Restaurant Poll Series: California Grill

[Pugmalion1]

Continuing with our restaurant poll series, next up on the list is the California Grill, located on the top of the Contemporary Resort, with great views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Please keep in mind that all previous polls (linked to at the bottom) are still open for your votes and comments.


Current Topic: The California Grill
Love it or hate it? Please vote, and, if you'd like to give your reason for your vote, please respond!


Links to Previous Restaurant Polls and Discussions
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House)
Coral Reef (The Seas Pavilion - EPCOT's Future World)
Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion - EPCOT's Future World)
Grand Floridian Café (The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa)
Kouzzina (Boardwalk Resort)
San Angel Inn (Mexico Pavilion - EPCOT's World Showcase)

 

[Scott MC]

I gave it a yea.
We ate at CG in '08 and perhaps if I were to go here again (duh, of course I'm going to), I'd not eat here after playing "Around the World" at Epcot.
The setting is retro-fabulous and the food was very good.
There were about 7 of us at dinner and without telling us, our server itemized our bill 7 ways, which took about 20-25 minutes after we'd asked for the bill. While it was a nice gesture, it wasn't necessary, and it prompted some irritation at our table.

 

[PoohsFan1]

A definite Yea for us . This is one of DH and my favorite Signature restaurants. The food is awesome to say the least, the service is outstanding, and the view of MK is breathtaking (especially around dusk which is when we dine there). We have yet to have a bad experience there. My girls who are 9 and 7 like eating here just as much as their parents, my DD9 loves steak which they have a wonderful kids strip while my DD7 is in love with their home made Mac and Cheese. This September this will be our arrival night dinner and my mouth is watering right now as I am thinking of all that yummy food

 

[Pugmalion1]

Thanks for the replies! Lots of votes, so far, but not a lot of replies. Anyone have anything to add?

 

[rentayenta]

I also gave it a *yea* Good food, good service, good view!

 

[Donald'sGirl]

Definitely a yea for me! We had our engagement dinner, wedding reception and this september my birthday there! The food and service can't be beat.

it!

 

[LJD2143]

for Yoshie's Sushi!

 

[Uncleromulus]

CG has been our first night tradition at WDW for many years. Great food (especially the flatbreads) good service and a fine view--even if you're not there at fireworks time.

 

[Pugmalion1]

Since our first-day tradition is going directly from the hotel to the Magic Kingdom, it's also a bit of a first-day tradition for us to eat at a Monorail resort. On our upcoming trip, we'll be doing California Grill for a second time and taking in the final Hallowishes show of the season from the rooftop viewing area.

Looking forward to it.

 

[Pakey]

I give it a yea for the sushi and the view. I did enjoy it more before it became so popular and noisy but it's still a nice place to eat.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I gave it a yea based on our one previous experience with a fantastic server and delicious food. I'm interested to see how different the ambiance will be on our next visit. Previously, we had a quiet dinner during the earliest reservations of the evening and were out of the restaurant before the sun even finished setting. This time we'll be there during the fireworks. I guess I'll soon learn whether it's really as loud and distracting as everybody says it is.

 

[guitarob]

Yea!

Great food, great atmosphere, great service, great view... What's not to love?

 

[TDC Nala]

I just go for sushi now. It's expensive sushi, but very very good.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I said Nay which I guess makes me a naysayer!

I think I need to try it again, I was disappointed with how noisy it was, we had to wait for our table for almost an hour and our server was not the best.

I also can't help but notice, that most of the restaurants I say I don't like, I ate at with my inlaws! Which is not a reflection on them but rather the fact that when we have travelled with them, its just been stressful for me and we end up eating at places they want to try and I think that gets under my skin. I bet if I went back to CG next trip, I'd be a Yeasayer!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I bet if I went back to CG next trip, I'd be a Yeasayer!

Are the two of you open to trying it again in the not-too-distant future? I look forward to hearing whether you do change your mind next time around.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Yea here. We had Ron S as our server in 2003 (still have the business card). One of the 5 (possibly top 3, even) best service experiences ever, WDW or otherwise. DW still talks about the "bakers half-dozen of really yummy cookies".

Must try the sushi there, sometime, it seems.

 

[Pugmalion1]

The only time we ate there, we didn't get any sushi. I think we'll be checking it out on our next trip.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We have been dining at CG on our first night for years now. The service and food are excellent.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Are the two of you open to trying it again in the not-too-distant future? I look forward to hearing whether you do change your mind next time around.

Definitely will try it again. I think what set that evening up to be negative was the extremely long wait we had to get seated. Everyone was tired and hungry, my daughter who was about 9 wanted to eat at Chef Mickey's and since I do all the planning, I felt stressed that everyone was unhappy with me (because they were) and I just hated the whole evening! Next time would be totally different and my kids are older now and would appreciate the cuisine so much more.

 

[Penelope2000]

Yea, Yum!

That being said, last time we were on the dining plan. This was in 2007, when a table service credit included an appetizer, entree and dessert (as well as the tip). We used two credits to dine here. We were stuffed, as the appetizers were huge. We loved our server, the atmosphere, we asked nicely to have a view of the fireworks if available, and we did. While waiting (about a half an hour wait) we went out onto the outside windy terrace, and enjoyed the view. Gorgeous.

We tipped extra, and generously. We won't be doing it nearly as "large" this time, as we are not on the dining plan. We will probably share an appetizer, and I am planning on ordering a cake for my dh - he completely missed his 50th birthday, as I had emergency surgery, and he was taking care of me. I thought that would be a terrific surprise.