Narcoosees or cali grille?

[grumpysmrs]

Which one would you choose and why?

 

[Silver Queen]

Just went to both restaurants last week and we both agree that Narcoosee's was a better experience. to begin with our server was more efficient and personable. For a cocktail I tried a Sunken Treasure for the first time and loved it. I had the Green Goddess Salad for my appetizer and for me it was perfect light and flavorful and something different from the Caesar Salads that you see on practically every menu. My appetizer was the Crab Encrusted Halibut. DBF had mussels for an appetizer. We both agreed that they were the tenderest mussels that we had ever had. the broth that they were cooked in was very tasty. His entree was the grilled tuna which was also excellent. For dessert I tried the Almond Crusted Cheesecake and now understand why some posters feel that it's the best dessert on the property. It's certainly near the top of our list if not #1.
There was nothing bad about our dinner at the Cali Grill. The view was lovely. We actually had a window table at both restaurants. We shared a flatbread appetizer and for an entree I had the stone bass. Can't remember what DBF had. We shared a chocolate dessert. I can't locate the copy of the check for the Cali or I'd be more specific. Anyway, the dinner was fine, but just not as good as Narcoosees. The restaurant was also busier and nosier. We agreed that in the future we'd go back to Narcoosee's before Cali.

 

[grumpysmrs]

Thanks for the reviews....

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I prefer Narcoosee's.

The seafood is excellent (and I'm not just talking about the lobster). The tuna, scallops, and halibut here were incredible, and the view of the lagoon and MK is stunning. Our last meal there was Wednesday, and it was still fabulous.

California Grill is nice and the view is unique, but it's too noisy and I like the food slightly less here.

 

[OKW Lover]

You might want to read the restaurant reviews here on the DIS.

 

[Tam1067]

We had dinner at both recently--Aug. 8 at California Grill and Aug. 15 at Narcoossee's.

I liked both. At CG, my appetizer was excellent, and my entree (fish), while good, was not spectacular. At Narcoossee's, my appetizer and desserts were good (not great) while my entree was excellent.

DH much preferred Narccoossee's. He said his food was better there. We both had the crabcake crusted halibut--and it was amazingly good.

My kids all liked CG better, hands down. My oldest DS, who is very adventurous with his food, did not like the scallops at Narcoossee's and declared that they were "terrible."

Service was comparable at both places.

Now actually, out of the 3 signature restaurants we tried, our favorite was Citricos.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

My oldest DS, who is very adventurous with his food, did not like the scallops at Narcoossee's and declared that they were "terrible."

Interesting...we were at Narcoossee's on the 12th. I ordered the scallops and actuallly really liked them - the sauce and sides were very light, which was a nice change from the creamy sauce and starchy stuff that Disney usually serves with its entrees. Plus, the scallops were nicely seared.

Different tastes?

But I agree with your point about Citricos - the short ribs were fabulous, and the tuna carpaccio was my favorite appetizer of the trip (and we dined at the Wave, Artist Point, Flying Fish, Jiko, Narcoossee's, Citricos, Hollywood Brown Derby, and Kouzzina).

 

[grumpysmrs]

thanks...I'm trying to decide between the 2 for our first night dinner. I thought we could watch wishes. How's the view from narcoosees?

 

[Pakey]

We've eaten at both many times, including this year, and overall, we prefer CG to Narcoosees. Neither are our favorite signatures but CG generally offers a bit more formal atmosphere and the food choices are more sophisticated. We love sushi and CG has a great selection, along with a very nice wine list.

If you are going for fireworks views more than for food, CG definitely offers the better view of the two.

 

[snackyx]

Narcoossees. Have eaten at both 5-6 times each and have drifted away from CG. While the restaurant is pitched to be a sophiscated night out, the management--in an effort to cram as many diners in each night--has, IMHO, completly undermined the experience. Crowded, noisy, somewhat indifferent attitude by overwhelmed servers have made this a less than "must visit" location. The Narcoossee's decor is not as flashy as CG and could use a bit of updating (reminds me too much of a Red Lobster), but the food, ambience and overall experience are better.

 

[Dawn68PA]

We loved Narcoossees! The restaurant is pretty, the view outstanding and the food was delish!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

CG generally offers a bit more formal atmosphere

I have to disagree with this. CG is really noisy because of all the crowds and kids that go there, so the atmosphere is far from formal. Narcoossee's was smaller and had a more intimate setting, so it definitely felt more formal.

the food choices are more sophisticated

Again, disagree with this. The nicoise tuna tartare that we had at Narcoossee's was sophisticated yet delicious, and the crab-crusted halibut was very similar. At CG, one of their signature dishes is steak with potatoes and barbecue sauce, which doesn't exactly scream sophisticated. The sushi is good but expensive, and you can get better sushi at Poly's Kona Island sushi bar.

If you are going for fireworks views more than for food, CG definitely offers the better view of the two.

Also disagree with this. The view from CG includes a lot of parking lot, and the fireworks are VERY off-center. For the fireworks that use perimeter effects (4th of July, New Years), the view is amazing. But for ordinary Wishes, the show just looks off because of the angle. Narcoosee's is right on the water (so no parking lots), and ordinary Wishes looks amazing from here. It's beautiful.

All these things are a matter of opinion, I just strongly disagree with yours.

 

[AbbyPan]

Geez, this is a hard one...I love both so it depends on your preference really.

Narcoosees- seafood & appetizers are excellent, quite & smaller atmosphere.

Cali Grill- bigger with more families, has good sushi, great view, great flatbreads, etc

Either one is excellent!

 

[grumpysmrs]

I guess I'll have to flip a coin...I have ADR at both for prior to wishes. We see things on both menus we'd like to try....