Honeymoon splurge - California Grill, Jiko or Artist Point?

[HarleyMom]

We are Honeymooning in September for 9 days (staying at WL) and have regular dining plan. We want to do one Signature meal....already have ressie at California Grill, but debating on changing to Jiko or Artist Point.

Which of the 3 would you choose? And what is your favorite to eat there?

 

[wyonative78]

I have eaten at all 3 restaurants twice and, IMO, you can't go wrong with Cali Grill or Jiko. Neither DH nor I are fans of Artist Point. When DH and I compare Artist Point to the other 2, it just doesn't feel as special. The service, ambiance, and flavors of Artist Point just don't hold a candle to Cali Grill or Jiko.

Both Cali Grill and Jiko are beautiful restaurants (Hint: if you're looking for an intimate dinner, request the wine room at Cali Grill - it's much quieter than the main dining room). They both have attentive servers who know when to leave you alone!

Jiko is going to offer unique dishes with bold flavors - if you're looking to try something you can't get at home, this is the place to go. I have had their filet with mac n cheese (RIP) and curry shrimp (super spicy!) and both were excellent and prepared just as I requested. DH and I like to try new foods, and Jiko is the perfect place to do that. We have had wild boar and ostrich there!

Cali Grill has some unique offerings, too. If you like sushi, this is a great place to go. The favorite thing I have had there is their bison with mac n cheese - wow. Tender, cooked perfectly, lots of flavor. I also think Cali Grill has a slight edge on Jiko in terms of dessert!

You'll find many people love Artist Point, and you might as well, but we have had 2 lackluster meals there and we won't be back.

Congratulations, BTW, on your honeymoon!

 

[NJ Goofy]

We've eaten at all three. I think Cali Grill was the most memorable. The food was great (yes, the mac n cheese is wonderful) and the view is beautiful especially if you can time your dinner with the MK fireworks !

 

[jennylyn_b]

We did Cali grill on our honeymoon and had an excellent time. The food and service were amazing. They decorated our table and gave us a few freebies, which is solely dependant on your server. Even without those, it was a lovely meal and get romantic. At the end , we walked outside to watch wishes which was perfect ending to a phenomenal experience for us.
Enjoy your honeymoon!


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[Mousemommy1]

Haven't eaten at Jiko or Cali Grill, but Artist Point was fantastic!!!
Great food, great service...we loved it!!

 

[goodeats]

It depends on if you want to venture out that evening, or stay in. Unless you have a car or willing to pay for a taxi, it's a long trek between resorts. You would either take the boat/bus up to MK and then the bus to AKL, or take the bus to AK, then the bus to AKL. Assuming you are going back to your resort to freshen up. AKL would be lovely to explore, though.

Artist Point is lovely, and I definitely enjoy the menu, but the atmosphere is a little coporate and lacking intimacy. I admit to never having dined at Jiko, but the menu does not thrill me, but I'd definitely be willing to give it a shot.

 

[minnie mum]

Of the choices you have given, I would opt for Jiko above all the others. It has a more sophisticated, adult ambiance, quite an adventurous menu (for a Disney restaurant) and a fabulous wine list. With a later ADR, it is also one of the quieter places in our experience.

AP has left me cold. Cali Grill's menu is good, it's service is very good, it has good views (if you are lucky enough to get a window table) BUT it is the noisiest resort signature I've ever been in. I think it is because it is so popular with families with younger children. Even later in the evening. YMMV, especially if you are lucky enough to get a table in the back room.

Have you also given any thought to Citricos at the GF? It's our favourite of all the signatures.

 

[gkrykewy]

It's your honeymoon! Splurge and do both CG and Jiko. If I had to pick one, I'd pick CG- it's a must do for us on most trips due to the great wine list and amazing views.

 

[shellybaxter]

I would do Jiko. It is my favorite. We don't do a trip to WDW without a meal at Jiko. Wonderful food, an amazing wine list and great atmosphere. Worth the trip to the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge

 

[BuffaloJim]

I'd pick Jiko. This is especially true if you won't be at CG during Wishes. The AKL resort is amazing, definately far more attractive and interesting than the Contemporary. (WL is also better than the CR) Make sure you check out the savannah, although at night the animals may be far less active.

 

[danceintherain]

Even though the only one I've been to is Jiko, I would probably pick Artist Point or California Grill, unless you'll have a car.
AKL is too inconvenient using Disney transportation (read: bus).
AP is in the hotel you're staying at, and you can get to CG by boat.

We did have a perfectly lovely meal at Jiko. I picked it based on the menu and the fact that we were staying at AKL.

 

[iloveeeyore]

We have been to all 3 and would unanimously rank them like this:

1. California Grill
2. Artist Point
3. Jiko

It's not that Jiko was bad. Jiko was excellent. AP was outstanding. CG was off the charts. In short, you can't go wrong. I suggest looking at the menus to see what items are most intriguing. CG has the fireworks to make it most special, it was seriously the best overall meal we have ever enjoyed.

 

[HarleyMom]

Thanks everyone for your replies!! Our Cali Grill ressie is at 7:50pm....so I'm assuming that would work for the MK fireworks? We'll be at AKL several times for Boma, and have been there many times in the past (Boma breakfast & dinner is a must-do every trip), but have never been to Jiko. At this point, I'm thinking that we'll keep the California Grill reservation, but may consider adding Jiko and paying cash.