Narcoossee's or Cali Grill?

[mom2boys]

So I have booked all of my ADR's for our upcoming trip in May. I booked Narcoossee (wanting lobster somewhere), at 9:15 so that we could watch Wishes from the restaurant. But from reading posts, it can be hit or miss! I want the best experience and the best food! Looking for some advice on whether we should keep Narcoossee or switch to California Grill, based on food, atmosphere during Wishes, etc...

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I think that Narcoossee's is probably the weakest signature restaurant at Disney World food-wise, and its atmosphere is too casual to even be deserving of its signature status. California Grill, on the other hand, is one of my favorites. I think that the service is outstanding and the food is second only to Jiko (I'm not counting Victoria & Albert's, which I have yet to visit). Both California Grill and Narcoossee's are noisy and bustling near fireworks time. Both also have strange viewing angles of the fireworks, but I do like the view from California Grill more.

 

[The MadHatter]

Cali grill...im going to jiko in about two weeks so im excited to check out what everyone has been raving about.

 

[real mad hatter]

Jikos

we went to Jikos last year,one of five adds we had,it was our favourite,we opted for the famous fillet and mac and cheese,you didn't need a steak knife,it was superb,enjoy.

 

[FLYbyNITE]

While I must admit that Narcoossee's is not as good as it was a few years back, I still prefer it's food over Cali grill every time. In fact we only go to the Cali grill to watch the fireworks (their sushi is among the worst I've ever had). We go to both restaurants each, at least once each year, and have been disappointed with the Cali grill more than we've enjoyed it. In fact; the last time we went to the Cali for my daughters birthday, not only was the food very average, but they sat us in the "wine room" which offered NO view of the fireworks.

 

[Clamman73]

If you want a traditional steamed lobster meal though, you would have to go to Narcoss. Don't see it on the Cali menu. Hopefully it's at least a 1 1/2lb one for a $58 price...

 

[GoochDSA]

I want the best experience and the best food!

Honestly, you will not get the best experience or the best food at either restaurant. Narcoossee's is pretty low on our list of Signatures and CG is somewhere in the middle (and that is only because the view is really nice). If you are looking for the "best experience and the best food" from a restaurant where you can see Wishes, then CG is your place. While the quality of food and service has suffered the last few years, the food is better than Narcoossee's and the view is great. As others have said these 2 are also 2 of the loudest Signatures on property, so if you have kids they are safer than most other Signatures.

If you are looking for Signatures that are a better experience with better food I would suggest Citricos at GF, Flying Fish at BW*, Jiko at AKL or Artist Point at WL. I would also suggest Shula's or bluezoo if you want a more adult meal and are not tied to using dining plan credits.

*- Notes a louder restaurant where families with young kids wouldn't feel as out of place if there should be a breakdown.

 

[The MadHatter]

I second the Shula or blueZoo if not tied to the ddp...BlueZoo is a Todd English restaurant and is definitely on par with his other restaurants in manhattan etc. I'd gigot reccomend it.

 

[MichWolv]

I'll contradict some others by saying that I've enjoyed every meal I've ever had at both restarants. If you want lobster, though, Narcoossee's is certainly your choice.

Fireworks viewing is fun at both places, although a very different experience. Narc is on a verandah at ground level or slightly above and the fireworks looks sort of like they do from Main Street, in that they appear above (although to the side of) the castle and you are looking "up" at them. At Cali Grill, you are looking down on the fireworks and from the side of MK. It's a very different view and rather unique. I like the view from the Cali Grill observation deck even when there are no fireworks, actually.