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The California Grill is a premiere fine dining restaurant
in a bustling modern setting, located on the 15th floor of Disney’s
Contemporary Resort. Opened in 1995, the restaurant evolves continuously.
A 65-seat dining area with a view of Cinderella Castle was added
in the spring of 1998, bringing the establishment a total of 400
seats.
A 100-item wine list -- with every wine available
by the glass -- is updated daily and new versions of the "melting
pot" California cuisine are created regularly. Menu selections are
driven by the market. Meals are made from scratch in a stage kitchen
divided into seven stations, including a sushi bar, a brick pizza
oven, a wood-burning grill and a dessert shop. Offers an excellent
view of the MK fireworks.
Typical menu items - Sushi, smoked salmon,
mussels, baked potato soup, venison, salmon steak, pan roasted black
grouper, butterscotch creme brulee, lemon meringue souffle.
Meals - Serving dinner from 5:30-10pm daily.
Prices - $21-$75. Entree prices range
from $17.75 - $28.75.
Priority seating recommended. Call (407) WDW-DINE
(939-3463)
Reviews
"We stayed at the Contemporary Hotel in May of
03. We took a trip up to the Lounge outside the California Grill
one evening around 10pm. We wanted to get a couple of drinks and
share an appetizer before going back to our rooms. We seated ourselves
and asked a waiter who passed by for a menu. He proceeded to say
very rudely we only have sushi, flatbreads, and dessert left. And
then stood there and stared at us. I said okay, can we have some
menus. He said, "oh you still want to eat?" Well, hello
the lounge was supposed to be open until midnight or so. We received
the menus and then our waitress came to take our order. We both
ordered a drink and then I said we wanted to share one of the flatbreads.
Her reply was, "They are only 8 inches big, you only want one?"
Her tone was very condescending. I replied, "Yes, we only want
one, we may get dessert later." We received our drinks and
flatbread. Shortly after receiving the flatbread the waitress came
over and barked that if we wanted dessert she had to take the order
now as the kitchen was going to close in 30 minutes. I declined
dessert. I was so taken aback by their rude treatment. There were
other people around us having drinks and snacks so why we were treated
so rudely.We were so upset with the treatment we cancelled the reservation
we had at the California Grill later that week. Why patronize a
place who can not treat you with respect? BTW the drinks and flatbread
were both very good, the service left something to be desired."
(5/03) Amy Radyshewsky
"It was a Monday night at the California Grill
and we had priority seating for 7:20,however,we had to add 2 people
more to reservation at the last minute(my mother and great Aunt
from Orlando decided to join us at the last minute). The hostess
kept a smile on her face and went to work to find us the perfect
table. She seated us at a wonderful table by the window for drinks
while she found us a larger table for our dinner. We were seated
by 7:30 in a perfect table where we could see all a round us. The
food was fabulous and we were on the Discovery plan so our dinner
was included with our package. The service couldn't have been any
better. We were treated like royalty. While we were savoring our
incredible desserts, we saw fireworks shows from the Grand Floridian,
Epcot, and the Magic Kingdom! It was an incredible night for all
of us. We definitley recommend the California Grill! " (5/02)
Nancy Averill
"We had priority seating ( which I booked that
morning ) and I asked for the table with the best view of the fireworks,
which we got with only a 30 minute wait. I wouldn't have minded
a longer wait since the bar area and the barman were so nice. The
food is beautiful, normally you wouldn't come to disney for the
food, but it was even better than most of the so called "top" restaurants
in London and at half the price. The service was great, we weren't
rushed and there were no kids ( blis s !) The only thing I would
say is that we came to the restuarant after a long day in MK and
I felt very underdressed in t-shirt and shorts, next time I would
go back to the hotel to change." (5/02) Carole
"we had a 6:00 seating 12/2/01 & were seated
@ 5:55. the setting is wonderful & relaxing. the flatbread appitizers
we ordered were very tastey & great for sharing. Both the steak
& tuna over spicy thai noodles had terrific flavors. service was
relaxed & efficient, if u plan on rushing dinner to get someplace
else you will miss out on half the pleasure of dining here. a restaurant
not to be missed." (12/01) jim wolf
"A belated review from ou trip in June 2001.We
were early, got in before out priority seating. View was ok,not
the perfect view of the magic kingdom. Service was excellent, we
were with another couple and their pre-teen children (they like
this type of food). the mussels, sushi sampler were excellent. Don't
remember the 6 entrees, but I do remember they were very good. 1
was the pork w/polenta. It was the best meal we had at Disney. We
enjoyed the open kitchens, being a former che f and my nephew want
to be one we had a good time looking around. It was an excellent
experience. Just my wife and I are going in 2002. And we will definately
eat their again. " (6/01) Rich Pearl
"The wait was relatively short, especially since
we asked for a window seat. While we waited for our PS time, I took
pictures of the panaramic view of Disney property. This is a must
see, especially as the sun is setting! The fireworks from Magic
Kindgom are just fantastic. The CM was extremely helpful. My mother
and I tried several samples of wine before we decided on a glass.
Dad remained true to Merlots. The food was exquisit, especially
the deserts. Many comments state this place is pricey but in Disney,
atmosphere is half the enticement! Dinner, desert, and two drinks
each, and dessert coffee came to $130. It was a wonderful way to
celebrate my parents anniversary and my 22 birthday.
This is a lovely night out for adults. For children, the place is
not very "exciting." The dress code makes the place even classier
and refreshing from the normal park atmosphere. CG is a must do
for a mid-week break and a real meal away from home! This place
has become a family tradition!" Chelle
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