California Grill, Narcoosse's or Yachtsman?

[tink1957]

Please help me decide, I have one 2 TS dinner planned & am having a hard time deciding on which one to choose. If you have eaten at any or all of these, I would appreciate your opinions. It's me, DD23 and DS19.

Thanks for your help.

 

[tink1957]

Thanks to all of you that voted. Can anyone who voted please tell me about your experience and what made you choose one over the other?

 

[cdepauli]

I think it would be helpful if you gave some more information. Where else are you dining? What kind of food do you prefer? etc.

It's a really tough call for me between these three restaurants as they all have strengths that are different from one another. My two favorite 2TS restaurants, as of right now, are Citricos and Flying Fish. (I think - it's hard to choose).

I ate at all three of these restaurants on my last trip, with Yachtman being a new addition. For a special occasion, I do like Cali Grill for the view and usually go outside for the fireworks. The sushi is amazing. I would say their appetizers are better than their entrees.

As for Narcoossee's - it's a great deal on the DDP if you like lobster and it's nice at dusk to watch the sun set on the water. Our waiter was awesome here.

Yachtman was the biggest surprise for me because I'm usually unimpressed by steakhouses (I think Le Cellier is SUPER overrated). We thoroughly enjoyed every course that we had, and both our steaks were close to the best we've ever had.

 

[Pakey]

I would rank these 3 with CG first, then YSH then Narcoosees.

I would pick CG first because the menu has a nice eclectic mix with a sophisticated presentation. They often seat behind here but once seated, the service has been excellent. If you enjoy sushi, it's very good here. The views are spectacular. It's pretty noisy here though.

YSH is decent. I have enjoyed the filets here but have not enjoyed the New York or Rib Eye cuts I've had. Service has always been good and I like the desserts here.

Narcoosees is one of my least favorite signatures. The location is wonderful but the food is better at Flying Fish. The restaurant is casual, more of family dining rather than fine dining.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I've been to all three, Yachtsman and Narcoossee's once each and Cali Grill several times.

I voted for Cali Grill. Out of all the signatures I've been to, it is my favorite. It is consistantly wonderful. Cali Grill has great food and fabulous service. I also like the variety of food that you can order. I think it has a lot to offer.

I also really like Yachtsman. My DH & I went there for the first time this past fall and loved it. The steaks are great, and it was very relaxing. But, I think this is a steakhouse--so if that is what you're looking for, than this is it. I'm looking forward to going back again.

I hated Narcoossee's. Everything we ordered smelled & tasted like old fish--like it was too close together in the kitchen. This could have been a totally isolated incident. Others have had fabulous experiences there--but we will NEVER be back. I thought it was gross.

Yeah... so anyway, I vote for Cali Grill (or Yactsman as well... depends on your tastes). Enjoy!

 

[Uncleromulus]

What Pakey said.
California grill is our standard "first night" dinner each trip. It is lively to be sure, but the view is good and the food as well. I especially like the flatbread appetizers.
YSH is a nice steakhouse, but nothing extra special. Narcoossee's is ok and does have a nice view--but we've had service issues there and the menu is pretty ordinary.

 

[tink1957]

Thanks so much to everyone for your input. It looks like Cali Grill is winning & that was the way I was leaning to begin with...but keep your comments coming, they are all welcome. I have a few months before I can make my ADRs. Here's my plan so far:
1. Ohana (our 1st night tradition)
2. California Grill (as it now stands, unless I hear a convincing story)
3. 1900 Park Fare(DD has requested all of the Princess meals)
4. Whispering Canyon Cafe (DS's request, he likes the endless milkshakes)
5. Yak & Yeti
6. Akershus Breakfast (DD & I not DS per his request, paying OOP)
7. Coral Reef (lunch or dinner)
8. Teppan Edo
9. Garden View Lounge (a tradition for DD & I)
10.CRT lunch (paying OOP)
11.Rose & Crown(our last night tradition)

My mouth is watering just thinking about it. What do you think?

 

[Cinderella94]

Thanks so much to everyone for your input. It looks like Cali Grill is winning & that was the way I was leaning to begin with...but keep your comments coming, they are all welcome. I have a few months before I can make my ADRs. Here's my plan so far:
1. Ohana (our 1st night tradition)
2. California Grill (as it now stands, unless I hear a convincing story)
3. 1900 Park Fare(DD has requested all of the Princess meals)
4. Whispering Canyon Cafe (DS's request, he likes the endless milkshakes)
5. Yak & Yeti
6. Akershus Breakfast (DD & I not DS per his request, paying OOP)
7. Coral Reef (lunch or dinner)
8. Teppan Edo
9. Garden View Lounge (a tradition for DD & I)
10.CRT lunch (paying OOP)
11.Rose & Crown(our last night tradition)

My mouth is watering just thinking about it. What do you think?

Looks good to me! Also, I think I know what you meant about 1900 Park Fare, but just wanted to make sure you know that it's not a "princess" meal per se, but it has Cindy, Princey, the stepsisters, and the stepmother.

 

[tink1957]

Looks good to me! Also, I think I know what you meant about 1900 Park Fare, but just wanted to make sure you know that it's not a "princess" meal per se, but it has Cindy, Princey, the stepsisters, and the stepmother.

Thanks for the input & yes, I do know the cast of characters. I'm actually looking forward to this one the most because I've heard the stepsisters are a hoot.

 

[Cinderella94]

Thanks for the input & yes, I do know the cast of characters. I'm actually looking forward to this one the most because I've heard the stepsisters are a hoot.

