California Grill vs Narcoosee's

[skw2020]

Trouble deciding between California Grill (never been) and Narcoosee's (been, was great) for our 32nd anniversary. Both 2 credits on the DDP. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And do they still do the light parade on the water around Narcoosees?

 

[Pakey]

Both places are too noisy, IMO, especially for a special anniversary dinner. I like the food better at CG because I enjoy sushi. Yes, Narcoosees still has the water pageant. You can see it from CG too if you get a window seat but it's pretty far away.

 

[stacy6552]

Having done both, I say Narccoosses.

 

[pmdeve]

I second Narcucci's.

 

[autumnpalm]

Personally, I would say California Grill. We've dined at both and to me, the atmosphere at California Grill is the best in WDW. The flatbreads and sushi are delicious and the Valhrona Chocolate Cake.... amazing. We had an absolutely amazing meal in February and I can't wait to go back in April.

We have also dined at Narcoosee's and will be returning in April as well... mainly because my mom loves lobster. IMO the food and service were okay but if it wasn't for the lobster, we wouldn't be returning.

 

[cbg1027]

I found the food and service at Cali Grill to be far superior to Narcoossee's. Narcoossee's isnt bad, but it's the bottom of the signature restaurants to me.

 

[SweetMommy]

I haven't dined at either but will in August and can't wait

 

[goofy4prez]

I like both Cali Grill and Narcoossee's. If I had to choose between the two I would have to choose Narcoossee's. Unlike a pp, IMHO I find Narcoossess's to be among the top of the signature restaurants and not at the bottom.

 

[Unofficial627]

I'll throw in another vote for the CG. Narcoosee's was OK when we went, but we go to the CG every year and have yet to have a bad meal there. Plus the view is amazing. Have fun!

 

[J&C@Disney]

Without a doubt Narcoosee's, we have been to both we have been to Cali Grill twice and both times were not impressed so wont be going again.

Narcoosee's onthe other hand we LOVE and the cocktails are amazing.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree with cbg1027...

 

[Tri-Delta4Life]

Having been to both for romantic dinners with DH, I can't really recommend one over the other. Both places can be loud depending on the time of time of evening and nature of the other guests also enjoying the resturant. When we went to CG on our honeymoon they gave us a great table for two right next to the window overlooking MK and it was amazing. However, our meal was around 5 or 6 pm so the lounge wasn't filled up with guests yet which made the atmosphere more quiet (our table was very close to the lounge area). The atmosphere at Narcoossee's is a little more intimate. The two levels of seating helps make the resturant feel smaller compared to the wide open dining area of CG. If these are the only two options you're considering, I would pick the one that has the menu that appeals most to you!

However, if you really want to "do it up" to celebrate your anniversary, I can't recommend Victoria and Albert's enough! It's more expensive, but you will 100% for sure have a romantic, intimate, and memorable dining experience. If you're not on the DP, consider comparing the cost of a full (3 course) meal at CG or Narcoossee's to the $125/person fixed price of V&A (6 course)... we usually spend about $80/person at Narcoossee's or CG, so it's not really that much more to "upgrade" to V&A, but the experience is so much more!

 

[LAS321]

We've been to both and prefer Narcoossee....I was really disappointed in Cali Grill...both food and service. We love Narccoosse and alternate each year between that and Citricos.

 

[EastonCat]

Congratulations on 32 years of bliss!

Both of these restaurants have very good food-very different menus. Look at those before you decide. They are both noisy. They both have views. People have had unfortunate experiences at both restaurants, like any other restaurant at Disney, but the detractors are few for both venues.

Cali Grill can sometimes push a party a little - it is a very popular restaurant and they have many people to please every night. Narcoossee's is less formal and I've never felt pressed. The view from Cali Grill overlooking Tomorrowland at night is very cool -- a necessary stop in the life of a Disney fan.

If you choose either of these venues, you will have a great night -- albeit a noisy one.

 

[EastonCat]

I like both Cali Grill and Narcoossee's. If I had to choose between the two I would have to choose Narcoossee's. Unlike a pp, IMHO I find Narcoossess's to be among the top of the signature restaurants and not at the bottom.

I echo this sentiment. The restaurant is empirically good and could enjoy success anywhere. Cali Grill would also be successful without the awesome view and the guaranteed traffic.

 

[gzh6464]

Been to both recently....liked Narcosee better.

 

[Golf4food]

Neither for a romantic anniversary dinner.

I would go for Victoria & Alberts if you can afford it, Bistro de Paris, or one of the other signatures, such as Jiko.

 

[SuzieN]

We ate at California Grill in October and I was really disappointed. The food was so bland that I found myself looking for (and not finding) a salt shaker. Dessert was excellent though. We had an ADR for Narcoossee's and ended up cancelling it due to deluxe dining overload!! Wish we hadn't, it sounded better than CG to me.