Narcoossee's or California Grill?

[leebee]

Which has the better fireworks view? Which has the better food? I am trying to make plans for my birthday dinner and need help! Which would you choose and why?

 

[amberpi]

Narcossee's is solid, but CG has a MUCH better view of the fireworks, and I generally enjoy it more. The decor is way better and something Narcossee's kinda just lacks.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

CG is a must-do for us. Better food, service and view for sure. DH loves the sushi and I always get the steak.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I haven't been to CG, but I can already say that they will have a better view of the fireworks. I have been to the Top of the World Lounge on the top of Bay Lake Tower which is a similar view to the California Grill view. I really enjoyed my meal at Narcossee's. I am really sure that you won't go wrong based on the food at either restaurant since both of them are popular.

 

[JZCubed]

Which has the better fireworks view? Which has the better food? I am trying to make plans for my birthday dinner and need help! Which would you choose and why?

Narcossee's is solid, but CG has a MUCH better view of the fireworks, and I generally enjoy it more. The decor is way better and something Narcossee's kinda just lacks.

My family did a self-guided fireworks Resort-viewing a few years ago and determined that the closer you are to Main Street, the better the view. More plainly, CA Grill offers the 'worst' viewing from the three Monorail resorts - because you are way off to the side.

However, unlike Poly or Grand Floridian, you have a far better view of Magic Kingdom (with or without fireworks) from CA Grill. And being on the top floor makes many folks believe they have a better view.

Regarding food & ambiance for a birthday - kinda' depends on the family. I personally find CA Grill too hit-or-miss to suggest it to most people, but if you can get past the folks coming in Park attire and the oft times noisy dining room, you can certainly have a magical meal here. On the other hand, Narcoossee's, while a family favorite, is more like an excellent neighborhood 'New England-y' style place that is far more consistent - because the expectations are far lower.

CA Grill, despite my personal feelings, may be better place for a birthday celebration.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You'll get a split opinion on both of your questions!

As for the view--depends if you like an above view, or a ground level view.

Food-wise we like Narcoossee's--just ate there last week and the short-ribs and scallops were great.

Both are often noisy.

 

[vettegirl]

I really love both and the food is delicious at both. Fireworks wins hands down at CG though.

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

I had this exact same question a few weeks ago before our trip. We ended up having dinner at both. We preferred the food, views and overall atmosphere at CG, but Narcoossee's was very good too. We enjoyed the more intimate fireworks viewing experience on the terrace outside Narcoossee's, sharing the last "Wishes" show with some teary-eyed guests. My recommendation: both!

 

[Kelly loves Food]

I couldn't decide either and am doing both on my next trip!

 

[Hopefully]

I would choose Narcoossee's. Ca Grille is over run with young families looking to watch fireworks. To me Narcoossee's is nicer.

 

[Lisa F]

California Grill is MUCH better than Narcoossees. My two experiences at Narcoossees have been medicore and downright awful. I also don't much care for the layout of the restaurant, I always end up with my back to the aisle and windows. I have never had a bad meal at CA Grill (and have had some really quite stellar ones) and if you want a fireworks experience with your meal, the top of the contemporary is the place to go. You don't have to eat a meal at Narcoossees to get a GF waterside view of the fireworks but unless you are a DVC member, the high view from the contemporary is a view you can't get any other way. My advice? Don't mix fireworks with the meal. Have dinner at a normal dinnertime then return for fireworks out on the observation deck.

 

[leebee]

I had this exact same question a few weeks ago before our trip. We ended up having dinner at both. We preferred the food, views and overall atmosphere at CG, but Narcoossee's was very good too. We enjoyed the more intimate fireworks viewing experience on the terrace outside Narcoossee's, sharing the last "Wishes" show with some teary-eyed guests. My recommendation: both!

Since you were just at California Grill, can you tell me if the menu is similar to the one at allears.net? I think the date on that one is dated September 2016. I am hoping to find something more up-to-date. I've had gastric sleeve surgery so only eat minor amount of food, usually ordered from the appetizers menu. The "old" apps menu at CG isn't incredibly appealing to me- so I'm hoping there's an updated menu out there somewhere!

 

[Nancyg56]

I think it depends on what your expectations are. I like both, but given a choice tend to choose Narcoossees. We do like the view from the veranda, and we love the food and service in that restaurant. There is something quite special about the view from California Grill, though. The view is spectacular. I know that for several years CG was always our farewell dinner.

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

Since you were just at California Grill, can you tell me if the menu is similar to the one at allears.net? I think the date on that one is dated September 2016. I am hoping to find something more up-to-date. I've had gastric sleeve surgery so only eat minor amount of food, usually ordered from the appetizers menu. The "old" apps menu at CG isn't incredibly appealing to me- so I'm hoping there's an updated menu out there somewhere!

I just had a look at the menu you referenced, and the only item that looks familiar in the appetizers section is the charcuterie platter. My partner and I each ordered three appetizers. I had roasted tomato soup (delicious), the fried whole crab (awesome), and the heirloom tomato flatbread (meh--too much aioli drizzled on top). He had a beet salad (loved it), ravioli (good), and charcuterie platter (mixed experience--the duck was rubbery). Cocktails were the best we had anywhere on the property. Service was terrific and we really enjoyed the ambiance. It was not overrun with families when we were there, but ours was a late (8:50PM) reservation.

 

[hedberg1661]

While I find both locations to be slipping of late CG is a better choice.