California Grill or Narcoossee's for Anniversary dinner

[DreaminDisney]

We have it narrowed down to the 2. We like the menu better at Narcoossee's but have not been to either one. Have heard some great reviews of CG and not so great from Narcoossee's. Our kids ages 9 & 6 will be with us. Will we be out of place with kids at Narcoossee's?

 

[SqueakyMouse]

CG is my absolute favorite WDW restuarant. That being said, I've always had to wait...and wait...and wait here. During our July/August trip, we waited nearly an hour just to be seated. We had an 8:20 ADR and did not get our appetizers until the fireworks (10 pm) had started. My older son is good (notice I didn't mention the younger kids), but even he would not enjoy the amount of time spent over a meal at CG.

I've seen plenty of kids at both restaurants, although both really target adults. Personally, I wouldn't take my children to either; but I'm sure there will be plenty on here who will post that their children love these restaurants.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill would be my pick. It is one of our favorite places to dine at WDW. We ate there again last month and had another wonderful meal.

 

[Uncleromulus]

On of the "bad" reviews of Narcoossee's may have been one I did in October!!
Should say it wasn't really really bad--just sub-par, and not what I've been used to there. Of course, kids will be fine there, as well as at Califiornia Grill.
Which is where I'd probably go--

 

[tyboyz]

My family just had dinner at the California Grill Sunday night. It exceeded our expectations!!! My 6 yr old daughter loved it and we had an 8:30 adr. We were seated in about 20 minutes. They made a special meal that was not on the menu for my daughter because she is very picky. She was thrilled when they gave her crayons to draw on the paper topped table!!! Between that and the unbelievable view she was busy for 2 1/2 hours!!!

The adult meals were fabulous!!!!! It was the best meal I have ever had at Disney!!! It will now be a must for us on every trip!!!

 

[DreaminDisney]

Thanks for the responses.

I have heard so many good things about CG, I think that's where we're headed. I liked that Narcoossee's has surf n turf on their menu but CG has a nice menu too.
Just want to celebrate somewhere nice.

 

[kitn]

I have never been to CG, but I tried Narcossess in October and was very disapointed. I would try CG.

 

[Leota]

I was one of the lucky ones who had a great meal at Narcoossees, but I have read some really bad reviews of it. I took a chance on it as I had the free dining plan & wouldn't feel the pain of money mispent if things went badly.
I found the restaurant just beautiful & our service & food was superb. The view of Wishes from the Deck was sooo gorgeous. The whole night was just perfect.

California Grill is one of our favorites & both meals we have had there were outstanding, altho service one trip was a little off. Still, it has become a must do for us.

IMHO, you couldn't go wrong with either one, if your Narcoossees experience is as flawless as ours was.

 

[MJS]

We have eaten in both restaurants. Narcoosees is LOUD!!!!!! My vote is CG.

 

[Bumbles]

Is it possible to have a restaurant louder than CG? I was there in early October and while the food was great, the atmosphere was a bit painful. It didn't help that the sound system seemed a bit off.....you'd hear a song playing in the background, loud enough so you could hear every word, but not so loud you couldn't have a conversation and then the volume would spike and you had to raise your voice to be heard. Then the colume would go down again and the cycle would repeat. Very annoying

 

[fantasmicwdw]

We just celebrated our daughter's birthday at CG October 22nd, and it was the best meal we've ever had at Disney! All 6 of us had something different and we tried each others food and each dish was excellent. Our 3 y.o. grandsons food was just as good. The CG will be a must for us from now on. I think you and your children will enjoy it immensely.

 

[OKW Lover]

I've never been a fan of CG. Nice location, but the food is long on presentation but doesn't appeal to my taste. So of the two, I pick Narcoossee's which also has a nice location.

But I'd also go to another place before Narcoossee's. Either Artist Point at Wilderness lodge or the Yachtsman at the Yacht Club.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Is it possible to have a restaurant louder than CG? I was there in early October and while the food was great, the atmosphere was a bit painful. It didn't help that the sound system seemed a bit off.....you'd hear a song playing in the background, loud enough so you could hear every word, but not so loud you couldn't have a conversation and then the volume would spike and you had to raise your voice to be heard. Then the colume would go down again and the cycle would repeat. Very annoying

We too have noticed that it's load at the CG. The exception seems to be seating in the "Wine Room" at the back of the restaurant. We love it there, although the view is different. We actually go for the food in any case, so the quieter atmosphere is worth it to us.

We also enjoy Narcoossee's, and will be visiting again in January. I'm a little concerned after reading Uncle R's recent review, since we've found our tastes to parallel Uncle R and his DW, but all of our previous experiences with Narcoossee's have been quite good. We'll go back until we too happen to have a bad experience (the main reason we won't be going back to the Brown Derby, for example).

Ralph

 

[Amyrlin]

CG, I have not had a very good meal at Narcoosses, at its best is is a bos standard over proced steak and seafood restruant with a good view, at its worst it is pretentious with very badly cooked food and poor service.

 

[MrsTink04]

We have been to both and enjoyed them. Our food and servcie were excellent every time, at both restaurants. Since we have been to CG the last two trips, we are foregoing it this time, but will be having our anniversary dinner at Narcoossee's. IMHO, you will be fine at either one.

 

[lassiem1127]

My DW and I celebrated our 1st anniversary at CG in June. The meal was most excellent and had no problems until we went out on the balcony for the fireworks. My wife leaned on the railing and got tar all over her shirt.

We are going back in February and she said we are not to go back to CG...how unfortunate since we both loved the food and service....we decided to give Narcoossee's a shot for Valentines.

 

[Tinkbell]

I would pick Narcoossee's over California Grill. When I dined at CG, I really felt the place was over-hyped. Great view, but average food and sub-par service. I have never had a bad meal or service at Narcoossee's .

 

[mhf]

We too have noticed that it's load at the CG. The exception seems to be seating in the "Wine Room" at the back of the restaurant. We love it there, although the view is different. We actually go for the food in any case, so the quieter atmosphere is worth it to us.

We also enjoy Narcoossee's, and will be visiting again in January. I'm a little concerned after reading Uncle R's recent review, since we've found our tastes to parallel Uncle R and his DW, but all of our previous experiences with Narcoossee's have been quite good. We'll go back until we too happen to have a bad experience (the main reason we won't be going back to the Brown Derby, for example).

Ralph

What are the odds of being seated in the CG wine room if I ask? DH and I have ADR's for 7:50. Am willing to wait and have a drink at the bar if you think that would help to mention?
And, if anyone has an opinion about where to sit at Citricos??
Thanks,
MHF
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