Cali Grill or Artist Point?

[lovemy3girls]

Which one would you recommend for our Anniversary dinner? We have an ADR at Cal. Grill, but have read a few bad reviews.....we are staying at WL.....should I change to Artist Point or stick with CG?

 

[markb]

Now I'll preface this by saying we live in a "food town," (even Katrina couldn't take that from us! ) Our tastes go to the adventurous, and the C. Grill is certainly that, but we love it. I think that the Grill could move to New Orleans and compete with the Commander's Palaces and the Brennan's with no trouble, but it can be very "progressive" in some of the flavor and texture combinations so look at a sample menu before you make you final decision... and the view over the MK is terrific.
Both choices are very good restaurants, but the Cali-Grill always wins out with us.
Oh, one other thing...
Because you are staying, Artist's Point would certainly be easier, so that could be an important consideration if you do not have a car.

 

[liamsaunt]

If you can, you should eat at both! they are both very good. If I could only choose one and I was celebrating, I would pick CG. It has more of a festive atmosphere. Hopefully you can get a window table.

 

[Stitch 03]

Stick with the CG. AP is good, but not quite to the same level. The food and service at CG is excellent (I highly recommend the flat breads and sushi). The CG also provides a nicer environment for a special meal.

 

[bicker]

Artist Point is the best restaurant at WDW. The food, service, atmosphere and cuisine all come together there, and the setting, at the wonderful Wilderness Lodge is icing on the cake. The dining room is refined without being stuffy, and the restaurant is remarkably kid-friendly, while still being a suitable venue for a romatic dinner for two.

California Grill is a great restaurant as well, but not up to Artist Point's standards. While the food quality is comparable, the service is uneven, sometimes great sometimes not-so-great. It also can be quite noisy. I'm not sure if it is still the case, but last time I was at California Grill they had paper covering the tables. I almost got a paper cut! California Grill does have a breathtaking view though.

 

[madalex]

Artist Point - I think the food is just as good as CG, it has a great wine list (Washington and Oregon wines, which are almost as good as Cal wines, and nowhere near as expensive) and great service. Also, AP is nowhere near as crowded and loud as CG is likely to be. Since you said it was for an anniversary dinner, a quieter evening would probably be better.

 

[Leota]

You can't go wrong with either one. They are both in our top 3.
AP is a bit quieter tho.

 

[Burnell]

Was at Cali Grill in October for a special night out. CG set the standard for my most disappointing meal start to finish of all time. Service-horrible (waiter ignored us all night even took our drink order while WALKING PAST) Suhi- nasty, dinners-very plain. For all I read about their unique dinners, they reminded me of PA Dutch meat and potatoes. Desserts - another let down. Getting back to WL form GC takes 40 min plus if the boat to WL is not operating.

 

[sleepydog25]

AP. Food, service, and ambience are superb. Did I mention the service is exemplary? Try a slightly later ADR--easy to do since you're staying at WL--since most of the kids and families will have eaten already. You can take in grand nature of the Lodge while sipping your favorite libation in the Territory Lounge before sliding over to AP. Ask to get a window seat, too. I know it will be dark if you get a later ADR, but you can still see plenty.

CG has a reputation for a noisy environment, and as bicker mentions, its service can be spotty. So far, I've yet to have anything but tremendous service at AP. For example, the first time the wife and I dined at AP, we were having trouble deciding among a few wines to have with our meal (we were doing the wine flight option). Our server brought out a bottle of each wine in question and proceeded to give us samples of each so that we could make an informed decision. We didn't ask, she just did it. The wine list is impressive and encompasses the best wines from WA and OR. There is nothing quite like having a special pinot noir with the signature salmon dish.

After dinner, you can stroll around the grounds of the Lodge, even strike out down the nature trail that follows the perimeter of the lake for a bit. Watch the geyser. Find a quiet spot over by the Hidden Springs pool and just sit and talk. Heck, do a quick change and hit the hot tub over by the Villas. It's quiet and romantic. Honestly, either choice is a fine one, but if you haven't been to AP then you owe yourself the chance to try it out, especially given that you're staying at WL and won't have to drive, bus, or boat to CG. Whichever way you choose, bon apetit! And congrats on your anniversary!
P.S. If you let them know ahead of time, they will make the platings reflect the fact that it's your anniversary, or they'll even do a special cake for you.

 

[UKDEB]

Well, I think everyone's already covered off most of what I was going to say, but I'll join in anyway!

Both are great restaurants - definitely amongst the best that WDW has to offer. For me, California Grill has a significant edge as far as the food is concerned. Don't get me wrong, the food at Artist Point is very good, just not as good. California Grill, though, is very noisy. Not necessarily a bad thing - I'd call it a 'happening' vibe - but not particularly romantic.

If it was a straight toss-up between the two, I'd probably be inclined to stick with your reservation, but the overriding factor for me is that you're staying at WL and that sends the scales crashing in favour of Artist Point. Far more relaxing and civilised to stroll down to Territory Lounge from your room for a pre-dinner cocktail, than to start thinking about getting across to the Contemporary. I'm with sleepydog25 all the way on this one - sounds like a great plan!

 

[lovemy3girls]

Thanks everyone for your responses! I am liking the idea of Artist's Point, hearing from so many that it is quieter, and I like the idea of a nice dip in the hot tub after dinner!! I just had it in my mind that Cal. Grill would be more romantic, with the fireworks and everything.....the menus both look good to me.....I'm still torn, but leaning towards Artist's Point. Anyone else want to give their 2 cents? Thanks again!!!

 

[lmtruffe]

great decision..........CG and Artist Point are 2 of my 3 favorite restaurants......since you've already been to CG Artist Point will be an incredible change......if you're a wine lover they off some great "flights" that i recomend........and in case you're curious, Narcoossee's in the Grand Floridian beat both CG and AP so try it some time.

 

[LISAMWDW]

My vote, Artist Point! CG can be disappointing. You can't lose at AP!