California Grill image

California Grill

Restaurant American restaurant Fine dining restaurant

One of the Top rated American restaurants in Bay Lake


Address

4600 World Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Website

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Contact

(407) 939-5277

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Monday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fireworks (25) service (22) Disney (21) experience (19) meal (18) amazing (18) dining (14) restaurant (13) view (13) Magic (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 S. L. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful meal! I'm so happy we managed to get a reservation for this amazing place. The views are breathtaking and out of this world. The food was one of the best dinners I've ever had in my life! Staff was very friendly and attentive. You can see fireworks from Magic Kingdom from the restaurant terrace. I cannot recommend it enough!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sonia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Had an amazing 50th celebration dinner! The food is exceptional, beautiful ambiance, and great service. (thanks Becky!) Their menu offers different options. My husband selected the guided wine pairing and enjoyed the experience. Everyone in our party ordered different course options. I ordered the mushroom ravioli and it was the only plate I could say was lacking a bit but still good for a plant based option. However, the sushi appetizer prior made up for it. Best sushi I’ve tasted. It was the perfect way to end our Disney trip. We will be returning customers. If you like Disney gear, I would recommend making reservations and arriving early to look around shops. They have certain items not found in parks. They also have a large waiting area to relax if shopping isn’t your thing but want to arrive early. If you book for late evening dinner, you can enjoy the view of Magic kingdom fireworks.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joe S. 2 years ago on Google
    I've had my fair share of Disney dining and this place is right at the top. The views during sunset are absolutely amazing and to challenge that, the service is equally as amazing. Dinner was also worth noting. The 50th anniversary prix fixe was amazing and finely paired with the wine selection. The mixed drinks are definitely on point and worth a trip upstairs just for those. Interestingly enough, their bread service was something of memory. I docked a star because it was by far our most expensive meal and there's certainly nothing at all like the food experience here comparable anywhere else we've been across the parks, I'm just not certain I'd come back again due to the cost when I can get a solid meal for probably $200 less at a handful of other locations around the property. This may be a special occasion spot and definitely worth it to come as the menu changes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob F. 2 years ago on Google
    The ultimate Disney dining experience. Do dinner and stay for the fireworks. Fantastic!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul K. 10 months ago on Google
    My wife had booked this a surprise for my milestone birthday and to say I was surprised was an understatement!! From booking to walking out the door we were treated to a service that deserves a 5* review!! Food was excellent and deserves every plaudit going! The atmosphere was brilliant and the views for the fireworks was one of them "bucket list" moments that everyone has! Amazing Holly offered her guidance when ordering both drinks and food and deserves recognition for this as it certainly put myself and my family at ease. Thank you for your kind words and making myself and my family feel really welcome! Will we back ??? Of course!!! Thank you
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian M. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow. Came here for my five year anniversary with my wife and it was amazing. We had Moe for our server who was fun, knowledgeable and just made the evening perfect for us. We ordered the three course meal. I loved that they had vegan options. My wife ordered the Wagyu steak and said it melted in her mouth like butter. So delicious. The restaurant overlooks all of Disney World and we watched fireworks from the balcony. Just an amazing night! Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John A. 11 months ago on Google
    The absolute PREMIUM dining experience. The food and service were absolutely top-notch notch. It's very, very expensive, but if you can roll it, it's a must try. The food and drinks are absolutely delicious, and well, if you book a table at 8pm your get to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom with desert. Inside and outside, the views are amazing. A very unique experience and one that we will definitely do again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sara F. 10 months ago on Google
    This was easily one of the best - if not the best - dining experiences of our lives! The Black Sea Bass left me speechless.. get it. Trust me. The peanut butter and banana torte - heaven on a dish! What had me awestruck was the staff.. watching the kitchen with their seamless flow of activities. While the chef calls out the orders, each person actually focused on their own stations, creating the symphony of flavors for each customer. There's definitely some magic in the air here.. Tip: if you eat dinner here, save your receipt and come back about 30 minutes before the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. The viewing deck has speakers for you to hear the music and you can see the show from a completely different perspective. I may have shed a few tears while watching! 12/10 recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Samantha H. 1 year ago on Google
