Jiko or Sanaa

[Twoboysnmygirl]

What is the difference?!?!?

I'm a vegetarian, so they both look like they have good options for that, my husband is a meat eater. This is for our 20th anniversary, so I'm thinking of getting DDXP but not sure if the difference in these two restaurants is worth it? Do you like one or the other better? Is Jiko fancier? HOW fancy? Would my DH need a jacket & tie kind of fancy?

 

[chamonix]

I really love Sanaa and think it's a fantastic addition to dining at disney, but if you are looking for a really special occasion kind of place--Jiko is considered the "fancier" of the two. No jacket and tie required however, this is disney. I think because Jiko is in the main lodge part of AKL, and Sanaa is in the Kidani Village (DVC) building, it's a wee bit more of an "event" to arrive and visit Jiko if nothing else.

Anyway--I love the veg entrees I have had at Jiko, and congrats on your anniversary by the way.

 

[gillep]

Jiko is a signature and Sanaa is not, meaning that Jiko is a little more upscale but your DH would not need a jacket and tie at all. When I went most people, myself and DH included were in jeans/sneakers although some were more dressed up.

Jiko- in AKL Jambo house which is so beautiful and grand it is a destination all in itself, make sure that you leave time to explore and see the animals. Also Jiko has wonderful wines if you are into that.

Sanaa- in AKV Kidani Village also beautiful but in my opinion less grand, still a wonderful place with tons of small details and I actually found it easier to see the animals outside here. Also if you get an early reservation or are willing to wait you can request to sit by the window and watch the animals right from your seat while you dine.

I love Indian food and have enjoyed all the african food that I have tried and I think that neither place is too ethnic if you are used to at least Indian food however, if you are unfamilliar with these types of food I say Jiko has more familiar options.

I loved both they were both just wonderful so I would pick based on the menu that you think you would enjoy more, also just to note Sanaa is also open for lunch so if you had more reservations to fill you could do Jiko for dinner and Sanaa for lunch!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Thanks so much for the info! I love ethnic food, especially Indian, but I thought doing both might be overkill.

We have so many meals in that 4 day period, we will be rolling out of WDW after this trip!

Cali Grill
Crystal Palace
Jiko
Chef's of France
Rose & Crown
Le Cellier
Marrakesh
Kouzzina breakfast

(that's just Monday night through Thursday night and I'm trying to squeeze more in!)

 

[webray]

They are completely different and you could do both and it wouldn't be overkill. I am guessing the only reason Sanaa isn't a signature restaurant is that they are open for lunch as it is the only restaurant at Kidani.

Food at Sanaa at this point in time is heads and tails above Jiko. Sanaa has a wonderful wine list and is much smaller than Jiko, making especially nice for an anniversary celebration. View of savannah from dining room at Sanaa also.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh no, now I have to find a way to fit them BOTH in!

 

[chamonix]

I would definitely recommend both, LOL!!

 

[cbg1027]

I just got back from a trip where I ate at Jiko and Sanaa. Fit them both in, they were both wonderful!!

Jiko is a signature and thus requires 2 TS credits, while Sanaa only requires 1 credit, so it is a bit cheaper. The menu at Sanaa is Indian inspired, while the menu at Jiko is more eclectic, taking influences from all over Africa, India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The atmosphere is wonderful at both, but you have a chance at seeing animals from your table at Sanaa, as they have windows directly overlooking the savannah. You can't see any animals from Jiko.

You do not need a jacket and tie for Jiko, the dress code is "business casual"...whatever that means. I just wear jeans with a nice top and some casual sandals when I eat at a signature. But you can dress up and wouldn't feel out of place either.

I tried the current vegetarian entree at Jiko and it was amazing! A Maize Pudding...it had the taste of polenta, but the texture was smooth and light as a cloud.

I didn't taste any vegetarian entrees at Sanaa, but the salad sampler was great - don't miss the Watermelon and Radish salad!

You know what I would do? Cancel that Les Chefs de France ADR and get in at Sanaa instead! It's MUCH better.