Is California Grill worth the price?

[pecanp13]

I have been to WDW a few times but never ate here. I’m going over the holidays and treating my parents, who tend to be “hard to please” eaters. Is this restaurant worth the price for the quality of food, or are you mostly paying for the atmosphere? If not, would you recommend going to another nicer restaurant on property instead?

Of the signature restaurants, we’ve been to Yachtsman, Le Cellier and Boathouse. We were looking to try somewhere new. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

 

[Skippyboo]

Would the menu appeal to your parents or are they more a steak and potato eater? The view is pretty amazing plus you get to watch the MK fireworks from the viewing platform outside. The firework viewing helps with high price.

 

[kboo]

We have loved CG since we started going in 2013 (before it went prix fixe). It's still one of our favorites. They have kept a few of their biggest crowd pleasers through several menu changes, so even if one thing or another isn't exactly your taste, it is overall still lovely. Our other favorites are:

Topolino's (but I have had a couple times where service was a little hit or miss; most other times it's good to amazing)
Flying Fish (although they have non-fish items that are excellent, I go for the fish entrees)

and of course, Victoria & Albert's but that is in a different category altogether.

Others worth trying - Narcoosee's (also better if you like fish) and Citrico's.

Other than Victoria & Albert's, Topolino's dinner and CG are always trading off the top spot for me.

 

[hardcorestitch]

I would actually recommend Sebastian’s down at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. For only $39 per adult and $21 per kid, you get some flavorful dishes like tamarind barbecue chicken, mojo pork, and a huge variety of sides. Plus, you can ask for seconds and thirds as it’s AYCTE! Much better value than the $89 per adult and the adult Sebastian’s price per child, in which you only get to enjoy 3 dishes (1 choice) that are honestly forgettable.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Great meal, surroundings and view for the money. I doubt anyone in your party would be unhappy.

 

[Disneydawg74]

We find that the food is not always wonderfully prepared. Last time we went, the ravioli appetizer was cold and the beef wasn’t at the temperature we ordered. Our excellent server took care of things.We go for the atmosphere and as part of our holiday fun. Honestly, I don’t think the food at most Disney restaurants is worth their prices.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

Last time we were there, I really enjoyed the food, but I could tell a lot is "pre-prepared" because of the prix fixe menu. It was better pre-prix fixe. Personally, I would not take people who easily criticize food there due to that reason.

 

[OKW Lover]

IMHO, the price is because of the view. The dining experience itself is certainly OK though.
Other good choices might be Jiko, Flying Fish, Citrico, Toledo, or Narcoossee.

 

[Genie+]

$89 per adult, plus tax and gratuity​

$89 per adult, plus tax and gratuity | Deluxe Wine Pairing +72

Starting November 7, 2025​

$99 per adult, plus tax and gratuity | Deluxe Wine Pairing +78

$39 per Child (Ages 3-9), plus tax and gratuity​

There probably is better food at that price but I’d consider the atmosphere worth about $20pp. It is a unique dining experience at WDW so I‘d consider trying it at this price as long as the menu courses looked to have something of interest for every member of our party.

 

[kboo]

The view is pretty magic. And OG Disney World.

And wow, we are taking my younger DD for her 10th birthday in November, so it will be a sort of bargain before she becomes a Disney adult!

Oh, don't forget the DVC or AP discount. Every little bit helps.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

CG used to be a favorite of ours and a must do every trip. The view of the fireworks can’t be beat! Since the new pricing we haven’t been in a while. We really like Narcoossees! ( have been many times) We had a fabulous meal there in July. You can also see the MK fireworks from there as well.

 

[Marthasor]

As PPs have noted, CG is all about the view and it's pretty spectacular. There are very few restaurants on Disney property that are worth the cost, IMHO. Perhaps consider Topolino's dinner - beautiful view, better food. Though I haven't been, many people recommend going slightly off property to Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria in Bonnet Creek. If you would rather stay on property, you may even want to consider some of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants which tend to have better food quality, IMHO (Il Mulino, bluezoo) though you will not get the atmosphere/view. If you like Japanese food, Takumi Tei is amazing.

