California Grill Review

[TXDad811]

My wife had a date night for the first time at DW, and used it to try California Grill for the first time. I'm not one to post reviews on these threads, but CG was SO good, I had to share. My wife, not a big drinker, had a Saki Martini which she described as one of the best drinks she ever had. She had the chicken for dinner (because she is allergic to dairy and eggs, they made a different side dish for her). I had the oak-fired filet and it was one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. It was perfectly cooked, and the sauce they put on it was tasty. I followed that up with the homemade fritters. Again, it was ridiculously good. The sauces they add for dipping are incredible, at least the chocolate and caramel were. The vanilla cream sauce was just okay. And the view you get is amazing. I've been to DW three times now and while I can't say I've eaten at every restaurant, this was definitively my favorite.

 

[rpk1951]

I have been torn about trying it as reviews have been 50/50. Always happy to see the positive side of things. How was the service?

 

[dkrauss]

Great to hear someone enjoyed their meal at CG. This is the one adult dinner we've scheduled for our Sept trip. Those photos make it more exciting. Thanks so much for sharing.

Doug

 

[TXDad811]

I have been torn about trying it as reviews have been 50/50. Always happy to see the positive side of things. How was the service?

Service was about average. It was excellent at the start of the meal, but we saw the waiter less frequently to have our beverages refilled as the restaurant filled up with people. But the waiter was very nice.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Service was about average. It was excellent at the start of the meal, but we saw the waiter less frequently to have our beverages refilled as the restaurant filled up with people. But the waiter was very nice.

1) Food is not all that justifies the high price.
2) One should expect - no, make that DEMAND - superior service.
3) Your comment about service is consistent with other reviews (including my own).
4) That is one of three reasons we do not go back to Cali.

 

[akadada]

I have been torn about trying it as reviews have been 50/50. Always happy to see the positive side of things. How was the service?

We were there in October. Our review was relatively positive for the food, very negative on the service. I think the reason you see 50/50 is that prior to all of the changes, CG was consistently 80/20 positive. Now, it's definitely 50/50 from anecdotal review.

I would certainly go back in the future, the food is usually very good to great, but it's no longer our favorite. Our favorite is Citricos now.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I love California Grill! I went last Fall and have another reservation for this August. I thought the food was delicious and I loved seeing the castle and the fireworks during dinner. I am glad to hear that you had a great time!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Thanks for posting a picture of the filet. I've been wondering what it looks like since the menu change. Right now, I'm trying to decide between going back to CG or trying The Wave for their filet. Your picture has me leaning toward CG.

 

[coley444]

Anybody have comments on the portion size? OP's photos look slightly small.

I understand high end cuisine tends to be a smaller portion but we're usually starved after a day in the parks.

Thinking of using 2 credits on Dining Plan & I wouldn't want to pay out of pocket for an app on top of that.

 

[andyman8]

Glad you liked it! In my opinion, CG is the best restaurant on WDW property. It boasts breathtaking views, delicious food, an upscale yet lively and fun atmosphere, elegant ambiance, and nice service. Definitely a must-do for any WDW visitor.

Anybody have comments on the portion size? OP's photos look slightly small.

I understand high end cuisine tends to be a smaller portion but we're usually starved after a day in the parks.

Thinking of using 2 credits on Dining Plan & I wouldn't want to pay out of pocket for an app on top of that.

I'm one of those people who gets peeved beyond belief when I (on the rare day) go to a high end location and get served a minuscule portion size. I'm a runner, and like you, after I'm in the parks, I've used up so much energy that I need a sizable hardy meal to fill me, and CG certainly has provided in my experience. I really like how even though they're a really nice restaurant they provide good portion sizes.