AKL's Boma vs. Jiko, help me decide please.

[rifamtrav]

Ok, here's the setup, we'll be there on 9/6 (first of 4 nights, staying at Poly, dining plan) me, DH, DD12 and twin DD's 10, that day should be evening EMH at AK, so my first plan was to have dinner at Jiko's at about 8pm. (use 2 TS credits each for 3 of us, 6 total and pay for younger 2). DH and I are very adventurous eaters, will try anything and DD12 is getting more and more adventurous. But then, I saw the buffet menu at Boma....(includes Zebra mound thingy, yum!). At 8pm my DDs will be happier picking things from a buffet and we'll probably be done with dinner faster. But, DH is concerned that buffet means lesser quality food, not as authentic as Jiko's.
Anyone been to both? Can any Boma veterans review the food quality, authenticity? Any comments on atmosphere? Thanks.

 

[skuttle]

We've eaten at both and I think that both are good and as authentic as they can be (I assume...I've never actually been to africa). The good thing about Boma is that you can try a little of everything, and then go back for your favorites! They also have a kiddie bar with "normal" food just in case your kids may not feel like trying new things. DH and I usually do not do lunch/dinner buffets at WDW...usually the quality of food is only so-so. However, we have done Boma twice and will be going again in December. We really enjoy Boma!

 

[rifamtrav]

Thanks for the info, I'll show my DH your post. I also feel like alot of the buffets are not worth it - same food I can get anywhere. But that doesn't seem to be the case, looking at Boma's menu. Out of curiousity, did you think Jiko's was worth it too? I wonder if some of the foods are made in the same kitchen (some menu items look similar so I hope so.)

 

[stina]

Hi-

I stayed at AKL recently and have eaten at both restaurants. Jiko once, Boma several times. They are two very different restaurants despite the African inspired commonality of both.

Boma is definitely more family friendly and dining more at your own pace.
Also there are more options. African food for the adventurous, American fare for those not quite as adventurous. Boma has just about everything, salads, meats, vegetarian options and wonderful desserts and fruits. Jiko is more of an upscale type restaurant and also more pricey. You can order tapas style appetizers (that's what I did) or one main entree. The food there is exquisite but definitely more adult oriented.

I love both restaurants for different reasons. And the atmosphere in both is very nice of course. Boma's a bit more exciting, high energy. Jiko, more relaxing and romantic. For your first time eating at AKL, especially with kids, I'd go with Boma. For a return trip, maybe with just adults try to go to Jiko, it's a wonderful culinary experience.

stina

 

[F1Julie]

I've been to both and much prefer Boma. The food at Jiko was good, but not spectacular. I like the selection at Boma better. I found the food at Boma more interesting and I like to be able to sample a little bit of everything. I doubt I'll return to Jiko, but we go to Boma every trip.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I love Boma because you can try a little of everything. The food is delicious and IMO, the best buffet at WDW.

 

[mouseRD]

My husband & I are not really buffet people, but I'm really looking forward to trying Boma because of all of the good reviews & interesting food choices. We did have a wonderful dinner at Jiko's last year for my birthday. The food was outstanding & the service impeccable. We did see a lot more couples/adult parties vs families there.

 

[PrincessMelissa]

I agree Boma is the best buffet in WDW. I like to try a little bit of everything.
However, I love Jiko. It has become my favorite restaurant of all time. My husband and I went there for Valentine's Day and I hope to return for our anniversary. The service is out of this world (seriously, the best we have ever had) and the meals are delicious. As others have said, I have also noticed mostly adults in Jiko. My vote goes to Jiko for sure for the flatbreads and filet.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I've been to both and I like them both.

However, JIKO is by far a more pleasurable experience. Their wine selection is exceptional, the staff is as good as it can get and the food is exquisite.

I vote for JIKO!

 

[rifamtrav]

Thanks PrincessMelissa. Jiko does sound great, but if kids were involved would it still be your choice? I know one thing, if we don't go this time, then next time DH and I will definitely ditch the kids and try it.
Any info on timing at Boma? If EMH evening hours end at 8pm at AK, and we plan to head out a little earlier than that, does 8pm sound good for a PS time? Does anyone know if its still going strong then or have the crowds started to thin? Or is there another wave as AK closes???
I know, so many questions...

 

[PrincessMelissa]

I would absolutely go back to Jiko if there were more children. Being around so many children is part of the WDW experience and it's fun to see them dressed up, even if they are toddlers- but your children are older than that and can sit for longer periods of time.
About timing- I went to Jiko around 6 and both it and Boma were almost empty. (this was during "slow" season and no EMH)
I went to Boma around 7:15 and it was hoppin'! And stayed that way until about 8. Every table was full and there was a line waiting for walk-ins. Maybe someone could be more helpful with the EMH timing but, I say go for it. I think if you have a ps, you will be fine. You will be glad you have adventurous eaters- I am as well and found some of the dishes to be spicy and I love spicy food. (but, personal tastes are very different, I know.)
Like someone else said, you can try a little of everything then go back for the really yummy things you like.
Do try Jiko next visit!

 

[Cookie Princess]

I've been to both and much prefer Boma. The food at Jiko was good, but not spectacular.

We felt the exact same way. Jiko was good, but not great. Disney doesn't even refer to Boma as a buffet because it is so unique.

 

[skuttle]

Thanks for the info, I'll show my DH your post. I also feel like alot of the buffets are not worth it - same food I can get anywhere. But that doesn't seem to be the case, looking at Boma's menu. Out of curiousity, did you think Jiko's was worth it too? I wonder if some of the foods are made in the same kitchen (some menu items look similar so I hope so.)

Jiko was WONDERFUL!! DH and I loved it! We both ordered the steak with mac n cheese that everyone raves about. I believe Jiko is DH's favorite restaurant now. We enjoyed our meal a lot and would definitely go back. I'm not sure how Jiko is with kids. I was pregnant at the time, so no kids yet so we didn't really pay too much attention to that aspect.

 

[Tiger926]

Not trying to hijack thread, but I was going to post this exact same question! Also, can anyone tell me if BOMA is just buffet? According to Deb's site, this is the only menu listed, so I'm thinking it's only buffet. We have allergies, so we need to work out a few things.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Joan1]

Not trying to hijack thread, but I was going to post this exact same question! Also, can anyone tell me if BOMA is just buffet? According to Deb's site, this is the only menu listed, so I'm thinking it's only buffet. We have allergies, so we need to work out a few things.

Thanks, Tiger

It is a buffet but the chefs are right there and if you tell your server what your allergies are they will have one of the chefs come and speak to you about it. They will walk you through the buffett line and let you know what you can and cannot have plus they will prepare something just for you.

If you have an allergy that isn't very common then you also call 24 hours prior to speak with someone so that they can make sure they have on hand things that you can have