Boma or Jiko?

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I have heard so much about both Boma and Jiko that I am needing some advice from all of my fellow Disney fans! I have never eaten at any of these restaurants. I currently have a reservation at both restaurants on the same night, and I am wanting to cancel one of them. I know I don't want to make the trek to AKL both times on my trip. Plus, I would like to leave one of these restaurants for a future trip. I am also traveling solo.

So, this is where I need all of your help. Which one of these would you choose and why? Thanks for any advice that you are able to give!

 

[uccats97]

I'd do Boma alone and save Jiko to experience with company.

 

[Hopefully]

I'd go with Jiko and request to sit at the Cooking Place counter. It is more adult and way quieter

 

[PollyannaMom]

I was going to say Boma because it was on our short-list last time, but I love the idea of sitting at the counter watching them cook! Therefore, I am no help at all!!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I'd go with Jiko and request to sit at the Cooking Place counter. It is more adult and way quieter

Does that cost extra?

I was going to say Boma because it was on our short-list last time, but I love the idea of sitting at the counter watching them cook! Therefore, I am no help at all!!

The recommendation of Boma is always helpful.

I'd do Boma alone and save Jiko to experience with company.

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[FarmBoy78]

For me, I'd go Boma for the first trip to AKL. It's the true, taste of Africa in a way. Plus, if you're into that sort of thing, unlimited Zebra Domes.

You won't go wrong with either, but Boma has a special place in my heart.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have eaten at both of them alone, and I would recommend Jiko. I find buffets hard to do solo. I do not like leaving my stuff unattended on the table.


It is a much more enjoyable experience being waited on


And I know I'm in a minority, but I hated the zebra dome

 

[disneyvoice]

Oh gosh, this is a tough one. They are both amazing places. For Boma I wish my stomach had about 4 times the capacity for food. I am literally sad when I get full there because there are still so many things I want to eat. My DH and I agreed that Jiko is one of the best restaurants we have ever been too - that's taking into account the atmosphere, service, food, and wine. It was just an all around amazing experience. I tend to think of Jiko as more for special occasions though while Boma is just fine after a hot and sweaty day at the parks. I wouldn't want to go to Jiko unless I could head back to my room to shower and change first. The counter at Jiko would be a great option for someone dining solo as you would be able to chat with the cooks and others sitting there.

You can't go wrong with either.

 

[disneyvoice]

And I know I'm in a minority, but I hated the zebra dome

I second your opinion. They are way too sweet for me and I find the gooey texture bizarre.

 

[Jetta8300]

I am definitely in the minority here because Jiko is usually very well reviewed. But we have been there 3 times always waiting to see why people think it's so great, and we have never been very impressed. And we are really adventurous eaters. The last time we went, I ordered a fish dish that was literally 3 bites of food for almost $50. Had a very dry flatbread, and weird Mac and cheese that tasted like beefaroni. We do a lot of signatures and we were just shocked at the abnormally teeny portions, even for a signature. I think after 3 strikes we wont be doing Jiko again. We are staying at AKL this next trip and will be trying Boma for the first time, and doing Sanaa again, which was very good our last trip.

 

[HappyHaunts999]

I love both but would recommend Jiko. For a solo trip it can be nice to have a more quiet dinner after a day in the parks. Boma is great but can be very loud.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

I've never been to either (hoping to do both on our honeymoon in April!), but I wanted to second previous posters about doing a buffet solo. I think Jiko would be a better experience as a solo dinner (sitting at the counter) versus a buffet where you are getting up and down and having to worry about your stuff at your table.

 

[cleopenn]

So, this is where I need all of your help. Which one of these would you choose and why? Thanks for any advice that you are able to give!

My question to you would be how do you like to eat? We don't do buffets. My husband hates them in all forms and I don't like them and therefore, we didn't do Boma.

We enjoy an nice sit down meal at the end of the day and though Jiko was excellent. We asked the server for his recommendations and went with that. If you like wine, Jiko has a very nice wine list, both by the glass and bottle.

I would have felt very comfortable dining a Jiko alone. The restaurant has a very quiet, cozy atmosphere.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Jiko, Jiko, Jiko! And I'd request seating at the counter. We like Boma, but Jiko is a must do every trip -- just excellent.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I've been struggling with this myself. Staying at AKL for 2 nights for my solo trip next weekend, and I would really like to do Boma or Jiko. I've done both once before and they're both great. Jiko is fancier, but I've also seen people in there with little kids straight from the parks, because it is still Disney. If I did Jiko I would do the counter suggestion for sure. Boma was great too, delicious food and more casual. But I'm nervous about doing an all you can eat buffet alone. I don't want to leave my things at the table, and I am just nervous about the though of sitting alone, stuffing my face at a buffet with people all around. I know that's dumb but that's what I imagine with I picture myself at Boma. I'd rather have a nice steak, a glass of wine, and read a book at the counter at Jiko. So yes, I would lean towards Jiko, but part of that is social anxiety lol. I think the questions to consider are 1. Do you mind eating alone in a crowd? 2. Would you rather try many things or have one entrée? Boma has soooooo much food!

 

[gillep]

I love both, as a solo diner I would probably do Jiko and request the counter (it does not cost extra). I would save Boma for a trip with company, because it is so difficult to try everything that it's nice to have someone else grab different options and let you know whether it is worth the stomach space or not (usually yes with Boma). You can't go wrong with either though. Enjoy!

 

[addiln]

We have done them both and would go back to Boma any day of the week. It was by far our favorite buffet on property. I was really looking forward to Jiko last year and just felt like it was over hyped and not as good as it looks. The service was great but the food did not deliver for me.

 

[gharter]

Both are very good. I think it really comes down to what type of restaurant you want to go to.
Boma is a buffet and is generally louder with more going on around you. You get to try a wide variety of foods.
Jiko is generally quieter and more of a Signature restaurant. I've done both types solo and generally prefer the Signature restaurant when solo, but that may just be me. When solo I usually ask to sit by the cooking counter, most restaurants have something similar. It is enjoyable. I've found the staff at the restaurants very accomodating for solo diners.

 

[goofy4prez]

For me the choice is an easy one... Jiko. I like Boma, it is actually a notch above average food, which is a huge compliment considering it's a buffet. Actually one of the best I've been too. But for me Jiko is simply one of the best restaurants in all of Disney... Clearly a top 5 if not top 3 in WDW. One can never go to Jiko too often.

 

[Micca]

I agree they are both very good! Boma is very loud, I still recall a time some years ago where I heard a small child let-go a scream that probably frightened the animals at AK! Jiko is somewhat subdued comparatively.

I'm wondering if you can eat at the bar at Jiko? Even if you don't like alcohol it might be fun to interact with the bartender and possibly other guests at the bar.