Citrico's, Jiko or Artist Point

[smillerguy]

Hi. We are staying at GF and I am having a hard time picking a sig for Easter night. We have Narcosse's and CG on another night. It is our arrival day so it would be nice not to get back in the car but if you say Jiko's is the best then we can drive. There for DH birthday and Spring Break.

 

[johnsonet]

Jiko is my favorite restaurant at WDW but I love Citricos too and would make my ADR there if staying at GF. So much nicer to be able to walk right over and it's a very nice place.

 

[skunk]

Citricos is our favorite "Disney" restaurant(Jiko is #3). Enjoy!!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Artist Point is my favorite signature restaurant (at the moment). I think it's the most beautiful, and I love the serene atmosphere and views of the forest. I've had some of my best Disney dishes here, including vegetarian courses.

Jiko is in my top 3 signatures, behind Artist Point and California Grill. Some of the ingredient combinations at Jiko are a bit strange (and this is coming from a South African), but overall the menu is interesting and the setting is nice and quiet.

Citricos is currently our second least favorite signature. Our last meal there was very mediocre - the food seemed like it could've been from a 1-credit restaurant. Plus, where I live it's much easier to find wonderful Mediterranean cuisine than Pacific-Northwestern, and I think Citricos serves rather ordinary food with beautiful presentation.

 

[johnsonet]

Artist Point is my favorite signature restaurant (at the moment). I think it's the most beautiful, and I love the serene atmosphere and views of the forest. I've had some of my best Disney dishes here, including vegetarian courses.

Jiko is in my top 3 signatures, behind Artist Point and California Grill. Some of the ingredient combinations at Jiko are a bit strange (and this is coming from a South African), but overall the menu is interesting and the setting is nice and quiet.

Citricos is currently our second least favorite signature. Our last meal there was very mediocre - the food seemed like it could've been from a 1-credit restaurant. Plus, where I live it's much easier to find wonderful Mediterranean cuisine than Pacific-Northwestern, and I think Citricos serves rather ordinary food with beautiful presentation.

That's funny!

Disappointing news re. Citricos

I've still NEVER been to Artist Point. I must try it.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

That's funny!

Disappointing news re. Citricos

I've still NEVER been to Artist Point. I must try it.

For the record, I recognize the fact that many people really enjoy Citricos. Similarly, I really enjoy Le Cellier's new dinner, but many people here refuse to go back or think it's not worth it anymore. It's just an opinion difference - perhaps there's something magical about Citricos that just goes over my head. There are some items on the menu that I think are very good, such as the duck confit appetizer, berkshire pork, and berry gratin. But our last meal there was very disappointing, and the menu doesn't have enough that we're dying to eat.

Regarding Jiko, I don't think their strength has ever been ultra-exotic cuisine. After all, for years their signature dish was steak with mac n' cheese and red wine sauce. But there is plenty that they do well. They have a good cheese selection and a respectable list of South African wines. Their appetizers are usually quite strong, although we've had some issues with the salads. What I love about Jiko is when I can get something that tastes authentically African - the peri peri chicken on the menu does that for me. The ingredients (in particular the spices and mango) produce a flavor that is both interesting and authentic, and the Malva Pudding tastes like it could be directly from South Africa. I've heard great things about the duck, short rib, and shrimp curry.

Then there's Artist Point, which I think is underrated overall. I've had so-so meals here, but a lot of menu items are just wonderful. The mushroom soup is great, and the butternut squash risotto with pork belly and cranberry was a very memorable appetizer. We've had excellent meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian entrees at Artist Point, and the menu noticeably changes to reflect the seasons. The berry mousse is one of my favorite Disney desserts now. Perhaps it's a good thing that I see this place as underrated, because I never have a problem getting a ressie a few weeks in advance.

 

[smillerguy]

Wow!! Thanks for all the feedback. I think I was trying to talk myself into Citrico's because it would be easy but the menu at Artist Point looks like it would appeal to my whole family a little more then either of the other two. It will be a nice monorail ride to MK and then boat ride to WL for dinner. My DS9 and DD love to go to FF because of the Mickey puzzle and I noticed it on Artist point menu. I like the fact that they have grilled Salmon and chicken on the menu for kids. So looks like Artist Point! Can't wait to try something new. Trying my best to make this trip be a little relaxing for DH as he needs a break from work and doesn't consider waiting in long hot line relaxing. I think afternoons by the pool with some nice dinners will do the trick.

 

[johnsonet]

That sounds perfect. Enjoy!

 

[AggieTexan]

I have a similar dilemma, so this thread interests me! Here's what I posted on the main restaurant board a few minutes ago...


Wow...I am all over the place with my ADR's. With the exception of TS lunches in the parks, I keep making changes.

