WWYE: Narcoosee or California Grill??

[Grendalynn]

Where Would You Eat? Narcoosee or California Grill AND Why?

 

[Mrs K]

We love Narcoosees. My family likes the menu selections better. I'm sure the California Grill has great food, but haven't tried it.

 

[shannonstar]

We would love to try Narcoossee's, but haven't had a chance yet. Love California Grill though.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I think the food and service are far better at California Grill.

 

[figment_jii]

Yikes! That is a tough question because those are my two favorite Signature restaurants. I've been to Narcoossee's four times and California Grill once.

Narcoossee's has amazing food and service. I've has the whole Maine lobster several times and they've all been cooked perfectly. The calamari and crab cakes are also excellent. For dessert, the chocolate mousse is my favorite, but the cheesecake is also really good. Our servers have also been very knowledgeable and and tentative.

At California Grill, the food and service were also really good. The sushi was very good as was the crab stack. The Filet was excellent, as was the snapper. The mousse was yummy.

Both Narcoossee's and CA Grill have great views of the fireworks. You might get lucky and get a table with a view, but you can go outside to watch. Narcoossee's has a veranda (anyone can watch from there), while CA Grill has the observations deck (only guests of the restaurant are allowed). The show's music is piped in at both locations.

The view of the electrical water pageant is better from Narcoossee's. It stops right in front of the restaurant and does it's show.

Overall, if I were only allowed to eat at one place I would pick Narcoossee's because I really liked the food.

 

[MomofStitchandLewis]

California Grill hands down.

The ambiance there is superior and the steak was so tender you could cut it with a fork. The view from up there is unmatched and if you time it right, seeing the fireworks from that vantage point complete with dimmed lights and piped in music make for a spectacular end to a luscious meal.

 

[raidermatt]

For us, they are pretty similar in terms of quality. I'd just give CG the edge due to the views.

 

[Pakey]

I have dined at both many times and I would pick CG. Narcoosees has suffered more with the dining plan than CG.

Narcoosees food is not what it used to be; now its adequate family dining and that's it. CG still offers better selections, especially if you do sushi, and the wine selection is better.

 

[missminniemouse]

CG is overrated. The view are great if you get a window seat facing MK. However, the level of noise in the restaurant is really obnoxious. Food was good, but not the best I've had at WDW and IMO certainly not as great as others would have you believe. We did really enjoy the flatbread appetizer on our last trip. Service was OK, but I've had better in other restaurants.

Narcoosees is far more relaxed. I personally like the feel of being out by the water. You can see MK fireworks and the Electical Water Pageant from there. Food and service were both great the last time we dined there. We'll be headed back this coming November for a return trip.

 

[purple figment]

I've eaten at both and they were both excellent in terms of food, service and atmosphere. At Narcoossee's I've had the filet mignon, surf & turf (subbed crab cakes for the lobster tail), and the crab crusted flounder - every dish was delicious. Another person in our group always orders the lobster and has always been very happy with it. And the almond covered cheesecake is one of my favorite DW desserts. We've seen Wishes from our table and outside on the deck. Also the Electric Water Pageant from our table. Our servers have been very efficient and attentive to details.

At California Grill we've had sushi and crab stack appetizers, and the filet and snapper with risotto. We had a great view of the fireworks from their viewing deck. Service was perfect. We did have a longer wait at CG before being seated.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I'd look at the menus and see if one appeals more than the other.

 

[MolonLabe]

I think we are going to do both. I wanted my daughters to see the Water Pageant and Narcoossee sounds like it will do nicely.

I'm thinking to do California Grill one night after AK. That way we can still see some fireworks that night.

 

[cbg1027]

No contest at all. CG is far better in every way. The food and service are excellent.

I don't think Narcoossee's is worthy of being a signature. The atmosphere is casual, the food is just ok, and the service was just ok. I'm not willing to pay signature prices for a place that's 'just ok'.

 

[Mamu]

Either or, but my choice would be Cali Grill. it.

 

[DanPadavona]

California Grill is an amazing restaurant. The service really can't be beat, and the food is terrific. I love the views too.

My advice is to go easy on the appetizer/sushi. It's real easy to fill up on flat bread and appetizers before the main course arrives. If you are really up for a challenge, try to save room for dessert.

I'm working on a new blog post re: California Grill. It should be on our website by Sunday morning.

 

[Uncleromulus]

California Grill--better beer/wine selection, better food, far better service, and a better view.

 

[jedi jen]

I enjoy both and do both each trip. CG is my favorite. I always go to it twice. I would be OK skipping Narcoosies on a trip, and going to Citricos instead. I like the food better at CG and I like the view of the fireworks better. I really like the music to Wishes and I have a harder time hearing it at Narcoosies. Narcoosies does have a quieter atmosphere though. CG has a back room that is quieter and if that is important to you, you could request it. There are no views of the castle in there.

 

[WeeScotchLass]

Cali Grill, the food and service are much better imho