California Grill overrated?

[charight]

I 'm just looking for some thoughts from people about the California Grill? We are planning our next trip and we are debating whether or not its worth it. Last year, we went there and our family was split up at two tables while the food was average at best. The view obviously was to die for but we are just wondering if its worth the price as the menu was very expensive. We are willing to possibly give it another chance but I wanted to hear if anyone had any thoughts or similar experiences?

 

[kdfogliano]

We love CG, make a stop there every trip!
I always like my food there and so does my DH

But this is a personal preference of ours, i am sure others think it is overrated as well

 

[TDC Nala]

I think it's great. I never order entrees anymore though. Just sushi or flatbread and wine.

As for splitting your party, that can happen anywhere with a large enough party.

 

[tinacaplan]

Our meal there last year was excellent on nearly every level. It was one of the best we had at Disney. I think its completely worth it. Does the menu appeal to you? If not, then don't go there. I wonder sometimes if that isn't why folks don't like certain restaurants.

I have to agree with the PP, our flatbread and sushi were killer. The service was also top-notch.

 

[Art 1]

It is neither overrated or over priced IMO.

 

[Sugardimples]

I agree with Art1 - neither overrated nor overpriced!

 

[Pakey]

The sushi is very good and the wine selections are above average. I would not dine here without the sushi.

 

[allshookup]

It is a must do for us every trip! My DH always get the filet & it is melt in your mouth delicious every time he gets it. I LOVE the shrimp tempura sushi & it never disappoints. The kids seem to like the flatbreads. Expensive? It's just a bit more than what we pay in many WDW restaurants & well worth it since the service, view & food has always been above average for us. Perhaps as a PP suggested, the menu just isn't to your taste? However, keep in mind, that if there is something like a sauce, side, etc that comes w/ the entree that doesn't sound good, ask for a substitution....they are very accommodating.

 

[GeorgeG]

It all depends on what you like. If you like trendy food you will probably love it. If you're looking for quality traditional food you'll probably hate it. Personally, there is absolutely nothing on the menu that appeals to me and I'm not crazy about the atmosphere, either. That was a great restaurant when it was the "Top of the World" years ago and the evening dinner was a dinner show (Broadway at the Top).

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well--the food probably hasn't changed a whole lot, nor the view. Dosen't sound like you had a great time and so I don't think I'd go back under those circumstances.

 

[ciera321]

CG is the first restaurant I plan for every trip. The food has always been excellent, and we always look forward to our dinner there....

 

[ppiew]

Although I am not anti CG, I really don't think it is all that great either. It is 'good' and yes also pricey, but it has a million dollar view whether you are there for fireworks or not. If i couldn't get an ADR, there are numerous other choices with equally as good food, some with better service but not many with a better view. CG also is VERY noisy with the open kitchen and all.

 

[EastonCat]

We had a similar experience with a large party - problems getting seated and then a rushed, inconsistent meal. Members of our party have all had much better experiences when they came other times and fit at a standard table.

Worth another try if you don't have another place you want to try first.

It is definitely overpriced, but that is endemic to the property's restaurants in general. The wine list (if you like wine) is very good.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I DO THINK IT IS OVERRATED AND OVERPRICED.
2) I expect great service and ambiance for $50-$60.
3) Cali Grille just doesn't do it.
4) Besides, with DDP, it has become so noisy.
. . . kids who scream and talk too loud
. . . adults who don't know how to act at better eateries
5) This is why we eat at only five places in WDW, and only two are WDW-owned.
6) And, Cali Grille is not one of them.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill is the first restaurant that we eat at on every trip. It along with Jiko are our two favorite places to dine at WDW. If you did not enjoy CG last year I would not go back. The menu does not change all that much. They change the flatbreads and some entrees on a seasonal basis.

 

[mlg32]

I don't think its overrated or overpriced at all. It is one of my absolute favorite places. I would check out the menus and pick the restaurant that most appeals. There are alot of delicious restaurants that are not my fav just because the dishes don't appeal, kwim?

 

[MinnieGirl33]

It is neither overrated or over priced IMO.

Absolutely agree. This is our big splurge every trip. We love it.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Love CG. I don't think it is overrated or overpriced.

The apps, sushi, and dessert are amazing! I haven't ordered an entree in years (so I really can't speak for the quality), I prefer to get several smaller courses.

If you dined there and didn't enjoy it, you prob should try somewhere else, that would appeal to you more.

 

[Colleen27]

Overrated? Not at all, but I don't think the menu has the universal appeal of some other places. The sushi there is among the best I've ever had, for example, but that won't matter one bit if you don't like sushi!

Overpriced? Well, that depends on context. Overpriced for vacation destination dining, no I really don't think it is, but I wouldn't pay those prices if you picked up the restaurant and dropped it here in Michigan.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Personally, food wse, I thought it was overrated. However I do know they are supposed to have amazing sishi, but DH and I don't eat that. DD15 would probably have loved it, but it ws a one time splurge for us for our 15th anniversary. The experience was amazing. The view, the fireworks, it was probably the most romantic thing we have ever done, but the food was just OK. We loved the flatbread. DH said his salmon was ok, but much better at Akerhaus. My fillet ws tender but didn't love the sauce. Not their fault, just not my taste I guess. My favorite part of my meal was the broccolini. We were both disapointed in our desserts. They were beautiful but just OK. I am so glad we went once to experience and I'd like to go again sometime for a flatbread and the view at the bar, but won't go back for dinner. In fact on our way back to our hotel, DH said he wished we had gone to WPE for dinner instead. I agreed.

I think though we are in the minority and would never tell someone not to try it at least once, but if you didn't like it then that's an awful lot of $$ to shell out again.