Which Restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge is best?

[Barb D]

Tell me which one is your favorite here and why? I think they are called Boma and Jiko.

Barb

[Moley]

We had the best meal ever at WDW at Jiko. It was also expensive, but we indulged in wines so that was a major cost. The food there is extraordinary. We also enjoyed the atmosphere of the lodge before and after dinner. We will go there again without hesitation.

[BetsyAnn]

What a tough question! :confused2: I love them both for very different reasons.

I have eaten twice at Jiko - both times I enjoyed every minute of it. From sitting in the most comfortable chairs on site to the great CM, to the great African wine, to the melt in your mouth entries, to the wonderfully sinful desserts and the pressed tea. It was a totally relaxing experience! In a heartbeat I would go again. Now, like Moley said, it is expensive! My 2 cents is that it was worth every penny and then some!

I have eaten at Bomas several times - a couple times for breakfast and a few times for dinner. My favorite thing about Bomas is the soup! I am a soup lover. I have never had a soup at Bomas I didn't like! I also thought the ribs were just about the best I have ever eaten (trust me I have eaten ribs with the best of them! :wink: ). The prime rib was excellant and I also enjoyed the what did they called - a corn grit type dish that is served plain but there is a salsa or relish right next to it that is spicy and makes the dish! Breakfast was also good with the typical fares and a few surprises -- the juice is excellant

I know that Bomas and Jiko are not everyone's cup of tea - so to speak! I enjoy trying new flavors, familar foods with a twist and enjoy trying things that are new. I also enjoy food heavily spiced - not necessarily hot spicy more like a little party in your mouth kind of spice.

Can you tell I really like both of these places! :lol: And with all my opinions, you actual mileage may vary and it is only my 2 cents!

[Cinderella]

Well, we haven't tried Jiko yet but we made it to Boma in December and enjoyed it. I liked the idea of having so much food to sample and then going back for seconds on the ones I liked best. DH was glad that they had the prime rib so he was safe there but he got adventurous later. I enjoyed all the salads and of course, LOVED the desserts and tried them all for the first time (I usually don't make it to desserts when at DW).

I'd say try both. Next time I think we'll try Jiko so we can better judge.

Good luck!

Cinderella

[MargaretJ]

Hmm tough one. I loved them both but I will have to say the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon at Jiko was the best. I don't even recall them giving you a steak knife, the meat was that tender. Boma on the other hand gives you lots of choices & tons of desserts to sample.

[AliKat]

We had a horrible, horrible experience at Jiko and would never eat there again. The service was extremely slow, and when our food was brought out it was cold. When they brought it back out, it was hot in spots (aka microwaved). The table we sat it was attached to a long booth with some other tables, if i recall, and the people on either side of us had small children. I'm sure it isn't always like this, but our experience certainly did not make us want to go back.

We loved Boma, on the other hand, as all the food was unique and hot, and the service was impecable.

I guess it depends on what kind of dinner you're looking for. For something quieter and romantic, I'd say Jiko. If you want to try a lot of interesting food and don't mind some noise and bustle, I'd say Boma.

[FLSharon]

We had a horrible, horrible experience at Jiko and would never eat there again. The service was extremely slow, and when our food was brought out it was cold. When they brought it back out, it was hot in spots (aka microwaved). The table we sat it was attached to a long booth with some other tables, if i recall, and the people on either side of us had small children. I'm sure it isn't always like this, but our experience certainly did not make us want to go back.

We loved Boma, on the other hand, as all the food was unique and hot, and the service was impecable.



Wow, that sounds awful and it's so expensive that it's reallly a shame.

I've eaten at Boma's twice and enjoyed it each time. Ordering one item at Jikos' at their prices gives me the willies. I'm afraid i'll have a big bill and not like it.

[DisneyPam]

Sharon....
Although I certainly won't minimize Alikat's report of a bad experience at Jiko, she is the only peson I've ever heard with a complaint about Jiko. I've been there numerous times and have tried many of their menu offerings. I have yet to have a bad experience. The service has always been impeccable. Of all the restaurants I've dined at at WDW, I've found the servers there to be the most knowledgeable regarding the menu and winelist. And unlike many WDW restaurants where I often feel rushed, the service is unhurried but efficient. Another plus in my book is that their portion size is more Continental than American meaning that they favor quality over quantity. You won't leave hungry but you also won't leave feeling bloated and overindulgent. Yes it is expensive, but it is also a wonderful place to eat.

Boma is also a great restaurant and my favorite of the Disney buffets. Personally tho, I am not a big buffet fan. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

[MissBianca]

My answer to this question would be, "better for whom"? For Bernard and I, Jiko is a lovely, quiet, gourmet escape. Everything I've tried there has been delicous and the atmosphere is possibly the most romantic of any Disney dining experience. Breakfast is better at Boma, though! ;-) Boma for families and the timid, Jiko for gourmets and romantics. A great pair of restaurants!

[Kylara]

They are definately different types of resturants. I haven't tried Jiko because, like Sharon, for the prices I am worried about getting something I don't like. I love Boma but one of the reasons I love it is because if I get something I don't like, I can just leave it and try something else. I am a very picky eater so I like the flexibility that Boma offers.

That said, now that I have been to Boma a number of times, bothered the chefs and servers to know what is in the foods, I am getting a good idea of what spices I like and which I don't. Armed with this info, I am started to think seriously about trying Jiko. I have heard wonderful reviews from just about everyone I know and since I have a better idea of what I want to aviod, I think it would be a great dining experience.