    AVOID! Seriously overrated. I have been trying to get a reservation here that worked for years. My husband and I were celebrating our 3rd anniversary. The fixed menu is far too expensive for the quality of food. And the food is beautiful! But not good. The one highlight: my appetizer roll was delicious. However…The risotto was poorly flavored. The torte was bitter. Our table was in the corner where our view was terrible. Do not eat here. Disney had many fabulous restaurants. This is not one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Randy D. 5 years ago on Google
    I visited the California Grill with my wife and son on our most recent Disney vacation. The food was fantastic, but the service provided by our waiter was possibly the worst I have ever experienced. Everyone has a a bad day, so I'm willing to give some grace, but when you're in a service job it should be an expectation that you leave your attitude at home. Upon arrival, we felt unwelcome as we had our son with us. He is well behaved or we wouldn't have brought him with. Despite plenty of seating in the main dining area with the view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, we were tucked in a small room way in the back as to not disrupt the other patrons. When we placed our order my wife and I only ordered cocktails and three appetizers in lieu of entrees. Our son ordered a kid's meal. The waiter was extremely annoyed that we didn't order entrees and walked away shaking his head, likely assuming that his tip would be lower than expected since we didn't purchase the expensive entrees. When our food came out, he had forgotten to put in our son's food order. He didn't come to check on us to see how things were or to make sure we got everything. We spent over half an hour trying to get his attention and he intentionally ignored us. When we finally got up and grabbed him and brought him back to our table, there was no apology for the oversight. He blamed us, saying we did not order any kid's meal. He placed the order at that time and it came out right away, which was great that the kitchen turned it around fast, but it was missing the fruit kabobs that the menu clearly stated came with the meal. We asked if we could get the fruit kabobs and the waiter sarcastically said, "No, the kids meal is a la cart and they are not included. Nice try though. Good luck out there tonight." He wouldn't talk to us after that. We were going to talk to management about the dreadful service but at that point the fireworks were starting and we didn't want to ruin that experience for our son. Long story short, tread lightly if you bring your children in and/or don't feel like eating a full meal as you will not be shown the same service and consideration as the other guests.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jonathan S. 2 years ago on Google
    I have eaten here many times and have always had a good experience. Last night I had Dale as a server. Horrible he’s liking ordering at McDonald’s. Give me two sides etc zero passion zero service just give me the order and let me see how fast I could serve you. Well, my daughters steak was over cooked and cold, the McDonald’s burger looked better. When I finally tracked him down he of course tried to downplay it oh looks ok….how about you eat the vegetables while we cook it. Seriously? That’s fine dining even for Mickey standards that’s a joke. So my daughter had my meal and 25 minutes later manager Scott came over dumbfounded? Where was he did Dale not alert him? The meal was a total disaster Dale could careless he was on to other tables to try to “see if we they wanted fries” with there number 2. Scott said he appreciated the feedback and left me with a bill and I actually went to McDonald’s and got a supersized fries with my number 2. Thanks Dale and Scott for an exceptionally awful experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Javier C. 2 years ago on Google
    I was elated with the service at the California Grill. Simply SUPERB! Walter was our server. He took care of EVERY SINGLE DETAIL! Our visit was delightful. No other words. Food? Guided Wine pairing? FANTASTIC!... and the fact you overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom is just the cherry on the top.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing! First time there! I believe our waitress was Debbie….ahh forgot! She was short with glasses and loved Disney! Amazing service!! We did the Disney 50 menu and had a stunning view of the Magic Kingdom and walked to the other side after dinner and saw Epcot. The food was amazing , the drinks were great! Awesome steak & seafood! The spicy margarita we got was great and the berry drink! Very good dinner & unforgettable experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Valerie P. 4 years ago on Google
    We had reservations for California Grill at 6 pm. When we checked in for dinner we again explained that the kids are autistic, we need to use their stroller, and if we could have a more expedient experience we were met with resistance. The initial response we received is that they weren't sure there was room for the stroller, that the meal usually takes 2 hours, and we were made to feel like it was a completely outrageous request. Eventually, the boys won the staff over with their adorableness! We were shown to a table with a nice view and ordered our cocktails. For my meal, I ordered the salmon roll with lemon zest, the lamb, and guava sorbet. The salmon roll was nothing special. My lamb was delicious and with the 61-degree egg created a wonderful accompanying sauce. Getting fruit or sorbet is really my pet peeve. I was definitely expecting more from Disney considering they have a lot of newer vegan options. With that being said the sorbet was pretty tasty! ​
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brad G. 2 years ago on Google
    There's a reason this is regularly ranked as not only a top restaurant at Disney, but also in Orlando. A true fine dining experience, with the Disney customer service you would expect. Each dish and cocktail is expertly crafted. Reservations are highly recommended but if you don't have any, you can always ask if there's any space at the bar. Try and time your visit so that you can watch the magic Kingdom fireworks in the evening from the terrace of the California grill.

