California Grill

[natbobbre]

Opinions wanted about dining at California Grill. Books say it is a great experience, especially during fireworks. However it seems a little pricey. Other unique dining suggestions would be appreciated also. Thanks!

 

[ahutton]

It is a beautiful place, one of our favorites. The menu appealed to us, and they have one of the biggest wine lists I've ever seen, and were very helpful about picking out a glass I would enjoy. They dim the lights and play the music for the fireworks, which is really neat. It is expensive, but nice for a special treat.

We also enjoy Narcoosees for a sit down meal, they have great seafood dishes, and Artist Pointe has some unusual menu items.

You can spend as much as you want to for a nice dinner, we have found you get more value for the money at the resorts than the theme parks. I suggest picking someplace where you read the menu and think "I want to try that" and then you won't be disappointed.

 

[queenofhearts]

Hi natbobbre!

I can't really answer your question, but I was hoping I could add a question to this thread:

How much should I budget to have dinner at the California Grill for 2 adults (with one alcoholic beverage per person, one appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, and a nice tip)?

Thanks to anyone that can help!

 

[dvc_bwv]

Hi queenofhearts! California Grill is one of our favorite WDW restaurants. DH said for what you described budget between $100 - $120. It's pricey, but well worth it. After all....we're on vacation so we treat ourselves to at least one wonderful dining experience! Good luck with your choices!! By the way, another favorite place is Le Cellier in Canada. Next best to California Grill. They have a wonderful surf & turf and a delicious cheese soup, not to mention the creme brulee for dessert!! Ok now I've made myself hungry and I still have about a month to wait!!! LOL

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Queen and Nat

Hope the below helps it is a report of our dinner at CG in May

California Grill – The Contemporary

Dinner - Restaurant
1 Vodka Martini
1 Dry Martini & Lemonade
1 glass Honig Cabernet Sauvignon ‘98
1 glass Mason Sauvignon Blanc ‘00
1 Alderwood Smoked Salmon with Chive Crème Fraiche
1 BBQ glazed Chicken with Fontina and Caramelised Onions
1 Grilled Pork Tenderloin
1 Tamarind Barbeque Glazed Beef Filet
1 Butterscotch Crème Brulee
1 Blueberry Swirl Angel Food Cake


Cost:
$111.83 (not incl. tip)

Comments:
I was originally hoping to get a window table for Fantasy in the Sky but the fireworks were cancelled that Friday but I thought what the hay we’ll go anyway. We were early but I wanted to specifically sit in the “wine room” as you get some great views here and I thought we may catch a glance of the Epcot fireworks. We had to wait a little for our table so we ordered drinks in the bar, very nice and then no sooner had they come then they were calling us to our table. If you’ve never eaten in the wine room I can thoroughly recommend it as it is soooo much quieter and a little more romantic than the rest of the restaurant. We wanted to take our time so we ordered a flat bread whilst we drank our aperitifs and perused the menu. We ordered another flat bread and then ordered our entrees. I’ve had the Pork Tenderloin before and it’s still good. Paul said that he had the best steak in WDW here. As we had been taking our time over our food and not rushed we found we had plenty of room for desserts. The crème brulee was orgasmic and I tasted the blueberry ice cream which was very nice. A very good meal for a good price, we were not disappointed.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Not much I can add to what's been said, except that CG is the place we now go on our "first nite" at WDW. Went last December, again in May, and will be there at 7:45 PM this Saturday nite!!

 

[queenofhearts]

dvc-bwv- Thanks so much for the info! I was planning on about $120, but I didn't want to be surprised with a $200 bill after dinner, so I'm glad to hear your estimate.

Fantasia Sam- Thank you for sharing your menu and total bill. This was wonderful information, and it absolutely made my mouth water! The wine room sounds like a spectacular place to at at the California Grill. I'm so glad you mentioned this, because I had never heard of it.

Uncleromulus- Have a wonderful trip and a very yummy dinner (I'm sure you will)

natbobbre- Thank you for letting me share your thread!

 

[4crusinransiers]

California Grill is one of our Favorites!! The other is Jiko at AKL.