Introduction
Located within Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill specializes in fresh, seasonal dishes with a creative twist, blending Californian and international flavors. This visit was a special occasion, celebrating a birthday, and California Grill’s stunning sunset views made it truly feel like a dining experience for a special occasion.
The important thing to note before proceeding with this review is that the menu at California Grill changes often! The chef places an emphasis on innovating with seasonal ingredients. Although the exact dishes that we will discuss below may not be available, I have full trust that the menu will continue to wow.
Ambiance and Setting
The first thing you notice when you step into the space is the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Looking inside, the room was very warmly lit (golden hour!) and the overall ambiance was very nice as a result. The furnishings- like carpet, furniture, and curtains, could use some updating. Watching the sunset was beautiful and knowing that diners can step outside to view the evening fireworks adds an additional special and exclusive touch to the experience.
The beautiful Grand Floridian
Magic Kingdom Views
My sweet dates!
Service
From the moment we were seated, the service at California Grill stood out. Our waitress was not only knowledgeable and attentive but also had a great sense of humor, making us feel welcomed and well cared for throughout the meal. She provided thoughtful recommendations and ensured that each course arrived with perfect timing, allowing us to enjoy each dish at a relaxed pace.
Food and Drink
The meal began with a delightful bread service featuring warm rolls served with salted butter and a seasoned sun-dried tomato olive oil for dipping. The olive oil was particularly flavorful and set the tone for the rest of the meal- there was a flavor bomb waiting in every dish.
- Appetizers: We started with two of their signature sushi rolls—the Surf and Turf Roll and the Barbecue Eel Roll. Both were outstanding, beautifully presented, and bursting with fresh flavors. The Barbeque Eel Roll, which is not something I had eaten before, truly blew me away. The dish was so fresh and filled with umami.
- Entrees: For the main course, we ordered the AAA Ahi Tuna and the Oak Grilled Filet of Beef. The Ahi Tuna was perfectly seared and had an incredible flavor, while the Oak Grilled Filet of Beef was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The Tuna was quite literally bursting with flavor. Reading the dish description on the menu does nothing to sell the truly unique and interesting flavors that this dish contains. It truly must be tasted to be understood!
- Dessert: Dessert was a lovely way to end the meal. We both got the Lemon Mousse with Olive-Oil Poppyseed Cake, which was light and flavorful, striking a nice balance of sweetness with a touch of zest. As a birthday treat, the restaurant also brought out a slice of birthday cake, a thoughtful gesture that added a celebratory touch.
- Drinks: We each ordered an Old Fashioned, which was expertly crafted and complemented our meal perfectly.
Bread Service
Barbecue American Eel Roll
Surf and Turf Roll
AAA Ahi Tuna
Steak
Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil Poppyseed Cake
Birthday Cake
Old Fashioned
Price and Value
While California Grill leans toward the higher end, the quality of the food, impeccable service, and incredible views made it well worth the splurge for a celebratory dinner. The portions were generous, and every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making it a memorable experience that justified the cost.
Highlights and Areas for Improvement
- Standout Experiences: The highlight of the evening (outside of the food) was undoubtedly the stunning view and the attentive service. Watching the sunset over Magic Kingdom while enjoying each course was a magical experience. However, we did not stay for the fireworks but had we I’m confident that that would have been the highlight. You can return for the fireworks even if your reservation is earlier in the night. Just hang on to that receipt to show to gain access to the restaurant elevator when you return!
- Room for Improvement: The restaurant is slightly outdated. The quality of the food and the overall experience compensates for this in my opinion, but I’d love to see the dining room updated to reflect the caliber of the rest of the experience.
Final Verdict
California Grill is a Disney restaurant, but I file it under great restaurants for any destination, not just a theme park. You can instantly understand the sense of pride in innovation the chef has when he’s designing dishes for this restaurant. If you’re a foodie who isn’t scared of adventurous flavor combinations that can trust a chef to create something truly special- you should absolutely dine at California Grill during your stay.
Please keep in mind that this is one of the hardest restaurants to book! Having someone else take care of your dining reservations (at 5:50 AM Eastern) is a major perk of working with a Disney Travel Agent. Reach out to us to book and let us take care of this for you! It’s truly our passion to get to know your travel party, make thoughtful recommendations based on our years of expertise, and take care of the planning details so that you can focus on the fun.