California Grill overrated?

[BriarRosie]

I've been doing appetizers, sushi, flatbreads at CG the last few times I've been there. My last meal there was in December, and I ate in the bar. I had soup and a sushi roll, and both were fabulous. Not overrated for me at all.

If I wasn't alone, I would have wanted to split a flatbread.

 

[Micca]

I think all the food at WDW is overpriced. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy eating there, it's just a bit high. Overrated is so subjective. It's such a great experience just being up there with the view. The food? If you like the sort of contemporary style menu, I think the food is good (not great). We ate there for the first time in years last trip and I don't see us going back anytime soon.

Re George's comment about the Top of the World--we used to love Sunday brunch there.

 

[chrisw127]

We go there every time and it's my favorite place to eat at WDW. Having said that, the food can be off at times and the menu is somewhat limited. For the most part, I love the food. I've almost always had good service and you can't beat the view. For some people the atmosphere is a bit fast paced, but I really enjoy the overall feel of the restaurant.

I am going there in 2 weeks with two food snob/Disney haters*, so it should be an interesting experience.

*They're running the Wine and Dine half.

 

[kmk1180]

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?

yep I agree.
CG is overrated.
Personally say it's the second most overated resturant at disney.
If it weren't for the view, it would be as average as say the Wave.

Foor the money, Jiko blows it away for quality, service, menu, wine selection. Everything except view.

 

[njbeachbum]

We ate at CG last night for the first time and we loved it. The atmosphere is great, the service is top notch, and the food was fantastic. We have eaten at many of the "Signature" places and for us CG is our new favorite.

Well worth the price.

 

[DisOrBust]

If you love sushi it worth it!!!

But as far as everything else I agree its overrated. Prior to the DP the menu was much more varied now it reads like every other restaurant.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

IMO, if they do have one weakness it's their desserts.

I know they changed pastry chefs not long after the departure of Chef Jens (to Epcot) & the arrival of Chef Brian (from Jiko, I think, and LeCellier) but the desserts are still the weak link to me

The other thing I will say is that quite often we will order whatever the seasonal offerings might be so we get a chance to experience the creativity of the Chef a bit moreso than sticking with their signature dishes. It's great to know that the signatures are there if nothing else happens to appeal to us that night but I think the standout items (aside from the sushi) have been seasonal offerings.... lobster risotto, scallops, ostrich, bison, various flatbreads, and the vegetarian/pasta dishes have all been quite good.

 

[Polydweller]

As a total experience, yes, overrated for us. The food and view are fine though it was better several years ago before free dining and the ddp. The issue for us us ambience. It's one of the noisiest restaurants in WDW and not a particularly relaxing, intimate environment. That, for us, detracts from the overall experience.

 

[SuzieN]

I'm in the think it's overrated group. I found the food to be pretty bland and was really wishing for a salt shaker......

 

[nigel-bigel]

Seriously, they won't give you salt? I HATE when restaurants do this. It is so arrogant for a restaurant to presume to know the best way I will enjoy my food that I paid for.

Sorry to go OT, but... Argh!!!

Nicole

 

[LowesChevy]

We used to love going to the California Grill, but stopped going a few years ago. The food has always been good and the prices appropriate for the quality and service. Had a couple of bad servers over the past 10 years though.

Our problem has been with the management-the restaurant went from having a nice lounge area and bar to the point of stuffing in as many tables as possible. It is way overcrowded and they consistently overbook. The last three years we went, which was 2005-7 we waited over an hour and a half to be seated and that was after we complained about waiting so long. Our party was only 3, 3, and 5 people around 7 PM and we showed up plenty early for the reservation check-in. There is no excuse to have customers waiting that long for tables in a fine dining establishment. We wrote CG off long ago.

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

We love Cali Grill and never miss it during our trips. We love the view (of course), the food (specially the sushi) and the ambiance (durning non-fireworks times specially).