How good is the California Grille?

[Brer Bear]

Just wondering if some of you guys would recomend eating at the CG on a vacation. It's just going to be my girlfriend and myself and she has never been to Disney and I thought it would be very impressive to eat and see all the fireworks. But I have never eaten there and I here it's very expensive. Could you help me find a menu on the net. Is it worth the money? And if so, what time do you have to make reservations to see the fireworks?Lastly how long in advance would you recomend making a reservation to guarantee getting a good seat for the fireworks.:king:

 

[SteveS]

My wife and I went on our honeymoon. We thought the food was great. Also unique because they have an open kitchen. When you call to make the PS just ask them for a time that would allow you to catch the fireworks, they should be able to tell you when. As for cost I think we spent around $100-120. including tip, appetizer. beer etc. About avg pricewise for most of the better places we ate at.

It's not the most romantic setting though. You'll have lots of children running around since everyone takes their kids there for the fireworks as well.

oh and you don't actually get a seat for the fireworks. While you might be able to see them from inside, it seems everyone goes out to the observation deck to watch.

 

[tmm7899]

I think that it is well worth the money. It is one of my favorite places to eat on porperty. SteveS was correct though it is not the most romantic place to eat because of the noice. If you are looking for a romantic time I suggest Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[disneycentral]

You can find a menu here. I have been several times, and always made a reservation to see the fireworks. I haven't seen them yet. I did see them from the observation deck once, which was great, but the other times, our table was away from the windows, and were unable to see.

Overall, the food is good, and the view is great at night, definitely romantic. Personally, I don't think it is worth the money. I would much rather eat somewhere else, and so would my wife. I really like Jiko in the AKL, and Flying Fish Cafe. Jiko is run by the chef who used to be at California Grill. The food there is a little diffetent, but great non the less. Flying Fish is probably my favorite "fine" restaurant. Great food, fun area. The views from Jiko and FF are nothing compared to CG, but the food is much better, and the prices more reasonable. Artist's Point is also a good choice.

 

[chellnjr]

If you want to see the fireworks while having dinner you may want to go for Cinderella's Royal Table. I think it is very romantic. Yes there are children there also but you hardly notice them. The meal usually runs us $60 - 75 including tax and tip.

 

[Brer Bear]

Originally posted by chellnjr
If you want to see the fireworks while having dinner you may want to go for Cinderella's Royal Table. I think it is very romantic. Yes there are children there also but you hardly notice them. The meal usually runs us $60 - 75 including tax and tip.

Thanks for the advice chellnjr, but I have a question. How hard is it to get a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table and how far in advance should I try to call?:king:

 

[disneycentral]

Originally posted by Brer Bear
Thanks for the advice chellnjr, but I have a question. How hard is it to get a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table and how far in advance should I try to call?:king:

You have to call 60 days in advance, right at 7:00 AM EST. Not a minute later, or you wont stand a chance. Even if you call right at 7:00, it may take you a couple of days. This rule only stands for breakfast. You can call anytime to make lunch or dinner reservations, but I would call as soon as you know when you are going. You can call as early as 60 days in advance.

 

[Colin]

Personally, we won't go back to CG, the cost was high for the meal we had, the waiter was a bit over the top, the atmosphere was a bit yuppie and unfriendly, and noisy. I would much prefer to go to Cinderellas Castle, Liberty Tree Tavern, Akerhaus or Crystal Palace to name a few.

The only good part was the view of the fireworks.

 

[chellnjr]

Thanks for the advice chellnjr, but I have a question. How hard is it to get a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table and how far in advance should I try to call?

You are welcome. I try to make them around 60 days. We have not had toruble getting the time we wanted yet. I guess it depends on the time of year you go. Good luck!