  • 5/5 Austin H. 8 months ago on Google
    A view of Cinderella Castle, beautiful Seven Seas Lagoon and Space Mountain, and even Bay Lake Tower, the Monorail and even parts of Bay Lake itself. What's not to like?! I haven't even gotten yet to the exquisite wine, cheese, and liquor selection at your disposal with the ever amazing service of Cali Grill's exceptional Cast Members who make all the magic happen. If you need pairing suggestions, they'll always teach you something new and make ya feel smarter for asking it! The only thing that can better perfect a night than dinner at California Grill is a successful and flawless fireworks showing to top it all off! You don't have to leave your seat nor stay there to come back to the top for a view, just keep your dining receipt with you for the duration of your stay! 🥰 Happy dining!

  • 5/5 James G. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve eaten here a few years back but I don’t have any photos from that trip. The recent visit was for the Fireworks Celebration that they do which is absolutely amazing. Unlimited included drinks, private fireworks viewing, and an unlimited platter of small dishes and deserts. They even made me a special lavender donut dish that’s vegan when there wasn’t anything vegan on the regular menu.

  • 5/5 HydrogenFoxide 9 months ago on Google
    We came here on our last day in Disney, for one last dinner at a fantastic restaurant. Despite being late for our reservation, they still accepted us (we miscalculated bus schedules and their timing). Our host was gracious and understanding. Our waiter was kind, humble, and professional. The food was out of this world exceptional. We even had a surprise birthday cake for my brother's birthday and it was delicious!! We ate until we felt sick from being overly full and didn't regret it at all. I'd happily do it again!! They're very serious about allergy restrictions. I like that. Make reservations, be prepared to spend money, and enjoy this beautiful restaurant!!

  • 5/5 N V. 9 months ago on Google
    California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort was absolutely lovely. The view was amazing. We especially enjoyed seeing the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from the restaurant. Walter was amazing. He was extremely helpful and a pleasure to have him serving us. He guided us to make the best choices from the menu and answered all our questions. He was diligent of our dietary restrictions and went out of his way to find out if he didn't have an answer.

  • 4/5 Amy D. 8 months ago on Google
    We attended the fireworks dessert buffet last night and the service was phenomenal and the food was tasty but the environment was more like an office party. This attracts an older crowd which is great but it's not accommodating for small kids. I don't think we'd do this again but it was a nice experience. We prefer some of the other fireworks parties in the park which are more family friendly. We don't have kids but we prefer more of a fun upbeat environment. Excellent food, service and fine dining experience.

  • 5/5 Megan K. 1 year ago on Google
    Yes! THIS is the 3 course meal to spring for when you’re headed to Disney. Trust me. We had a total of three of this style of meals, and the “Magical experiences” at the others did not make up for the mediocre food. The food and service at this meal were fantastic. If you’re visiting during this summer, there are two fireworks showings at Magic Kingdom and you can catch both if you time it right! Stay indoors or head out to the observation decks…either way, It’s a really beautiful way to celebrate Disney Magic and your loved ones!

  • 5/5 M&M Social M. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been coming to this restaurant for many years. I would say this is definitely one of Disney’s top restaurant in my opinion. For many reasons, one being the food, it’s like no other restaurant in Disney. Two you can beat the viewer the fireworks from the balcony. The staff was beyond friendly and accommodating.

  • 5/5 Eric 11 months ago on Google
    What can one say about eating at the top of the Contemporary Resort overlooking the magic kingdom and beautiful Disney resort? The food is amazing. The service is outstanding.

  • 5/5 cubi68 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to watch Disney fireworks. But beware dinner for 4 was over 500.00 the wine flight.for 2 was 89.00 per person . Still the food was top notch as I would expect it to be for the bill. Deserts were pretty amazing as well.

