Set on the very top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill is one of the most sought-after restaurants at Walt Disney World – and for good reason.
With sweeping views across Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and the Grand Floridian Resort, this retro-style restaurant delivers a dining experience that’s as visually stunning as it is flavour-packed.
Perched on the top floor of the iconic A-frame Contemporary Resort, this elevated dining spot combines an open kitchen, inventive seasonal menus, and one of the best vantage points for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks – if you time it right.
Fixed-price menu: Be prepared
The restaurant operates on a fixed-price set menu, priced at $89 per adult, which includes one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. It’s essential to have your selections ready before the waiter arrives, as the pacing can be swift. During our visit, I was still assisting my son with his choices when the server arrived, leading to a rushed decision on my part. In hindsight, I would have preferred a different dessert had I not felt hurried. Don’t hesitate to ask for more time to make your selections; you are paying a lot for this meal, so the staff should accommodate your request.
Location and atmosphere
Set high above the Magic Kingdom, California Grill is accessed via a private check-in desk on the second floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. From there, you’re whisked up in a dedicated elevator to the restaurant, which features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and the Grand Floridian.
Inside, the vibe is elegant but relaxed. You walk past an impressive wall composed entirely of a wine fridge, out into a retro-styled space (think burnt orange and soft timbers) that is entirely in keeping with the Contemporary’s look. You’ll see chefs calling out orders in synchronised bursts of energy from the animated open kitchen, and guests sipping cocktails while gazing out at one of the most iconic views in Walt Disney World.
Our tip: Book your meal for around 7:30–8:00pm to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks during or just after your dinner. Guests are invited on to the outdoor viewing deck to enjoy the show, complete with piped-in music and panoramic views. You can also try asking for a window table when you book, so you can capitalise on those views.
Starters: beautiful, delicate and surprising
As we sat down, we were greeted with a basket of warm, freshly baked rolls – a simple pleasure, and a good sign of the meal to come.
Here’s what we tried:
- Surf and Turf Roll: A beautiful plate of shrimp tempura, blue crab yuzu salad, avocado, and yuzu-avocado purée. The presentation was exquisite, with tiny curls of cucumber framing the dish. I found this plate was visually appealing but lacked balance. The creamy freshness of the avocado was overwhelmed by the sharp tang of the yuzu, meaning the combination didn’t harmonise as well as I’d have liked.
- Sonoma Goat Cheese Cappelletti: Handmade pasta in a delicate mushroom ragout, topped with tomato-fennel broth and a drizzle of California olive oil. Rich, balanced and not too heavy.
- Farmer’s Market Salad: The unexpected standout: fresh petite lettuces, almond sponge, strawberries, whipped goat cheese and a champagne-strawberry vinaigrette. Like a summertime wreath on a plate – light, vibrant, and full of flavour, this was a beautiful plate of food to look at and to eat.
Mains: A feast of flavour and creativity
- Plancha-Seared Scallops: Cooked to perfection – crisped on the outside, soft at the centre. Served with a surprising roasted garlic sprout, which brought a deep, umami hit that was miles away from a traditional UK Christmas Brussels sprout.
- Domestic Lamb: The highlight of the evening. Served with English peas, marinated artichokes, a vegetable samosa, golden hummus, date gel and lemon-pepper jus. A dish for lamb lovers – generous, thoughtful and beautifully balanced. My husband declared it the best meal of the holiday.
- Pork Two Ways: A rich and indulgent pairing of tender pork tenderloin and melt-in-the-mouth lacquered pork belly. The star surprise was a crisp, breadcrumbed triangle croquette – golden outside, soft and savoury inside – bringing texture to the plate. Served with carefully chosen accompaniments (polenta and apple sauce) that balanced richness with freshness.
- Market Garden Fish (salmon): Beautifully cooked salmon, flaky yet moist, paired with a colourful selection of market vegetables (beans, asparagus). Clean flavours, thoughtfully seasoned, and presented with a light touch – letting the quality of the fish shine.
- Seared Salmon (kids’ menu): Simple, well-executed, and a healthier option for younger guests. Served with green beans and roasted potatoes – no chips in sight, but thoroughly enjoyed nonetheless.
Desserts: Mostly hits, one miss
- Seasonal Panna Cotta: Served with shortbread, seasonal fruit, and a strawberry gel – this was light, fruity, and beautifully refreshing. A real taste of summer.
- Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwich (kids’ dessert): Rich, dense, and very fun – a big hit with our son (his healthy eating resolve melted as quickly as the ice cream).
- Caramel Cappuccino Cake: This was one of the highlight desserts of our holiday. It was striking – if a little startling – to look at with the cake, occupying a corner of a large plate, covered in an orange glaze. But all doubt disappeared with the first mouthful – it was delicious. My mum still raves about it.
- Pistachio–Chocolate Mousse: A showstopper on the plate – glossy, elegant, and artfully detailed. Layers of silky pistachio and rich chocolate mousse met with the crunch of white chocolate, the nutty bite of pistachio croutons, and the delicate snap of a cacao nib tuile. Both visually stunning and texturally playful, this was as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
- Yuzu Meringue Tart: This was the only disappointment of the night. While visually stunning, the yuzu lacked punch, and the blueberry component overpowered the tartness. Plus it looked odd… not sure who wants to eat a purple pudding, but it wasn’t me! It didn’t quite hit the right balance – a rare miss in an otherwise exceptional meal.
The fireworks finish: A Disney must-do
Even if the tart didn’t win us over, the fireworks did. As the lights dimmed and music filled the restaurant, we stepped out onto the California Grill terrace, joining fellow diners to watch Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular. It’s hard to beat that moment – warm air, sparkling castle views, and a perfect end to an elevated meal.
So is it worth the money?
Overall? We loved our visit but you do need to plan carefully if you are to maximise this experience. The fixed-price menu offers limited flexibility, and the pacing can feel rushed. For a more enjoyable experience, plan ahead, communicate your needs to the staff, and take your time to make informed choices, as the menu was a little hit and miss, in our experience. If you want spectacular views with a more reasonably priced and consistent menu, check out our review of Toledo at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort.
Planning your visit
- Pricing: Prix fixe 3-course menu, from $89 per adult, $39 per child (plus tax and tip).
- Dining Plan: Unfortunately, the Disney Dining Plan is not available at this restaurant.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended — book via the official Disney site.
- Browse the full menu: Click here for the latest menu from Disney.
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- 8 Restaurants with Great Views at Walt Disney World
- Seafood, burgers and dreamy brioche: Our Boathouse Disney Springs review
- Summer House on the Lake – light and lovely lakeside dining
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