Boma or Jiko?

[clydenora]

I'm trying to decide which AKL restaurant to go to. My family likes all kinds of food. But we are unsure which to go to (Boma or Jiko). So please give us your opinoins. Thanks.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Boma for the best, most varied buffet you've ever had, Jiko if it's African inspired fine dining that you'e looking for.

 

[byoung]

Peter Pirate I agree with you. I think it's the best buffet in Disney.

 

[HopperFan]

I think Jiko is great for adults, but my kids had no interest in going in, let alone eating there....and they aren't that young.

Loved BOMA, what a huge buffet, great variety, tried lots of new things and can't wait to go again.

 

[Schucraig]

We love Boma! There breakfast and dinner are great, and my kids love it! Good luck!

 

[Stitch1404]

Do you feel like dressing up and going to a really nice meal, or just a casual (although wonderful!) buffet?

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

I have to agree. My family and I love both. Jiko has great atmosphere and my boys (12 & 13) have always done fantastically there. They know what to expect and how to behave in a fine restaurant. However, when they don't feel like doing the "sophisticated" dining, we chill out at Boma. It is a terrific buffet and they get to taste all kinds of foods and act like the "unsophisticated" kids they feel like being for the night. You honestly can't go wrong with your choice. Both are excellent. You know how comfortable your kids will feel in a restaurant. Food is terrific in both. Enjoy whichever you choose.

 

[DoomBuggyBabe]

Jiko easily ranks as one of the finest meals DH and I have had on property (not to mention a heck of a wine cellar). On our trip this December, we had the bacon-tomato-arugula flatbread and lamb pastis for appetizers. DH tried the maize-crusted tilefish with tomato buerre-blanc and roasted veggies of the moment, while I had the filet with red wine reduction and their special macaroni and cheese. Big yums to all.
As an added bonus, we elected to dine at The Cooking Place. It was highly entertaining. Sous chefs Seth and Jeannette were very personable, and chatted with us at length. During the course of our meal we were joined by a mother and her son (about 10) and daughter (about 8). Both the young lady and gentleman seemed to eat well (and without complaint), and enjoy themselves a great deal.
As far as Boma, we've only ever eaten breakfast there, but we agree that it is an excellent choice as well.
Oh, and if you're staying at AKL, you might want to consider taking the culinary tour. It lasts 30-40 minutes, is free of charge, and gives you a few samples of the cuisine served at both restaurants.
Bon appetit,
Q

 

[Uncleromulus]

JIko!!
And don't worry too much about having to dress up--unles you really want to. Dress shorts and/or jeans are perfecly fine for this restaurant.

 

[liamsaunt]

Another vote for Jiko! This is my favorite TS restaurant (along with California Grill). Standouts are the the fish with beurre blanc and vegetables, the filet with macaroni, and the short ribs. The flatbreads are awesome--our favorite is the kalamata olive. The wine list is terrific, and the service has always been stellar.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are going with kids, I would recommend Boma. Personally, I was not so impressed with Jiko.

 

[clydenora]

Thank you for your input. (My 14 yr old son actually posted this.)

We have made a point of taking our kids to a variety of places so that they have learned that different places have certain behavioral expectations. So, (although they are not perfect children) Jiko being a fancier place does not weigh heavily on our decision.

That being said, I am leaning toward Boma, simply because it is a buffet and I feel that it will give us a better chance to try a bigger variety of foods.

So my question now becomes: Is the quality of the food a major issue? I mean, would the Jiko meal (not being buffet) be that much better that I should reconsider?

 

[crisi]

Thank you for your input. (My 14 yr old son actually posted this.)

We have made a point of taking our kids to a variety of places so that they have learned that different places have certain behavioral expectations. So, (although they are not perfect children) Jiko being a fancier place does not weigh heavily on our decision.

That being said, I am leaning toward Boma, simply because it is a buffet and I feel that it will give us a better chance to try a bigger variety of foods.

So my question now becomes: Is the quality of the food a major issue? I mean, would the Jiko meal (not being buffet) be that much better that I should reconsider?

Jiko is MUCH better quality food. Boma is a good buffet, but at the end of the day, its a buffet. With buffet prime rib and buffet salmon under a heat lamp and food that has been held in a warmer, salads on an ice bed. The desserts in particular were disappointing (I'm a dessert snob). The only thing I liked at Jiko that I ordered was the chicken flatbread appitizer, but the food was a much better quality, I just didn't order well (when will I learn that I don't LIKE pistachio?).

 

[Momof6]

Sort of unfairly - because we haven't been to Jiko! Here is the thing - we generally dislike buffets in a BIG way. However - we have found BOMA to be fun, relaxed and still had awesome food. DD12 and DD15 love to try new things - but they don't like to order something new and then have this huge portion and feel guilty about not liking it. So, they can take tiny amounts of everything. It is fun to watch their expressions and see what they go back for more of. Enjoy whichever you decide!

denise

 

[Peter Pirate]

Jiko is a world class restaurant and the food preperation is impeccable.

Boma is more than just a good buffet, it's well above average.

The question is personal taste. If you are accustomed to only fine dining then Jiko will satisfy your needs and leave you with a smile, if you're accustomed to only buffet or counter type service then Boma will be heaven. If you're like us and do it all you can appreciate either for what it is offering you.

Jiko gives you fine food prepared by a first class chef and staff, Boma gives you very good food in a variety that won't be topped by Jiko.

 

[liamsaunt]

Well, I have been to both and I really would pick Jiko. It is true that you get a lot of choices at Boma, but lots of things on the buffet are standard. That's not to say that there aren't lots of ethnic foods--there are--and they have a great soup station too. It's just that the quality of food, no matter how painstakingly prepared, will suffer once it's been out on the buffet.

Addtionally, the atmosphere is better at Jiko. Boma by its nature is a lot louder, and people are constantly walking by your table to refill plates, etc (of course that would be true at any buffet). I would rather relax, be served my meal, enjoy uninterrupted conversation, etc. as opposed to jumping up and down to refill my plate.

All that said, in my opinion Boma is definitely the best buffet at Disney. I don't think you'll be disappointed whichever you choose.

 

[sajetto]

We looooooove Boma! It is a great buffet at a really good price. Jiko has some great items on the menu but after you've ordered your drink, meal, and dessert you've spent a wad of cash (that doesn't include an appetizer!) It is all a matter of personal taste though, some don't like buffets

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

Jiko is a world class restaurant and the food preperation is impeccable.

Boma is more than just a good buffet, it's well above average.

The question is personal taste. If you are accustomed to only fine dining then Jiko will satisfy your needs and leave you with a smile, if you're accustomed to only buffet or counter type service then Boma will be heaven. If you're like us and do it all you can appreciate either for what it is offering you.

Jiko gives you fine food prepared by a first class chef and staff, Boma gives you very good food in a variety that won't be topped by Jiko.

I think Peter Pirate said it all. Couldn't add anything to this post except it conveys my sentiments exactly. Good job comparing/contrasting these two excellent restaurants!

 

[sheepygirl23]

Honestly, BOMA and Jiko are two completly different restaurants. The food is different and the atmosphere and service are also. Jiko is the best restaurant I have ever eaten in. Boma is good too, Im not crazy about buffets, but BOMA has such different food that for me its ok that its a buffet. In my opinion, if you can, do both for dinner. Theya re both unique experiences.

 

[Kirsten77]

Boma is good for breakfast, but Jiko is better for dinner!