California Grill
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8413
Phone: (407) 939-3463
- Price:
- $$$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Date Spot 2008, Romantic Dining 2005
- Hours:
- Daily 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for California Grill – by Mary Meehan
The Scene
The Grill's dining room, perched on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, offers the best view of the nightly fireworks extravaganza at the Magic Kingdom. The lights in the restaurant are even dimmed during the nightly pyrotechnics display, furthering the dreamy, romantic atmosphere, making this a great place to dine with that special someone.
The Food
The view inside extends the show with an open kitchen, including a special viewing window for children. The menu is heavily influenced by what is fresh and available, so it makes sense that the kitchen shines when it comes to seafood and vegetarian dishes. Grilled pork tenderloin with polenta and balsamic-smothered mushrooms reigns as the signature dish.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoYou can't make true reservations at a Disney restaurant, except at Victoria and Albert's, but you can call ahead for priority seating.
The ExtrasWine lovers will be pleased to find more than 100 wines, including many fine California vintages. All are available by the glass.
User Reviews for California Grill
07/08/2008 Posted by jenheidir
It’s pricey for sure, reservations typically need to be made way in advance, and the same clothes you wore to the theme parks that day might not be appropriate at this upscale restaurant. Nonetheless, this is my favorite restaurant in the entire world. The views in this penthouse restaurant on top of the Contemporary hotel are spectacular, especially at sunset and when the fireworks shows are going on next door at the Magic Kingdom. The food is equally exquisite, especially the art-like sushi plates and the flavorful flatbread pizzas. Be sure to save room for dessert! The apple pie I had was AMAZING!
Pros: views, food, service, ambience
Cons: expensive, reservations usually necessary
04/13/2008 Posted by cutebirdie
Well, if you read the other reviews on this restaurant, it should convince you to pack your bags or get in your car if you live close enough and make your way straight to the California Grill. Our first experience was back in 2001--AWESOME! Next, we went in 2004 (2 x during our 5 day visit to Disney World)--AWESOME AGAIN! And then we just got back two days ago from Disney World and of course, eating at the California Grill--IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING HOW PLEASED WE WERE. I would recommend you make reservations at least 3 months in advance. If you don't like to preplan, they will still seat you w/o a reservation, but you will eat in the bar/lounge area--not bad, but you feel awkward sitting in Lazy Boy style chairs or on a sofa while downing one of their mouth watering meals--can put a damper on the ambience. Each time we've gone to this restaurant, we have NEVER been disappointed. The sushi is outstanding and fresh; in fact, I think their head sushi chef (a woman?) is world renown for her craft. The service is over the top!! We enjoy quality food and this restaurant definitely deserves recognition for giving their customers the best. I suggest if you do visit Disney World, to patronize this restaurant, as well as the Flying Fish Cafe (on the Boardwalk outside of the Epcot Center). Enjoy!!
Pros: Food, View, Service, Atmosphere
Cons: Need to reserve months in advance
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