California Grill

Reviews

• CG

  Clifford Guess

  6 days ago
  5.0
  After visiting multiple resorts and theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando for over 30 years, my wife and I finally booked dinner (Window Table 701, Check Number 1-314) at the California Grill restaurant at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 7:55PM EDT. Our server, Jay, provided flawless, impeccable service that complemented the wonderful food (His: Sushi Surf & Turf, Filet Mignon with Scallops, Flourless Chocolate Cake; Hers: Goat Cheese Ravioli, Pork Tenderloin, Cheesecake) and spectacular Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing that provided a memorable experience. Total price (including 2 drinks each and tip) was $369.27... yes, it's pricey, but totally worth it for us.
• WD

  Whitney Danielle

  May 11, 2026
  4.0
  We celebrated our anniversary dinner at California Grill last week, and this is our honest, foodie-lover review! The staff from check-in to host was wonderful! We requested a window seat, and we were fortunate they were able to accommodate. I won’t lie— approaching our table and taking in the views had me in tears! The atmosphere is incredible and the restaurant is just beautiful! Our server, Michael, was very helpful with suggestions and our questions. My husband chose the maple bourbon old fashioned and though on the sweeter side, was delicious. I chose the ancho rancho spicy margarita which was okay! We both got regular old fashioned cocktails for round two! The bread service is delicious — the butter and that tomato oil situation? 🤤 For starters we chose the famous goat cheese ravioli, of course, and the specialty sushi roll of the evening. The ravioli edges were very undercooked and tough, but the flavor was on point. The sushi roll was a special offering that night and it was one of our favorite things of the evening! For dinner, he chose the oak grilled filet and I chose the pork tenderloin with pork belly. Unfortunately, the entrees really missed the mark and was our least favorite portion. Our server described the dish as having perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth pork belly; instead, it was more like a pork shoulder and in no way tasted like pork belly. The pork tenderloin was cooked really well and was delicious with the goat cheese polenta and balsamic glaze. My husband’s meal was just okay all the way around. His steak came medium-well rather than the medium-rare requested. The mashed potatoes were just okay. The best part of his meal was the broccolini, perfectly tender and not overdone. We added on the scallops, which were not good. The dish itself just didn’t work, the scallops were overcooked, and I had several pieces of shell in mine. The desserts were delicious! The blueberry goat cheese cheesecake was heavenly! The maple pecan cake wasn’t as good, but still tasty! We did let our server know of the entrees and he apologized. He seemed to shift halfway through our meal and lost attention. All in all for the cost, the food just didn’t measure up overall (especially the entrees missing the mark). We still had a wonderful, memorable experience and enjoyed ourselves! And the firework viewing was just as magical as we hoped! It really set the tone of our night one check in! Would we do it again? Probably not the prefixed dinner. But we would go sit at the bar, order small plates and drinks just to take in the ambiance! Cheers! 🥂
• AM

  Alessandra Miller

  May 10, 2026
  5.0
  What an amazing time! It was our first time having dinner at California Grill at the Contemporary. From the moment we arrived, the service was fantastic. We were well greeted, checked in, and seated at a great table by the windows with a beautiful view of Magic Kingdom's Cinderella's castle. Our server was Artur, he was top notch. Walked us through the menu, made suggestions and was wonderful from start to finish. We also greatly appreciated that he accommodated our daughter's menu for her. Our appetizers, entrees and desserts were incredible. We had a breathtaking view of the fireworks from our table and the rooftop platform. We truly enjoyed it. My husband took me here with our daughter for Mother's Day weekend and it was an amazing experience. We will certainly be back. If you have the opportunity to, ask for Artur. He was truly great and made our experience that much more special. We cannot wait to go back. This place is a gem.
• SJ

  Shannon Jones

  May 9, 2026
  3.0
  I used to love it here, particularly before they had the pre-fixe menu. What used to be a relaxed pace for a higher end dining experience has become a rushed turn and burn with lower quality dishes. Definitely not worth the price! Scallops were great but have been removed from the menu. The filet felt low quality. There was an odd flavorless half tart on the salad that threw me off. The best part of the meal was the bread (always good here) and the maple dessert but again I was really thrown off by the dessert. It had a fall leaf pattern on it and I dined here in March. It was more of a fall flavored dessert. Sadly I won’t be back unless it’s to try the bar menu.
• RS

  Rachael Silverman

  Apr 18, 2026
  2.0
  I am writing to provide both positive feedback and to raise a serious concern regarding our experience at California Grill. First, I want to recognize Walter, who provided exceptional service. He went above and beyond in his professionalism, was gracious and respectful throughout the evening, and created a warm, positive experience that made our family feel genuinely valued. His level of service reflects the standard we have come to expect from California Grill and is a large part of why we return several times a year. I would also like to take a moment to highlight Oliver, a server from our dining experience in late February, whose service left a lasting impression. Oliver demonstrated an equally outstanding level of professionalism, attentiveness, and intuitive guest care. His ability to anticipate needs, engage warmly without being intrusive, and create a seamless, elevated dining experience truly embodied the excellence and attention to detail that define California Grill. It is team members like Walter and Oliver who set this restaurant apart and make each visit feel special and memorable. This is why I gave 2 stars. In addition, the culinary experience continues to be exceptional. Each dish was not only delicious but beautifully presented, reflecting both creativity and precision. The attention to detail in both flavor and presentation elevates the entire dining experience and consistently meets the high standard we associate with California Grill. It is clear that great care and artistry go into every plate. Unfortunately, our experience was significantly impacted during the fireworks viewing. A staff member, Lisa (who identified herself on her name tag as being from Bucks County, PA), stood directly in front of our table for the majority of the show, obstructing my children’s view. This was not a brief or incidental occurrence; she remained there without making any effort to step aside or position herself appropriately. When I politely asked her to be mindful and not block our view, she responded by telling me that next time I should “go outside and watch from the Terrace.” This response was not only dismissive but entirely inappropriate and unprofessional, particularly given that the fireworks experience is a primary reason we choose to dine at California Grill. Her conduct was disruptive, inconsiderate, and fell well below the standard of service expected at this level. It was disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable. I did inform the manager, Ashley, at the time; however, I am following up to ensure that this matter is addressed appropriately. I would appreciate confirmation that this concern is taken seriously and that steps are being taken to ensure this type of experience does not occur again. We value this restaurant and have consistently chosen it several times a year. I hope this issue with Lisa from bucks county pa will be handled in a manner that reflects the high standards California Grill is known for.

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