Wave vs California Grill?

[100acreHiker]

I've been stalking a ressie for California Grill for November. Right now we have one for Wave following a day in MK. The menu for Wave looks great--there are things my kids and husband will like--but the photos of the restaurant make it look like it's totally windowless and in a basement. Is that right? That said, California Grill looks amazing, as does the menu. Assuming I can even snag a reservation, though, is it worth the increase in cost compared to Wave's food? We are already splurging on a dinner at Le Cellier that week, so I'm tyring to figure out if CG is so great that I should bite the bullet. We would not be there to take in Wishes, so that is not a factor--just going for the food and ambiance.

 

[sweeteypie1118]

I have never eaten at the Wave, but I can tell you California Grill is AMAZING!!! We loved it and have ADRs for our next trip

 

[ErinsMommy]

I've never eaten at CG (it was closed for refurb last time we were there), we ate dinner at the Wave and it wasn't bad -- DH didn't like it at all -- but for both of us it wasn't a place we would go back to for dinner. There are no outside windows inside the Wave...but its not in the basement...lol

 

[madalex]

I've been to the Wave several times. It is in a windowless room, but I never paid any attention to that before. I enjoy the Wave very much and it is one of the few non-signature restaurants that I will return to on a regular basis.

That being said, Cal Grill is much better and well worth a visit (even though it is more expensive).

We are already splurging on a dinner at Le Cellier that week.

Le Cellier is not worth splurging on. If you really want to do signature dining and can't get into Cal Grill, try Flying Fish, Jiko, bluezoo, Shula's, Il Mulino, Citrico's or Yachtsman Steakhouse. All of those are better than Le Cellier.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

The Wave is a great restaurant, and you'll have a great meal. We enjoy it and visit every few trips. (Especially if we're in the Contemporary.) I've never had a complaint about the food, service, or atmosphere.

California Grill is more of an experience, rather than just a meal. You're paying for the signature-level service, the location, the view, and an elevated menu selection. (LOL, elevated prices to go along with it, too.) You'll see lots of families in the California Grill, which is fine, but personally, I see it as more of a "date night" type of location. The type of place you go to celebrate an anniversary or a really, really special night of your trip.

 

[rlovew]

We haven't been to the renovated California Grill but we did enjoy it when we went. It is a special occasion place for us and we prefer a few of the other signatures to it. The Wave is one of our favorite places for any meal of the day. Our service has always been prompt and everything has tasted great to us. I don't mind the windowless room and like the blue lights and bubble look throughout- it is made to look like you are dining under the sea.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've been to both the CG as well as the Wave a couple of times each in the past 3 months. We were pleasantly surprised at the Wave. Very good meal and good service. CG still seems to get by on the view more than the food/service.

 

[100acreHiker]

thanks for all of your input! I think I'll keep trying for CG--if it doesn't work out, we'll stick with Wave or maybe try Citricos.

 

[OKW Lover]

thanks for all of your input! I think I'll keep trying for CG--if it doesn't work out, we'll stick with Wave or maybe try Citricos.

Citrico is also a good choice.

 

[jerivera]

The food at The Wave is decent and it doesn't really feel like the windowless room that it is. But CG is better and it's worth it to do at least once, especially if you're doing dinner during Wishes. It's a fun experience.

Ironically, Le Cellier IS a dark windowless basement (unless I missed a window hidden in there somewhere...) and is IMO not even as good as The Wave. Then again, everyone has different tastes and other folk seem to love it.

 

[ejones13]

I've been to the Wave but yet have to make it to California Grill. Based on my experience (which wasn't bad) and my Mom's recommendation on CG (who has gone to both) I would suggest CG. It's slightly more pricey (ok, probably a lot more pricey), but sounds worth it at least once.

 

[mnmsoccermom]

We are going to California Grill this month. Pork two ways or filet of beef?

 

[crabbygal902]

I have been to and enjoy both. The Cali Grill is a notch above in ambiance (nothing beats that view!) service, and food. IMO, CG is worth the splurge but The Wave is a nice experience, too.

 

[MarkF0wle]

I ate at both in my last trip to WDW & I can say hand on heart my dish at The Wave (I had the chicken) was absolutely stunning, it was my favourite meal of the vacation. I LOVED IT.

That said, I don't think the theming of the restaurant is anything noteworthy. It just feels like any other restaurant with different lighting.

Cali Grill I was really excited for, the atmosphere is much better but we got stuck in the little room on the side with a view of a roof so that spoilt it a bit for me. I had the chicken dish here as well as it wasn't as good as the dish at The Wave. That said, being able to watch Wishes from the roof of the hotel was special.

I think for surroundings Cali Grill is better but on my food experience The Wave wins.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I prefer Cali Grill but I also like the Wave. It didn't feel like a basement when you are in there and the décor is actually very pretty. Cali Grill is just on a whole other level. Panoramic views, the castle, the fireworks and the food is spectacular. We had appetizers, sushi, entrees and dessert just for the two of us. Some people might consider the food a little fancy but we like that sort of thing.

 

[pbruce706]

I have to give the nod to CG as well. Food was amazing (I had the Bison, my wife had the chicken and DD had the duck), sushi apps were awesome, and the best Crème Brule on property if you ask me. That combined with wishes and the view make it a beautiful and memorable experience.

Nothing wrong with The Wave, excellent food and value, but just wasn't as memorable as CG.