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California Grill

California Grill Sign

Update: California Grill will close January 6 and re-open in the late summer 2013.

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is truly a masterpiece of fine dining. It’s been a top-notch location since the early days of Disney World (albeit under two different names), and continues to rake in awards and honors for its innovative chefs, market-inspired menus, and incredible quality.

California Grill is pricey, so save it for a celebration, and be sure to book an ADR so you’ll be there during Wishes — seeing the fireworks show from your perch atop the Contemporary Resort is really something.

Book Online

Service: Table-Service and Bartop

Type of Food: American, California focus

Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney Dining Plan: Yes, signature dining, 2 table-service credits

Tables in Wonderland: Yes

Menu:
Allears.net:
California Grill Dinner Menu
California Grill Child’s Menu

A market-inspired menu reigns here — meaning the Chef slightly alters the menu seasonally depending on what’s good and gettable at fresh markets in the area.
Cheese Menu
Wine Menu
Reserve Wine Menu
Dinner Menu
Dessert Menu

Reviews:
Guest Review: California Grill at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort
Disney Food Blog Review: California Grill Review
Disney Food Blog Review: Catching up with Disney Chefs in Chicago
Guest Review: 1st Anniversary Dinner at California Grill
Guest Review: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort

Important Info:

  • Regardless of your reservation time, guests of the California Grill are welcome to use the restaurant’s outdoor viewing areas to watch Wishes on the evening their scheduled to dine at the restaurant. (We like to dine during the sunset, then come back to see Wishes later that evening!)
  • Guests are served meals at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis, so you CAN get a delicious Cali Grill meal without a reservation. Simply show up at the podium on the Contemporary Resort’s second floor and let them know you’d like to dine at the bar.
  • Guests check in for the California Grill on the second floor of the Contemporary and are escorted to the restaurant by private elevator.

Famous Dishes: Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Sushi and Sashimi, Bananas and Caramel dessert.

Disney Food Blog Posts Mentioning California Grill

  • Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 26, 2013
  • News! California Grill Reservations Now Available on Certain Dates in Fall 2013
  • The Most Popular Disney World Restaurants (and Alternatives When They’re Full)
  • Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 5, 2013
  • UPDATE: New California Grill Menu with Photos
  • News! California Grill Menu and Epcot’s France Ice Cream Shop Menu Updates
  • DFB Reader Questions Answered: Dinner and Fireworks Timing at Magic Kingdom
  • Disney Dining Tip from the DFB Guide: Dining at Bars and Lounges in Walt Disney World
  • Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 3, 2013
  • News! First Look at the New California Grill Menu at Disney’s Contemporary Resort


  • You Might also Like: Citricos, Narcoossee’s, Victoria and Albert’s