Jiko or California Grill?

[winterhart534]

Or both?

I'm trying to decide for our arrival day dinner in August. DH and I are both wannabe foodies and really enjoy eating out at Disney. Our dinner last year at Napa Rose still makes us swoon to remember. Soooo wonderful! Anyway, I'm thinking either Jiko or California Grill for our first night in the World. I'm currently leaning towards California Grill with an eye towards getting an ADR so we can see Wishes. My DH has just recently discovered a love affaire with sushi. However, according to him it has to be GOOD sushi. I have a seafood allergy and do not eat fish or shellfish. I wouldn't know good sushi if you hit me in the face with it! Would CG be a good place for DH to get his "fix"? On our last trip, we really fell in love with AKL and Jiko is high on my list of "must-do's" this trip. The menu looks fabulous and I keep reading great reviews. So, should I save Jiko for later in the trip or try that out first?

 

[justhat]

I'd save Jiko for later on if you can get an ADR to coincide with Wishes. They're both great restaurants though.

 

[DVC Sadie]

We love CG and I think your husband would enjoy the sushi. Wishes is wonderful and I would definately suggest a window table.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

WOW !!!

You asked about our favorite two places to eat in WDW. We ate at California Grill on our first night this past December and loved it as always. We then ate at Jiko later in the trip. I hope you enjoy both on your trip. We really enjoyed getting our trip off to such a great start at CG.

 

[pennyplanner]

I much preferred CA Grill over Jiko's! I do not eat sushi but I have heard that CG's is some of the best anywhere!

Enjoy!

--penny

 

[patsal]

I have enjoyed both, but like CG better.

 

[Legend of Odon]

I guess these places will be crowded in August......we'll be at both of them as well! My question is what time should we make our ADR for in order to see Wishes from the CG? Thanks so much.
Also is there any place that lists the times that the restaurants in the resorts are open until? We are late eaters but don't want to book too late. Thanks!

 

[LongIslandCouple]

Make your reservation for about 2 hours before Wishes and then arrive an additional 15 minutes early.

 

[winterhart534]

Make your reservation for about 2 hours before Wishes and then arrive an additional 15 minutes early.

Thanks, I was wondering that too! I think California Grill it is. Sounds like a great place to kick off vacation festivities.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

California Grill is far superior to Jiko in every way. Go for it.

 

[LukenDC]

I have eaten at both California Grill and Jiko. California Grill was one of the highlights of my last trip to WDW. The food was great and the nighttime view from the windows is truly spectacular.

I also ate at Jiko and unfortunately that was the one disappointment of the trip. The food, taste and presentation, was not to my liking. The Jiko dining room is attractive, but not nearly as special as the dining room at California Grill.

Service at both restaurants is excellent.

 

[toniijolou]

Newbie here - but why do you have to make the reservations 2 hours before wishes? Is the service that long? Or does dinner there last that long?

Thanks

 

[LukenDC]

Newbie here - but why do you have to make the reservations 2 hours before wishes? Is the service that long? Or does dinner there last that long?

Thanks

Good question. As the time for Wishes approaches, people tend to linger at their table. Tables near the windows facing MK are prime real estate at California Grill and people are not apt to give those up within an hour of the fireworks. California Grill is also the type of restaurant where one can have a leisurely meal. There are multiple courses and the staff encourages diners to explore the restaurant and enjoy the outside deck between courses.

California Grill is a neat place!

 

[toniijolou]

Thank you!! We are headed down there for our wedding planning session in May and I will see if I can get reservations for that - sounds awesome!!

 

[Halle]

I made ADR's for 7:00PM, do you think that's too long to linger before Wishes (10:00). Thanks for your input.

 

[LongIslandCouple]

Two hours puts you finishing dessert just as Wishes starts. You won't find a ressie anytime close to when Wishes actually starts, and if you do, you definitely won't have a table with nearly as good of a view.

Sit @ 8:00 PM
Order @ 8:10 PM
Salad @ 8:20 PM
Appetizer @ 8:40 PM
Dinner @ 9:00 PM
Order Dessert @ 9:30 PM
Desset @ 9:45 PM
Wishes @ 10:00 PM

We've followed this "schedule" twice and it worked wonderfully both times.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I made ADR's for 7:00PM, do you think that's too long to linger before Wishes (10:00)

Yes. There is no way it's going to take you 3 hours for dinner. I would say that a reservation 1 1/2 - 2 hours before Wishes would be about right. When we went, Wishes started just after we finished dinner, so we ordered coffee and dessert, watched the show, then returned to finish eating.

Don't obsess about getting a window table. When Wishes starts, just go outside to one of the Observation Decks to watch. The view is better anyway.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I made ADR's for 7:00PM, do you think that's too long to linger before Wishes (10:00). Thanks for your input.

Yes. But if you finish early, you can walk out on the deck. You may not even get prime seating in which case, you'll want to walk out on the deck anyway.

 

[disfanmac]

is the 10th and we will be down for a 3 day celebration around our date.
CG for opening night sounds like and excellent idea -we have not been.
What time will wishes be on the 9th?

My wife is also going to enjoy the chef's table at V&A!!!!

 

[toniijolou]

Patrick,
Luckey you!! chef's table! how far in advance did you have to call for that one? I saw that on the food network - looked awesome!!