California Grill vs Narcooses

[Aristo-cat]

If you have never done CG, there is no comparison. You must do this at least once. It is truly memorable!

 

[Masonmj84]

I've never done fireworks at either location but find Cali Grill to be the superior dining experience.

I've found Narcoossee's to be somewhat less polished (i.e., in atmosphere, service, presentation, and execution) than most of the other resort signatures at WDW, including Cali Grill. I also find their menu somewhat lacking because, to me, their signature items (particularly their lobster entrees) seem grossly overpriced (even by WDW standards) and most of their other, less expensive entrees usually seem somewhat underwheming. I do, however, love the almond crusted cheesecake dessert.

To me, Cali Grill has a more unpscale atmosphere, better service (usually), better presentation, and a much broader and deeper menu that is better executed than Narcoossee's. For example, when I go to Cali Grill, I'm usually struggling to decide between at least 2 or 3 entrees that look really appealing whereas at Narcoossee's, I'm struggling to find 1 thing (other than the overpriced lobster) that looks really appealing. On the other hand, I've found Cali Grill to consistently be the busiest of all of the resort signatures, which can sometimes negatively affect the service (although, for us, service has usually been excellent).

 

[gillep]

For fireworks, California Grill, for food, neither, I don't like the food at either of these restaurants. I have always found the food at CG, especially the entrees, to be overwhelmingly salty, and my food at Narcoossee's was just awful, bland and cold.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I was on a deluxe dining trip in 2012. For one dinner, I chose California Grill over Narcoosee.

I can't say I regretted it because the view up there is spectacular. A thunderstorm came and went over us, and it was a very cool sight. Our waiter was fabulous, and he pointed out that we could come back later with our receipt to see the MK fireworks.

However, I did not love my food. I had a hard time choosing what to order because I didn't find the menu that day very appealing. The best thing we ordered was a sushi appetizer.

I think the menu at Narcoosee doesn't vary as much, and the menu posted on-line appealed to me far more than CG's did the night we dined there. CG's menu changes a lot based on what's fresh in the market. That sounds great in theory, but if you hit it on the wrong night for your tastes, it's not so good.

All this being said, my opinion is that if your food tastes are more traditional, you'll enjoy the food at Narcoosee more. If your tastes are more exotic, CG is a good choice. Either way, I think you'll have a fine evening.

 

[MouseOfCards]

Dinner AND fireworks?

No contest. The California Grill.

You dont' have to time your meal with the showing of the fireworks. If you eat early, you can come back up (with your dinner reciept) to view the show.

Does Narcoosee's also allow folks to return later (with receipt) to sit on the deck and see the fireworks?

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

Does Narcoosee's also allow folks to return later (with receipt) to sit on the deck and see the fireworks?

They don't have to. Anyone can walk along the deck/dock outside the windows of Narcoosee's. I've had a window seat at Narcoosee's and had a family park (no pun intended) themselves right in front of us, blocking the fireworks.

 

[gharter]

We love CG and have never had a bad meal there. The fireworks from the restaurant or deck is wonderful. Our waiter has always timed our meal with a break to watch fireworks then bring the next course after they are done.
My wife and daughter were at Narcoossees in May and enjoyed it. Got a different view of the fireworks from that side of the park.