Oh good, just checking! . & Yeah, the stepsisters are hilarious!

 

[tink1957]

shameless bump

 

[MommyGina]

We started off on the wrong foot when it was time to be seated. It is not very organized when the host starts gathering people for seating at 6 p.m. Anyway, we got a wonderful server. He explained things on the menu for us, treated my children with respect and was very attentive.

The food that our server recommended was outstanding! The best food we had a WDW in the 4 years that we have been there was at the CG. Our server suggested wines that would pair nicely with our dinner. He let us taste them before we put in our order. My mother, who is hard of hearing, couldn't understand what he was saying. She was at the end of the booth. He knelt right down next to her and spoke nicely to her so that she understood everything.

The service and food are outstanding. That is why I recommend CG. We were at Narcooosees last year too. However, the food and service were not up to par with CG. Our server was rude to my children and to us. The lobster was not that great.

Enjoy!

 

[tink1957]

Thanks MommyGina, it sounds like you had a good time in spite of your rough beginning.

Keep those comments coming everyone, I need input & pics would be nice if ya got em.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

We started off on the wrong foot when it was time to be seated. It is not very organized when the host starts gathering people for seating at 6 p.m. Anyway, we got a wonderful server. He explained things on the menu for us, treated my children with respect and was very attentive.

The food that our server recommended was outstanding! The best food we had a WDW in the 4 years that we have been there was at the CG. Our server suggested wines that would pair nicely with our dinner. He let us taste them before we put in our order. My mother, who is hard of hearing, couldn't understand what he was saying. She was at the end of the booth. He knelt right down next to her and spoke nicely to her so that she understood everything.

The service and food are outstanding. That is why I recommend CG. We were at Narcooosees last year too. However, the food and service were not up to par with CG. Our server was rude to my children and to us. The lobster was not that great.

Enjoy!

I agree, I thought Narcoossee's wasn't close to CG. Actually, I'll go farther to say I thought it was just bad. Especially for the price. Our dinner for 3 people (me, my mom and my sister) was over $300.

Thanks MommyGina, it sounds like you had a good time in spite of your rough beginning.

Keep those comments coming everyone, I need input & pics would be nice if ya got em.

I have pics but they always seem so big even when I re-size them in photobucket. I'll try again. I've been on the tech board forever trying to figure it out... just doesn't work out for me!
my sister's sushi

california rolls

the filet

This place is fabulous! I've been several times and always had a good time. In February, my sister & I went at just before closing and were seated in the lounge and able to have anything off the menu. It is my DH's favorite place at the world. They are very accomodating and the service is great. You will love it & go back every trip. We do!

 

[tink1957]

I agree, I thought Narcoossee's wasn't close to CG. Actually, I'll go farther to say I thought it was just bad. Especially for the price. Our dinner for 3 people (me, my mom and my sister) was over $300.



I have pics but they always seem so big even when I re-size them in photobucket. I'll try again. I've been on the tech board forever trying to figure it out... just doesn't work out for me!
my sister's sushi

california rolls

the filet

This place is fabulous! I've been several times and always had a good time. In February, my sister & I went at just before closing and were seated in the lounge and able to have anything off the menu. It is my DH's favorite place at the world. They are very accomodating and the service is great. You will love it & go back every trip. We do!

Your pics look yummy & no problem with the size. I'm so glad you posted the pic of the filet, that's what I was considering & that pic sealed the deal.Thanks.

 

[jimmalru80]

California Grill.

 

[segpm08060]

I voted for California Grill. The food and service are extraordinary. The other restaurants were merely nice.

 

[Mickey_Man]

I am curious as to when diners have been to Narcoossee's because we were there twice last year and it was just outstanding. The only place for better seafood on property is bluezoo, and we went to Flying Fish on the same trip and were - as Pete put it - underwhelmed. I actually voted for Narcoossee's over California Grill, but it is really up to what type of meal you would want from your signature dining. I think CG gets the votes on reputation and view - I agree with whomever said that their apps are better than their meals. I haven't been to Yachtsman's, so I cannot comment there. I don't think you can really go wrong - we are actually planning on all three for our next trip - Narcoossee's for our opening night, CG on our anniversary, and Yachtsman's for our last night meal!

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I am curious as to when diners have been to Narcoossee's because we were there twice last year and it was just outstanding. The only place for better seafood on property is bluezoo, and we went to Flying Fish on the same trip and were - as Pete put it - underwhelmed. I actually voted for Narcoossee's over California Grill, but it is really up to what type of meal you would want from your signature dining. I think CG gets the votes on reputation and view - I agree with whomever said that their apps are better than their meals. I haven't been to Yachtsman's, so I cannot comment there. I don't think you can really go wrong - we are actually planning on all three for our next trip - Narcoossee's for our opening night, CG on our anniversary, and Yachtsman's for our last night meal!

We were at Narcoossee's in September of last year. We went at opening and had a window table. I thought the calamari appetizer was fantastic. Everything else was really...well... bad.

I felt like the food might have been kept too close together in the kitchen. Our bread REALLY tasted like fish. We asked the server and she had no answer. Our entrees were just OK. Not as good as either YSH or CG. Our cheesecake that everyone raves about tasted like fish. And I like fish! Just don't want my cheesecake to taste like fish! It was so gross. I really would give this place another chance because so many people love it and I hope we just hit it on a bad night. That was my experience.

 

[tink1957]

Fishy cheescakeYuck.

Thanks again to everyone who voted/commented. Keep it up please.