California Grill reviews?? Is it worth it?

[huggiebear23]

Who has been to the California Grill? I just made an adr on Mother's Day.

Do you think it is worth the hype?

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I have been to CG many times in the past and have not been for awhile because of the cost. I can honestly say that I missed it and have booked CG for our upcoming trip. The view is SPECTACULAR and since we are staying at CR it was a must for us!

 

[Sunshein]

We Loved CG!! My DH and I went for our one date night last September and we had the greatest meal. The walkway is wonderful and the waiters encourage you to take your drink out to the look out while waiting for your meal. The food was amazing and definitely the best meal we had the entire trip. I wanted to return when we go back this spring but my DH wants to try Narcoossee's. You can see our review in our dining review below.

Enjoy!

 

[CamColt]

I have been 3 times in the past year and a half and its been very good every time.

On a trip last month I was taking my Mom there for the first time. We had planned literally for 180 days and wouldnt you know I was feeling not too good that night. She kept saying we could cancel, but I couldnt have her miss it after all the anticipation. I got through it, and still enjoyed the meal and she was so glad that we didnt cancel. She thought it was amazing!

I have a review here.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1660411

 

[disneymagic02]

We have gone twice and actually got the same waiter each time. The food is great. Try to go when WISHES is scheduled, last time we got a window seat and it was wonderful.

 

[scrump]

We went last year on Valentine's Day, and we thought it was great! It's worth at least one trip, and then you can decide for yourself. We would definitely go back.

 

[Disney Ron]

Who has been to the California Grill? I just made an adr on Mother's Day.

Do you think it is worth the hype?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mrs. Disney Ron

 

[Cee]

It's wonderful.

 

[huggiebear23]

Thanks for all the reviews. I am going to read them all. I really want to try someplace special when we go in May and it would be Mother's day. So I figured why not treat myself.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

 

[3for Me]

Last time we went our server was less than enthusiastic. This put a real damper on our meal. It was also frenzied with people trying to get in in time to see Wishes. It was not our favorite experience, but thankfully we had been several times before and had a wonderful time.

That said, we are trying it again on our first night next month because the food is so outstanding and that has never changed. We've been about six times now and never had a bad or even and average meal. GREAT FOOD - ENJOY!

 

[disnut8]

I would advise you to not pay attention to the reviews of any restaurant. You've gotten some favorable ones here. However, the California Grill is not for everyone and two of those people are myself and my husband. It's nothing that the restaurant or the server did. It wasn't the food. It just wasn't our style of place.

Personally, to answer your question "is it worth the hype", I'd say no. But as you can see, others think it's great. So reviews can get skewed. I could have just said "it's a waste of time and we'd never go back there". That's true but you wouldn't know the entire story behind that comment.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We really enjoyed in last Feb. DH and I went for our anniversary, but I wouldn't take my kids there. Other opinions may be different, but for me, I wouldn't take my kids until they're older. They wouldn't appreciate it (they're 7 and 4) and our meal lasted about 2 hours. The food and service were wonderful.

 

[wannabprincess]

Cali Grill is our favorite upscale disney restaurant! I've been three times and had wonderful meals each time. I almost changed my ressie after reading bad reviews, but I'm so glad I didn't. Some people won't be happy anywhere.

 

[cman]

We went on our trip this past Christmas. I would say it was the best of 9 ADRs we had. There were 16 of us and we ended up in a small room all the way in the back. Our server was FANTASTIC!!!

We stayed until Wishes but then the fog rolled in and we couldn't see anything. That, however, would never stop me from going again.

 

[ciera321]

I have to say yes, it's definately worth it to us. Everyone has their own tastes, so not everyone will agree if it's worth the money. But we have always had very good food and service, and the view and Wishes just adds so much. It is very popular, so make your ADR well in advance, especially if you want to be there during Wishes!!!

 

[ckret01]

Absolutely.....between the view and the taste of the food it is wonderful. The flatbread for an appetizer is to die for. The first time we went my husband and I split one...well all I can say is the next few times we went I mde him get his own because they are that good I didn't want to share it
I crave it all the time. I also have to say that their filet mignon is amazing. The sauce they have on it just melts in your mouth. I haven had filet mignon at home at restaurants and NOTHING compares to theirs. Go and enjoy....your won't be disappointed.

 

[mickeysgal]

Having been to CG to dine before (and had something to compare to), I would have to say that our last visit there was a major disappointment. I went off the beaten track and ordered the veal medallians instead of the tried and true filet. DH ordered the scallops. Both dishes weren't up to par in our opinion. (However, whatever veggie they served with my veal was fantastic and I'm still trying to hunt down what it was). Last time we were there, the meal was wonderful, this time...not so good. Our server started out very attentive and then ended up with a very large party next to us. We sat there with uncleared dishes and unfilled drinks. I think it was the luck of the draw that night with service. I will say that the view was wonderful but the dining room was noisy to the point of distraction. To be honest, we're going to try other places before heading back to CG.

 

[cp_princess]

I'm so reassured to see all the good reviews. I know every experience is different but I've seen a few too many bad reviews of late for the CG. We have our reception booked there in Dec. 08 and will be trying to get ADR's during July while were in Disney for our wedding planning session so we can try it out. In addition to the bad reviews the fact that CG is so controlling compared to all the other reception locations and since they don't do tastings we decided to try it OOP in July. I've been so worried I wouldn't be able to find anything I like to eat and that it would be a bad experience but I'm starting to find hope thanks to all the good reviews!

Thanks to all for their opinions and to the OP for starting such a good thread!

Christine

 

[Colinsmom]

The view is spectacular, the service was good, but we all (4 adults, 2 kids) felt that the food was pretty ordinary (and some of it was actually pretty bland - my veal dish could have passed for baby food).