The Solo Scale:

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If you’re going to Disneyland, there’s not going to be a lack of dining options. Between the two parks, the Downtown Disney district, and the hotels, you’ll actually need to be strategic about where you choose to dine. If you’re looking for something that’s a cut above and a bit fancier, Napa Rose in the Grand Californian is the way to go. This fantastic California inspired restaurant might be a little outside of your budget, but it’s a fantastic thing to plan for. Plus, you don’t have to order the prix fixe menu and can instead go a la carte to save room in your wallet (while still filling your stomach).

If you’re not staying on property or within walking distance (and even if you are), you can take a rideshare that will drop you off, which will allow you to imbibe and consume as much alcohol as you like without worrying and then you can opt to walk home, take another rideshare, or take a bus if you’re at a hotel by one of the parking lots. Don’t forget to give yourself some time prior to your reservation to enjoy the resort.

Our reservation was for a little later (8PM) which worked out well both because we were still able to have a full park day, come back to the hotel to refresh, and then enjoy a nearly-empty restaurant and lots of attention from our servers. The restaurant does have a dress code, but it’s not overly strict. At least, to a degree. We saw another table who had been given shawls to cover up from their tank tops (that, or they were simply cold), but in general, most people were dressed fairly casually.

The restaurant is funky and contemporary in its design. It has an open kitchen so you can see the food being prepared. If you’re willing to shell out the dough, you can even sit at the chef’s table and watch!

The menu changes from time to time, but features seasonally relevant items. Even if you do decide on the prix fixe, you’re not limited to those options. If you want, you can add on additional items. That’s actually what I did, because one of the pasta dishes looked too good to miss out on. There’s also a great drinks menu, both wine selections and cocktails. I opted to let our server surprise me. They brought a smoky and delicious cocktail right up my alley with whiskey and mezcal and notes of honey, lemon, and smokiness. I’d mentioned that my go-to was a whiskey sour. The drink they made absolutely delivered right to my favourite flavours.

For the prix fixe, I selected the following, plus an add-on pasta dish that looked too good to pass up:

• Crisp Duck Confit (the highlight of the night!)
• Sage Roasted Venison
• Pear Upside Down Butter Cake

Everything was fantastic with great wine pairings along the way. The food wasn’t the typical haute-cuisine portion sizes, but without being too filling. At the end of the meal, I was pleasantly satisfied. It also didn’t take too long, ending just after two hours for drinks, and the four courses that we enjoyed (plus wine and lingering after dessert). The wait staff is truly out of this world, so don’t forget to tip generously for the experience. For the price, it really is worth every penny — even when stacked up against other fine dining experiences in California.

I can’t recommend Napa Rose enough. I know that I’ll be returning if I go back to California as the menu changes seasonally. As with other Disneyland restaurants, you’ll be able to book a reservation 60 days in advance of your trip. Unlike Disney World, it’s not the first day of the trip, but 60 days out. If you want to dine here, absolutely make a reservation to be sure you’ll be able to dine.

Bon appetit, and enjoy if you’re going to Napa Rose to dine!

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