Jiko chef's bar question

[norybell]

I'll be eating alone at Jiko this October, and I'd really love to sit at that bar in the middle, the one where you can watch the chefs (is it officially called "The Cooking Place"?).

Does anyone know if this is something I can or should request in advance? Someone on the DIS told me once that I should specifically request it when making my ADR, but when I tried to this morning, the CM told me that they couldn't take any seating requests. I know this is usually the case, but she really didn't seem to know what she was talking about, so I thought I'd better make sure...

Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

You cannot request that seating in advance. (I asked too, just a week ago)

 

[ScottJoseph]

Even so, the host is not going to want to put a single person at a table where two to four people could sit. My advice is to book your reservation, show up, then tell the host you'd like to sit at the food bar.
Here's my review of the restaurant to give you an idea of what you can order.

Scott
Scott Joseph's Orlando Restaurant Guide

 

[conandrob240]

Why not? maybe a party of 3 (us!) will walk up at the same time. We love sitting near the kithcen with the chef because my husband loves cooking and secretly wants to be a chef and my 10 yr old never says he's bored because it is interesting to watch.

 

[robinm1215]

I would just request to sit there when you check in. I have been there solo twice and both times they asked me if I wanted to sit there. Once I did and it was very enjoyable, I even got a free sample of an appetizer, and once I sat at a table -- for 4. So I'm sure they will honor your request if you ask.

 

[TDC Nala]

They'll honor the request if they can, but you need to make it when you get there. If the cooking place seating is full when you get there, you can decide to either wait for it or accept a table.