Cali Grill or Jiko: help us decide

[mudpuppysmom]

I've been going back and forth over this for about a month. I guess it's the pregnancy hormones that is making me not be able to make a choice!

I had an ADR for Jiko and today I changed it for Cali Grill.

Tell me the pluses and minuses to both places and convince me on Cali Grill (we've never been there, but we've been to Jiko a bunch of times).

Also, our ADR is for 6 pm, will they let us come back to watch the fireworks from the roof?

Gimmie the 411 on the place please!!

[LittleRoosMommy]

California Grill is our favorite restaurant at WDW. We eat there every time we visit. The food is always delicious! They have an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is wonderful and they do not rush you out when you are finished eating. I'm not sure when you are visiting WDW, but the sunset from atop the CR is beautiful!! They also announce "Sunset California Grill" just as the sun is slipping down. It's amazing!!
As for the fireworks, they are amazing from there! The view of the MK is great and you can also see for miles. They will allow you to return to the restuarant to view the fireworks, if you are finished eating before they start. I think you just need to show your receipt at the check-in desk on the 2nd flr and they will take you up to the Cali Grill.
I've never eaten at Jiko, but my vote is definitely Cali Grill. Hope you have a great time!

[SBETigg]

Jiko is supposed to be very good, but do try California Grill. The view is breathtaking. The food is incredible. The service is exceptional. If you've already tried Jiko, I think you should give California Grill a shot.

Before it was California Grill, it was called The Top of the World, and that is truly how you feel when you are up there-- on top of the world.

[Lessie]

We love Jiko and eat there much more than California Grill, but since you have never been to California Grill, definitely give it a try! The food is fabulous and you will have a wonderful time! :mickey:

[LibertyTreeGal]

I think that, being preggers, your best bet is Cali Grill. Exotic can be a bit chancy, and when you are spending that amount of money it's better to be safe than sorry :thumbsup:

[faline]

Persoanlly, I'd choose California Grill. JIko's is quite nice but, in my opinion, not as nice as California Grill.

[dlpmikki]

At the risk of being contrary, I have only eaten at California Grill once and we were disapointed in the food and the ambience.

We went back to jiko's after a gap of several years last month and were again blown away with the service, the atmosphere and the food.

[Crow]

ive been to both twice.
Jiko has been few trips ago. the filet w mac and cheese was good. dont remember much else. of course you know about it since you have been there
CA Grill was great both times. the sushi was the best ive had. i think it was better than the entrees i had. dessert was good. and yes you can go back to see the fireworks later.
i found out you can also ask to be seated at the counter to watch the chefs, which im going to try next time.
CG is at the top of my list along w Artist Pt.
Jiko is further down and i wont probably be going back anytime soon

[mrsgaribaldi]

California Grill is my favorite. We ate there for my 40th birthday, Dh's and numerous other special occasions. We've never been disappointed. I had the best meal of my life there and we always have had good service. Watching Wishes from outside on the balcony is really amazing. :mickey: They make a darn good Cosmopolitan too;)

[Jared]

I agree with the majority and suggest sticking with California Grill. Sorry, Mikki, but I don't think I've read many negative reviews of this restaurant.

Jiko is supposedly beautiful and delicious, but California Grill is truly the premier Disney dining experience.

:tasty:

[hankski]

I guess it depends on where you are seated, but I have always had trouble carrying on a conversation in California Grille. When dinner is at full swing, give me Jiko:thumbsup:

[Tink's Friend]

I think you've done the right thing, changing your ADR to California Grill, since you've been to Jiko several times previously.

We've eaten at CG twice and had very good experiences both times. The service is the best I've ever had, and the food is quite good. If your reservation is prior to the time for Wishes, you can ask to wait for a window seat if you wish, so that you can watch from you table. They pipe the sound in, but the main dining room is usually too noisy to hear what's going on with Wishes. (The noise level is my only complaint about CG.) They absolutely do not hurry you at all. We had a 7:30-ish reservation the last time, and I think it was around 10:00 when we finally got out of there (not because they were slow, but because they allowed us to take as much time as we wanted).

Suzanne Q
Bristol, TN