Citricos or California Grill?

[wendybeth75]

DH and I are doing a "date night" with one signature from now on (Hopefully a new tradition). We have it narrowed down to Citricos or California Grill. Which would you choose and why?

 

[evilqueenmindy]

I love both restaurants, (haven't been to California grill since the refurb) but for date night purposes, I would pick Citrico's, it is quieter, feels more intimate, and the overall atmosphere of GF is just more date-ish. The view at California Grill is awesome, but it feels much more hectic, and there seemed to be a lot more kids.

 

[kaybird]

Citrico's without a doubt!

 

[figment_jii]

I would vote for CA Grill because I haven't been since the refurb. I loved CA Grill before that and have high hopes for it. I've been to Citricos only once, but the experience was below that which I've come to expect at Disney Signature restaurants. It took a long time to be seated (45 minutes after ADR), the meal was slow (3+ hours for a three course dinner for three adults), one member of my party had to send her entree back because it arrived at the table cold, and it was very noisy. Overall, I'd like to say I'd give Citricos another chance, but it's hard to risk wasting a second dinner when there aren't that many dinners at WDW to begin with.

In truth, none of the WDW Signature restaurants are really going to be "date night"-like (at least, not in the candlelit, romantic, soft music style). All Signatures welcome families, so you're bound to run into small children (except at V&A). Most of the kids are fine, but it's possible that you'd also have dinner next to the kid that's tossing food about, doing jumping jacks in the aisles, and/or screaming at the top of his lungs (yes, I've seen all of these at different Signatures over the years). I'm just saying this so you can be prepared for the worse (but hope for the best).

 

[smile4stamps]

Both are favorites of ours and so this is a hard choice. We love the food from CA Grill and the view for the fireworks is wonderful!

Citrico's offers a little bit more quiet atmosphere. Some of the food choices are wonderful and some I would pass on. For the most part service has been better at Citrico's.

Overall Ca Grill still wins out because of the menu and being able to see Wishes.

I agree with above though that if you want a true date night than V&A's is wonderful. Also the later your dining ADR for the others the fewer children (but I have seen some seated as late as 9:30pm at CA Grill!)

 

[goodferry]

I would choose California Grill. The food and the venue are fantastic. I, however, would suggest an early reservation and then you can go back for fireworks if you want. EVERYONE wants a table during Wishes, so it's packed. It's so late that any kids that are there are miserable, an earlier reservation is much more laid back, and the view is stunning at sunset.
Citricos reminded me of any other hotel restaurant. The food was OK, but the atmosphere was stuffy and the service horrid when we went.

 

[Uncleromulus]

If a "view" fireworks are of no real concern, I would pick Citricos. Likely to be a bit more quiet and suitable for a date night.

Plus I think the food is a bit better.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I've been to both and prefer Cali Grill for food for sure. Citricos was good, but not as outstanding as CG in my opinion. The food was a bit disappointing. My son thought the same. The view from CG is amazing btw!!

 

[Pakey]

Have not been to CG since refurb but have dined at both of these restaurants several times. For a date, I would always pick Citricos as Ca Grill is just so noisy. Also, I think the entrees are better at Citricos.