Dining Review – California Grill

Can you think of a better view in all of Walt Disney World that you can take in while enjoying a great meal, and maybe a glass of wine? Let me get this out of the way now, I can’t think of a location anywhere on the planet I would rather enjoy a late dinner accompanied by a glass of wine.

Ok, I guess it’s rather obvious that I like California Grill. Actually, to me and my family, it’s the most important part of any trip to The World. So, I figured why not make the first Restaurant review I write be about the place that keeps me coming back. While the views are fantastic, and the food rivals some of the best on property, it’s the people, the atmosphere, and the commitment to the “Disney Difference” that keeps us coming back year after year.

Location 5/5

California Grill is located right up at the very top of the Contemporary resort; the 15th floor to be exact. Naturally, this offers up some amazing views of the Magic Kingdom and even Epcot if you take a stroll to the south end of the restaurant. Timing is everything here if you want to be sipping a glass of wine while watching the fireworks comfortably seated at your table. Never fear, if you don’t get the timing just right, you are always welcome back the evening you dine to view the fireworks from the restaurants exclusive observation deck.

The check-in desk for the restaurant is located on the 3rd floor. One quick escalator ride down from the concourse, or up from the lobby will have you checked in and ready to go. Once you are checked in, you will take a reserved ride up the elevator to the top floor. Here you can have a seat in the lounge, maybe a cocktail before being seated at your table. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated in the north end of the restaurant next to the window. Rest assured, if not, you will still enjoy the view, and meal from every table they offer.

Ambience 4/5

California Grill had a major refurbishment back in 2013. The good news is the restaurant has held up very well over the last 5 years. The decor has a modern, yet retro feel that I believe embodies the feel of the original “Top of the World Restaurant”. The restaurant is home to one of the largest collections of wine on property that will greet you when you exit the elevator.

Cali Grill is a Signature Restaurant so it carries a dress code accordingly. Unfortunately, the powers that be seem more willing to turn a blind eye to keep the tables full. You will see all types of diners during your experience from the well dressed, to overly vacation casual. The location means this restaurant is a huge draw for all types of family’s. Expect a louder then usual environment. It’s for those reasons we couldn’t give it a perfect 5/5. If this is a deal breaker for you, aim for an early or late (think after fireworks) dinner when things tend to be a bit more subdued.

Our recommendation is to treat this like a special night out. Keep the kids well behaved, and get some great family photos while around the resort. Have the entire family dress appropriately and enjoy an evening out. I tend to skip the parks the day we dine at the grill. We also Uber or Lyft as the wine is a big part of the meal for us.

Food 5/5

Disney describes the menu as follows.

Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State. Changing seasonally, the menu may include such specialties as handmade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna and Oak-fired Choice Angus Filet of Beef.
Delight in mouthwatering sushi, as well as flavorful brick oven-fired flatbreads. Then, polish off a perfect meal with decadent desserts like Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake and Blueberry Cheesecake.
To complement their entrées, Guests 21 years of age and up can select from over 300 hand-picked wines—most of which are from California. Over 50 are available by the glass, and sommeliers are on hand to offer pairing suggestions.

Appetizers / Sushi

The Grill absolutely focuses on seasonal ingredients and therefore the menu does change multiple times a year. Some staple items you can expect to be available are the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Oak-fired Filet of Beef, and the selection of Sushi as they have been around since the beginning.

Sushi has always been something I enjoy and you will find some of the best quality items available here. The Spicy Kazan Roll combines Crab, Shrimp, Scallops, Tuna, and Fireball sauce. While I don’t think its all that spicy, it continues to be one of the most popular items on the menu.

On a recent trip I had the opportunity to try the Crudo. I loved everything about this dish. The presentation is fantastic, the colors, smells, and fish all complement each other perfectly. Each of the 4 offerings will bring you something different taste wise. Pair with a nice Sauvignon Blanc and you can’t beat it.

Artisanal Hand-formed Pizzas

The restaurant is equipped with it’s own wood burning pizza oven. At some point in the last few years they switched from offering “Flat Bread” to “Pizza”. I assume Pizza resonates more to younger family’s and results in more sales. At the end of the day, the offerings are similar yet ever changing.

While I enjoy the flat bread, they really are not the best things on the menu to start your meal. If you have a young family, or picky eaters, the Pepperoni Hand Formed Pizza can be a great value as a main course. Typically, we will order one of the more interesting offers for the table so everyone can have a taste. They always are perfectly cooked, offering a nice chewy crust and well paired toppings.

ENTRÉES

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If there is one thing that can be counted on each and every trip, it’s that my wife will order the Filet. I’m lucky to be married to a wonderful woman who is perfect in every way except one, and let me tell you, it was almost a deal breaker. She liked her red meat as well done as you can get it. Over the years, she typically avoided ordering steak at fine dining establishments just to avoid the inevitable conversation.

10 years ago when she ordered it for the first time our waiter didn’t bat an eye. He explained that he would have the kitchen butterfly the steak and it would be no problem at all. Hands down, its the best steak she had ever had, and for a well done steak, even I could eat it without issue and that says a lot. 10 years later, she’s down to a medium well steak and it continues to be one of the best steaks on property. Always perfectly cooked to order and loaded with flavor.

Since I let my waiter select my meals, I don’t know whats coming. Although, once he brings me his wine selections I have a reasonably good idea. The most recent trip had me enjoying the Bison Loin that occasionally cycles on and off the menu. Bison typically has a lighter, cleaner flavor than beef. More importantly, when cooked correctly the texture is just fantastic. This cut was no exception and was outstanding.

