Your thoughts on Jiko and Sanaa

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We haven't tried either but would like to try at least one of them for our next visit. Would love to hear your opinions of the two places. No picky eaters in our family of DD7, DS4, DW and myself. Kids like Indian food which we do take out quite frequently and behave well at restaurants. I have to say, from just looking at the menus I see a lot of dishes on Jiko that sound very intriguing.

 

[LaurenT]

If you're just going to do one, I'd recommend Jiko. It's much more unique and it's a step above Sanaa. If you do Indian at home, Sanaa will be enjoyable, but will not provide you with a "revelation" in dining....I can almost guarantee that Jiko will.
Having said that, I LOVE Sanaa. If you can do both, I don't think you'll regret it!

 

[MrEVILdrPorkchop2u]

We went to Sanaa this December for the first time and LOVED it! Amazing food and service. The views were incredible. After dinner we were able to go out onto their patio and use the night goggles to view the animals. We sat around the fire pit. Our group loved everything!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

If you're just going to do one, I'd recommend Jiko. It's much more unique and it's a step above Sanaa. If you do Indian at home, Sanaa will be enjoyable, but will not provide you with a "revelation" in dining....I can almost guarantee that Jiko will.
Having said that, I LOVE Sanaa. If you can do both, I don't think you'll regret it!

As it looks right now, we probably have time to try only one which is why it's such a tough choice. Wish we could. Thanks for your thoughts. Whether Sanaa's food would provide a elevated Indian/African fusion cuisine compared to what he have at home was one of the things I was wondering.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We went to Sanaa this December for the first time and LOVED it! Amazing food and service. The views were incredible. After dinner we were able to go out onto their patio and use the night goggles to view the animals. We sat around the fire pit. Our group loved everything!

Thanks for your thoughts! From what I was reading, it sounded like the combination of the food and atmosphere with the views really works well for Sanaa. I did not know they had night goggles!! The kids would probably love love all of this!

 

[blackacex2]

Sanaa is a hidden gem! Moderate prices and REALLY good food and atmosphere. However, Jiko has a more impressive atmosphere.

 

[LaurenT]

As it looks right now, we probably have time to try only one which is why it's such a tough choice. Wish we could. Thanks for your thoughts. Whether Sanaa's food would provide a elevated Indian/African fusion cuisine compared to what he have at home was one of the things I was wondering.

I also have Indian food at home. You will find the Sanaa cuisine quite similar. The quality is very good, the service, atmosphere and view are all fabulous...
BUT...
Jiko is something you will not find anywhere else. The food, service and atmosphere are all excellent. You can go out to the savannah after your meal and watch the wildlife from a rocking chair next to the firepit.
If you're only doing one, do Jiko. But be sure to visit Sanaa next time!

 

[Gaia]

We went to Jiko on or trip 3 years ago, and my husband is still talking about it! Both of our mouths water at the mention if it. It was absolutely wonderful! Food was excellent and service was exquisite. Our server was from Africa (can't remember exactly where) and he made wonderful conversation with us about the food, and also the culture of his home county. We are debating whether to go back or try somewhere new on our trip in December!

 

[MrEVILdrPorkchop2u]

Thanks for your thoughts! From what I was reading, it sounded like the combination of the food and atmosphere with the views really works well for Sanaa. I did not know they had night goggles!! The kids would probably love love all of this!

One thing I forgot, they also have someone outside who is knowledgeable about all of the animals on the savannah! What a perfect way to end our evening. Enjoy your trip.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We're in the minority on the thread, but we weren't as impressed with Jiko as we thought we would be from reading the DIS. The atmosphere was very nice & quieter than most of WDW's restaurants, which was great. The food, OTOH was very avg. We didn't find it exotic in the least. The appetizers were good. Everything else was mediocre. I suppose we were expecting too much from a Disney restaurant, but it was much more bland than we expected. It wasn't that we didn't like the spices. We just wondered where they were. If you have great Indian restaurants around you, I doubt you'll be blown away by Jiko. You can expect a good (not outstanding) meal, with a nice atmosphere. There are several signature restaurants that we feel offer better food. However, Jiko is near the top for atmosphere. We haven't tried Sanaa, but will definitely dine there, before considering a repeat visit to Jiko.