Has anyone eaten in the Wine Room at Jiko?

[Twitterpated!]

My DH and I are doing a date night at Jiko (neither of us have been). We are both foodies and my husband graduated from Culinary School and also took the Wine Seminar Course at the French Culinary Institute. Would you recommend that we request to sit in the wine room? Is it the same atmosphere as the main dining room (which I think looks beautiful, with the sunset wall and the birds etc.)? Any pictures would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[TDC Nala]

It is not the same experience. The wine room is rather small and you cannot see the restaurant decor from inside there at all. The only view is of the "wine trees" which ARE pretty cool. If you are looking for a quieter experience you can try asking to sit in there, but there is still no guarantee they won't seat a noisy party in there with you. Unless you are there for a special event, there is no difference in the menu whether you are seated in the wine room or not.

 

[Twitterpated!]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm thinking of not requesting it. I like to have a lot to look at when I am dining out, and as much as I hate to admit it, I kind of enjoy to "people watch".

 

[Pakey]

We have dined here quite a few times and once were seated in the wine room. It was very quiet that night (our party of 4 was the only one in there) but I did not care for the experience. I felt like I was in a glass closet.

 

[sand2270]

We sat in there when we went. At first I was a little surprised since the restaurant ws not that busy and I wanted to see the atmosphere of the main area. Not really sure why I didn't say anything (must be the ex-restaurant employee in me...I probably figured it was that servers turn for her section and I used to hate how picky people were about where to sit)...anyway.

I do have to say it was nice, quiet, cool and a little dark in there. We had a great meal, I may have been too focused on the company and food though to really pay too much attention to the atmosphere. However, I am going back in May and would like to experience the main room.

 

[chamonix]

We've been in the Wine Room twice (in the main room many more times). I prefer the main dining room. The Wine Room seems like it could be "anywhere"--nothing about it stands out--I don't even remember any "wine trees".....but the main room's decor is more unusual. I love how it changes colors, and the "birds" are so beautiful! Also, if you want to "people watch" you won't be able to do much of that in the Wine Room.

 

[VrBchJ]

You might enjoy sitting at the cooking station where Chefs prepare appetizers, salads and flat breads. It's interesting to talk to the young Chefs and watch them do their magic. It's not very romantic but it makes for a unique dining experience.

 

[BLTLDZ]

We did last september....The restaurant was pretty quiet to begin with....there was only one family in the wine room with us, so we kind of felt like we were on display, lol.

However, it was romantic, and quiet.....And it was neat to sit right near all of the wine. I have no comment for the main dining room ,as we have enver been. It was a great evening though. Enjoy!!

 

[Twitterpated!]

Thank you for all of your responses! I think we will stick to the main dining room. We will definitely be enjoying the wine though!!!

 

[Leota]

There are some fabulous wines, to be sure! Some neat stuff that you won't see many other places. If they still have the 2004 Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay, it's well worth a taste. I bought a half case after our trip & haven't been able to find anymore.

Pinotage & Chenin Blanc are wonderful South African wines too.

Enjoy!

 

[Twitterpated!]

There are some fabulous wines, to be sure! Some neat stuff that you won't see many other places. If they still have the 2004 Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay, it's well worth a taste. I bought a half case after our trip & haven't been able to find anymore.

Pinotage & Chenin Blanc are wonderful South African wines too.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the recommendation! We will definitely look for it. I have been reading about Pinotage as well, and want to try it!