Jiko vs Boma

[pixierella]

I'm interested in getting folks opinions on these two places. While I know Boma is a buffet and Jiko is a siggie restuarant I'm really trying to decide between the two. We are already plan on doing the Calfornia Grill one night for our anniversary so it's not imperative to do two signatures in one trip but I love the look of Jiko.

So what are your thoughts on these places? Thanks

 

[OKW Lover]

These two places are so different that its hard to know where to start. I guess I'd first ask if you have any particular food preferences or dietary restrictions. What's the makeup of your party (# of children especially)? Are you adventurous eaters?

Anyway, we've done both and enjoy both. If its just my wife and I, the choice would be Jiko without question. That's because we love fine dining. But when we're there with our 6YO grandson, its Boma because its a quicker meal and he's guaranteed to find food he likes.

 

[Tissa]

I've never been to Boma but Jiko is wonderful. Buffet food and signature dining just can't be compared.

 

[bleeps]

We (me, DH, and DS who is 10) LOVE Jiko. The atmosphere, the food, the service -- all outstanding. Aside from all the other considerations, it is wonderful to have a few opportunities during a trip to the World to experience relative quiet and calm; we find Jiko much more relaxing than Calif. Grill.

Have a great trip!

 

[Hootch]

going to Boma at least once. Jiko is going to have a finer dining experience by far, service at your table and the food plated/cooked to order.

Boma will provide you with very wide assortment of flavors in one meal. It's a great option if are not familiar with some of the spices and ingredients of the cuisine. Or, if you are familiar with them but can't decide on a particular dish.

It's two completely different dining experiences.

 

[pixierella]

We're just the two of us and we have no restrictions and love love love to try new food. I'm pushing for Jiko since it seems like a more grown up atmosphere and a bit quieter. He's interested in Boma because he would be able to try a bunch of different things at once. Decisions Decisions.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We went to both in Oct, click on my link for a ton of pics and full review of both. While we love Boma breakfast we were not happy with the dinner, the spices and flavors just wasnt for us. Now Jiko, that place was incredible and I could eat there every day!

 

[EricaG]

I haven't been to Jiko, but my husband and I did LOVE Boma. It was, as your husband suggested, really cool to be able to try so many different kinds of foods. We are vegetarians, so of course we didn't eat any of the meat, but we tried little bites of almost everything else they had there. It was great!

 

[BoomNLeon]

We've eaten at all 3 at least twice and agree with OKW Lover - they are so different. Boma is great b/c of all the options. Jiko is an amazing experience - the food, service and atmosphere are top notch! A visit to AKL is always a nice touch and after dinner you could go to Arusha Rock or the viewing area near Uzima Springs and see the animals with night vision. Cali Grill has so many positives including the spectacular view of the Castle and a large, diverse menu. Cali Grill does not have the theming of Jiko, although everything else makes up for what it might lack there.

I think doing Cali Grill and Jiko in the same trip is worth it - and we have done just that!

 

[OKW Lover]

We're just the two of us and we have no restrictions and love love love to try new food. I'm pushing for Jiko since it seems like a more grown up atmosphere and a bit quieter. He's interested in Boma because he would be able to try a bunch of different things at once. Decisions Decisions.

In your case, I'd suggest Jiko as well. As far as trying a bunch of different things at once goes, we have an un-written rule that nobody orders the same thing at a restaurant. That way we get to try more than one item for each course.

 

[MillerTribeMum]

We went to both in Oct, click on my link for a ton of pics and full review of both.

O.M.G.!!!!!!! Link to "both?" That happens, my dear, to be THE understatement of the year (well, THAT and our country "is in debt"). Super-duper AWESOME reviews and pics and humor. I went in looking for a review of Jiko, and BAM!-- you blindsided me with fabulous multi-restaurant reviews. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am a foodie, DH follows my cues, and my 4 bunchkins are amazing "tryers" (i.e., they don't EAT a lot, but they will try anything-- my oldest LOVES pickled squid salad <gag>).

I think I just may have to hit F&W someday. Incredible!

Jeni