Jiko vs. Boma

[jocelyn6]

Hi folks, this may be already posted somewhere but I am wondering if you any of you can help me with this decision....which one would you choose for supper - Jiko or Boma? We are a party of 4 adults and 3 children under the age of 13. Thank you so much!

 

[sleepydog25]

Jiko is the better of the two restaurants; however, it's more of an adult-ish style restaurant given that it's a Signature. Further, the menu is less extensive than what you'll find at Boma. Boma is better suited for larger groups, younger palates, and has more variety. Based on your brief description then, I'd say go for Boma. That's not to say Jiko wouldn't be a fine choice depending on your group's taste, and they can certainly accommodate larger parties. However, Boma offers a little better value and more variety than does Jiko. Either way, you can't go wrong.

 

[smcabee]

DW and I prefer Jiko but we dont have kids? I agree with the pp that Boma is more suited toward younger palates. Look over the Menu at Jiko and if you feel your children would enjoy the items there, I would recommend Jiko.

 

[Hopefully]

They are very different experiences. As PP have said Jiko is adult oriented and much more expensive. For your group I would choose Boma.

 

[addiln]

We are big fans of Boma and on our last trip since it was adults only we could not wait to try Jiko. After the meal there we decided that we will not be going back there and just sick with Boma instead. We thought the food was better at the buffet and that jiko was very much over hyped for us. I know people enjoy Jiko but in the end we just did not enjoy as much as I thought we should for the price

 

[TwoMisfits]

Are your 3 kids 10-12 or 9 and under? Are you OOP or on the DDP? You will be paying adult buffet fees if your children are over 9, so if you think they won't eat like an adult buffet eater, and they are 10-12, you might want Jiko's...

 

[jocelyn6]

Jiko is the better of the two restaurants; however, it's more of an adult-ish style restaurant given that it's a Signature. Further, the menu is less extensive than what you'll find at Boma. Boma is better suited for larger groups, younger palates, and has more variety. Based on your brief description then, I'd say go for Boma. That's not to say Jiko wouldn't be a fine choice depending on your group's taste, and they can certainly accommodate larger parties. However, Boma offers a little better value and more variety than does Jiko. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Thank you for your input. My child is the 12 year old and he loves any and all food. I know that he can handle this - I am now questioning the decision with our friend's 5 and 7 year old. Funny though - it was their suggestion to go here.

 

[jocelyn6]

Are your 3 kids 10-12 or 9 and under? Are you OOP or on the DDP? You will be paying adult buffet fees if your children are over 9, so if you think they won't eat like an adult buffet eater, and they are 10-12, you might want Jiko's...

Thank you for the response. I have the 12 year old and he is a hearty eater...we are on the DDP - but I am not sure this will be the best fit....I will have to consult our travelling companions on this one and provide the feedback I was given here.

 

[jocelyn6]

We are big fans of Boma and on our last trip since it was adults only we could not wait to try Jiko. After the meal there we decided that we will not be going back there and just sick with Boma instead. We thought the food was better at the buffet and that jiko was very much over hyped for us. I know people enjoy Jiko but in the end we just did not enjoy as much as I thought we should for the price

That's good to know. We have eaten at Boma and we really enjoyed it - the family that is going with us wanted to try this one. I am really on the fence. Which restaurant has a better view of the animals/savanna?

 

[jocelyn6]

They are very different experiences. As PP have said Jiko is adult oriented and much more expensive. For your group I would choose Boma.

That's what I am starting to think now too!

 

[jocelyn6]

DW and I prefer Jiko but we dont have kids? I agree with the pp that Boma is more suited toward younger palates. Look over the Menu at Jiko and if you feel your children would enjoy the items there, I would recommend Jiko.

I am going to do that right now - just to make sure this will be the right decision. I know how my own child will act in a mainly adult restaurant...it's different with little kids though. I don't want to be the family that everyone is glaring at for ruining the atmosphere! Lol

 

[jocelyn6]

Jiko is the better of the two restaurants; however, it's more of an adult-ish style restaurant given that it's a Signature. Further, the menu is less extensive than what you'll find at Boma. Boma is better suited for larger groups, younger palates, and has more variety. Based on your brief description then, I'd say go for Boma. That's not to say Jiko wouldn't be a fine choice depending on your group's taste, and they can certainly accommodate larger parties. However, Boma offers a little better value and more variety than does Jiko. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Thank you for your response...so much to think about now! But - I wanted the input! I am going to go and look over menus and consult with the other family...I want to make sure it's a great experience for everyone...including other diners!

 

[purple figment]

Which restaurant has a better view of the animals/savanna?

Neither Jiko or Boma have a view of the savanna or animals, but you can easily walk over to the outlooks either before or after dinner. Sanaa at Kidani has a view of the savanna and animals during daylight hours.

We've eaten at both Jiko and Boma and enjoyed both. Jiko is a signature restaurant so more upscale and will be 2 credits per person on the Dining Plan. Boma is a buffet that has both African inspired dishes and more familiar food. I would look at the menus for the two restaurants (and Sanaa if seeing the savanna/animals is important) to see which is more appealing.

 

[Dug720]

Thank you for the response. I have the 12 year old and he is a hearty eater...we are on the DDP - but I am not sure this will be the best fit....I will have to consult our travelling companions on this one and provide the feedback I was given here.

If you are on the dining plan, just remember that Jiko is 2 credits and Boma is only 1.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Boma is good for a buffet...much better than most. But you can't realistically compare mass produced food to the decent quality sitdowns.

 

[Vijoge]

The best meal I've had anywhere, at any time, was the dinner I had at Jiko.

 

[Micca]

Other than the fact that they are both in the same resort, and have a sort of "African themed" menu, they are pretty different. We've enjoyed both with Boma being a big noisy cavern of a room and lots of people hot-footing it back & forth through the buffet line, while Jiko is a bit more subdued and low key. If you think the kids might get restless waiting to be served Boma is the better choice because they can go at their own pace. And desserts there are unlimited (and pretty tasty.)

 

[DeanDoug]

I agree with many that given your party, I think you will be most comfortable at Boma. Enjoy!

 

[Wendy98]

We ate at Jiko 2 weeks ago for dinner. It was myself, dh, and 3 kiddos (age 13,10, and 7). This was the most we have ever spent at a WDW restaurant (we pay oop, not dining plan people) but it was my pick to celebrate running the marathon. It was hands down the BEST meal and experience we have ever had. My kids still talk about it. Not only was the food delicious, but our server was superb. Loved her and her recommendations.