Posted by: Jamie Sylvester May 19, 2022

One of the very best of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort has announced an update is coming soon! Disney’s California Grill is preparing to roll out an enticing brand new menu.

Stroll with us up to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort where the fine dining restaurant, California Grill awaits. Not only does the restaurant boast the most stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park, but the food here is next-level bliss.

The rooftop restaurant is an exceptional choice that we’ve never regretted. If you’re especially lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Cinderella Castle in the distance as Disney Enchantment music is piped in.

Now, starting May 26, Disney foodies will want to know that California Grill is changing up its menu with the addition of diverse plant-based dishes brought you by the restaurant’s culinary team including Chef de Cuisine Daniel Sicilia and Chef Matthew Birch.

First up, let’s talk appetizers, of course! California Grill will introduce two new appetizers including the Florida Peach and Raspberry Salad pictured above. The appetizer features grilled and fresh peaches, raspberry variations, steel-cut oat granola tart, red onion, and a whipped raspberry vinaigrette.

The second appetizer looks especially yummy! Check out the house-made Vegetable Dumplings which are made with a Doenjang miso-cola onion sauce, radish, crispy garlic-chili oil, and pickled lotus root. With flavors that boast sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, get ready to wow your tastebuds with this one.

Ready for the entrées? First, dive into the House-made Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. This dish has fresh flavors with sunflower, allium, crispy sunchokes, charred green onions, toasted onions, and a sunflower seed-ramp pistou along with a house-made bucatini topped with a luxurious cashew cream sauce. That’s a lot to love in one bowl!

Secondly, the new plant-based entrée Peas and Carrots Risotto shouldn’t be overlooked. Enjoy heirloom carrots, English peas, green garlic, confit onion, and sweet carrot foam.

Ok, the BEST part… DESSERT! Get this – the Peanut and Banana Torte pictured above is a twist on the classic PB&J! It combines shortbread, peanut ganache, miso-caramel, nut crumbles, and caramelized bananas. This might be the first thing we try.

Not a PB&J fan? No worries, California Grill will also have donuts! The Lavender Sugar Donuts are a spin on the “Banana Fritters” featured at the restaurant in 2013. The Lavender Sugar Donuts has been a Disney World 50th Anniversary specialty item but now finds its way onto the plant-based menu. Enjoy the donuts along with coconut frozen dessert, blueberry gin jam, and pistachio crumble. This one is like eating a masterpiece.

Outside of the new plant-based menu, California Grill is also introducing two new seasonal dishes including the Florida Rock Shrimp Salad (pictured above) and the EARidescent Crème Brûlée (pictured below).

The Florida Rock Shrimp Salad features hearts of palm, petite lettuce, yuzu, avocado, jicama, and crisp rice crackers topped with a ginger vinaigrette. The enticing EARidescent Crème Brûlée serves up a pineapple-mango compote, hibiscus meringue, hibiscus crystals, and coconut.

Hungry yet? Time to book a reservation at Disney’s California Grill for a special dining experience. Be sure to snag your reservation 60-days in advance as this popular restaurant fills up fast. Happy dining, Disney fans!

DisneyDining.com is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. Official information can be found at DisneyParks.com