Jiko or Flying Fish

[jenbierling]

We'll be on the DeluxeDP the first week of Feb, and I'd like to try Signature one night. We'll be traveling w/ our kids DD4 and DS 7mos, and I think I have it narrowed down to Jiko or Flying Fish. The kids are used to eating in restaurants and very well behaved, but I'd rather avoid a 3 hour meal if possible as any kid would get bored sitting in one place that long!

We are planning Coral Reef another night, so I may be leaning toward Jiko since we'll have seafood another night. But DH and I both really like seafood...

So, would you recommend Jiko or Flying Fish??

 

[madalex]

They are both wonderful. Jiko is my favorite place at WDW, with some really interesting dishes and a great wine list, but FF also has great seafood and a very lively atmosphere. You really can't go wrong at either one.

As for length of meal, both places will take up about 1.5 hours, but that can be accelerated if you let the server know you would like to speed things up.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Ditto to what madalex has said. To choose just one I'd pick Jiko, only because the menu is just a bit different, and I really like going to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Pakey]

If you really love seafood, I would go Flying Fish because the seafood at Coral Reef is nothing spectacular and you are not going to get your seafood fix by going there (and Flying Fish does have great food).

It's also a little livlier and may be more enjoyable for your young children. JIKO is pretty subdued with a darker, intimate setting and a slower pace. JIKO is one of my favorite places but we are an all adult group. On our next trip which will include our 3 year old grandson, we will opt out on JIKO but will go to Flying Fish because I think he'd like it better there.

 

[jtlover]

I would choose Jiko as it is a lovely restaurant and the food is fantastic. Also it is a lovely hotel for your children to look round either before or after and see the animals. If you eat later and it is dark they can go outside and use night vision goggles to see the animals.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I don't like Jiko that much, I'd pick Flying Fish, better service and food. Though I have the deluxe DDP on my next trip, so Jiko may have another shot, but only because I have so many credits and nights, and I'm considering eating at every signature restaurant.

 

[Booyakasha]

I like both restaurants. The food at flying fish is substanitally better prepared then Jiko. However, the atmosphere at Jiko is more exciting and different as is the food. Some of your decision may be dependant on where you are staying as Jiko is a little hard to get to without a car. Flying Fish you can get to from Epcot or MGM. If you haven't been to AKL it is definitely worth seeing, maybe you can go early. The Boardwalk can also be a lot of fun and you may be able to walk to illuminations after dinner which the kids would love! My honest suggestions is if you can swing it go to both. They are both worth it and totally different experiences.

B.

 

[jarrdisney]

Been to Jiko 3 times and have yet to even have a descent meal there. The vibe is much more quiet and subdued than Flying Fish. FF, IMO, is the most consistent restaurant on disney property. Their meat dishes are fabulous as well.
AK is quite a trek and FF might be a bit more appropriate for the kids.

 

[dqpowell]

Wow, did I step into Bizarro world or something?

Jiko is the better restaurant, hands down. Flying Fish is a nice place to go, but if the choice is between it and Jiko, I can't see ever picking Flying Fish.

And contrary to the previous poster, I have yet to have anything less than a spectacular meal at Jiko.

David

 

[chamonix]

well, certainly different folks have different tastes, but I can also say I have never had a bad meal at Jiko. It's one of our must-dos every trip. It's also a great place to go with kids, since you can go explore the resort and see the animals before and after your meal.

It won't take 3 hours for a meal at either place, rest assured. If you are concerned, be sure to mention to your server you want to eat quickly, and perhaps acquaint yourselves with the menu before you go so you will be able to order as soon as you arrive. (though the menu may have some changes on it of course) Jiko is just so unique, it's not to be missed. Oh, and they do have several very yummy seafood dishes.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=229

 

[Booyakasha]

Wow, did I step into Bizarro world or something?

Jiko is the better restaurant, hands down. Flying Fish is a nice place to go, but if the choice is between it and Jiko, I can't see ever picking Flying Fish.

And contrary to the previous poster, I have yet to have anything less than a spectacular meal at Jiko.

David

Everyone has different opinions there is no right answer. I just think that from a preperation standpoint FF does a better job. Their menus are quite different so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. That is why you have to look at some of the intangibles like location, atmosphere, what to do before after dinner etc.

B.

 

[Hopefully]

I love Jiko and ate there a few weeks ago. Our meal was outstanding and the atmosphere was quiet and wonderful. It felt like an adult respite from the madness that is WDW We were an adult party of 3. I have also eaten here with my very well behaved 3 and 5 y o grandchildren and they were perfect. So I have been on both sides of this.
I ate at Flying Fish several years ago and enjoyed it then. I have read that their steak is the best on property too. I do think that this is an easier atmosphere for little ones, as it is noisy and a more active environment.