It is paired with Bhajia Onions, and a Gouda Macaroni and Cheese. There seems to be a fascination over the last few years with Macaroni and Cheese and I don’t really understand it. Jiko was the first restaurant that I can recall doing it, it was super popular there. Since then it has really taken off. While it was very full of flavor (Gouda is really different in a Mac and Cheese) I’m just not sure it would be my first choice as a side. The onions added a bit of crunch to the meal and were a nice addition.

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If one thing is consistent across all meals its that everything comes together with purpose. Ingredients are always selected with care based on the season and complement each other well, without fail. The menu has enough diversity to keep even the most picky of eaters satisfied, while offering the more adventurous something unique.

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Just a quick note on wine as I only pretend to be knowledgeable on the subject (although I do enjoy it quite a bit). California Grill is home to one of the largest selections of wine at Disney, hosting over 300 unique labels to choose from. As the restaurant’s name would suggest, most wines originate from California. While the reserve list is quite large, 50 or so are offered by the glass, so you definitely have an opportunity to try some new things. Be sure to ask for pairing suggestions from your waiter or sommelier.

Dessert

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No meal would be complete without a closing act. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed. The dessert menu typically changes more frequently than anything else on the menu. You can always expect something new to try. If you like traditional flavors, but a unique presentation, give the S’mores a shot.

Personally, I like to finish my meal with the cheese offering paired with a dessert wine, or port. For some reason, I don’t have a picture of the cheese plate, but it changes with the season as well. If you like to play with your food, mixing and matching cheese and accompaniment combinations can’t be beat.

Service 5/5

The “Disney Difference” has been a staple in the service industry for well over 50 years. Unfortunately, it seems like the last 5 to 10 years has seen a decline in this regard. The parks have placed a higher value on profits over guest satisfaction and it really does show. I’m happy to say, California Grill has managed to shelter itself from that trend.

Our experience differs from most in this regard. Our first visit to California Grill was for my wife and I’s 3rd wedding anniversary. That trip was our first experience with Disney Dining in general and we were blown away by the level of attention and detail put into every aspect of that meal. It was easy to see that the staff, and our server in particular, had a real passion for the job. It was hands down, the best experience our 20 something selves had ever had, anywhere.

That first trip evolved into a tradition of sorts for our family. On our next vacation, some 2 years later, we requested our server by name. We ended up sitting at a counter with a view of the kitchen (I recommend everyone do this once) so we could be seated in his area. No, he didn’t remember us, but he provided the same extraordinary service we had years prior. After having some great conversations throughout the meal he offered us his contact info to ensure we wouldn’t have an issue dining with him in the future.

From that point on, 10 years, 20 or so trips to the restaurant, we have never failed to dine with our server of choice, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Yes, he now remembers my family and I to the point I no longer ask for a menu. He has never provided anything less than perfection, and while I sit and enjoy my often 3 hour dinner, I can see that he provides that same service to each and every family he interacts with.

Admittedly, we don’t have a broad range of experiences to go on in regards to other staff at the Grill. However those we have interacted with, from the Host checking us in at the podium, to the Manager checking in with us during our meal, everyone has always been fantastic.

Value 5/5

Value is going to mean a bunch of different things to a bunch of different people. To me, it is not just tied to cost, but the experience you get for that cost. I have had free meals that I thought were a horrible value, while I have also laid down $3000 on a meal for a group that I thought was an exceptional value.

Cost wise, California grill can be one of the most expensive meals you will have on Disney property. A couple can come in, have a pair of appetizers, enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail and be out for under $100. That same couple can have a 4 course meal, paired with wine, and easily spend $300+ on dinner. I’d argue the value for money spent in both scenarios are unbeaten anywhere in Florida.

Considering the meal itself is top notch, and you can pair it with fireworks (including the music) and a walk around one of the most popular resorts at Disney, the value can’t be beat.

Tips and Important Info

If fireworks are your main reason for dining at California Grill, be sure to book as far out as you can (often 180 days). Aim for an hour and a half or so before the start of the fireworks and request a window table at check-in. Don’t expect it, but asking never hurts. Keep in mind, the closer to the firework time you book, the more likely you will need to wait to be seated. People typically stretch out their meal as they get closer to the start of the fireworks.

Consider Tables in Wonderland if you qualify to be a card holder. T.I.W. saves the cardholder and up to 10 guests 20% off their meal, including alcohol. I have often saved the entire price of the card on a single meal at California Grill. Wine can really add up if you indulge like I do.

I said it before, and it’s worth saying again. Take an Uber or Lyft to the resort. For around $10 or $15 you can transfer from anywhere on property in a relatively short period of time. More importantly if you are like me, this allows you to indulge in some fantastic wines without worrying about getting back to your resort.

Final Thoughts

While the food and view are fantastic and worth the trip, its the quality of service that brings our family back each and every trip. Over the years we have developed a friendship with the staff. We know different Cast Members by name and them us. They always seem to take a genuine interest in us and our overall experience.

It truly is refreshing to know that with all the changes happening around Walt Disney World, some good, some bad, that we can count on the “Disney Difference” being alive and well here. And knowing what I know about the staff, I don’t see that changing any time soon.

Your Thoughts

Have you been to California Grill lately? What was your experience like? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Or better yet, head over to Facebook and drop us a comment there.