California Grill

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Joined: 07/02/2011
Posts: 988
California Grill

Saw a lot of positive posts about this place. Why do you love it so? What do you recommend eating there?

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Joined: 09/12/2010
Posts: 4703

We've only been there once so far (2009 for my birthday dinner!), so I can only give a slight perspective.

We loved it - it's a great atmosphere and has fantastic views, and the food was spectacular. I had the steak and Joe had the fish - really really well done. I've heard the pork tenderloin is supposed to be amazing, and will try that when we go in April.

I think it's just such a Disney classic that attracts and keeps 'em comin'!

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Joined: 07/02/2011
Posts: 988

Hi Jeff! That sounds amazing. Will have to give it a try. Hope you go on your next trip!

MrHub's picture
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Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

Poppet, I can honestly say this restaurant has never given us anything less then a "Wow factor" everytime we go there, and we have gone once every trip since we first ate here. The view, the food, the service and the feel, it just all works there! It is an amazing restaurant.

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Joined: 07/02/2011
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Thanks mrhub! This place sounds like a winner! Any favorite dishes?

MrHub's picture
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Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

The Bison filet, the sushi, all of it (Rainbow platter was my favorite) , the blackened Grouper, Pork Tenderloin, New York Strip w/ red wine reduction, I get a lot of the specials, so they usually are not on the menu, but we have never ever had a bad meal or bad service here. I love the open kitchen and watching the cooks. I could go on and on!

Kristen K.'s picture
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Joined: 09/01/2011
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In my opinion California Grill has by far one of the best views on property, and it's close proximity to Magic Kingdom makes it the ideal location for people looking for a posh dinner before heading back to the park. In my opinion that location is also a downpoint for the restaurant if you're hoping for a quiet dinner. California Grill has a fast paced atmosphere with the hustle and bustle of a fully open show kitchen as it's centerpiece. It always crowded, but if you can be there at sunset, you won't mind a bit. I actually cried last time I watched the sunset at Cali Grill, it was simply one of the most beautiful things ever.

The food at California Grill is it's truly shining star, as it should be. This is a place where fresh, seasonal flavors shine through in the ever changing menu. It also boasts a wine list of California Greats, and fantastic cocktails! Last time I was there my favorite dish was the asparagus and english pea tart (below), it just blew my mind!

IMG_0113

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Joined: 09/12/2010
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Great points, Kristen!!

Another thing to note is the outdoor obervation deck for viewing Wishes. You are welcome to use it regardless of what time you eat/ate. If you can't score a table and watch it while dining, you can come back and still view the fireworks from the observation area.

We did this in 2009 - we ate dinner, then left to go see some other sights, and came back to CA Grille right before the fireworks and watched from there. It's such a different perspective.

Lizzy_B's picture
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Joined: 10/25/2010
Posts: 3246

What everyone else said! Seriously, I haven't been for a while, but sushi and flatbreads were always amazing, as were desserts. The focus has always been on seasonal ingredients, so you never know quite what you'll have the opportunity to try. And the wine list! They tend to have wines from smaller wineries, and they're really fantastic. This is still a favorite spot for me.

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WyckedPhoenix's picture
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Joined: 02/17/2011
Posts: 459

I am so excited to hear all the good responses to this place cause we are going there for our anniversary, haha!

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*Jennifer Lynn* NDW #38

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