how much you like to eat.

I really like Spoodles too. I'm a big fan of the type of food they serve. The portions here are large, so it would be an easier meal to share. It doesn't have the view of the castle but it does have the Boardwalk. My MIL, who's in her early 80s, absolutely loved the Boardwalk at night. It reminded her for her childhood - visiting the Boardwalk near the ocean.

The food at Kona's is good - but the restaurant is very open to the hotel. I prefer Kona's for lunch rather than dinner.

Checking out your Epcot restaurants, I would scrap Teppanyaki and use those credits for CG. We have similar- very good restaurants like this where we live. I can't justify spending that type of money for that type of meal. I prefer to do counter service at Epcot. You can sample your way around the countries. My favorite it the Tangierine Cafe. Yum.

 

[Principessa]

I would vote against Spoodles. I was there in March and it was drafty, noisy and the food was too spicy. Not what I think my 84 year old relative would prefer. If you are in a spicy food mediterranean mood and up for that, ok...but CG is so nice and elegant...a very different atmosphere from Spoodles. I was at CG and saw the fireworks from there, very nice. I can't wait to go back and see if the atmosphere is even better with the new 4th floor check in podium. Good luck making your decision!!

 

[michellex2]

I've tried to do this post 3 times and my computer keeps eating it. Bad computer.

Thanks for all the feedback. Now if you guys would only agree so that my decision would be clear... However, since you didn't, I tallied up the votes: +1 for a clear preference for one of the restaurants, -1 for a clear vote against a particular restaurant and a 1/2 for a recommended, but second place vote. I ended up with 4 for CG, 4 for Kona Cafe and 2 1/2 for Spoodles. So... I left the CG reservation, but will plan to split a meal, and purchase an extra flat bread and leave extra tip. (She weighs 100 lbs and we're both light eaters so that should work fine.) I also booked a reservation at Kona for 5 pm prior to MVMCP as the Polynesian should be close and convenient to the MK as best as I can tell. We can go to both places early and ogle the Christmas decorations which I know my Mom will like as well. Finally, I booked a backup reservation at Jiko (we're staying at AKL) for the same night as CG (it's in the middle of our trip), just in case I'm over-estimating her energy level. (I can cancel the CG reservation if it's clear she's getting over-tired.)

The impetus for this trip was my mother's serious health problems which mean that it will be our last trip together. I want it to be special for her. And she loves to eat! Plus, the table service meals are good as it gives her a chance to relax and take it easy. So thanks again for all the input.

 

[BCV23]

I hope your trip is very, very special!

 

[LglBlonde]

I don't think splitting a meal at CG is such a bad idea - between appetizer, entree & dessert - its A LOT of food. I would not even say I think the portions are tiny IMO! Especially the flatbreads!

 

[snowbunny]

snowbunny, what meal did you have at Kona and how long ago? Breakfast is akin to an excellent coffee shop IMHO but if your coffee shops have dinners like Kona, I need to move to your town!

Let's see, last meal at Kona was dinner about 3 years ago. Can't recall exactly what I had, it was forgettable food, noisy location, coffee-shop-type wooden tables and chairs. Have they done anything do it? Seems a lot of people have different memories of it than I do.

 

[MumTo2Princesses]

We used to be HUGE fans of the CG...however on our last 2 visits the food was not exceptional and the noise level was so high we were literally screaming at each other across the table and still could not converse....we gave up and ate in silence....not my idea of a memorable evening. It had not been that way at all on earlier visits and it had been our absolute favorite place on propery...after 1 disapointing experience we just figured it was on off niight at a bad table, but our next experience was even worse...we won't try again for a long time.

curious to know when the last time you were there sb? others have posted that it is more quiet since they are limiting access to ADR holders and i wonder if that was the case when you had your two experiences.

we have ADR at CG to celebrate our bdays. and it will be our only "adult/romatic" dinner since our girls will be with my parents. i really have had my heart set on this dinner so i hope it goes well!

 

[BCV23]

Let's see, last meal at Kona was dinner about 3 years ago. Can't recall exactly what I had, it was forgettable food, noisy location, coffee-shop-type wooden tables and chairs. Have they done anything do it? Seems a lot of people have different memories of it than I do.

No, the setting is the same. I agree it is casual but to me it looks like Jiko....seriously. Just with brighter lighting and open to the lobby. A mix of banquettes and wooden tables with sculptured lighting, etc..

In our experience, the noise levels vary according to how backed up the line is at 'Ohana. Also sometimes, there will be tons of people gathering in the downstairs lobby on the way to the luau and it gets loud for a short time then.

But every entree we've had in the past several years has been really good at a lower price than comparable meals at the signature restaurants.

I just wondered if you dined there last before the remake some years ago but that wasn't the case.

The food however