Welcome to planDisney, Josyane!
California Grill at
Disney's Contemporary Resort is my favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort. I've celebrated a few special occasions with my wife at California Grill and we've never been disappointed. The views are spectacular, the service is second to none, and the food is exquisite.
As you mentioned in your question, California Grill has a main dining room and a lounge/bar area.
Reservations are highly recommended for the main dining room and tables tend to book up extremely quickly. The lounge/bar at California Grill is first come, first served. In fact, if you don't have a dining reservation, they only allow you to take the elevator up to the restaurant if there is space in the lounge.
There is a set price
3 Course Selection Menu for the main dining room. You can pay a bit extra and get wine pairings with your food. Last May, my wife got the Signature Wine Pairing with her meal and it really complimented each course. I'd highly recommend the following dishes: Sonoma Goat Cheese Raviolo, Oak-fired Filet of Beef, Valrhona Ganache Torte, White Chocolate Cherry Crème Brûlée, and my absolute favorite, Cast Iron-grilled Pork Tenderloin. The cocktails are also fantastic! The Icewine Martini and Ancho Rancho Spicy Margarita are both delicious.
The lounge has a different menu, with lighter fare. This menu isn't published, however, they have some food to complement your beverage of choice.
I hope that's helpful, Josyane. Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Mike