Grand Californian’s Napa Rose

For more than a decade Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel has been known for innovative cuisine at its exceptional restaurant, Napa Rose. Chef Andrew Sutton’s contemporary California cuisine is its claim to fame, and I can promise you it will not disappoint. Only serving what is fresh and seasonal, guests dine in a lovely Arts and Crafts-style room with murals of the California wine country, an exciting exhibition kitchen, and massive windows overlooking the California Adventure park.

Begin by ordering the restaurant’s Smiling Tiger Salad composed of salad greens tossed with baby radishes, a spicy diced filet mignon, and a rich coconut-milk vinaigrette topped with savory lobster tempura; definitely lives up to the hype. And even though pizza isn’t your idea of California cuisine you won’t believe Napa Rose’s luscious signature version with smoked Prosciutto, red grapes, caramelized onions, and oh-so-creamy Cambozola cheese. But a cured salmon carpaccio starter didn’t quite measure up mostly due to its slightly sweet flavor from the citrus curing that seemed to overwhelm the salmon’s natural flavor.

Entrées that shouldn’t be missed are crispy-skinned duck a l’orange augmented with braised blood orange segments and a rich almond jus. Or the tender filet mignon whose preparation changes with the seasons; ours was served with flavorful roasted parsnips, a crispy white cheddar fritter, and even the addition of beef cheeks in a rich braising sauce. And speaking of another must it’s the truffled mac and cheese served piping hot in a miniature copper pot!

If you love to watch the action in the kitchen consider the restaurant’s Chef’s Counter seating up to eight people with two seatings per evening. There are three options: the regular dining room menu, a four-course Vintner’s Table pre-fixe menu that changes weekly, or simply have chef prepare a multi-course meal according to his whim and your taste. Feel free to chat up the kitchen staff, asking any questions that might come to mind.

If you come unprepared with no reservations, dine in the restaurant’s spacious lounge. Here a full menu is served in a congenial atmosphere along with cocktails and the award-winning California wine list with a huge by-the-glass choice. And don’t hesitate to heed your server’s wine suggestion since, believe it or not, every server in the restaurant is also a sommelier!

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. She is Chief Executive Concierge at Glass Slipper Concierge and has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort.