Jiko?

[GailT]

So far this board has guided me in the right direction as far as good places to eat. I have always wanted to try Jilko, I do like spicey food, just not daring as far as meats and fish, I like salmon, beef and chicken. Looking for opinions on the menu selections in this restaurant? TIA I apperciate it

 

[RachaelA]

The chicken flatbread is amazing.

 

[Pakey]

The appetIzers are more adventurous than the entrees. I've eaten here many times and I have never had an entree that I couldn't get at another restaurant. I've had beef, chicken and fish here. All have been fine.

 

[mrmdisneyfl]

I find that I am willing to try any types of food at Disney! So we tried Jiko a few years ago and it has been a must for us every trip. I love the filet and the chicken is really good as well. The app's are fun to try.

We will be there on 3/31, cannot wait!

Have a great trip!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Been awhile since I've done Jiko, but the flatbread appetizers were always pretty good.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

Taste of Africa is pretty tasty,the menu is a little tamer now than when we last went.None of it is that exotic,but it is probly in the top 5-10 places to eat in Disney.

 

[AirGoofy]

I really like Jiko. The filet was excellent. The califlower soup was really tasty. The flatbreads were great. Deserts were a little lacking. With that said, Sanaa over at Kidani was a little more adventurous with the spices and flavors. Not sure you can go wrong with the food at AKL.

 

[GailT]

Thanks everyone, looks like that is going to be one of my TS places that I am going to try. I can't wait to go back, you think I am 6, all exciting atticipating this trip

 

[FredQc]

I went to Jiko twice and had amazing experiences, eating beef both times (the filet, then the ribs). The second time, I seated in front of a kitchen area where salads were prepared. It was interesting to chat with the cast members who worked there. Ask your server for advices regarding wines. The South African wine list is comprehensive (the largest SA wine collection in the US, maybe outside SA).

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Jiko has been one of our favorites for years. We ate there again last Oct. and had another great meal.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Jiko is probably the best restaurant on property outside V&A, however, it's menu has definately been tamed by consolidation and cost savings (ah, the ever old problem with Disney Dining). There really are not a lot of "out there entrees" and just a few on the appetizer side.

A lot of people rave about the filet, but I think that is actually one of the weakest dishes, but it's also the most "common" for people, so it tends to get selected a lot (plus, on DDP, it's the most expensive dish you can get).

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Spice and adventurous food (at Jiko) is more evident in appitizers than main courses. These are the best things they do, IMO.

I have always liked Jiko but I have to say it is probably the most overated restaurant at WDW. The atmosphere is great and the food is consistently good. But the food is seldom great, IMO, and the service is very spotty.

So I'd check the menu to see what intrigues you rather than going in blind.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Jiko:
. . . food price value: C-
. . . food quality: C-
. . . food quantity per serving: C
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: B
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: B+
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff helpfulness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a

NOTE: Jiko was designed as African-style foods, but has
become too Americanized. Gone are the richly spiced foods.
Cost cutting has reduced the uniqueness of the menu items.
It is still well above average, but now it is far too expensive for
the menu items. It should be noted, however, that the wine cellar
of African wines is quite large and superior in offerings. Overall,
there are better choices for fine dining within WDW.

 

[RNBelle]

Spice and adventurous food (at Jiko) is more evident in appitizers than main courses. These are the best things they do, IMO.

I have always liked Jiko but I have to say it is probably the most overated restaurant at WDW. The atmosphere is great and the food is consistently good. But the food is seldom great, IMO, and the service is very spotty.

So I'd check the menu to see what intrigues you rather than going in blind.

I agree with this. If you're not on the dining plan, I'd consider making a meal out of the appetizers!!! We went and weren't that impressed. I liked trying ostrich- but the tables were very close together (at least where we sat) and the filet mignon was boring!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Overall, there are better choices for fine dining within WDW.

I'd be interested to hear the better choices excluding V&A and non-Disney options located offsite (ie. BlueZoo).

 

[lilandvisma]

I find that I am willing to try any types of food at Disney! So we tried Jiko a few years ago and it has been a must for us every trip. I love the filet and the chicken is really good as well. The app's are fun to try.

We will be there on 3/31, cannot wait!

Have a great trip!

We will also be there 3-31 . Our Dinner adr is for 8pm !

 

[snykymom]

I believe that there is a new chef who is trying to reintroduce the richly spiced dinners. In December, I had a duck breast dish that had not been on the menu 1 1/2 years earlier, and the spicing was wonderful. Not hot, but very flavorful, with flavors I would not have thought to put together. And my DH had a trio of Ethiopian vegetarian dishes; also wonderful.

It's a must for us.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'd be interested to hear the better choices excluding V&A and non-Disney options located offsite (ie. BlueZoo).

1) We prefer
. . . fine food
. . . excellent service
. . . innovative dishes with flair
. . . overall great value
. . . relaxed and soothing dining atmosphere
. . . behaved and somewhat quiet patrons

2) The only sit-down restaurants we patronize at WDW are
. . . Bistro de Paris
. . . Citricos
. . . Il Mulino
. . . Shula's Steakhouse
. . . Victoria & Albert's

3) Our Off-Site Recommendations:
. . . Café D'Antonio - Celebration, Casual Italian
. . . Columbia - Celebration, Spanish/Cuban
. . . Oceanaire - International Drive, Really Fresh Seafood
. . . Norman's, - Orlando Ritz Hotel, Fine Dining
. . . Venetian Room - Caribe Royale Hotel, Fine Dining
. . . Vito's - International Drive, Steaks and Chops


NOTE: Many people leave V&A off the list because they think it is
too expensive. In reality, there are three other eateries in WDW
that are more expensive per person. So, please do no exclude
just because of money.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

2) The only sit-down restaurants we patronize at WDW are
. . . Bistro de Paris
. . . Citricos
. . . Il Mulino
. . . Shula's Steakhouse
. . . Victoria & Albert's

NOTE: Many people leave V&A off the list because they think it is
too expensive. In reality, there are three other eateries in WDW
that are more expensive per person. So, please do no exclude
just because of money.

Neither of these count as they are off-site (Swan & Dolphin)

• Il Mulino
• Shula's Steakhouse

I've excluded V&A and Bistro because neither are part of the DDP, although this post didn't specifically restrict to DDP, to level the playing field to include similar restaurants, I think it's fair to exclude it.

Now Citricos is a great place, but I personally still enjoy Jiko better (although Citricos is also a must do). I wouldn't exactly say the dishes a Citricos are all that innovative though, but the ambience is pretty relaxed for earlier seatings, I've found it to be pretty hectic in some later seatings.