Today’s dose of Disney takes us to the Contemporary Resort to one of the most popular restaurants on property.
The California Grill is located on the 15th floor and guests are surrounded by the floor-to-ceiling windows that give beautiful views of Magic Kingdom. Plus, when you dine in the restaurant you are given access to their observation deck to watch the fireworks, which is the picture for today. It’s a great view of the fireworks and perfect for people who don’t like watching fireworks in a crowd. Disney even pipes in the narration from the show!
If you can’t get reservations at the restaurant you can try the California Grill lounge. Seating is first come, first served and guests can order from the full menu. Guests are also welcome to sit here while waiting for their table and enjoy a drink. There are over 300 wines to choose from, with over 50 being available by the glass. The tables in the lounge usually have menus you can look at while waiting for your table.
Menu Items Include
Hand-rolled Sushi
- Sunburnt Roll – Spicy Jumbo Lump Crab, Charred Verlasso Salmon, Lemon, Jicama, Mango, Zesty Yuzu Sauce
- Sashimi – Tuna, Salmon, Hamachi, Octopus, Citrus Ponzu, Furikake Rice
- California Combination Roll – Jumbo Lump Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Shrimp Tempura
- Spicy Kazan Roll – Crab, Shrimp, Scallops, Tuna, Fireball Sauce
- Plant-based Forbidden Roll – Forbidden Black Rice, Shiitake Mushrooms, Pickled Mango, Smoked Paprika Aïoli
Soup
- Beer and Cheese Soup
Salads
- Hearts of Romaine
- Pear Salad
Appetizers
- Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons
- Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
- Farmhouse and Artisanal Cheeses
- Handcrafted Charcuterie
- Oven-roasted Octopus
Entrees
- Oak-fired Filet of Beef – Aged Gouda Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Oxtail Marmalade, Red Wine-Sweet Onion Jus
- Jumbo Scallops – Lump Crab in Yuzu Vinaigrette, Carolina Gold Rice, Glazed Dragon Carrots, Shishito Beurre Blanc
- Grilled Colorado Bison Loin – Celery Root-Apple Purée, Roasted Baby Beets, Heirloom Apple Chutney, Pomegranate Jus
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin – Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Kalettes, Bacon, Dried Cherries, Zinfandel Glaze
- Plant-based Unplugged – Selection of Four Plant-based Small Plates
- Ora King Salmon – Sunchoke Confit, Purple Cauliflower Purée, Florida Citrus, Marcona Almond-Golden Raisin Vinaigrette
- Poulet Rouge Chicken – Potato Dumplings, Leek Cream, Coal-fired Cabbage, Rye-Caraway Crumble, Leg Confit, Sherry Jus
- Wild Boar Ragu – Mafalde Pasta, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Pickled Torpedo Onions, Winter Truffle
- Surf and Turf Roll – Poached Lobster Tail, Szechuan-crusted Beef Tataki, Truffle Nikiri Sauce, Miso-Yuzu Glaze, Crispy Shiso
Desserts
- Selection of Farmhouse and Artisanal Cheeses
- Strawberry Creme Brulee – Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Fresh Local Strawberries, Cornflake Crunch, Coconut Whip, Sponge Cake
- Cheesecake, No Sugar Added – Sunflower Seed Crunch, Raspberry Gelée, Popcorn Shoots
- Apricot Sorbet – Black Tea-infused Apricot Compote, Pistachio Powder
- Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate-whipped Panna Cotta, Pretzel Crunch
- Rice Pudding – Warm Corn Anglaise, Pear Compote, House-made Cornflakes, Walnut Financier
- Apple Tarte Tatin – Applejack Brandy-roasted Granny Smith Apples, Cinnamon Streusel, Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream
Also on the menu are specialty cocktails, sake, craft beers and ciders, wines, and a kids’ menu.
California Grill is open for dinner and brunch. Keep in mind, if you eat at the restaurant before the nightly fireworks show you can come back later to view the show from the observation deck. It doesn’t matter how early you dine there, you will have access to that view for the evening and it’s a great view!
Hope this brought a little magic to your day! Have you ever been to the California Grill?
Thanks for reading!
Liz
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Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)