Narcoossee's OR California Grill OR Something Else

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Hello everyone:

Next April will be DH and my 20th wedding anniversary.

We came to WDW on our honeymoon, and have returned many times. We don't have kids, but believe it or not we are still trying.

Anyway, we went to the Top of the World Dinner Show on top of the Contemporary Resort the next night after we got married, and the first honeymoon type thing that we did once we got to Orlando. We had hoped to see fireworks that night, but lo and behold it wasn't a fireworks night at the MK.

So, it would make a lot of sense for us to go to California Grill. However, I'm a bit of a picky eater, and neither DH or myself would ever touch sushi.

For now, we are considering Narcoossee's for our anniversary dinner because it seems very nice and the menu seems to fit our palettes a good bit better.

We are open to other ideas. We have eaten at Artist Point and Yachtsman's Steakhouse. I really preferred Yachtsman's Steakhouse. We want to go a bit more upscale than a dinner show.

We will be staying at the Boardwalk on the standard dining plan, but will use 2 TS credits for our special dinner.

Please give me your thoughts, and why we would prefer one place over another.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

If you think that your pallet is more suited to Narcoosees then that's where you should go. No matter how good the surroundings or the service is, if the food is not to your taste then that will inevitably spoil your evening.Standing on the veranda and watching Wishes and the Electric Light Parade at Narcoosees for me is as good as it ever gets

 

[vickalamode]

I had a wonderful time at Narcoosee's when I went there. I went with my best friend right after I graduated HS and we had the BEST dining experience there! The food was excellent and we had the most awesome server...we even took a picture with him LOL. We timed the reservation so we could go watch Wishes and the Water Pageant outside and it was all in all a perfect evening!

For this trip I am trying California Grill, but would go back to Narcoosee's in a heartbeat-I guess next time it just depends on if I enjoy my experience at CG better, but the one at Narcoosee's would be pretty hard to beat.

 

[BBQMommy]

I enjoy both CG and Narcoossee's and I am not a sushi eater. I like both atmospheres and menus. The view is lovely at CG and my favorite appetizer and dessert are there (it was a winter season lamb shank risotto and the Valrhona Chocolate Cake). The walk to Narcoossee's is very peaceful, though it can get loud inside. The service is great at both as are the bartenders. I have a favorite drink that few bars know how to make: a daiquiri, not a frozen daiquiri, not a strawberry daiquiri, just a plain old it-was-good-enough-for-Hemingway-it-is-good-enough-for-me-daiquiri. Both CG and Narcoossee's can make me a proper one. .

Been to both recently and it is slightly paining me not to include them in the next trip. Trying to branch out and try other places (Flying Fish, Le Cellier, Citricos)

 

[crostorfer]

I, personally, would take the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk over any other signature at Disney World.

For a 20th anniversary dinner, however, I'd pay out of pocket at do something even more special and a little romantic. Victoria and Alberts, or Bistro de Paris. No children, very upscale, very romantic.

 

[DEA]

I, personally, would take the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk over any other signature at Disney World.

I second this, especially due to its proximity to your resort. Less travel time, more relaxation.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I think that the California Grill is a far better restaurant than Narcoossee's. I consider the latter the weakest of the signature restaurants. If the menu doesn't pique your interest, though, I agree with the suggestions to give Flying Fish a look.

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's exactly how I see it--

 

[Pakey]

I think that the California Grill is a far better restaurant than Narcoossee's. I consider the latter the weakest of the signature restaurants. If the menu doesn't pique your interest, though, I agree with the suggestions to give Flying Fish a look.

This is my opinion also.

 

[ScoJo15]

Bistro de Paris provides the best food, service and experience IMO and is super convenient to the Boardwalk area.

I'd also suggest Citricos and Artist Point as they are our next favorite places to eat.

But like the other poster said, if Narcoosee's menu looks good to you guys, you should try it out. We did not think it was 'bad' but also didn't think it was on the level of the others mentioned.

Congrats on your anniversary!

 

[librarygeek]

We just ate at Narcoossee's for our honeymoon and really loved it. I would recommend it, especially if some items on the menu catch your interest.

Also, I just wanted to let you know about the still trying to have kids thing - my aunt was the same way but didn't give up, and about six years ago she gave birth to two beautiful, healthy boys at the age of 47. So there is always hope

 

[kdka421]

Not a sushi-eater here either, but we LOVE California Grill. This has become a must for my husband and I. However, I highly recommend requesting a table in the small side wine room. We were seated here by chance our first visit, and it is simply so much quieter and more intimate than the main seating area. We haven't dined at any of the other restaurants you're considering, but there is absolutely no reason to avoid Cali Grill just b/c you don't like sushi.

I also second a prior poster's recommendation of Victoria & Albert's. As they said though you can't use the dining plan for this, and it's definitely pricey - but we just tried it for the first time, and you can't get any more elegant. Very special for a celebration.

 

[cbg1027]

I don't think Narcoossee's is worthy of it's signature status. It's not bad...it's just not worth paying signature prices to me. It has a very casual feel and the food is good but not great.

Cali Grill is far better and they have a lot more to offer than sushi. Have you looked at a menu?
Although, I don't think CG is great for people wanting a romantic meal. It's very loud, boisterous, busy and filled with a lot of children.

If you want something entirely different and better suited for an anniversary dinner, then I would go with Citricos. It's calmer, more adult, and has amazing food and service.

 

[averill94]

IMHO Narcoossees is handsdown superior over the CG....for food, atmosphere, view and service. We will keep going back!

Wherever you decide have a magical time!

If you do go to Narcoosees, request Amer he is exceptional
I really mean exceptional!

 

[OhThePain]

CG is better than Narccoossee's, but CG isn't close to the top of our list. Citricos and Flying Fish are tied at the top as far the dining plan food goes. None of the other restaurants really come close. Citricos is usually much quieter which might be something you want in an anniversary dinner. Flying Fish is excellent and is at your resort which might be a plus. Another dining plan option for you might be Jiko. It's also very good, but not only will you get a good meal, you can also experience some of the things AKL has to offer. You can spend time watching out over the savannahs (with or without night vision goggles), enjoy the beauty of the resort, have a drink at Victoria Falls or out by the fire pit. Jiko can really be more than just a meal.

If you are looking to stray from the DDP (which personally, I wouldn't use 2 TS credits on the standard dining plan for a signature, there is no value in it), I would consider either V&A's (which would be best for an anniversary dinner), Shula's or bluezoo (both of which are at the Dolphin). These three restaurants have the best food on property.

 

[Karabee]

We just got back and ate for the second time at Citricos. This is still, in my opinion, some of the best food and service on Disney property. For a romantic anniversary, this would be my first pick.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thank you everybody!

I'm still not sure where to go. I think we are leaning towards Narcoossee's.

I will gladly accept any more suggestions.

A friend made the most ghastly suggestion -- off property!

So...does anyone know anything that is so good that can't be missed, or as we say in the South...."Good enough to make you slap your Momma for trying to steal a bite"?

Victoria and Albert's is absolutely out of the question!