Boma or Jiko?

[ABolte]

We are a family of 5 with 3 kids ages 8, 11, 12. We are not doing the dining plan. We are all foodies (kids too) and planing an early dinner at AKL. I can't decide between these two restaurants. Since we will be paying for 4 adult meals and only 1 child, I'm wondering if Boma is worth the expense? Over at Jiko, my daughter and I can split a filet and my boys can share as well. We are small people so I never feel like we eat the full value at buffets. That said, we don't want to spend extra money if not necessary. Our kids are well behaved in nice restaurants. What do you recommend? Is one better than the other?

 

[Micca]

Both are very good! Boma is a ginormous place, noisy and people constantly on the move headed to/from the buffet line. If everyone is a foodie Boma is a good choice because everyone can sample the various offerings (none of which are way over-the-top spicy or "out there")

By comparison Jiko is a quieter more low-key venue. The quality of the food is a step up from Boma as one would expect from an eatery creating individual meals as opposed to giant vats at a buffet.

Both are good, the experiences varied.

 

[Barbydoll8]

Both are really good but Jiko is a signature, Boma is not. There is a difference in experience and food.
both are pricey but Jiko allows sharing. Based on what you said regarding the amount of food your family eats, I'd really lean towards Jiko.

 

[nilla]

We liked Jiko much more than Boma.

 

[Shellyb84]

I would go with Jiko.

 

[SharonLowe]

Jiko all the way given what you have told us. Much better food quality, good service, and quieter. If you split meals, you will be better off financially too.

 

[happymommy]

My DH and I ate at Jiko but it was years ago (kids went to the kids' club as we were staying at AKL). Honestly, I think because we were club level, and I was full from a few appetizers up there that may skew my impression, but I didn't like Jiko. I loved the club level food so that was probably my problem: I was full!
We had been to Boma when the kids were little, and especially my son loved it. He has severe food allergies, and they were so awesome, and then made him salmon on sugar cane skewers with rice that he adored! Now we're all "Disney" adults, but my DD and I cannot eat much in one sitting so it's such a waste probably (although next trip since we're there we may just do it as DH is an athlete and can eat a ton and he needs it).

If it were me, I don't know. Boma is nicer to me with the variety. I'd do the Mara honestly but I'm #1) cheapo when not with DH, and #2) cannot eat a lot at once at all! Like one plate and I'm done so would rather do counter service.

Sorry I wish I could offer more advice. I'd say to do Boma for the variety if you're set on one or the other. OR..... Do Tusker House at DAK! Same type of food (same chefs) and it's awesome (although I still miss the old CS Tusker House).

 

[Lumpy Dumpity]

Me and my parents have eaten at both places and they are both wonderful. Boma is more moving around, but the food is fantastic and Jiko is also just all around fabulous. I don't think you can go wrong with either. With the info. you gave with your family I'd lean slightly towards Jiko though.

 

[kwdw]

Different - not one better than the other. If you are all foodies and like the dining experience - I'd lean towards Jiko.

 

[akfan513]

For foodies...no question...Jiko!

 

[goofy4prez]

In my opinion one of the restaurants is good and the other is excellent.

Boma: This is the one I would say is good. There is a very nice variety of food, and for a buffet it is good. In fact I'm of the opinion that Boma is the best buffet in WDW. But I'm also of the opinion that even though it is good there is no way it even comes close to measuring up to the level of food quality, service or atmosphere of Jiko. Jiko is one of the best restaurants in WDW and is one that is loved by many "foodies" including myself. As a self described foodie family that you are I would recommend Jiko. Why settle for good (Boma) when you can have excellent (Jiko).

 

[kastoney]

Definitely Jiko. No comparison between a buffet and IMO the best signature restaurant on property

 

[MHDTS]

Love Jiko -- beautiful room, great service and the food is wonderful.

 

[showers2flowers]

Jiko for sure. We are a foodie family, including DS. We took him with us when he was six and again when he was nine, and he's maintained to this day that it's his favorite restaurant at WDW. I don't know if I myself would go that far, but you get the idea.

 

[Minniesgal]

Another vote for Jiko we found it wonderful and Boma mediocre at best.

Boma was crowded, noisy, service was terrible, food at the buffet was not replenished quickly enough soups and salads were always empty. Meats were good desserts were awful.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We weren't impressed with Boma dinner. The food quality just didn't fit the hype. I'd go for Jiko.

 

[ABolte]

Thank you everyone! I just booked dinner at Jiko and we can't wait to get there!!

 

[OKW Lover]

We are a family of 5 with 3 kids ages 8, 11, 12. We are not doing the dining plan. We are all foodies (kids too) and planing an early dinner at AKL. I can't decide between these two restaurants. Since we will be paying for 4 adult meals and only 1 child, I'm wondering if Boma is worth the expense? Over at Jiko, my daughter and I can split a filet and my boys can share as well. We are small people so I never feel like we eat the full value at buffets. That said, we don't want to spend extra money if not necessary. Our kids are well behaved in nice restaurants. What do you recommend? Is one better than the other?

There is a huge difference between dining at Boma and Jiko. For foodies (even kids) Jiko will provide the better experience.

However, for those that are a bit uncertain about "different" flavors then I'd go to Boma. Everybody will find something to their liking at Boma. Having said that, the cost of Boma is pretty high and I think you are correct in figuring that your family could come out of Jiko (which isn't cheap) for a lower total cost.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Love Jiko. Went to Boma last year and not impressed. The food and setvice at Jiko is top notch. we will be there in a week. I'm already thinking about the naan bread and appetizer. It s almost my fav thing ever. Could just eat that for dinner. And the list of South African wines is terrific.

 

[leebee]

Boma is our favorite buffet at WDW. Jiko is our favorite Signature (well... tied with California Grill). Either way, you cannot go wrong!