Would you keep Cali Grill?

[MickeyNicki]

I have ressies for Cali Grill in 3 weeks....we have never been there before and have wanted to try it but the reviews I am reading are just bad bad bad. We do not eat sushi and were hoping to have flatbreads as appies.

Should I switch?

 

[OtherFigment]

Keep it! I was just there last week and had the most fantastic appie. It was lobster risotto with a lemon cream sauce that seriously the best app I had in 10 days of deluxe dining! My hubby had a filet that tied with the Yachtsman Steakhouse. It was amazing!!!

 

[stephensmum]

I voted to keep it although I've not been there, I plan on going this year.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OP, I am in the same predicament as you!!! (for similar reasons too) I am back and forth between keeping it or trying for Narcossees instead...

 

[dizneeat]

Nicki, you know how I feel about Cali Grill , so I voted to keep it!

I'll send you a PM in a minute!

 

[jimmalru80]

You should keep your ADR for the California Grill.

 

[TDC Nala]

Although there are two different stories floating around about the flatbreads, all current signs are that they are gone.

I'd go anyway.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I voted to keep your ADR because the California Grill is one of the nicest restaurants on WDW property.

 

[jmkrat]

I voted to keep it. If you have never been there before it is well worth trying at least once. There were plenty of food options on the menu, I am sure you will find something you like.

 

[catne]

I voted no...but guess I'd say everyone should try it once, if the $$$ don't make any diff to you. If you want good value for your money, I wouldn't go there. But geez, you write such great reviews, it would be nice to see what your take is on the place.

We're always on a dining plan, and just didn't think the food warranted double credits per person. It was good, but we really didn't think it was any better than the 1 credit meals we've had elsewhere. Service was good but the place was packed & very loud (definitely not an "ambiance" kind of place.)

And our experience with the "fantastic view" was that although we had a wonderful window seat, they had the blinds down for the entire meal. Apparently enough people complained about paying for a view they weren't getting so after about an hour they put the blinds up about 8" -- big whuup --if you scrunched down in your chair you got a thumbnail view!

 

[Leanne1977]

We have dined here several times and have never had anything less than exceptional service and wonderful food.

So I vote that you keep it as its my favourite WDW restaurant.

Oh and I can totally recommend the sonoma goat cheese ravioli to start your meal. Wonderful!

 

[luvpooh]

I voted no...but guess I'd say everyone should try it once, if the $$$ don't make any diff to you. If you want good value for your money, I wouldn't go there. But geez, you write such great reviews, it would be nice to see what your take is on the place.

We're always on a dining plan, and just didn't think the food warranted double credits per person. It was good, but we really didn't think it was any better than the 1 credit meals we've had elsewhere. Service was good but the place was packed & very loud (definitely not an "ambiance" kind of place.)

And our experience with the "fantastic view" was that although we had a wonderful window seat, they had the blinds down for the entire meal. Apparently enough people complained about paying for a view they weren't getting so after about an hour they put the blinds up about 8" -- big whuup --if you scrunched down in your chair you got a thumbnail view!

were you seated around sunset? If so, it's probably a good thing they did, it gets blinding in there when the sun is setting!

Nicki - I have eaten at CA Grill 6-7 times now and I would say I really enjoyed it 4 times. The most recent time, for my b'day in January, was really great, the food was great, we had a great seat for the fireworks, our server was outstanding. It was a wonderful experience. Our server understood we were there to celebrate, let us pace our meal leisurely (we ordered one course at a time), INSISTED we have free dessert and champagne for my birthday, and they even took a picture of us because it was my birthday and emailed it to me.

 

[Pakey]

Yeah, we've been here plenty of times and it's a hit or miss kind of place for us too. I know I wouldn't go except for the sushi but if you have not been, you have to add it to the list of places to visit. It's no V&A but you might find that you like something about it.

 

[mef78]

Please keep it! I don't know where all the bad reviews are, but we've had wonderful experiences. Here's my GOOD review!

 

[GatorLady]

I vote to keep it. I have read just as many good reviews, you know how that goes. I went back and forth as to which signature to do this trip for our 10th anniversary, and I finally went with the Grill. (We have a ressie near fireworks time.)

I'd say I would post and let you know what we thought, but looks like we will be there at about the same time. (BTW, love you're live trip reports and reviews! )

Have a great trip!

 

[catne]

were you seated around sunset? If so, it's probably a good thing they did, it gets blinding in there when the sun is setting!

.

No, it was hours before sunset-- we were seat right when they opened at 5:30; this was late in May 2008. The sun was still quite high in the sky - think sunset was after 9:00 that night (Wishes was at 10:00 P.M. that night) Even when they did put up the blinds a little, no direct sunlight was coming in.

People at the next table over told us they dine there every year during their May vacation and had never had the blinds closed for the early seating before.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hey all!! I am not the OP but a PP who was having the same dilemma. Thanks for giving her such kind words about the restaurant. I am keeping my Cali ADR (flatbreads or not ) OP- best of luck with YOUR choice!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I want to thank all of you guys so much! I talked it over with DH and he says to keep it too since we have never been there before and he wants us to review it for you guys I think he may finally order a cheese plate!

I hope its as good as The Wave! If I did cancel it the odds of getting something else just 3 weeks before we go are probably slim to none anyways.

I know the menu changes all the time but I will snap a pic for you guys anyways.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

From the signature restaurants that I have tried, I liked Cali Grill best

My meal at Cali Grill was better than Jiko, Citricos, Brown Derby, and Artist Point. I haven't eaten at Narcoosee's since 1992, so I am not including that one. But I do put Cali Grill right up there with my long-ago experiences at Narcoosee's (and the old Gulf Coast Room at the Contemporary and the Empress Room on the old Empress Lily Riverboat).

Different atmospheres at all these places, but the ambience is nice at all and the food is delicious!

 

[irunnoft]

I would always book this reservation and then wind up bumping it while on our trip. We finally kept the reservation this past December and I'm wishing I'd never cancelled before! It's easily my favorite restaurant on property. Simply sublime!