Le Cellier OR California Grill?

[ldietiker]

On our next trip to wdw, we're going to be celebrating my partner's birthday and would like to choose a great restaurant. We've narrowed it down to Le Cellier or California Grill, which both have excellent reviews and food that everyone in our party will love. We also love EPCOT, so being at EPCOT on the day in question is no problem, while we'll be staying at the Bay Lake Towers, so being at the California Grill will be very easy too.

Therefore, assuming that reservations will be available for either 180 days prior, which would you pick and why? Which might make the event more special (because of great service, food quality, or uniqueness)?

Thanks!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I've had lunch and Le Cellier and dinner at California Grill...and I can say without hesitation...

CALIFORNIA GRILL!!!!!

Le Cellier was OK, but it didn't even come close to the hype food wise and while we didn't find it to be as cramped as some feel it is- the atmosphere and service (while good) doesn't hold a candle to Cali Grill. All in all- it's a good deal for 1 credit for lunch- a rip off for dinner since they don't change the food quality - and simply not a signature spot...just signature prices.

California Grill, while a bit loud and busy, had the atmosphere, the service, and the food I'd expect at a really nice meal. Seriously- the views up there are spectacular. We got drinks and got beautiful sunset pics while waiting for our table...we took breaks and saw the water pageant and Illuminations from up there...and we had a near perfect view of Wishes from our MK facing table...and we weren't even right up against the window.

I'm considering making Cali Grill an every trip stop for us...Le Cellier on the other hand was a "been there- done that" experience.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

California Grill, without question. I think that it has the better food, better service, and a better atmosphere for a celebratory dinner.

 

[Robertavz]

We ate at California Grill a few years ago for our anniversary. They made it really special. We were given an anniversary card and certificate and a special dessert. It was really amazing. I say Cali Grill for sure!

 

[colinsdad]

California Grill without a doubt. It is a far better atmosphere for a special occasion.

Le Cellier, is a cellar (although a nice one). Dark, no windows.

At California Grill, you can see Wishes if you line your dinner up at the right time.

Fireworks over the Magic Kingdom is worthy of your special occasion. You can eat at Le Cellier another time.

 

[KJay]

Another resounding vote for California Grill. We celebrated our 11th anniversary there this year- it was excellent. We had eight table service meals that trip- California Grill was my absolute favorite, and Le Cellier was actually my LEAST favorite. If you're looking for something special, Cali Grill is the way to go!

 

[Berlioz70]

Sorry - I'm not a real fan of either.

I like Le Cellier's food, but it was not worth the hype. I had a rude table next to me, so that affected the atmosphere. I visited nearly two years ago, before it became a double credit.

I like Cali Grill's atmosphere, but did not care for the food. I went a second time and only ordered a flatbread, salad, and dessert (which were all fantastic). I did not care for my entree the first time (nor did anyone else in my party of 4), and did not want to pay for a bad entree a second time (there was a 4 month gap between my visits, the entrees had not changed). Both visits were this year, the last one was about a month ago.

My top 5 (in no particular order):

Yachtsman
Kona
Citricos
Kouzzina
Flying Fish

 

[cbg1027]

Cali Grill without a doubt. It's much better than Le Cellier. Le Cellier is fine, but CG is a true signature experience.

You won't be as rushed at CG since it's not in a theme park. The food is fantastic and pretty special. The view is great....there is no view at Le Cellier.

For me, it just boils down to food quality and all the way around, from apps, bread, entrees, and dessert...it's all better at CG.

 

[robinbutterfly]

California grill!!!!!!!!!!

 

[disneylovin24]

I've never been to Le Cellier.

Ate at California Grill a a few years ago for my dad's birthday. It was wonderful! The food was good, the dessert was EXCELLENT (the dessert is what really stands out in my mind), and the view is the best in WDW Definetely try and get reservations for a time when you can watch Wishes!

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Seems like a joke to me. CG is a great fine dining restaurant, LC is a glorified Outback.

 

[ldietiker]

Thank you everyone! It appears nearly unanimous. Awesome! I'm going to aim for the California Grill as my first choice, and will try to time it for a sunset!

Thanks again!

 

[emmysmommy]

Good choice for CA Grill!!! When you make your reservation note that there is a birthday celebration and in addition to a special dessert (I also go champagne on my birthday) they will have a special personalized birthday menu for you to keep.

Enjoy!

 

[OKW Lover]

We're not fans of either, feeling them to both be overrated or at the least over-hyped.

Having said that, between the two I'd go with CG simply for the view of the MK. In LeCellier you're in a dark (it is supposed to be a cellar) room where the tables are very tightly packed. Food wise, CG may be slightly better.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

No offense OKW Lover, but i must disagree. The food quality at CG is vastly superior to LC even given your absolute right to dislike both of them for absolutely legitimate reasons.

 

[kellydina]

Just back yesterday and went to LeCellier Fri night. We've been there before and had a good experience. This time (especially as a signature) not so much. I got the signature dish, the filet. It was just average, and overcooked! I ordered medium rare. The server said it would be pink all over with a red center. There was no red anywhere to be seen. We ordered Cosmopolitans that were terrible. Tasted like straight Vodka. Overall as a signature restaurant...disappointing.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I ate at both last week.

Le Cellier has improved in my opinion, had a very good dinner there but California Grill is the best restaraunt on property aside from Victoria and Albert's.

 

[aripantaloon]

I like both and we always go to both, but if I had to choose, I would definitely pick Cali Grill!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Seems like a joke to me. CG is a great fine dining restaurant, LC is a glorified Outback.

LOL! I totally agree!!! CG without a doubt!