Jiko - chef's counter

[indoshakespeare]

Hi! Is reservation necessary if I want to eat at the counter by myself? From what I read, people without reservation are sometimes seated there.

 

[L_MD]

You mean the Cooking Place counter? I'd make a reservation just in case. I had a reservation at Jiko back in April and they offered me a choice between a table and a seat at the counter. I chose the counter...so there are people with reservations there.

 

[gillep]

We have been told that they leave it open for walk ups, but if there is room, and someone with a reservation wants to sit there, then they will seat them there. I would make a reservation just to be safe. If you don't want to make a reservation then you can chance a walk up or they serve the full Jiko menu at the Jiko bar.

 

[indoshakespeare]

ok thanks. i have made a reservation.

 

[crabbygal902]

If you are looking for more flexibility, we reallly enjoy the bar at Jiko. We had the bread service with several dipping sauces (kind of like a mini version of the Sanaa offering) and another app that I simply can’t remember except that I really liked it. I don’t remember if you can order the full menu at the bar because I had a couple generous pours of fantastic South African wine. I’d rather eat there than anywhere else at AKL.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I called and asked about this a few years ago when I really wanted to sit at the bar. I was told that the only way to assure this was to make a reservation at Jiko, then to ask about availability at the counter when I checked in.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I ate here in March (solo diner). I made a reservation at Jiko and when I checked in, asked about availability at the counter, which there was plenty, so they took me there directly. I don't think the restaurant was that busy that night either as even if I got a table I would have been seated immediately.

I really liked eating there and chatting with the chefs. They basically do a lot of the appetizers there, and the chefs do seem to enjoy talking to guests while they are prepping. It was a great way to eat since I didn't even feel like I was having a solo meal!