Our last full day at Walt Disney World and we spent the majority of the day in the Magic Kingdom before dinner at the California Grill.
California Grill is located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This Signature Restaurant has a reputation of being one of the top restaurants at not only Walt Disney World but throughout Florida. California Grill has held a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence since 2015.
The restaurant is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort and is accessed via private elevator. Large windows give panoramic views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Magic Kingdom. Guests are welcome, including those who dined earlier in the day, to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the balcony of the California Grill. Music is piped into the restaurant to accompany the sensational firework display. The fireworks are worth watching from the Contemporary Balcony, which provides an entirely different experience than watching in the park.
The restaurant is decorated simply but feels upmarket and modern. A showpiece kitchen allows you to see the chefs working on your dinner. The number of chefs working in the restaurant is incredible. I lost count but think it was over 50.
The California Grill serves a celebration of Californian Cuisine. However, I am not sure what exactly Californian Cuisine is, and Disney does state you will experience “the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State.” The experiences of different cultures I suspect is why California Grill is equally well known for serving steak or for award-winning sushi.
The menu does change seasonally, and I have witnessed some significant changes in style at the California Grill. Presumably, changes are down to head chef changes or the broad umbrella of tastes that can be covered in Californian Cuisine. However, with each menu change the quality of dishes at California Grill continues to impress. It is unlikely you will not find a suitable dish on the menu. The menu may include such specialties as handmade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Yellowfin Tuna and Oak-fired Filet of Beef.
Mrs. Modernlifeisgood had plenty of choices for a gluten-free meal. Our waiter Ryan was knowledgable on which dishes were safe to eat and what could be adapted.
Ryan’s service was exceptional, and he also had excellent knowledge of the over 300 bottles of wine available.
California Grill is a Walt Disney World Signature Restaurant and is not cheap. It costs two credits on the Disney Dining Plan but still works out reasonable value for money. The restaurant caters for the entire family, and children are very welcome. Only at Disney would such an upmarket restaurant not see children as an inconvenience.
Earlier on this vacation, we discussed how Toledo – Tapas Steak & Seafood unbelievably isn’t a Signature Venue. Toledo is excellent, but California Grill is better; much better!
Tomorrow is our last day at Walt Disney World before we transfer to Universal Orlando. Remember, you can catch up with all our daily Disney World Live Blogs for 2019 by clicking the link.
