Boma and Jiko?

[Spoisal]

Can someone tell me about these? Are they both located at AKL? What is the difference between the 2? Thanks!

 

[AmyA]

Hi Spoisal,
Yes, Jiko and Boma are both at AKL. Jiko is the full service "upscale" restaurant that all the deluxes have, and Boma is a buffet restaurant that has both African influenced and American food.

We haven't eaten at Boma (yet ), but we have eaten at Jiko. It was wonderful! The food was delicious, the wine was outstanding, and the atmosphere/theming is exceptional. Jiko is definitely one of our top 5 restaurants at WDW.

 

[Spoisal]

Thanks - what is the "dress code" at Jiko? I know there really isn't a dress code in WDW - but how were most people dressed when you were there?

 

[AmyA]

Lots of people had on khakis and button down shirts (short sleeve) for men, and most women had on dress slacks/capris and blouses. However, it was September so there was a fair share of dress shorts and polo shirts (men)/short sleeve blouses (women).

Also, I don't know if you'll have kids with you, but there were definitely lots of kids, and the servers seemed to take the families with kids in stride. IMHO, it's a great restaurant for a romantic meal for you and your SO, but also a good restaurant to take your entire family to.

 

[Rneighh]

I have Jiko planned for up coming stay. I thought we could just were standard park attire. Are shorts or jean okay or should we pack something more dressy?

Renee

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by AmyA
...(snip)....Also, I don't know if you'll have kids with you, but there were definitely lots of kids, and the servers seemed to take the families with kids in stride. IMHO, it's a great restaurant for a romantic meal for you and your SO, but also a good restaurant to take your entire family to.

I disagree that this is a good restaurant to take a family with young children. IMHO, it is too expensive(expect a bill of over $100 for two) to "rush through". The food is excellent and meant to be savored. For those that like wine, the suggested wine pairings are a wonderful add on. There is no "entertainment" at JIKO, and again, IMHO, young children would soon be bored, making the experience less special for the parents. If children cannot easily sit through a meal of at least 60 minutes (90 is better, especially if you plan on desert, LOL), my advice is to choose another restaurant or make arrangements for a sitter.

My DH & I really enjoyed Jiko this past December and I plan to go again on our next trip.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!

 

[AmyA]

Carol MN,
I should have been more clear...

What I meant was that while Jiko is certainly not an ideal restaurant for children, the OP and his/her SO shouldn't avoid eating there because they may have to bring their children along. We saw lots of kids there, and all of them were behaving well. I meant it more as a reassurance that Jiko is not along the lines of V&A, and families do, in fact, dine there

Carol is correct, it is a spendy meal and shouldn't be rushed through. However, if your kids can sit through a 60-90 minute meal, the fact that the children have to come with you shouldn't dissuade you from eating there.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by AmyA
Carol MN,
I should have been more clear...

What I meant was that while Jiko is certainly not an ideal restaurant for children, the OP and his/her SO shouldn't avoid eating there because they may have to bring their children along. We saw lots of kids there, and all of them were behaving well. I meant it more as a reassurance that Jiko is not along the lines of V&A, and families do, in fact, dine there

Carol is correct, it is a spendy meal and shouldn't be rushed through. However, if your kids can sit through a 60-90 minute meal, the fact that the children have to come with you shouldn't dissuade you from eating there.

We agree completely!

 

[ozziewags]

We loved Boma. I have two college age children who loved it too. There was so much food and something for everyone.....lots of somethings! We decided to do Boma because of price and selection. There seemed to be lots of children there and there is a section just for children, with chicken fingers, spaghetti, etc.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Jiko's is one of our favorite WDW restaurants and we do it each trip. In fact, we're doing it again in May. If you go, do try the Filet over macaroni and cheese, or the Berbere braised Lamb Shank.

"Standard" park attire will be just fine--it's what we always wear. You will see all sorts of dress at this restaurant, so there will always be folks dressed just like you!! (and me!!)

 

[Rneighh]

Thanks for the info. We are all looking forward to eating here. Are the entrees typical Disney size -- big enough to share? My 10 year old DD HATES to eat from a kids menu. She is much for adventurous. But I hate to spend $20 plus on an entree that she won't be able to finish.

Renee

 

[minnie56]

We just returned yesterday from 10 days at AKL.....ate once at Jiko and really enjoyed, but we and our two teenage daughters loved Boma even more!!! Ate there about 5 times for dinner once for breakfast (also great!) so many things to try and the soups are wonderful and change daily. Everyone is so friendly (in fact...one of the hostesses from South Africa...is coming to visit us here in April) and it's lots of fun!
Enjoy wherever you try!!

P.S...try the Zebra Domes for dessert!

 

[Micca]

I would love Jiko but in my family of picky eaters, there is no way.
At Boma I can try the unusual dishes while the rest of the group can have beef.