How are Jiko and Boma?

[chilihead]

We currently have PS at Spoodles for one of our nights we aren't going to be in the parks. Now we are considering changing to a different restaurant--one that we haven't tried. Our party will be me, DH, DS6, DD4, MIL, and DM.

My mother has said she wants to try Jiko. I'm interested in the following information:

1. Can a picky eater (DH) find something to eat at Jiko for dinner?
2. Which is better, Jiko or Boma?
3. Is it worth the drive (probably a cab) from POFQ?
4. Is there a better way than a cab to get to AKL for this dinner?
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   Thanks.
   
   Chilihead

 

[disney queen]

we absolutely love jiko!! does your husband like steak? there is a fabulous beef filet on the menu. don't let the fact it is served w/macaroni and cheese scare him off. this is the most incredible mac and cheese ever. as far as getting there, a cab would be the most direct way, but we have always gone to a park and taken the AKL bus. and then back to DTD and to our resort bus. definitely worth the effort!! be sure to take time to look around the shop there; it is great!

 

[Synonymous]

I was going to recommend the same for your husband. Also, if there's anything on the menu that looks good except for one ingredient or something, I'm sure the kitchen would prepare it without. They are great there, the service is incredible.

For the kids, try the cinnamon beef rolls- tell them that they're African tacos My daughter loves those. The bread with dipping sauces was also a hit (she's 6.)

We always take a cab when going from one resort to another. It's just not worth the hassle of hopping all the different buses to get where you want to go.

 

[jillwdw]

Just FYI...Deb's allears website has the menus posted. We love Jiko's and they have a nice kids menu. Honestly, that is probably my husband and I favorite place to eat. We haven't been to Bomas but plan on stopping there on our next trip. It is an incredible set up and lots of choices for picky eaters.

 

[Synonymous]

Oh, I forgot- you asked which was better, Jiko or Boma. They are so different you can't just say one is better than the other, it depends what you're looking for. If you want a fine dining experience, go to Jiko. If you want a buffet, go to Boma. Both are great at what they do.

 

[Rneighh]

We loved Boma and hated Jiko.

Boma has so many options everyone will be happy. The food is not weird items your basic chicken, beef, pork and fish. It is all so wonderfully prepared.

Jiko has dark, stark, and boring. The service was terrible the food bland. We felt totally riped off.

Renee

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

We LOVE Jiko and think Boma is just OK. Your basic buffet with good food, but pretty loud. We always have had wonderful experiences at Jiko. Once we sat right at the table where they prepare the food and we held conversations on how to prepare the dishes with the chefs the whole time. My husband is still looking for a Jiko cookbook.

 

[CyranoJones]

Jiko is a must do on our trips. I love the decor and the service has always been very good to outstanding. The chef is very accomodating to special requests. And we love S. African wines. We've only done Boma once and it was okay, but we are not fans of buffets.

 

[disney queen]

we have only done breakfast at boma so i really can't compare. but based on that meal, we were not "blown away" like i thought we would be. not real impressed. we too are not big fans of buffets either at wdw or at home.

 

[Kapp]

and make a point to eat there every visit to WDW. We love all of the choices, flavors and food quality. It can get a bit loud in the dining area but it is all worth it.

 

[LSURyan]

1. A picky eater can definately find something to eat at Jiko. I second the filet with mac and cheese (trust us its not easy-mac).

2.Which is better? hmm hard to say...they are different experiences and i believe unfair to compare them, but I'll try. Though I'm not usually a fan of dinner buffets Boma is great. I loved it every time. The good thing about buffets and picky eaters is that yo ucan see the food. Some menu descriptions make food seem weirder than it really is. I really loved Jiko. We have only eaten there once ($$) but I think it was the best meal I ever had at WDW and we have eaten lots of places. The secret to eating in new restaurants is to talk to your server...ask questions...seek suggestions, they want you to enjoy your experience.

3/4. It is worth the drive from anywhere. If my wife would let me I'd leave now from Baton Rouge. A cab will probably be the most direct way to get there but we usually use disney transportation. I do not want to drive while on vacation and disney transportation is usually efficient enough for us. To get from resort to resort yo have to use parks or DTD as a transportation hub.

happy planning
ryan

 

[madalex]

Originally posted by CyranoJones
Jiko is a must do on our trips. I love the decor and the service has always been very good to outstanding. The chef is very accomodating to special requests. And we love S. African wines. We've only done Boma once and it was okay, but we are not fans of buffets.

This is exactly what I would have said. Never had a bad experience at Jiko - I love the decor and the food, service and wine have always been wonderful.

Boma - tried it once; no need to go back.

 

[chilihead]

I appreciate everyone's input. I have to admit I was lukewarm about making PS for Jiko. Having read all your reviews I think we'll enjoy it. I'll make the PSs today!

Chilihead

 

[lisareniff]

Remember to go early and watch the animals and enjoy the lobby!! Our girls loved it!!

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Boma is AMAZING!!!!!!!! It's a "special occasion ONLY" place for us, otherwise we'd prolly get tired of it. There are soooo many different foods and desserts that everyone will find something they like. They even have "normal" foods for kids...macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, chicken fingers, french fries.

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

Jiko is DW's favorite! We have Mother's Day dinner there every year. Never had a bad meal there. Great fuud, service, and atmosphere!

We have also done Boma. No comparison to Jiko. Stick with Jiko!

 

[kda]

We eat at Boma at least once every trip. A great variety of interesting and somewhat unusual food, as well as great beef. The soups are especially good, and there's many desserts.

Jiko is much finer dining. It also costs 2-3X as much as Boma, if we get appetizers and desserts. We've had very good service, and three superb meals and one disappointing pork dish. Some of the servings were on the small side, so this restaurant always feels costly to me. Very relaxed, leisurely, and quieter. I think the only reasons we don't eat here more often is the cost, we're only interested in 1/3 of the menu, and we like the variety at Boma.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

We have not tried Jiko (yet!) but Boma is a "must do" for our family. As a matter of fact, it has become our last evening meal for the last three of four trips. My daughter, typical picky 10 y/o can always find something at the childrens area. I , picky adult, love the beef and salmon. My wife, the adventurous one, can try a little bit of everything. We ALL leave Boma relaxed and satisfied.

One suggestion, though. Allow at least four hours for your meal. Why so long ? Because the Lodge itself is worth exploring either while you are waiting for your seating time, or just taking a relaxing stroll through afterwards. To go there with only enough time to eat and leave would be such a shame.

 

[Majestic]

I can only say that Boma is the one place we MUST go to for Breakfast at least once every time we are staying at Disney. To me, it has got to be one of the best breakfast buffets I have ever had. Hope this helps.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I like both but I think I prefer Jiko because it is a more quiet and relaxed atmosphere... but it is a little more expensive than Boma. Boma is great too because it's got a great selection of soups, salads and desserts