Jiko vs California Grill

[The Princess]

Last trip we ate at Jikos and loved it. I booked California Grill for this trip but now I'm wondering which is better. Should we go back to Jikos or is good to give CG a shot?

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Jiko is my favorite Disney restaurant, and California Grill is a close second. I think it's definitely something that you should try.

 

[Minniemini]

I love Jiko, and have ressies for California grill in December. So for now Jiko but im sure i will love them both after my Dec. trip .

 

[cbg1027]

Although I like Jiko slightly better than CG, I would give CG a try! It's wonderful!

 

[OhThePain]

We have both of these booked for our next trip (we will actually be having Jiko through the Wanyama Safari). Jiko has much better food. CG has pretty good sushi but the rest of the menu is nothing too special, IMO. If you like sushi and/or you want to check out the view of Wishes, keep CG. If you are going on which restaurant has all-around better food, go with Jiko.

 

[Hopefully]

They are also different experiences.
California Grill can be quite noisy and have lots of families with young children. Lots of families come for the view of Wishes.
Jiko is much quieter and adult oriented. There are far fewer familes and it is a more adult experience.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

CA Grill hasn't been as good as it used to be for me, while Jiko has been getting better IMO, so if I had to pick just one, it would be Jiko.

 

[apicozzi]

I say stick with your California Grill reservation, even if you only eat there once.. it's definitely an experience! Depending on your reservation time, you can go outside onto the deck and watch Wishes. One of my fondest memories of Disney is standing out on that deck with my family having a drink and listening/watching Wishes from the top of the Contemporary! I've never had a bad drink at CG. The food has always been great in my opinion, although I always order Sushi for an appetizer (they have one of the top sushi chefs in the country!) and grilled pork tenderloin with goat cheese polenta (to die for!). I do agree that it can be loud at times, but it still has a nice feeling to it. You can watch over the Magic Kingdom as you dine!

 

[vettegirl]

I loved our meal at the Cali Grill and the views are amazing. We had a bad dinner at Jiko in May, the server was rude and the food was digusting. I really wanted to like Jiko and was very dissapointed, so much so I don't think I could give it another try.

 

[jazzielady]

I described in a separate post our disastrous meal at Cali Grill. I would NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Cali Grill is much better than Jiko

 

[nyrfan00]

I've eaten at both establishments last August and really enjoyed both of them. As some have already stated, both offer a completely different experience in terms of atmosphere and food.

Jiko is a lot more intimate and offers more of a quiet/romantic setting. I thought the food was outstanding, but definitely is geared towards the flavors of the Middle East/Africa.

Cali Grill was also awesome. Sushi was wonderful, entree's were stunning. Definitely think contemporary American as far as cuisine goes. Watching wishes on the observation deck was awesome! Even if your ADR is before the fireworks, they will still let you back upstairs to watch them.


Def check out Cali Grill!

 

[minnie mum]

Eaten at both. Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at both. As PPs have said: 2 totally different dining experiences. So if you haven't tried CG before, then give it a go. What's the worst that can happen? If you don't enjoy yourself, then you will try something else next time

 

[dansyr2514]

Eaten at both. Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at both. As PPs have said: 2 totally different dining experiences. So if you haven't tried CG before, then give it a go. What's the worst that can happen? If you don't enjoy yourself, then you will try something else next time

I agree. We generally alternate every trip. I would try to book a ressie 1 hr to an 1hr and 1/2 before the fireworks. Something that must be experienced at least once.
oh and btw, if you like sushi...Cali grill has great sushi!