Is it worth the money?

Disney demonstrated its high culinary intentions by investing in Napa Rose restaurant, located within Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. For over 20 years, the spot has been a mainstay of the Anaheim fine-dining scene. And although the restaurant’s menu frequently reflects fresh, seasonal cuisine, the ultra-exclusive, $150-a-head Chef’s Counter is where guests willing to splurge on a meal can truly embark on an culinary journey.

If you’re wondering what’s it like to dine at the Napa Rose Chef’s Counter and whether it’s worth the steep price, keep reading.  

A friend and I were recently able to schedule a night away from our families to indulge in this opportunity. It had been years since I sat at the Chef’s Counter, but I was eager to return. Even as a self-professed adventurous foodie, there are still things I’m not keen on ordering, but the Napa Rose sets a safe tone to try everything under the masterful hand of its award-winning chefs.

Upon arrival at Napa Rose, I was escorted to the heart of the restaurant’s wide open floor plan, then seated at a countertop directly facing the eyes of chefs, who would be preparing my meal with carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients. Shortly after I was seated, I was asked a set of questions to determine my personal preferences, including any allergies and foods I would absolutely refuse to try. 

An important element of the Chef’s Counter experience —and one you must know before dining here — is that you will not be choosing any of the food you’ll be served. However, the staff will happily make you a new plate if you don’t like anything you’re served. You’ll also have a knowledgeable sommelier on hand, who can perfectly pair award-winning wines with your dishes for an additional $90 per person. 

The dishes served to me during my dining experience ranged from an impeccable presentation of caviar gently laid over potato and beet, which had been layered and whipped like a mousse, to a cup of warm bone marrow custard with an oxtail marmalade. A few plates were also vegetarian like a fabulously prepared mushroom ragu that included two perfectly poached egg yolks. This rich plate was followed with a palate cleanser in the form of a cucumber lime pudding shot, before I moved on to a generous pan seared-beef filet, which featured braised cheek bits that dissolved like soft butter in my mouth. In total, I enjoyed seven courses.

“The food was spectacular and it’s a perfect evening activity for adults that want a more upscale experience on Disney property,” my dining partner and a Disney content creator, Nicole Bohne, said after experiencing the Chef’s Counter for the first time.

There were no children at the Chef’s Counter the night we went, although the main restaurant seated quite a few kids in the hours we sat for dinner. For parents looking for an upscale offering for their little ones, the Napa Rose offers the ever-so-elegant Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure Thursday through Monday. 

By now, you are probably wondering: Does this culinary experience measure up against California’s extremely high standard? The answer is somewhat complicated. At first glance, the restaurant’s dated decor and layout paints an elegant resort dining atmosphere at best. And although the menu’s farm-to-table approach is certainly impressive, California is known for its highly competitive culinary offerings; Disneyland Resort is likely not the first place a food connoisseur would look for perfect plating options. 

Still, Napa Rose’s exceptional food is the result of a combination of factors, with the chef of the kitchen playing a crucial role. A 30-year culinary veteran, Andrew Sutton, who left Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley to open Napa Rose, helms the restaurant. It was Disney’s hope that Sutton’s passion for cooking would mix with the resort’s storytelling expertise to spark foodie magic. And he delivers: Each bite of my multi-course meal was bursting with breathtaking flavors that would tantalize even the most skeptical eaters. 

Of course, all of this exquisite quality comes at a price. The Napa Rose restaurant is one of the most expensive dining options in the Anaheim area, with entrees averaging around $50. A meal at the Chef’s Counter costs a flat $150, with a $90 additional charge per person for wine pairings. That’s pricey, but still, when you compare this to Napa Rose’s four-course prix fixe menu, which comes in at $125, I would argue the Chef’s Counter far outweighs in quality and originality.  

Overall, this Napa Rose experience is a must-try for foodies who want an up-close look at the culinary process, while stepping out of their palate’s comfort zone. While the location itself could use a mild reimagining, and while this is undoubtedly an expensive adventure, the Chef’s Counter provides a perfect translation of Chef Andrew Sutton’s vision for an unforgettable evening. 

Before your mouth can even begin to water, you’ll need to reserve one of the exclusive seats at the Chef’s Counter. Guaranteeing your spot on the Napa Rose Chef’s Counter reservation book requires a phone call and booking well in advance. 

Find it: Napa Rose, located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 1600 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802; 714-781-4636

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].