Narcoossee's vs California Grill: Dinner/Fireworks

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

Right now we have 9 PM dinner reservations at California Grill, but I have just finished reading similar threads to this one on TripAdvisor, and it appears the majority of people say the food and service are much better at Narcoossee's, the view of the Fireworks is better, and it is not quite as pricey.

I have looked at the online menus, and both are appealing to me.

I looked at some videos on YouTube, and to me the California Grill is a more elegant venue than Narcoossee's, and I like the idea of viewing the fireworks from the terrace. People on TA say the CG is loud, lacking atmosphere, and the service is slow.

Is Narcoossee's really *that* much better? Right now I can switch to a 9:20 reservation there. Argh!

 

[Hammill9508]

We have done both, and my verdict is Narcossee's. The atmosphere inside Narcoossers is a lot more intimate and it is a lot quieter. I found that at CG we were being rushed by the server and the food really wasn't at the same level as Narcossees. At Narcossees, your view may be some what obstructed by people standing on the deck infront of your table.

 

[rosiebean]

The best view I have ever had of MK fireworks has been at Cali Grill. I've seen them from Poly and from GF, and, nope, the view on the Cali Grill terrace overlooking Space Mountain and Cinderella's Castle is so much better than the view across the lake.

But that's just the view.

I haven't done Narcoosee's, so I can't comment about their food or atmosphere, etc.

But my party dined at Cali Grill last December, and it was the best meal and experience that most of us have had at WDW. The meal was great because the food was great. Seriously, it was great (best sushi ever, according to my niece, and the steak and creme brûlée almost caused us to fight over the last bites). The experience was great because we had a great view...party of 8, with a view of the castle at night. The wine was really good, the restaurant was fairly quiet (at least, it certainly wasn't loud, even with the large tables near our spot) and as far as cost, the meal wasn't outrageous because Cali Grill has a much more expansive menu than most other signature restaurants. It has a ton of appetizers and salads, flatbreads and sushi. Several people in our party had a couple of apps for a meal rather than an app and $45 entree and were well satisfied. Personally, looking at the menus, I find that it's easier to have a more cost-friendly meal at Cali Grills sharing non-entree plates than at most other restaurants in that price range. Service was good. Not great, but not bad...it certainly didn't turn us off of ever returning.

One note: our night at Cali Grill could have been 'quiet' given the time we dined (7 pm ADR) and given the time of year we visited (early December, mid-week, at a time when crowds at WDW are really really low).

To sum up: I don't agree that the view of fireworks at Narcoosee's is better. Looking at the menus, cost for both seems similar (especially given the high price of the lobster at Narcoosee's compared to the highest priced entree at Cali Grill). Atmosphere may very well be different at Narcoosee's...and it definitely seems to be more consistently quiet there despite my one night experience at Cali Grill. So, really, just ask yourself what matters most to you (fireworks view vs. reliably quiet atmosphere vs. whatever you value), and go from there.

 

[wilkeliza]

I've done both and each is unique unto itself. Narcoose gives a head on view with the castle across the lake. However it is not for restaurant guests only so depending on the night it may be crowded or it may be deserted on the patio. Our night it was 2 deep on the patio so not bad. Cali Grill is a much higher up view and only for those dinning there so the viewing platform usually is pretty empty every time I've gone out. Narcoose has no window views of the fireworks as they will allow and even encourage guests to stand outside since the building has an over hang making it pretty hard to see the arial shots while seated. At CG you may get lucky and score a fireworks view from your table.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think that California Grill is some place everybody should experience at least once because of the view. It really is spectacular. We watched a thunderstorm come and go, and it was breathtaking.

That said, I was disappointed in the food. The problem started with the menu itself; it wasn't appealing that night. Our server, who was fantastic, explained that they don't have specials since the menu changes frequently. OK, but if you happen to choose a night where you don't like what's listed, there's nothing to fall back on.

We had eaten lunch at LeCellier the day before and the Yachtsman for dinner the night before that, so we didn't want steak, and the other choices just didn't sound great for one reason or another.

I wound up ordering a salmon dish that I didn't love. It had a thick, icky skin under it and was served on top of a very bland pea risotto.

Anyhow, when it was said and done, I'm glad we tried it because the view was all that, but I think I would have enjoyed the food more at Narcoosee. And the view on the water must be pretty special too.

 

[HolRae]

I have done both and I would choose Narcoossees. The view at Cali is amazing and worth seeing but I don't like to watch the fireworks from there because I prefer a more straight on view. I also prefer the food at Narcoossees. Both places are unique experiences that are worth doing.

 

[coup2516]

Hands down Cali. It really isn't even close imo. Better food, better atmosphere, better everything. We stayed at the Poly during our last stay and the boat launch at TTC actually has an amazing view of the fireworks if you are looking for a less crowded but excellent view.

 

[Branflakes]

I've dined at both, and watched fireworks from both.
CG is by far a more elegant choice. And in my opinion a much more quiet intimate dining experience. The food is also better imo. The view is outstanding from CG. We dine at CG almost every trip. And for us, have never had a bad experience with food or service here. We like to go a little before our reservation, have a drink or two, ait in the waiting area and look out the windows. It's pretty spectacular. A must do at least once.
At Narcoosees, we had a perfect window side table and view. Until the window was blocked by people sitting on the benches against the windows and standing on the deck. It was very loud in the restaurant. And the food was mediocre at best. Basically, It was a mediocre $250 meal for two, that we won't do again.

 

[focusondisney]

I've dined at both, and watched fireworks from both.
CG is by far a more elegant choice. And in my opinion a much more quiet intimate dining experience. The food is also better imo. The view is outstanding from CG. We dine at CG almost every trip. And for us, have never had a bad experience with food or service here. We like to go a little before our reservation, have a drink or two, ait in the waiting area and look out the windows. It's pretty spectacular. A must do at least once.
At Narcoosees, we had a perfect window side table and view. Until the window was blocked by people sitting on the benches against the windows and standing on the deck. It was very loud in the restaurant. And the food was mediocre at best. Basically, It was a mediocre $250 meal for two, that we won't do again.

Yea, I find the atmosphere at Narcoossee's lacking too. My DH loves their fillet, so we have been several times. We are a party of 2 & are often seated right across from the bar. We are nondrinkers & I just don't like a bar atmosphere. The time we were seated at a window was on a trip in September. The window was covered in those love bugs or something like them. So gross, I couldn't look out the window anyway.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

View:
Cali Grill wins hands down.

Food:
Narcoossees hands down!

 

[PrincessNelly]

View:
Cali Grill wins hands down.

Food:
Narcoossees hands down!

This!

 

[hodad]

Which would you rather do: watch NYE fireworks from the Rainbow Room in midtown Manhattan or from a seaside restaurant in Hilton Head?

In my experience, there isn't much difference in the food at both restaurants.

 

[JoJoGirl]

We have had excellent meals at both: California Grill 2x both before and after the refurb, and Narcoossee's 1x in 2015. I prefer Narcoossee's and my daughter prefers the California Grill. Which one you will like better depends completely on your personal preference.

It sounds as if the style and experience of the California Grill is calling out to you more. Watching the fireworks from the top of the Contemporary is the clincher - it really is unique and can't be duplicated anywhere else. Plus you will be probably standing or strolling around on the observation deck so your view will be unobstructed.

I would say go with your gut feeling and don't worry about the other place, or what other people think. Their tastes may be totally different than yours. You will have a great meal at either restaurant. Have fun!

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

Wow--you people sure didn't make this easy! lol. The Contemporary has fascinated me ever since I first (and only time) saw it, as a little boy in 1973. Since I'm disappointed not to be staying there, I think I'll keep the CG reservations and maybe try Narcoossee's for dinner the next night.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Nancyg56]

I've done both and each is unique unto itself. Narcoose gives a head on view with the castle across the lake. However it is not for restaurant guests only so depending on the night it may be crowded or it may be deserted on the patio. Our night it was 2 deep on the patio so not bad. Cali Grill is a much higher up view and only for those dinning there so the viewing platform usually is pretty empty every time I've gone out. Narcoose has no window views of the fireworks as they will allow and even encourage guests to stand outside since the building has an over hang making it pretty hard to see the arial shots while seated. At CG you may get lucky and score a fireworks view from your table.

The veranda is now for guests only. There are window views but they are often blocked because folks on the porch are in front of them.

Wow--you people sure didn't make this easy! lol. The Contemporary has fascinated me ever since I first (and only time) saw it, as a little boy in 1973. Since I'm disappointed not to be staying there, I think I'll keep the CG reservations and maybe try Narcoossee's for dinner the next night.

Thanks, everyone!

I would agree that if you have never seen the show from CG, this is the first choice. I have been several times from both restaurants, and feel the they are both very nice choices, btu very different.

Narcoosses times for the show on the next evening would give you a lovely contrast between the two restaurants.

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

I just made a reservation at Narcoossee's for the next night, May 11, but the only time left was 7:20 PM. Do you think we can s--t---r--e---t---c---h dinner long enough to see the show at 9? And it's the last night for that show, correct?

 

[hodad]

An ADR 2 hours before fireworks is great! 1.666666666 hours before fireworks is also great!

 

[wilkeliza]

The veranda is now for guests only. There are window views but they are often blocked because folks on the porch are in front of them.



I would agree that if you have never seen the show from CG, this is the first choice. I have been several times from both restaurants, and feel the they are both very nice choices, btu very different.

Narcoosses times for the show on the next evening would give you a lovely contrast between the two restaurants.

Interesting we were there the week before Easter and it was definitely not restaurant guests only. There were at least 3 families who were not eating at the restaurant on the veranda.

 

[amberpi]

CG would be my pick. I really don't like loud dining, like a lot. I've always found, through multiple incarnations (been going since I was super young with my folks and it wasn't even called CG then), that CG is intimate and the food is solid. I like to dine late, so a 9:00 reservation, you could possibly ask to be seated after the fireworks maybe and watch and then get a really good table overlooking the MK. That view, super close to the window is pretty amazing. The food is always on point.

Narcossee's is good, but the food and the view aren't nearly as good as CG. The deck thing with a ton of people can be a real drag in my estimation, but I don't think the food will let you down.

The cocktails/wine at CG are also better if you care. I've never noticed much of a price difference, but I eat kinda weird, compared to the average consumer.

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

Thanks! I'm glad it worked out and we get to try both.