Cali Grill vs Citricos vs Artist Point??

[mariamouse]

My mom and I only have a limited # of nights in WDW and are torn between going to California Grill, Citricos or Artist Point for dinner one night of our December trip!

We have tried Cali Grill before and love it for the view (it will definitely be tough to pass up since it has almost become tradition!), but are also interested in trying either Citricos or AP for the first time. We are not red meat eaters, but do eat chicken, turkey and seafood... as well as pretty much any other type of food!

Thoughts?

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

From a food standpoint, I think Artist Point and Citricos are the two best signature restaurants (at least of those on the DDP). We've also frequently had great service at both of them. California Grill is a good experience when you factor in the view, but I've been disappointed by the food there recently. Plus, it's a lot noisier than the others, which I found to be annoying (I could barely hear the person across from me).

In case you're concerned, AP and Citricos both have large selections of non-red meat choices. At AP, we've enjoyed salmon, scallops, halibut, and chicken, and at Citricos we've had chicken, pork, snapper, grouper, swordfish, and salmon.

 

[diselderm]

We think Citricos is a little better.

 

[Pakey]

I like Citricos significantly more than Ca Grill but Artist Point ranks under both.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I like Citricos significantly more than Ca Grill but Artist Point ranks under both.

Just wondering when was the last time you ate at Artist Point? I had some disappointing meals there in 2008 and 2009, but over the past summer most of the food has been wonderful.

 

[roxysmum123]

Of the three, Artist Point is my absolute favourite. Possibly my fave restaurant on property to be honest. Sounds like I'm in the minority here though.

 

[diselderm]

We think Citricos is a little better.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Artist Point is the best of these three. California Grill is not worth the food, but the view is good. You can do the lounge area for the view without having to subject yourself to the food.

Citrico's? Meh. "Sowhat???
"

 

[Jestocost]

California Grill has excellent food and views, but is one of the most expensive restaurants at WDW (and not necessarily #1 on price/value ratio).

Artist Point has fairly standard, but well executed, WDW fare and had among the best service we have had at WDW (albeit a couple of years ago).

Seriously disappointed with Citricos this past spring break; both in terms of food (overreaching and underdelivering) and service (waitress was downright rude to DD17 who probably has much more food experience than she did).

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

California Grill has excellent food and views, but is one of the most expensive restaurants at WDW (and not necessarily #1 on price/value ratio).

Artist Point has fairly standard, but well executed, WDW fare and had among the best service we have had at WDW (albeit a couple of years ago).

Have to disagree. We ate at California Grill within the past two weeks, and only one dish came close to excellent (the tuna 3 ways). The entrees and desserts were very disappointing.

And I wouldn't say "standard" is the right word for Artist Point. AP's menu is very reflective of contemporary American cuisine, with a Pacific Northwest influence. High quality ingredients, innovative preparations - I think AP has really stepped up its game. Here are some examples of dishes we've had at AP within the past 3 months:

An upscale play on a "BLT" with pork belly, heirloom tomatoes, vincotto, and cilantro:

Dungeness crab salad with black sea salt, watermelon radishes, and cucumber mint sorbet (amazing, refreshing and creative):

Asparagus salad with soft poached egg and truffle chips:

Buffalo strip with garden vegetables and shiraz gastrique (one of the prettiest plates of meat I've seen at WDW, and better than Yachtsman's filet and California Grill's veal tenderloin):

Strawberries and cream: deconstructed strawberry shortcake with grand marnier, vanilla bean panna cotta, and buttered pound cake

That said, their simpler dishes are also quite excellent: portobello soup, berry cobbler, berry mousse, cedar plank salmon, etc.

 

[cbg1027]

I would say try something new, so AP or Citricos.

That said, I like Citricos the best, but I don't think you can wrong with either of them. So...flavors of the Mediterranean or Pacific Northwest is the decision here.

 

[nytimez]

Another vote for AP. Real good menu there.

 

[ancestry]

I absolutely love Citricos. We think it has some of the best food on Disney property.

 

[madalex]

I think they are all quite good, but would rank them as follows: Citricos, Artist Point, California Grill.

I'd also go with the poster that suggested trying something new, so would recommend Citricos or AP.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Definitely try something new! You might have a new fave. Look at the menu's and pictures for AP & Citrico's and decide that way.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

we're taking a break from california grill as our last 2 experiences seem to be going a little downhill. that's upsetting because we used to love it. we're concerned it's becoming more of a fireworks experience than a signature dining experience.

artist point doesn't offer much we would like--so no help there.

however, citricos has been getting better every time and we've even chosen to eat there on our wedding night. the service and food have never been less than amazing.

have a great trip!

 

[Karabee]

Citricos! It's my new favorite. The food and service are both amazing

 

[sotoalf]

I agree with the poster who said that Artist Point had improved tenfold with the hiring of the new chef. We went in February, and after explaining the peanut allergy afflicting one of our guests to our waitress he came out himself and chatted. He sent a couple of appetizers on the house because we "were his special table."

It was the kind of experience one expects from WDW but happens less frequently these days, and the meal was outstanding too (I too ordered the pork belly and cilantro dish).

Citricos is still pretty good too -- some of WDW's best signature restaurant service.