Jiko or California Grill?

[Shardiva]

Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier post. My DH and I have come down to the two restaurants above. I would like CG while my husband wants Jiko : . I know that we will have a wonderful time at either restaurant for our anniversary dinner Again, I appreciate any discussion on this choice. We will probably try to make it to the restaurant that we don't choose on another day.

Enjoy life and remember to breathe!!!!

Sharon

 

[disney queen]

the last two visits(december/may) to california grill were not up to par. one in our party asked to have his salmon prepared as recommeded and it arrived undercooked, not cooked all through. and the remainder of the party just was not pleased w/the entrees. whereas, jiko we were all pleased. maybe 2 off nights for california grill? who knows?

 

[webray]

Jiko surpasses CA Grill by far..quality of food/flavor..go to Jiko.

 

[Belle5]

I liked Jiko more...

 

[Rhonna]

Jiko's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Besides the food issue (Jiko's is better!), CA Grill is usually quite crowded and can be noisy, especially if it's a fireworks night.

Jiko's is soft lighting, romantic, quieter and much more relaxed. And it's great to stroll around the resort and see the lobby, view the animals, etc.

(Sorry I had to side with your DH.)

Rhonna

 

[Shardiva]

Wow! The overwhelming majority!! Rhonna - that's OK about siding with my DH. I really like Jiko as well. I was swayed by the opportunties to see the Wishes fireworks show while eating at CG . I did see Jiko on the Disney wedding show on the Travel Channel ( I love that channel - they have been playing the Animal Kingdom show alot. Can't wait to see that park!) and was impressed by the atmostphere and the look of the food. :

Please continue to give your opinions. There is a part of me that wants to throw Artist Point into the discussion of where we should eat. Darn Disney!! Too many great restaurants, not enough time!! How could they to this to us??!! LOL!!

Thanks so much!

Sharon

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Oooooh, Artist Point. Beautiful, romantic and Chef Robert is a fabulous talent. But then, Chef Annette at Jiko is tough to beat too! Wow. How about Appetizers at one, entree at another and dessert at the third?

 

[Shardiva]

DVC~OKW~96, you think like I do. There's only one problem with that plan - I'm a sloth!! Super-duper lazy person here
!! LOL!! Although when I get to Disney, it's an amazing thing - I become energized! Hmmmm....they should bottle that stuff and sell it. Wait...they already have - it's called souvenirs and they are quite plentiful {understatement} !


Sharon

 

[jwfla422]

JIKO JIKO JIKO!!

We discovered this wonderful restaurant on our trip a few weeks ago. Definitely now on the top of my list for favs, although it was just my 5 1/2 yr old dd and I we said next time we got we MUST bring dh and what a wonderful place for a romantic dinner.

CG can be loud and IMHO a little over rated. Last time we went we had over an hr wait even with a PS. Our seat was by the window which was nice to watch the fireworks but we were very crammed which didn't make for a very "intimate" atmosphere. The food was good but I have to say that JIKO was better.

I actually found the whole AKL to be kinda "romantic" and intimate (and slower paced). It is a little dark but it has a lot of personality (kinda hard to describe until you go yourself).

I also have to agree with VC~OKW~96 about AP...that was actually our fav, now it's tough to say with JIKO in the picture.

You can get a CG atmophere anywhere...but a JIKO atmosphere is tough to come by

 

[kwdietrich1]

Oops double post.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Well just returning from our anniversary trip, we had a WONDERFUL meal!. Service and food were excellent, and it was NOT loud or crowded. There is a new check in procedure that limits only people with ressies to go up to the 14th floor. I would highly recommend the CA grill! MY DH and I are seasoned gourmets and by far this is one of the most impressive meals we have had. Extremely romantic and of course the view doesn't hurt! There is an excellent chance (like us) if you mention it is your anniversary at booking, you will get a table with a view of the castle! Make PS for 1 hour before Wishes. It was an unforgettable night!

 

[Rhonna]

Ugh! Did NOT like Artist's Point...(ducking to avoid the flames)

Byw, if you decide on Jiko's and like red wine - be sure to try one of the South African Pinotages - I got the Saxenburg one. FABULOUS! Not too dry nor too sweet.

Also, we didn't go into the lounge at AKL but it looked really relaxing and nice. It sits off the lobby overlooking Boma's.

Rhonna

 

[fizz13]

I have the same choice to make but have decided on Jiko because:
-I preferred the menu
-I want to see the AKL
-I am doing Chef Mickeys with the kids so will have seen the contempory already
-I think watching the savannah after dinner with my DH seems much more romantic than a monorail!

Just a few personal thoughts. Good luck,

Claire

 

[mickeymouse710]

You can get a CG atmophere anywhere...but a JIKO atmosphere is tough to come by

I have to differ with this statement. CG is the only restaurant I have ever been in to offer the amazing view of WDW property, Cinderella's castle or Wishes fireworks complete with music, that they do.
We love both Jiko and CG for both atmosphere and food but if we had to pick one over the other for atmosphere and view, it would have to CG.