Worried about CA Grill!!

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Hi everyone! I had recently decided that my DH and I would celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary with a leisurely dinner at CA Grill. I just read a post on another board regarding the "stuffiness" of the staff, the "average" food, and the "noisy" atmosphere. I am worried! Should I switch my plans? CA Grill was the one place that we haven't tried and wanted to. We are not adventurous eaters, but from what I have read, there will be something we can find to eat. On the other hand, I don't want to spend lots of $$ on a disappointing meal. I know there will always be people who disagree with the majority...tell me your opinions please!!

 

[copper68]

my DH and i ate there last year and loved it.. we're planning to go back in august for a late 1 yr anniversary dinner..

if you go to http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_cg.htm they have the menu..

if it's somewhere you've always wanted to try, then definitely go.. the views alone are worth it.. also, you could try and get PS around 9ish and see wishes.. beautiful views..

 

[kewlgrl127]

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Disney World. The food is great and you can see the fireworks from almost any table. I have not found any of the waiters to be "stuffy". Don't change your reservation, you will have a great time!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Goodness, don't worry! I think you are going to love the California Grill! The food is very good and the service is nice and the view is spectacular!

You are not making a bad decision eating there.

 

[Erikarate]

I am in agreement with fellow posters. The CA Grill is one of our favorite restaurants...we live minutes from NYC, food capital of the world, so we are no slackers in the food department.

I did not find the atmosphere in the least bit stuffy. We have always had excellent meals here, usually a 9 1/2 out of 10 overall.

My favorites are the flatbreads, particularlly the smoked salmon; sushi selections; and for entrees the tamarind beef, pork with polenta, and tuna if it's on the menu (many items are seasonal).

Have fun and enjoy!

 

[sotoalf]

The CA Grill is not the least bit stuffy (besides, how can it be stuffy if it's noisy?). Forget the view, although that's pretty nice: the food is what you'll never forget. Think of a big-city restaurant with a hectic, trendy atmosphere and menu. It's unlike any other restaurant in WDW.

 

[Patty3]

I agree with everyone else on the CG. It has been a must do for us on every trip and sometimes even twice. It is my favorite in WD and almost anywhere. If you are a steak lover the tamarind beef is wonderful. I have loved every meal there and have not been disappointed. Be sure to let them know it is your Anniversary!

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are all making me feel so much better! keep the reviews coming!

PS-- theSurlyMermaid, is that a bichon?

 

[jiminy14]

I am in the same boat as you! I have a PS at the CG for my 25th wedding anniversary in August. I have been reading so many unfavorable reviews lately that I'm considering cancelling it. It took me a long time to get to 25 and I really want the night to be special. I don't want to spend a lot of $$ and not enjoy the meal.

 

[webray]

The restaurant/atmosphere is definately not stuffy..lol.

The food has always been mediocre, we are giving it another chance in a couple of weeks.

 

[crisi]

Keep in mind that this is one of those restaurants with fairly frequent menu refreshes. If you check the menu on AllEarsNet, do it to get an idea of what might be being served.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

I'm shocked that there are bad reviews floating around for this restaurant!! It is absolutely my favorite. I think the food is fabulous and the atmosphere is not the least bit stuffy. With the view of the castle, I would think it would be a perfect place to celebrate your anniversary. I hope that you'll still go!

 

[ILUVDXL]

I am a member of that small group who wasn't bowled over by CG. Our waiter was very inattentive (took almost 1/2 hour for him to acknowledge we were there) and our food was lukewarm and not of the best quality. That being said, it could just have been an off night for all concerned. one of these days we'll give it another try. Remember eveyone's tastes are different. Try it and make your own decision.

 

[sotoalf]

I always advise people who are hesitating before making a choice: watch fora consensus. Restaurants with overwhelmingly positive reviews ('Ohanas, Citricos) and overwhelmingly negative reviews (Capt Jack's) will pretty much be the same when YOU try them.

With the CA Grill you'll read more positive than negative reviews, and that's why the negative ones will make you pause. All the more reason to try it, I say!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

The two times I have had the pleasure of dining at the California Grill have been wonderful. The last time was last year for my birthday. We had the best waiter who helped us with our wine selections (did a GREAT job in my opinion), the food was wonderful, and the view amazing. I can't wait to go back again.

 

[Jen D]

I went in 2001 and thought the food was fabulous. Atmosphere definitetly not stuffy- very classy and festive and welcoming. The one complaint that rings a little true is "noisy"-- don't get me wrong, it isn't Chef Mickey's, but it is a very-- happening restaurant. Big, always full, people usually grouped at the bar waiting on tables, and families do eat here, although they were all well-behaved on the night we went. The din wasn't unpleasant or grating, mind you, but there was definitely a healthy buzz about the place. And I went on a Monday, non-fireworks night 2 weeks after 9/11. This restaurant is ALWAYS hot.

Just made reservations to go back in September. Mmmmmm, butterscotch creme brulee....

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Originally posted by NoodlesTheRabbit
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are all making me feel so much better! keep the reviews coming!

PS-- theSurlyMermaid, is that a bichon?

Hi, Noodles! Nope, it's a Maltese.

However, my sister has a Bichon and they really do look very similar, don't they?

 

[Terk-1]

Dined there for the first time on my last trip and LOVED IT!!! This is a great place to eat. The food and service is excellent and so are the views!! I did not find it very noisy and my server was wonderful. She was attentive without being overly so. I got a table at the windows and it was beautiful to watch the sun setting on the Floridian and Magic Kingdom.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Thank you everyone!!! I think you are right about looking at the overall picture, not each individual review. I think we will keep our plans and our fingers crossed!

 

[Tinkbell]

I had a mediocre experience here a couple of years ago. I think it was the bad server we had that made the entire meal seem mediocre. I enjoyed my meal at Narcoosee's (GF) much better. I do give the atmosphere of the place an A+ though. The place is definitely not stuffy! I would not rule this place out though because I love the view. Give it a try. I say you have to try it at least once!