Jiko or Artist Point

[swooshfan2]

I've never been to either of these fine establishments, and I'm trying to decide which of them I should try to get an ADR for. My girlfriend and I will eat pretty much anything from anywhere, but we are also going with my parents, who can be a little more particular about what they eat. Knowing this, should I be leaning one way or the other, or do both places have menus that will appeal to anyone? If so, which would you recommend?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well-the menus are easily obtained, so you can look and decide based on that. In my opinion Jiko is a better restaurant, for food as well as decor.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Jiko, jiko, jiko.

 

[Mickey_Man]

Jiko, no doubt. better food, better atmosphere, more fun to wander around AKL than WL. Not that Artist Point (or the Wilderness Lodge) is bad - I just think Jiko (and that wine list!) is better. On the 1-10 scale, you are probably comparing a 9 to an 8 - they are both really good.

 

[madalex]

Well-the menus are easily obtained, so you can look and decide based on that. In my opinion Jiko is a better restaurant, for food as well as decor.

As usual, I agree with Uncleromulus. I like Artist Point very much; the food and service is very good, but the decor is kind of bland. Jiko, meanwhile, has a very exciting menu, a great wine list, very fine service and is just a beautiful space.

 

[vascubaguy]

I had that same debate when I made our ADRs....
I ended the debate by deciding to do both.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Jiko is outstanding! We had my birthday dinner there last year and it was a perfect choice, the server was great with helping DH select a wine, the filets were the best we ever had...cannot wait to go back in Oct!

 

[Kae]

We really enjoy AP but have wanting to try Jiko. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Kae

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I would say Jiko for sure.

Artist Point is nice, but the least "special" of the signature restaurants I have dined at. It is a very close third on my list.

1. California Grill
2. Jiko
3. Artist Point

We eat at California Grill AT LEAST once per trip. Jiko is becomming an every trip restaurant as well. Artist Point is an every other or every third trip.

Artist Point is a bit more mainstream than Jiko, but both have dishes that would satisfy even the pickiest eater.

My favorite items from each are as follows:

ARTIST POINT
Venison springrolls - they don't taste "gamey" at all, it is a rich flavor, like beef or duck EDIT: these are now "Venison Potstickers" very interesting - haven't tried them
Hatfield Pork Chop - last time I was there (Aug 08) they were able to sub in the four cheese macaroni gratin as a side for this, OMG its amazing!

JIKO
Cheese plate - you don't need to be super adventerous to love this. We had 5 cheese on ours. 2 cows milk, 2 goats milk and 1 sheeps milk. None were "stinky" "blue" or "pungent". They were all lovely, some silky and creamy, some crumbly and sharp.
Kenyan Coffee BBQ Chicken Flatbread - this is outstanding! Smokey and rich with juicy chicken and lightened with crisp apples and onions. YUM!
Ostrich - this is where you might lose your parents but trust me, it is so delicious. It is a dense meat, not poultry like at all. It is very beefy in texture.
Filet with Mac & Cheese and Red Wine Reduction - OMG heaven on a plate. This was the most tender and succulent filet I have ever tasted! And the sharp mac & cheese and rich red wine sauce are the perfect partners.

You will love either restaurant, but I'd lean towards Jiko

 

[Simba's Mom]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Check out the menu and see what appeals to you. DH prefers AP, because of the portobello mushroom soup, the scallops, and the buffalo. I prefer Jiko because of the filet of beef, the halibut with sweet potato crispies, and the pistachio creme brulee. Service and atmosphere are great at both.