  • 5/5 Steve W. 1 year ago on Google
    I've never had such a wonderful experience before. Our waiter Randy was amazing. Hands down, one of the best waiters I've ever had in my life. He is such a nice gentleman with a wonderful demeanor. Our food was impeccable. It was simply to die for. Perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked with just the right portion size to leave that tiny amount of space for dessert. The view was absolutely incredible. And watching the fireworks from it w as like a cherry on top. I can't wait to go back next time I visit.

  • 5/5 Osaurus G. 11 months ago on Google
    This restaurant never disappoints. Love the fixed price 3 course meal and I had the standard (not fancy) wine pairing. The food was great, service was great, and seeing the fireworks at the MK is worth the price. This is by far one of the best restaurants at WDW.

  • 4/5 Justin R. 11 months ago on Google
    It's top of the line disney dining. You are going to need to take out a second mortgage to afford it, but everything was fantastic. Beautiful views of magic Kingdom. The dining room was perfect. The food was fantastic. The service was outstanding. Was just way overpriced.

  • 5/5 Maria Gabriela R. 1 year ago on Google
    I can’t recommend this restaurant enough! Everyone made us feel special. Abby was kind and find us the best table we could have. Jorge, was nice. He knows the menu very well and walked us trough the best options ( all of them are incredible). Thanks to all the chefs for the amazing food specially Chef Javier which treated us like no one. The experience of watching and listening the show with the fireworks from the deck it’s so worth it and so different from being actually in the park. If you planning to visit make sure to make your reservation in advance especially at the fireworks show time. We definitely are coming back!!!

  • 5/5 Nicole L. 1 year ago on Google
    Not all fine dining restaurants are built the same. This restaurant by far exceeded my expectations! They are currently offering their 50th anniversary celebration menu which is $89 per adult. You can choose 1 appetizer, 1 entree, and one dessert. Everything I ate was delicious and I would highly recommend getting your reservations in at this restaurant as early as you can.

  • 5/5 Lance L. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazing 3-course meal! Our server was attentive and thoroughly explained our meals wine pairing. The oil/pepper tapenade served with the house baked foccacia bread was out of this world! The deserts were also creative, beautiful, and delicious. Great experience, highly recommend! 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food and service. Highly recommend. You generally have to make reservations well in advance, but it is so worth it. I loved all of it and because our seating was close to 9, we were able to see the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. Awesome experience. Disney does it the best!

  • 5/5 niki p. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Great views of magic kingdom! Service was top notch. The 50th menu is paired down but has some very nice options. I took my servers suggestions and the pork tenderloin was one of the best meals I've had on property. It's also one of the more expensive places to eat as the dinner is $90 a person, not including tip. I think it's a fabulous option for a special occasion away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

  • 5/5 Jen R. 3 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed eating here and the view of Magic Kingdom was very good - wish fireworks show was playing. The food was excellent! We really enjoyed the wonderful flavors of the seafood with green-coconut curry- not spicy and the chocolate espresso dessert was so yummy-wanted more! We didn't like the green tea dessert as well because it was mostly green tea flavored. The mango (heavy pudding-not mousse) and hibiscus (star of dish) were not strong enough -not well balanced flavors. The pomegranate lime lemonade was a refreshing drink alternative after a hot day.

  • 4/5 Michael B. 3 years ago on Google
    Our 2nd time. Possibly the best dinner view in Orlando as Florida is so flat. 15 floors up and nearly 360°. Expect to pay Disney premium prices, family style ambience, but the food is not disappointing. The pork chops and scallop entrees are the best. Attentive service, but must make reservations in advance.

  • 5/5 S K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and one of the best places to watch the fireworks.

  • 3/5 Nicole W. 4 years ago on Google
    The view and experience is why you would go. The sushi was great, and the mixed drinks were great. The view was pretty nice as well. But the rest of the meal was completely lacking. We ordered the tortelloni which was undercooked and chewy, my husband couldn’t even finish it. We also had the scallops and lobster tail. The scallops were cooked perfectly, but the lobster tail was so chewy. The desert was nothing special either. For the price, I want to be blown away.. or at least impressed. Our visit was 2.5 hours due to everything being slow. People we came in with left at a similar time so it wasn’t just us. Not sure if this is all the time or just the night we went. Again, not a terrible experience but I would never go back. Especially at that price tag, dining plan or not.


Call (407) 939-5277 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()