Boma, Jiko or Kona Cafe for dinner?

[Fionasmommy]

It's for 2 adults, and one child who's a picky eater.

 

[Christine]

Well, any of the places will have the standard "chicken tenders" available for the picky eater. I don't think you can go wrong at either. If you go to Boma, the child will have his/her choice of stuff of the kid's pod. I always think that picky eaters do well at buffets because they are the one's "in control" at that point. Kona Cafe has the standard menu fare for kids. Not sure about Jiko since I haven't been, but it is definitely more upscale. I know my kids prefer buffets over the signature dining. They like to go up and get their own food and eat lots of what they like.

 

[MissionMouse]

We have dined at all three with two DD 3 & 5 and I would recommend in the following order:
Jiko
Kona Cafe
Boma

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have eaten each several times and my order would be:

Boma
Jiko
Kona Cafe

All 3 of these are in my top 10 places to eat at WDW. I don't think you could go wrong. As long as your little one will eat the usual kids' menu items, you are good to go.

 

[Uncleromulus]

IF it were just 2 adults then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jiko. But with a child picky eater, I have to agree with Christine.

 

[kaysmommie]

I have 2 picky eaters so I would try Boma or Kona. I have never been to Jiko so I can't really say don't go there. Your little girl is adorable!

 

[Fionasmommy]

I have 2 picky eaters so I would try Boma or Kona. I have never been to Jiko so I can't really say don't go there. Your little girl is adorable!

Aww, thanks!

Well, I went ahead and booked Boma, and the CM said it was a good choice over Concourse, because of the greater variety of food. Hope he's right!

Now I'm wondering if I can put in Kona somewhere else. Maybe pay for lunch OOP, but I hesitate to because it seems to defeat the purpose of the DDP. If only we could trade CS credit for TS!

 

[MJMcBride]

I love Boma and so did my 2 year old. I always thought buffets helped for kids as the waiting around time is reduced.

 

[mking624]

I've never been to Jiko or Kona, but have been to Boma and just love it. That siad, I agree that Boma is probably the best suited since it allows the eater full control over what they're getting. And if you don't like the food on your plate...no worries, just get up and pick something else.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Boma's a great choice.

I definitely think you should pay for Kona's lunch OOP, or just drop in for a dessert if it's not busy. You won't regret it. Get the little one a Kiddie Kone - she'll love it! and you can try some of the Kona coffee (it's the best!)

Here's my $0.02 on the three restaurants from the OP.

Kona has fabulous, fresh, creative meals, and some of the best desserts on WDW property. It is my favorite WDW restaurant.

Boma is also great. In addition to the more unusual items, there are always more standard items like prime rib, etc. to choose from- and as was said before, there is a kid's pod with standard picky-kid-pleasing fare.

I would not choose Jiko, as it is a more upscale meal geared to adults, with more exotic menu items and a large wine selection. It just does not seem to be a place best suited for young or picky children.

Choosing between Boma and Kona is tough though, because both are excellent, just different. And both are located in absolutely gorgeous resorts!

Get to Boma early and check out the animals on the Savannah, the fire pit and the beautiful lobby!

Really try to squeeze in Kona, too. It's worth a trip to explore the gorgeous grounds and try the awesome food.

 

[Glendamax]

When you go to Boma, make sure you get a mini-pineapple cheesecake! They are sooooooo good!!!

 

[crisi]

Three very different restaurants:

Boma - extensive buffet. A lot of people love this place, we were less than completely impressed. I don't like buffets with small kids, because I prefer to sit than get up and down all the time (when my now older kids go to a buffet, they can get their own food). Other people love the fact that their kid can try a little of everything and get it almost immediately.

Jiko - upscale sit down. I think I ordered wrong here, but the food was well prepared (just not to my taste). It will be an expensive meal, but if you can afford it and your kid can sit through it (plan on an hour and a half plus for three courses), it would be my recommendation.

Both these restaurants are out at AKL - which, unless you are staying there, - is off the beaten path. The lodge is an amazing place to visit, but I'd recommend having a car or planning on cab fare.

Kona - one of Disneys great values. The restaurant serves more upscale food and a more moderate price. The quality doesn't quite meet the ambition, but given that its inexpensive for its ambition, its a good value. The nice thing about Kona and a little one is that its easy to get to and from the MK.