We'll be at WDW for four nights in late June. We're doing the DDxDP. My three definite dinners are California Grill, Flying Fish, and Yachtsman. I'm struggling with what to do for the fourth dinner, which is our arrival night. Right now I have an ADR at Wolfgang Puck's Cafe, but I started looking at other resort options, and I found availability at both Artist's Point and Citrico's for the time we want to eat. Both menus intrigue me. Given our other dinner reservations, which of the three arrival night dinners would you choose. AP also interests me because I've never seen Wilderness Lodge, so I thought it might be nice and different. Your thoughts?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Citricos:
. . . food price value: B+
. . . food quality: A-
. . . food quantity per serving: B
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: B
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: B+
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff helpfulness: B+
. . . character interaction: n/a

NOTE: Citricos is a gracious and relaxing place to eat
at WDW. It has a Mediterranean flair, but is highly tailored
to the American taste. We are especially fond of the Pork
and of the Veal Shank. Try the cheese-course-trio for the
appetizer. Citricos is only one of five sitdown eateries we
patronize at WDW, and only one of the two that are owned
by Disney. To be noted - menu, service and prices are upscale.
Highly recommended.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Here are my most recent reviews of Citricos and Artist Point. Citricos is first:

Escabeche Frutti di Mare - Citrus-marinated rock shrimp, black grouper, Prince Edward Island mussels, and lump crab with golden beets and Meyer lemon oil. I was quite disappointed. The fish really didn't taste fresh to me - it was very bland and almost dry. I was expecting a light, flavorful, citrusy ceviche-style dish, and was underwhelmed. The highlight was the sweet golden beet:

Pan-Seared Black Grouper with Fregula Pasta, Littleneck Clams, Rock Shrimp in Tomato and Saffron Sauce with Olive Oil Crostini. Again, I was disappointed. The fish itself didn't have a lot of flavor, but the broth was also very subtle and didn't pack a strong punch. The pasta was just there to me - it tasted like it could have come from a can. The crostini was very oily and heavy. Overall, I expected better execution:

Tropical Fruit Crème Brûlée with Mango, Pineapple, and Passion Fruit. The flavor was very one-note (definitely a strong mango or citrus flavor), and because the cream was so heavy, I felt the dessert was boring.

This meal (two months ago) was one of the large reasons I lost faith in Citricos. Everything tasted very un-signature to me.

My meal at Artist Point was much better.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly and a Chili-infused Cranberry vinegar. This was delicious! The pork belly was perfectly cooked, the risotto was creamy, and the cranberry added an unusual tartness. Very seasonal and flavorful:

Vegetarian Entree - Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts, Wild Mushrooms, Caper Brown Butter, and Black Winter Truffles. This was a very hearty, earthy entree that tasted appropriate for winter. The mushroom flavor largely dominated the dish, so I couldn't eat all of the mushroom, but I still loved the flavors in this dish. Artist Point is one of the few places where I've actually enjoyed the vegetarian entree.

No Sugar Added Berry Mousse with Vanilla Ice Cream and Fresh Berries. Ever since the cobbler changed and became heavy and disgusting to me, this has become my favorite dessert. It's light, refreshing, and has a great berry flavor. It's like the anti-cobbler:

People often say Artist Point is one of the worst signatures, but I've never felt that way. I've had my disappointments there, but some of its better dishes are really, really good. Recently, Artist Point's menu has taken on some Asian influences (while still keeping its Pacific Northwest inspiration), and I enjoy the flavors represented at this signature restaurant. As of now, I would definitely take Artist Point over the other signatures.

And here's the view from some of Artist Point's window tables.

It doesn't match the view from California Grill:

Or Narcoossee's:

But it's highly appropriate for the tranquil atmosphere.

 

[johnsonet]

I have a similar dilemma, so this thread interests me! Here's what I posted on the main restaurant board a few minutes ago...


Wow...I am all over the place with my ADR's. With the exception of TS lunches in the parks, I keep making changes.

We'll be at WDW for four nights in late June. We're doing the DDxDP. My three definite dinners are California Grill, Flying Fish, and Yachtsman. I'm struggling with what to do for the fourth dinner, which is our arrival night. Right now I have an ADR at Wolfgang Puck's Cafe, but I started looking at other resort options, and I found availability at both Artist's Point and Citrico's for the time we want to eat. Both menus intrigue me. Given our other dinner reservations, which of the three arrival night dinners would you choose. AP also interests me because I've never seen Wilderness Lodge, so I thought it might be nice and different. Your thoughts?

Where are you staying? I recommended Citricos to the OP b/c I think it's a very good restaurant and I knew it would be very convenient for their arrival night, since they're staying at the same resort where the restaurant is located. I really dislike being tired (from traveling), late and rushed for what should be a very nice dinner out.

