California Grill vs. Jiko?

[MsGlassSlipper]

We're less than 2 weeks out (yay!) and have the 4 day ticket that allows you admission to each park only one day. We'd been planning to go to Jiko on our last night after our Animal Kingdom day, but out of curiosity, I looked for Cali Grill reservations for our second night (MK day) and snagged a reservation for 8:55 when Wishes starts at 9:00. This will be our last opportunity to see Wishes ever, so I'm torn between watching it on Main Street vs the California Grill observation deck.

Not sure it's in our budget to keep both, so which would you keep? I've never been to either! We both love steak - my husband is picky and will want filet and something simple for a side, like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese if Jiko still does that - and I also like seafood.

We also have a reservation for Boathouse on this trip that we plan to keep, if that influences your recommendation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[holden]

Jiko is our favorite WDW restaurant. The menu is available on the Disney site (also other places if you search).

Enjoy!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I love Cali Grill. The food is good and the view is spectacular. That being said, I would definitely want to be inside MK to see Wishes if this is your last opportunity to see it! So, I will vote for Jiko. It's very good and the atmosphere is lovely. We also really love the Boathouse.

 

[OKW Lover]

Jiko for us. Since Jiko doesn't have the view that CG has, they just do a better dining experience. If you prize the view, then CG will do. If you prize the food then Jiko.

 

[MsGlassSlipper]

I love Cali Grill. The food is good and the view is spectacular. That being said, I would definitely want to be inside MK to see Wishes if this is your last opportunity to see it! So, I will vote for Jiko. It's very good and the atmosphere is lovely. We also really love the Boathouse.

Good point! And while California Grill will most likely be there when we next go back (probably in 2 years), Wishes will not!

Jiko for us. Since Jiko doesn't have the view that CG has, they just do a better dining experience. If you prize the view, then CG will do. If you prize the food then Jiko.

Thank you - these are both very good points and helpful things to think about. I've also heard that Jiko is a quieter, more romantic experience than Cali Grill, which will still be there whenever we next go back (likely with extended family).

 

[freewill]

Cali Grill or Jiko? Yes.

 

[OKW Lover]

I've also heard that Jiko is a quieter, more romantic experience than Cali Grill

That's also true from our experience.

 

[Narawen]

With that ADR time, you probably won't be seated before Wishes at Cali Grill. I would rather watch my last Wishes show from Main Street.

While I love both, in these particular circumstances, I would go for Jiko and enjoy Wishes close up.

 

[disneyvoice]

I would be a bit concerned with an 8:55 ADR at California Grill when Wishes starts at 9:00. I feel like dinner is a longer experience at CG than at most other restaurants so I would worry that even if we checked in a bit early for a 8:55 ADR there would be a high likelihood we wouldn't be seated by 9:00. I would also vote for being in the park for your last Wishes. Although I have enjoyed watching Wishes from locations outside of MK, I think there is something special about watching it in the park.

 

[eastendlights]

Jiko for sure. The food is much better (since CG re-do-we have had a few underwhelming meals and have not been back) and the atmosphere is fantastic. I agree that seeing Wishes from Main Street is the way to go, especially since it will be your only time.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Agree with above comments...I would watch Wishes in the park for sure, and then end the trip at Jiko! We liked CA Grill but we loved Jiko

 

[goofy4prez]

California Grill has an incredible view. From there I choose Jiko by a landslide. The service at Jiko blows away that of CG. The food at Jiko is excellent, in my opinion CG is good. Jiko is much more relaxed and quite whereas CG is loud and a bit of a madhouse (opinion). Jiko continues to be one of my top 3 restaurants in WDW and a must do everytime I'm there. California Grill no longer is in my top 5 and is not one that I must do when I'm at Disney. I'm not saying CG is not good, but remove it's view and it's just not on the same level as Jiko.

 

[Zife]

Another vote here for Jiko. It is by far my favourite restaurant in WDW. The service alone makes it worth going to.

That said, if you want the Wishes view, maybe try to get an ADR for Narcoossee's. It used to be my favourite restaurant at WDW, but the menu changed, and Jiko took over. But, it's still good, and has a great view of Wishes. The CMs are excellent at timing your courses around Wishes. Ours brought our dessert out so that it got to the table just as we sat down.