Boma or Jiko??

[hunnypotmama]

We've never eaten at either, but would like to try one (or both). Our trip is in October, for a week. My kids are 9 and 5. I've looked at the menus on allears, but it's hard to tell from that. I guess at this point I'm leaning toward Jiko b/c it's NOT a buffet. Any thoughts?

 

[ybcart7]

I have never eaten at Jiko - but we really liked Boma. I guess the main reason is because the food is definately different - they use different seasonings and ingredients than my family is used to. This way - it is a buffet and you can try many different things until you are happy with one. (However I didn't find very much that I didn't like!!) The kids section is wonderful. The chef actually comes up to the bar to mingle w/ the guests. The scenery is really cool -- it was a great experience all around. (really liked the cool soups and the awesome fruit salad - even asked for the recipe!!)

 

[skfulkers]

I would pick Boma--hand's down. I'm guessing they would have more selection for your kids. My DW and I stay away from most buffets outside WDW, but we've never had any problems with the buffets down there.
And Boma is definitely one of our favorite restaurants on property. The selection can't be beat, and although a lot of the food sounds exotic, most of it is pretty "normal" with milder spices.

Jiko is great, and definitely worth a try at least once, but Boma is simply amazing.

 

[Cookie Princess]

We have done both and were surprised that we actually liked BOMA better. After all the hype about Jiko's we thought it was good, but not great.

 

[webray]

Deciding between Boma and Jiko depends on what type of dining experience you want to have.

Boma, of course a buffet, has outstanding food, wonderful waitstaff for drinks and clearing plates. You can get a great african wine or beer with your meal if you choose. Although this is a buffet, it is a sit back and enjoy your meal buffet..there are so many options to choose from.

Jiko is a sit down restaurant..one of the top 5 of disney property. The food and service are wonderful, there is time between courses to digest what you just ate and relax. We always see children in Jiko and they are wonderfully behaved. If your children can sit for two hours and enjoy a fine meal without interrupting other diners then definately choose Jiko. If your kids are the loud type..Boma might be a better choice for you.

Either way, you will really enjoy your meal.

 

[F1Julie]

I'm with Cookie Princess. I've been to both and liked Boma much better. Jiko was ok, but didn't live up to all the hype. The food wasn't really all that exotic and the service was average. At Boma the food is fantastic. I like being able to try a little bit of everything. The soups, salads, dips, and desserts are great. From the kids perspective, Boma is one of my DD5's favorite places to eat.

 

[stellaxluna]

I've been to both...Jiko would be my choice.....the food is way better!!

 

[dizfanz]

IMO, Jiko is one of the best restaurants at WDW. It's up there with Citrico's, California Grill. etc... However, as mentioned, it may depend upon the experience you are looking for. Kids will have more fun at Boma. The food is interesting and delicous set up as a buffet. Jiko is a bit more formal, while it still has a children's menu. Also, Jiko will be a bit more pricey. We do not have kids, but my wife and I had a fantastic meal at Jiko. Great apps, interesting South African wine. We are looking forward at booking there special wine dinner when we go down in January. We will more than likely not dine at Boma again. It is a good buffet, but when we want our South African fix, we will return to Jiko.