 

[dqpowell]

Everyone has different opinions there is no right answer.

That's true, but the general consensus seems to be that Jiko is preferred. That's based on most of the previous discussions I've seen here, as well as on the reader surveys in the UG. Flying Fish is listed in the UG as 69% positive, 31% negative. Jiko is considerably higher at 87% positive, 13% negative.

I just think that from a preperation standpoint FF does a better job.

I meant to address that comment in my previous post as well, but forgot. I disagree. I don't think either restaurant is significantly better in terms of food preparation or presentation, though if forced to pick one over the other I'd say Jiko is better. However I do believe the dishes at Jiko are considerably better on the whole, meaning the recipes and choices are better.

That is why you have to look at some of the intangibles like location, atmosphere, what to do before after dinner etc.

Atmosphere I can almost accept as a valid criterion for evaluating a restaurant... but location and after-dinner activities have nothing to do with the quality of the meal you'll be served. All IMO, of course.

David

 

[N.Bailey]

I don't think you could go wrong with either one, but personally, I'd choose Jiko.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I asked the exact same thing on a thread a few months back and I had a poll. The outcome was that more people said I should go with Jiko so that's what I plan to do.

 

[OKW Lover]

Got to agree that either one would be a good choice. How about taking a look at the menu's for each and then deciding according to your individual taste? You can see them right here on the DIS at http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining.htm

 

[Booyakasha]

That's true, but the general consensus seems to be that Jiko is preferred. That's based on most of the previous discussions I've seen here, as well as on the reader surveys in the UG. Flying Fish is listed in the UG as 69% positive, 31% negative. Jiko is considerably higher at 87% positive, 13% negative. I meant to address that comment in my previous post as well, but forgot. I disagree. I don't think either restaurant is significantly better in terms of food preparation or presentation, though if forced to pick one over the other I'd say Jiko is better. However I do believe the dishes at Jiko are considerably better on the whole, meaning the recipes and choices are better. Atmosphere I can almost accept as a valid criterion for evaluating a restaurant... but location and after-dinner activities have nothing to do with the quality of the meal you'll be served. All IMO, of course.

David

David -

I can't argue with statistics. However, which is a better restaurant is subjective. You think Jiko is better and I prefer FF. That is the great thing about Disney World there are so many choices.

Your point about location is well taken but this is Disney World and I think the OP had more in mind than just - which restaurant served the better meal so in this case it is valid in terms of making a choice of one over the other.

I still think the OP should go to both and let us know.

B.

 

[jenbierling]

Wow, thanks for all the opinions! The menu at FF looks great, and we love the BW area. But, we haven't been to AKL, and I know my DD would get a kick out of the animals. Someone mentioned night vision goggles, that is very cool! I'm still torn... maybe I'll try to fit them both in!

Thanks all!

 

[jarrdisney]

Wow, did I step into Bizarro world or something?

Jiko is the better restaurant, hands down. Flying Fish is a nice place to go, but if the choice is between it and Jiko, I can't see ever picking Flying Fish.

And contrary to the previous poster, I have yet to have anything less than a spectacular meal at Jiko.

David

Umm...do work there or something? As I have stated. I have been to Jiko 3 times, and every time it was sub par. I even spoke to one of the Chefs at the "cooking place" while we were seated there, and he agreed with me. Once again his opinion is subjective too. I consider myself to have a broad palate and have eaten in some of the country's top restaurants (fortunate to live near NYC). At Jiko I've had a dry and flavorless lamb shank. I've had Halibut that shouldn't have been served. And I've also went with what I consider a no brainer...the filet...and it was so bland and under seasoned you'd think someone from a HS Cooking class had prepared it for the first time. I love the decor and the service was ok, but it's a shame when it comes to MY experience with the food. I figure I have given the place 3 chances and that has been enough for me. FF has been consistent every time I have been. Do I put it up there with Gramercy Tavern or Per Se? No. But they do know how to prepare food properly.

 

[dqpowell]

Umm...do work there or something?

I'm assuming that's a rhetorical question... but just in case it isn't: No. I do not work at Jiko. The commute would be a bit hard to handle at more than 1000 miles.

As I have stated. I have been to Jiko 3 times, and every time it was sub par.

I didn't say you were wrong about the meals you ate there. I'm just surprised by it, as I have never had a meal there that I would consider less than spectacularly good.

I even spoke to one of the Chefs at the "cooking place" while we were seated there, and he agreed with me.

Agreed with you about... what? Any chef that would trash his own restaurant wouldn't be working there very long.

You are entitled to your opinion on this matter, of course. I never said you weren't. But it is a minority opinion.

David