Jiko was best place we ate!

cissy

Kindness is Strength
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
759
Before we left, I read a lot of of mixed reviews on Jiko. We actually made an ADR for Boma at 8:30pm but were so tired by 6:00 that I called to cancel it. I asked for something earlier but they told me they were booked and no longer taking ressies for the night.

On a whim I asked if Jiko had any openings and they said they could get is in at 7:00. So, we hustled the kids over to the Neverland Club and hopped in a taxi. It cost us about 20.00 bucks but we never would have made it from the Poly on the free transportation system.

The Animal Lodge is GORGEOUS! We were really impressed with the looks of it. But it was absolutely packed with people. We had gotten used to the slower pace of the Poly so were surprised at the bustle at the AK.

After seeing how huge and crowded Boma was, I was so glad we changed our ressies! Anyway, we were seated by 7:10 in a nice enclosed room in the middle. There were no children seated in this room. It was all couples which was really nice for our night out by ourselves.

Our waiter, Leslie was phenomenal! He was helpful with recommendations and was available but never intrusive.

Let me start by saying that my DH and I are adventurous eaters. We love all types of food and unusual spices do not bother us. We love Thai and Indian food and sushi and Mediterranean foods as well. So we had no qualms about eating at either restaurant. DH comes from a foodie family. Dad owned a restaurant, Mom is a caterer and Brother is a professional chef and caterer in Hollywood. We like good food:goodvibes

We started with the bread basket and an unusual spread that tasted of pumpkin and other spices. YUM! The taste was unlike anything I have had before. I had the Maize and Sweet Potato "Tamales" for my appetizer. Oh my goodness! They were divine. Really, one of the best things I have ever tasted. I could have ordered another set for my main meal. Both DH and I were highly impressed. He ordered the taste of Africa appetizer. It came with 3 tasty spreads for dipping the hot bread into. Again, this was wonderful. DH saved some of the masala for dipping with his main course.

For our entree, I had the Wood-grilled Pork Tenderloin. Now, I love pork and I let Leslie convince me to get it medium well. But I should have gone with medium. It was still delicious, but I prefer my pork a little more pink. (Don't flame me here, please, pork is pasteurized these days). DH had the Berbere Braised Lamb Shank and it was the best lamb shank we have ever had. No kidding.

For dessert, DH had Pistachio Creme Brulee. I am not a fan of Brulee so I can't say whether it was good, but DH was in heaven so I am guessing it was pretty tasty! I had the special "Year of a Million Dreams" dessert which was a light vanilla custard. It was perfect after such a rich meal.

The atmosphere was delightful. Soft lights and low African music. We really loved this dining experience. The best we had at Disney. If you are experimental and enjoy exotic tastes, this is a must do restaurant. If you are a meat and potatoes kind of person (as I used to be before marrying into this family) then Jiko may not suit your taste.

Hope this helps! :thumbsup2
 
Glad you enjoyed the meal! Jiko is one of my favorite spots. And I always get that Lamb Shank!!!
 
Thanks for your review. Jiko is my favorite restaurant at WDW. My usual order is the filet with mac and cheese and pistachio creme brulee. Shellie is one of the best servers at WDW; she really knows her South African wines.
 
Enjoyed reading your review ~ Thanx for sharing.
 

For our entree, I had the Wood-grilled Pork Tenderloin. Now, I love pork and I let Leslie convince me to get it medium well. But I should have gone with medium. It was still delicious, but I prefer my pork a little more pink. (Don't flame me here, please, pork is pasteurized these days). DH had the Berbere Braised Lamb Shank and it was the best lamb shank we have ever had. No kidding.

What server in their right mind would tell you to get a Pork dish med well? I would have asked for it mid-rare. Glad you still liked everything though.
 
Thanks for your review. Jiko is my favorite restaurant at WDW. My usual order is the filet with mac and cheese and pistachio creme brulee. Shellie is one of the best servers at WDW; she really knows her South African wines.

I'm in the beginning of my review and we had Shellie as well, she was awesome!!
 
I'm glad you enjoyed Jiko. Along with California Grill they are our two favorite places to dine at WDW. I have had the Lamb Shank on our last two visits and I loved it both times.
 
I'm excited. We're staying AKL and can't wait to try Boma and Jiko. Any place that has sweet potatoes is A Okay :thumbsup2 on my list. Thanks for the review.
 
Everything sounds DELICIOUS! I would LOVE to go there but my husband is not real adventurous when it comes to eating. Maybe sometime!

Kristen
 















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