 

[Brian Noble]

who tend to be “hard to please” eaters

It probbly depends on wht "hard to please" means.

If they were picking a place to go, what would that place be like?

 

[Victoriapeluso]

We have loved CG since we started going in 2013 (before it went prix fixe). It's still one of our favorites. They have kept a few of their biggest crowd pleasers through several menu changes, so even if one thing or another isn't exactly your taste, it is overall still lovely. Our other favorites are:

Topolino's (but I have had a couple times where service was a little hit or miss; most other times it's good to amazing)
Flying Fish (although they have non-fish items that are excellent, I go for the fish entrees)

and of course, Victoria & Albert's but that is in a different category altogether.

Others worth trying - Narcoosee's (also better if you like fish) and Citrico's.

Other than Victoria & Albert's, Topolino's dinner and CG are always trading off the top spot for me.

we are going to victoria and alberts for my 40th in a few weeks! I cannot wait!

 

[Victoriapeluso]

I have been to WDW a few times but never ate here. I’m going over the holidays and treating my parents, who tend to be “hard to please” eaters. Is this restaurant worth the price for the quality of food, or are you mostly paying for the atmosphere? If not, would you recommend going to another nicer restaurant on property instead?

Of the signature restaurants, we’ve been to Yachtsman, Le Cellier and Boathouse. We were looking to try somewhere new. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

I totally think it's worth it- especially if you have a dining resy close to firework time- we went out with a glass of wine and it was fab! You can also return for the show later which is a great option too

 

[kboo]

As PPs have noted, CG is all about the view and it's pretty spectacular. There are very few restaurants on Disney property that are worth the cost, IMHO. Perhaps consider Topolino's dinner - beautiful view, better food. Though I haven't been, many people recommend going slightly off property to Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria in Bonnet Creek. If you would rather stay on property, you may even want to consider some of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants which tend to have better food quality, IMHO (Il Mulino, bluezoo) though you will not get the atmosphere/view. If you like Japanese food, Takumi Tei is amazing.

CG and Topolino's are always jockeying for first place in our family. We are from NYC so frankly the prices don't shock us...

Here's how we have been thinking recently about the 2:

I think *on average* CG has maybe better food (meaning you're less likely to get a dud dish) - but Topolino's has particular mains and starters that shine. The sole, for example, and anything with duck confit. And for a while they were the only place other than Le Cellier to have Albertan beef, which was definitely better than US beef. I am not sure if that is still the case, but worth asking.

On bread, I think I like Topolino's better.

Desserts - I love desserts as a category, but I'm sort of underwhelmed here, but CG edges out Topolino's in taste, but Topolino's desserts are prettier.

Service - CG is more consistent, but Topolino's when it's on (which is 85% of the time) is ON. We may have also had conversations at Topolino's where they've dissed the CG prix fixe, and I think their comments are valid.

The views - depends on what you want. the MK view is so classic. But the outside deck is really just, step outside, look around, go back in. But the Topolino's deck is peaceful and beautiful and even though we've eaten there a zillion times DH and I always take a picture there and want to hang out there.

Hmmm... after writing all this - I think Topolino's wins, but CG is classic. DH likes CG more, I think.

 

[kboo]

we are going to victoria and alberts for my 40th in a few weeks! I cannot wait!

Happy birthday! DH and I have been for a big anniversary, 2 big birthdays and a big job change. Super excellent each time. It may be one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.

 

[Victoriapeluso]

Happy birthday! DH and I have been for a big anniversary, 2 big birthdays and a big job change. Super excellent each time. It may be one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.

it's my 40th birthday and our 10th ani! Lots to celebrate! I went once years ago- but I cant wait to return- my husbands a chef!