Jiko or Yachtsman

[Figment56]

We will be going down next week to WDW. Although we have been many times, have never eaten at either of these two restaurants. This will be our first time on vacation without our DD since she was born (almost 21 years ago!). I would love to hear what others think of both places!

 

[JohnnyB2]

If you are looking for a great steak etc.Go to the Yachtsman.Jilko has an African cuisine. We have been to the Yachtsman but not to Jilko's yet

 

[kiki50]

We LOVE both of them! We always go to both when we are there. Yachtsman's is fantastic. I always have beef. My husband is not a big meat eater and usually has fish which he rants and raves about. Jiko has an african flair and I am not an adventorous eater and I love it. Their filet mignon with macaroni and cheese is to die for. You can't go wrong with either place. I think these are 2 of the best restaurants in WDW.

 

[Figment56]

bump! This is a difficult decision! Come on guys-help out, please!

 

[pinkxray]

I wish I had an answer, but am torn between the two myself. Each looks great in their own way. I hope a few more people chime in!

 

[Figment56]

Me too! Pink-love the way you spell your daughter's name!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

We tried the Yachtsman for the first time last January and everybody in our party of four adults loved everything we had. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere was decent. I felt like we had a good deal of privacy but I probably would not feel that way if the restaurant were as full as it could be.

On the other hand, I've eaten at Jiko on our last three trips and I find it unmissable. The menu is fantastic whether you order one of the staple items or something seasonal. The service always suits me well as the staff are knowledgeable, capable of making excellent recommendations and seem intuitive about knowing whether a party need extra attention or just want some time alone. The restaurant feels intimate and has pretty interesting decor and theming, too, although you may be too busy enjoying yourself to notice.

 

[Tiffany]

We will be going down next week to WDW. Although we have been many times, have never eaten at either of these two restaurants. This will be our first time on vacation without our DD since she was born (almost 21 years ago!). I would love to hear what others think of both places!

I would recommend going with Jiko's at the AKL. If you want a true high end steakhouse experiance then go to Shula's at the Dolphin.

 

[bleeps]

Both restaurants are on our "must" list for every trip.

Yachtsman's has a lovely atmosphere, the steaks are fabulous. Everything on the menu will be familiar to you (most likely), and anything you choose will be beautifully prepared. If you enjoy wine, their list is stellar -- always worthwhile to talk with your CM to get his/her recommendations as well.

Jiko is a world apart. The restaurant is beautiful -- darker and a bit more "mysterious" than the setting at Yachtsman's. There will be options that are pretty familiar and comfortable -- for example, "filet mignon with mac and cheese!" -- but we can tell you that this preparation IS very different from Yachtsman's and worth a special trip. The more unusual offerings are all fabulous -- worthwhile here to talk to your CM about your meal choices as well as wine choices (again, a wonderful wine list)!

As I said, we adore them both. If I were forced to pick just one, I'd pick Jiko because it is unlike anything we can get at home (Boston).

 

[2xcited2sleep]

They're both terrific. If forced to choose between the two, I'd probably pick Jiko b/c you could make it more of an event. Take some time to enjoy the lobby, the bar, viewing the animals on the savannah with the night vision goggles, and then have a fantastic dinner.

But as others have said, you really can't go wrong between the two! Yachtsman is an equally great dinner and you could always stroll over for Illuminations after dinner!

Enjoy!!

 

[pinkxray]

Me too! Pink-love the way you spell your daughter's name!

Thanks!

 

[Figment56]

Thank you everyone! Looks like Jiko's it is! Bleeps, we are not far away from Boston, we have the Woosta accent-lol! Pinkxray-that is how our DD's name is spelled also! I wish it were her first time again to WDW! She is now a junior in college. I hope your Caitlin has the time of her life! Enjoy and take LOTS of pictures!

 

[jess20k]

I know Jiko gets many wonderful reviews, but we prefer Yachtsman. We have dined at both. We did enjoy Jiko, but was not overly impressed with it. Our meals were good, but not outstanding. However, we were really impressed with our meal we had at Yachtsman, it was delicious!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We have been to both many times. Of the two we prefer Jiko. For us Jiko just offers many more different choices. We also really enjoyed Sanaa at AKL Kidani when we dined there in December.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Of the two, definitely Jiko. We've been to Jiko a number of times and have always found it to be outstanding. We have been to Yachtsman once and - for me - it was a swing and a miss. I did not find the steak to be as good as I expected, and actually sent the first one back.

Try the ostrich appetizer - you will never look at them the same way again.

 

[LowesChevy]

Both places are in my top 3 best restaurants, it really comes down to your tastes and preferences. Jiko is defintely or the more adventurous type of eater and the Yachtsman Steakhouse is a safe place for the red meat fan.

I have reviews of both places from our trip in Oct 09, please read them if you are looking for a head to head review.

 

[Hopefully]

We have been to both multiple times and I vastly prefer Jiko.
Although I am in the minority here on the DIS, Yachtsman is one of only 2 restaurants in all of WDW we won't return to. It is a beautiful setting, with friendly service but the food was just not good. We tried 3 times and never again.
We love Jiko. It is one of the quietest restaruants at WDW. The food is delicious and the wine list is outstanding. It is worth a trip just to see the AKL too.
Have a Great Trip.

 

[crewmatt]

Love htem both but I have to say Jiko. Yachtsman was great, amazing steak, loved the food. But Jiko was spectacular.

 

[crewmatt]

Oh and second the winelist comment. Showed up early for the reservation, were seated within half an hour (still a full 40 minutes before our reservation). Several very good glasses of wine.

 

[mjp12831]

Have only been to Yachtsman - 7 adults and 5 kids - all agreed it was very good last year - apps, main course and desert. Service was friendly but very slow, but we'd go back for sure.

However, liked the comment a pp had that they'd go to Jiko as it is significantly different from what you can get at home, and you can find a good steakhouse in almost any town.