California Grill or Narcoossees?

[tink1515]

First time trip to Disney 9/10-9/17. My B-day is 9/11, and as my DH never plans anything, I am planning to treat myself to dinner . I tentatively made reservations at both California Grill and Narcoossees for 9pm. Not sure which one to keep. I like the menu better at Narcoossees, but can we still see Wishes from there. Which would you pick?

 

[BriarRosie]

I don't imagine you'd be able to see Wishes at California Grill unless you stand on the outside observation deck. At Narcoosee's, you'd have to step outside the restaurant and stand outside to watch. IMHO, fireworks seen from either location don't match seeing it directly on Main Street with the castle in center view. I'd urge anyone to reconsider watching from a restaurant if it's their first time.

But, that being said, I like California Grill better than Narcoosee's. But since the Narcoosee's menu appeals to you more, I'd recommend that for you.

 

[JT4Ever4Ever4Ever]

First time trip to Disney 9/10-9/17. My B-day is 9/11, and as my DH never plans anything, I am planning to treat myself to dinner . I tentatively made reservations at both California Grill and Narcoossees for 9pm. Not sure which one to keep. I like the menu better at Narcoossees, but can we still see Wishes from there. Which would you pick?

CG hands down!!!!

 

[MrSplashMountain #1!]

Im quite picky and had trouble finding things on the menu I liked at CG (although I did manage but there was only like 1 of each course I liked the look of) so I dont know if thats a factor for either of you but its something to consider.

Wishes from the balcony of CG is incredible though and definetely worth doing at least once, but it does kind of distract you from the meal itself, as once it starts you may find yourself abandoning your table just to get out there and watch the show. Im the only one who finished pudding last time

I havent seen wishes from Narcoosees so cant comment on that, but I would say if you are in it for the meal and the food my pick would be Narcoosees, but if you are in it for a proper occasion (and it is your birthday after all!) then go to CG

 

[Twende]

We have done both and DH and I prefer the food at Narcoosee's.

We had window seats at both places and watched fireworks from both.

It was enjoyable from CG but like others have said not the view you get from main street.

Our window seat at Narcoosee's was wonderful and we watched the full moon rise on the water while looking toward the MK and CR. But when the fireworks started the majority of the diners got up from their tables and went out on the porch to watch the show. What this did was effectively block our view!
Our server had warned us this would most likely happen. We were hoping it would not but it did.

Enjoy your birthday dinner where ever it is!

 

[DisneyGuess]

I highly recommend Narcoossee's. We ate dinner their for dinner the night we got married. It was wonderful and the view from the window at our table was great. We didn't stay to watch the fireworks but my IL's and my DS did and they loved it. They were also really great about helping us celebrate our wedding day. I had ordered a cake and it was heavenly. The food was delicious in our opinion, it was a perfect night. We even had personalized menus with our names and wedding date on them that we had no idea about.

 

[1sttimedis]

I was also considering both for my Birthday dinner and I went with Narcossee's. I also liked the menu better. I hope I made the right choice!!!!

 

[northriver]

We've eaten at CG our last two trips in March '07 and April '08 and I won't go back even though we stay at Contemporary.

In March '07 the "lost" us, we waited almost 45 minutes past our ADR time because they couldn't find us, parked at the end of the bar where they directed us when we arrived. No appology was issued. When we finally got seated, our server was amazing, possible the best service we have ever had and the food was supurb. Because of the delayed seating we did get to see Wishes from our table, it was amazing, both my kids sat there with the jaws nearly touching the ground.

This April, our server was awful, really awful, I had to ask for milk for my child twice and ask for a spoon for her to eat her meal three times. I had soup for an appitizer and I sat with an empty bowl in front of me for over 10 minutes, not such a big deal if I hadn't been trying to entertain and feed my 2 yr old which is always harder while dodging dirty dishes. I had the same pork dish I had had the year before because in '07 it was the best cut of pork I had ever eaten cooked to perfection, but this year it was the worst pork I have every had, overcooked, fatty and tough. YUK. The server never once inquired about the quality of my food, or asked if we needed anything. I was so busy trying to get silverware for my child to EAT that I didn't even bother to complain about the pork. The polenta underneath the pork is very good so I didn't starve but you know it is kind of a lot to pay for a small pile of polenta. I think our server was Taz, in case anyone else would like to try to avoid him.

It would probably be worth eating there again during Wishes but that is usually too late for my toddler.

Next trip we'll try Artist Point.

 

[james'mommy]

I pick Narcoossee's. It's a must do for our family each trip.

 

[Carlyzmom]

I think they are both awesome! I would look at the menus and pick the one that seems the most appealing.

 

[1sttimedis]

We just returned, we celebrated my 40th and ate at Narcoossee's. It was wonderful I would highly recommend! The food was wonderful (surf & turf) and the view with the fireworks was amazing!!!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

We've done both several times now. We did CG in 2005 and 2006 for both DD's and DM's birthdays. 2006 was much better-better server, better view (in 2005 the windows were completely covered with condensation and we had to go out on the deck even though we had a window seat.) The only bad part about 2006 was they didn't dim the lights in the room and we could hardly hear the music. We should have headed out to the deck.

We ate at Narcoossee's in 2006 and 2007. Loved both times. Also celebrated DD's birthday both times. 2007 we had a window seat and it was wonderful-until about 10 min. before Wishes and a guest (with big hair) sat on the benches just outside our window and we had to go outside anyway. I actually prefer the view of Wishes from Narcoossee's-plus they dimmed the lights and brought up the music!

However, that being said, while I like the food, etc. at Narcoossee's (and absolutely love the almond crusted cheesecake ) the food at CG is very good. Also, we felt like we were at a more upscale restaurant when we dined in 2006 at CG. Of course, alot had to do with our server, Billie. He was very good, very informative and attentive. Our server in 2005 just phoned it in, didn't really give us much attention and even though I had set it up ahead of time, and we were there on my DMom's actual birthday-nothing special was done-not even a sprinkling of mickey confetti. This was very disappointing. I did mention our experience in 2005 to the concierege at POP before we ate there in 2006, and he made a phone call. We got a window seat and mickey confetti-Yeah! And again, our server was just wonderful.

My DMom prefers CG and my DD8 prefers Narcoossee's. I haven't made our ADRS yet for Sept, haven't decided where we are going this year. Luckily, we eat late, so we can usually get in.

You can't go wrong either way. Happy Dining! ixiedust:

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill would be my pick for a wonderful birthday dinner. It is our favorite place to dine at WDW.