California Grill or Narcoosees??? Opinions Please!

[gregrmike1]

I am trying to determine whether to select California Grill or Narcoosees for one of our ADR's. We have not been to either and will be going to disney with myself, dh, ds (10), dd(9),mil and fil. We have been to disney multiple times however this will be first trip for fil/mil and our children are use to going out to eat and sitting for a prolonged meal. Thank you in advance for your opinions.

 

[tchrrx]

I've been to both & thought Narcoossee's was definitely the best. We plan on returning there again this year.

 

[Pakey]

We've been to both numerous times and we prefer CG over Narcoosees.

 

[septbaby]

Another vote for Narcoossee's. I think the menus are really different, take a look and see which would work for your group. CA Grille is pretty electic and less traditional and won't appeal as broadly, that helped me choose Narcoossee's and it was the best meal we had all trip.

You can view the Wishes fireworks from either restaurant. You would also get to see the Electric water parade from Narcoossee's.

 

[Goofy-Runner]

Been to both and feel that CG is one of the best restaurants on site. Of course personal taste and preference for type of restaurant matters a lot, but it doesn't hurt that you can see the MK fireworks from CG.

 

[donaldsgal]

You'll probably find opposing opinions rather than a consensus, so keep that in mind. I would choose California Grill hands-down. We have eaten there 4-6 times and always had a good meal. We enjoy the ambiance, and while it's a signature restaurant, it is also pretty loud as the evening goes on. We really like the sushi there.

We have only eaten at Narcoossee's once, but we didn't care for it. The ambiance was nice, and the service was pretty good from what I remember. The food, IMO, was not so much. Others have had far superior experiences, but our lobsters were rubbery and overcooked, and my mom's fish dish was mediocre as well. I want to repeat here again sometime to see if our first time was a fluke, but my sister (my traveling companion on all Disney trips) has no desire to do so.

Go with your gut after looking at the menus and enjoy! We saw many children at both, so in that respect things will likely be fine.

 

[gregrmike1]

Thank you for everyone's opinion! It is always nice to get multiple views/opinions. Please keep the opinions coming.

 

[N10CJT]

As a fellow Albany resident (we live across from Washington Park!), I thought I'd weigh in.
I like Narcoosee's, but California Grill gets my vote every time. It's by far my favorite restaurant in Disney World (though I haven't eaten at Victoria and Albert's). We went twice this past trip-- once on an ADR, the other to watch the Christmas Party Wishes and relax in the lounge with some wine and sushi. I love the food, the atmosphere, everything. Narcoosee's is a lovely restaurant, but California Grill is more of a sophisticated experience from my way of thinking.
Just for reference, though, Narcoosee's also has a fine view of the fireworks. They pipe in the music, and you can see them from many tables or go out on the deck that surrounds the restaurant for a pretty view. You're not as close or at as level a perspective as California Grill, but it is still quite nice.
I plan to have reviews of both in my trip report in case you're interested (I've only just begun it, though): http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2031945
I hope you're not too encased in ice!

 

[gregrmike1]

Bumping hoping to get more opinions. Thank you in advance for your opinions.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I like California Grill. I think the food and service are better. The menu is a bit more varied at CG and the wine list is excellent! The flatbread appetizers put the apps at Narcoossee's to shame.
Not to say Narcoossee's is bad--just CG is better.

 

[JPG]

We too have ate at both. While we enjoyed Narcoossee's, we much prefer CG. It is our favorite restaurant on property. Great service and as already noted, signature dining offerings. Plus, a wonderful view and feeling you get by overlooking the Magic Kingdom.

 

[JPG]

I like California Grill. I think the food and service are better. The menu is a bit more varied at CG and the wine list is excellent! The flatbread appetizers put the apps at Narcoossee's to shame.
Not to say Narcoossee's is bad--just CG is better.

Oh yes...The Flatbread....Ummmm good!!!

 

[tatajess]

You can't go wrong with either. However, we prefer Narcoosee's for the food.

We dined at both on our last trip and after our meal at Narcoosee's we went back a few days later.

However, it all depends on what you like and what you order. If you want a whole lobster or amazing filet mignon, I'd go with Narcoosee's. If you want more choices and the chance to see Wishes from the 15th floor, I'd go with CG. Even if you eat at CG early, you can take a monorail and explore the other connecting resorts then go back to the Contemporary with your receipt and watch Wishes from the balcony.

Best bet...look at both menus and see which everyone would prefer.

 

[PrincessKara22]

Narcoosees!

 

[Disney_Nut_In_MO]

Definitely Narcoossees for me.

 

[goofy4prez]

We ate at Narcoosee's back in August and loved the place. The server was fantastic ,the steaks were out of this world, and the ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic.

I would recommend highly Narcoosee's.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

You need to add a poll to the thread. Both are good restaurants, but CG gets our vote hands down.

 

[cndnchicky]

We prefer Cali Grill at Wishes time....we had a blast, and i think we all agree that it was the best meal we ate at Disney. Narcoossees is also good though, good food and everything, we just prefer CG.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

A vote for California Grill here. CG along with Jiko are our two favorite places to dine at WDW.