Boma or Jiko?

[laurajetter]

My husband and I only have time to go to either Boma or Jiko, and I have seen great reviews for both! In addition to cuisine, we both feel that the atmosphere in a restaurant is just as important. I just don't know which one we should go to! If you had to choose, which restaurant would you recommend for someone who has never been to AK before? I know whichever we choose it will be great, but I just wanted to get some opinions!

-Laura

 

[mrsltg]

If it's just you and your DH, and you value atmosphere, I'd go with Jiko. I do love Boma, but it's not exactly romantic. Jiko is quiet, and the food is wonderful! You will definitely enjoy either, though!

Erin

 

[PeggyKate]

We just returned from AKL last week and had a great dinner at Boma. We thought the menu looked better than Jiko, although Jiko is a beautiful restaurant. We had PS at 7:20 and while there were a many families/kids, we still had a nice quiet meal. Our server was great, very attentive and the food was very good. Some African items, but mainly prime rib, roasted chicken and salmon. The salad selection was great and the hummus was wonderful. They also have a very good selection of inexpensive wines. We would eat there again.

 

[Patty3]

You really can not go wrong with either restaurant, both have great food. If it is a variety of new dishes that you would like to try, I would go with Boma. If it is atmosphere that is more important, then dine at Jiko. Please do not get me wrong, Boma is also a very nice place, it is just the atmosphere at Jiko is better. I personally like the food at Boma better and the drinks at Jiko better. Have a drink at Jiko's and go to Boma's for dinner.

 

[Uncleromulus]

OF course this is also a choice between a buffet and a table service dinner---.
But that aside, I'd go to JIko's. We've dined there about 6 times now, and are going again this October. It's a pretty restaurant and the food/service are both outstanding.
IF you go, you might ask for Ron, Marty, or Michelle as your server. All 3 will treat you just fine!!!

 

[webray]

They are two very different experiences...

Boma..buffet...great service, atmosphere and wonderful food..will take you about 1 1/2 hours to dine.

Jiko...great service, atmosphere...and wonderful food...will take you a couple hours to dine..there is no rushing, there is time between courses to enjoy each other, great wine list. Hubby and I love Jiko, we have been many times.

Enjoy!

 

[madalex]

For me, it is an easy choice - Jiko. Great food and wine list, beautiful restaurant, nice relaxed atmosphere. You won't be sorry.

Boma is nice too - but buffets are not my style.

 

[ILUVDXL]

Not being buffet people, we have never tried Boma. I have heard that those who like buffets say it's very good. On the other hand, we just love Jiko. Food, service and atmosphere are supurb.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I am with the concensus here: you cannot go wrong with either, as far as the food is concerned. As for atmosphere, do you want a louder, bustling buffet (Boma) or an intimate, quiet dinner (Jiko). We love both, but for the "special" meal I'd go with Jiko. Boma is a bit friendlier on the wallet tho, but IMHO, both Boma and Jiko are still excellent values for the money.

Also note that Jiko has the best collection South African wines anywhere in North America (perhaps with the exception of the South African embassy, but we're talking public places anyway ). When ordering wine, our server offered us tastes of a couple of different wines, before we ordered a full bottle (and then later a bottle of lovely dessert wine). Yum.