The California Grill sits at the very top of the Contemporary Resort (the 15th floor) and overlooks the Magic Kingdom. This dining location specializes in serving a wide selection of fine wine and seasonal California-inspired cuisine. Be sure to come back after your meal or pick your dining time around the Magic Kingdom fireworks. If you look really closely you can also see the Epcot fireworks outside the restaurant as well.
If you haven't dined at the California Grill in a long time, it underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2013. The updated feature a new interior design as well as an overhaul of the menu. California Grill still remains on of the top saught after dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
California Grill Breakdown
- Service: Table Service – Signature Dining
- Type of Food: American, Vegetarian Friendly, Allergy Options
- Price: $$$$
- Location: Contemporary Resort
- Disney Dining Plan: Yes, 2 Credits
- Discounts: Annual Passholder, DVC
- Features: Reservations, Private Dining, Alcohol, Full Bar
- Good For: Special Occasion Dining, View, Romantic
- Reservations: Highly Recommended
- Menu: Official Brunch Menu / Official Dinner Menu
A Look Around the California Grill
When you come up to the top floor be sure to take in the show stopping wine display that is right outside the elevators. The impressive display holds 1,600 bottle of wines in climate controlled coolers.
The views are definitely the icing on the cake here at California Grill. Above is a look at their back room. It's small and quieter than being sat in the main room.
This is a look at the inside of the main room at California Grill. Can you just see the appeal with the sunset happening in the background? Florida sunsets are often impressive but from up here, it's extra magical.
Okay sorry I couldn't help myself I had to throw in one more picture of the killer sunset views you get from California Grill.
Note there is a business casual dress code for this restaurant. This means khakis, dress slacks, jeans or dress shorts with a collared shirt for men. For women the requirements are capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, and dress shorts.
California Grill Dishes
There are two signature dishes at this location you just can't go wrong with. The first is my personal favorite, Oak-fired Filet of Beef, the sauce and perfect side pairing will make your mouth water every time you think back on your vacation. California Grill's second signature dish is the Grilled Pork Tenderloin. They have phenomenal sushi here as well.
Lobster Bisque
Bird's Nest Seafood Egg Rolls
Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons
I opted to skip the sushi one trip and try these Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons. I was surprised at the kick that they had. It was still very delicious though. These wontons are topped with Doenjang Miso-Cola-Onion Sauce, Crispy Garlic-Chili Oil, Radish, Pickled Lotus Root.
Fresh Salad
This salad is a great light salad to start your meal with. The apples and vinaigrette mixed nicely together. This is definitely a starter I would get again, especially if I wasn't hungry enough to tackle both the sushi and an entree.
Flatbread Pizza
The flatbreads here change out seasonal since they feature the freshest ingredients. This is a black truffle pizza, leek fondue, crispy potato chips, spicy honey, and shaved black truffle.
California Grill Entrees
Seasonal Wagyu Beef
The general consensus on this was to stick with the classic Oak Grilled Gilet over the Wagyu. The Wagyu ups your price tag significantly and we almost thought the filet may have been better than this option. So save yourself the cash buy a dessert and get the standard filet.
Filet of Beef