 

[johnsonet]

Vegetarian Entree - Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts, Wild Mushrooms, Caper Brown Butter, and Black Winter Truffles. This was a very hearty, earthy entree that tasted appropriate for winter. The mushroom flavor largely dominated the dish, so I couldn't eat all of the mushroom, but I still loved the flavors in this dish. Artist Point is one of the few places where I've actually enjoyed the vegetarian entree.

Yum!

 

[DaphneDisneyGirl]

OMG I LOVE JIKO! I've only been there 2 times but I love it. It feels so refined and fancy and the food is GREAT! It is one of the first reses we make when we go now! Its a Disney mustdo!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

And here's my most recent Jiko review:

Taste of Africa. Our server didn't tell us what each one was, so we just tasted them blindly. I liked the black olive one (on the bottom) best:

Market Salad with Poached Egg, Radish, Onion, Bacon, Dabo Croutons, and Sherry Vinaigrette. I wasn't a fan. I was expecting a runny yolk, but the white also was practically liquid. It had the effect of making the salad extremely sloppy to eat. A restaurant near where I live in Philadelphia has a salad that's extremely similar to this (egg, bacon lardons, croutons, vinaigrette, etc), and this seemed to be executed more poorly:

Spicy Tuna Tataki with Hearts of Palm, Avocado, and Peppadew-Cilantro Vinaigrette. This appetizer had a very odd flavor, but I loved it. It combined ingredients that I love (tuna, hearts of palm, capers) with ingredients I don't (avocado), and the end result was really enjoyable to me. The tuna was seasoned very well, the capers added a saltiness, and the avocado was creamy.

Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Cottage Cheese, Toasted Almond, and Coconut. Loved the texture of the cottage cheese and almond in the creamy soup:

Jiko Salad with Heirloom Apple, Pistachio, Pumpkin Seed, Sheep's Milk Cheese, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette. Salad at Jiko has been hit or miss for me, but I loved this one. The ingredients and textures were well balanced:

Peri Peri Chicken with Crushed Potatoes, French Beans, Mango Sambal, and Onion Jus. Being from South Africa, we love our peri peri chicken, and this was delicious. I was hoping it would be a little spicier, but the flavors were authentic and the mango sambal was a great touch.

Malva Pudding with Vanilla Custard, Mango, and Apricot Sorbet. This was delicious and authentic. It's a true South African dessert, and the custard and apricot added all the flavors I was looking for:

IMO, Jiko isn't always perfect. Sometimes, I think it tries too hard to be the signature restaurant with weird/interesting flavors. In typical Disney fashion, sometimes they overdo it with the sauce, making a dish too spicy, too sweet, or overall out of balance. But when Jiko does something right, it's a standout for me. I like how they've recently attempted to make the menu more authentic in some ways, while still keeping other popular dishes.

 

[cbg1027]

Citricos is my absolute favorite. Fantastic food and amazing service.
Jiko is a very close second.
You can't go wrong with either one of those.

Artist Point was decent. I really liked my appetizer and dessert, but the entree was lackluster. Service was very good though. I would give it a second chance, but for now my recommendations are Citricos or Jiko.

 

[jiminyfan]

We recently tried Citricos and it has surpassed both Jiko and Artist Point on our top list.

All three are good, but my current ranking is:

1: Citricos
2: Jiko
3: Artist Point

 

[AggieTexan]

Where are you staying? I recommended Citricos to the OP b/c I think it's a very good restaurant and I knew it would be very convenient for their arrival night, since they're staying at the same resort where the restaurant is located. I really dislike being tired (from traveling), late and rushed for what should be a very nice dinner out.

We're staying at BWI. We should be at the resort around 2:00...our flight gets in at noon, and we have a Town Car service meeting us at the airport.

We'll be using Disney Transportation to get to dinner. It seems like it might be a little easier to get to Citrico's since it's on the monorail loop than AP since we'd have to take the boat over, but I'm not sure.

 

[smillerguy]

Our Ratings of Citricos:
. . . food price value: B+
. . . food quality: A-
. . . food quantity per serving: B
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: B
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: B+
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff helpfulness: B+
. . . character interaction: n/a

NOTE: Citricos is a gracious and relaxing place to eat
at WDW. It has a Mediterranean flair, but is highly tailored
to the American taste. We are especially fond of the Pork
and of the Veal Shank. Try the cheese-course-trio for the
appetizer. Citricos is only one of five sitdown eateries we
patronize at WDW, and only one of the two that are owned
by Disney. To be noted - menu, service and prices are upscale.
Highly recommended.

And what are the other sit down that you eat at. Thanks for the info!

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Artist Point ... But it's not for everyone. If you want the buffalo or maybe venison or the GREAT cedar plank salmon then this will be your choice. Oh, the smokey portobello soup is the best soup I have ever had. I don't like mushrooms and I'm not a huge soup eater but this is just fantastic.

I find Jiko very good but NEVER great.

Citrico just good.