Jiko's - Different Experience

[charlielinda]

Last time we went to Jiko's we didn't have AP's but were told we could sit at the "counter" where the appetizers are made -- sort of like a small chef's table. I was disappointed because I always love Jiko's and it's a special place for us. Well -- I'm at Disney so "go with the flow" and tell myself we'll have a good time.

Good time . . . best time! We'll never sit at a regular table again there. We so enjoyed watching the chef and his assistant make all the appetizers for the restaurant. We engaged them in conversation and got some "extra special bites" to try different things. We talked to them about their education and where they are from and how all the dishes from appetizers, to entrees, to dessert are made. Many are indeed from Africa. We asked them for recommendations and what they thought was the best on the menu. It was wonderful! So if you would like to try a new experience you can always try the "counter" at Jiko's -- you might be in for a wonderful surprise!

FYI -- when I made my ADR for my upcoming trip the cast member was totally confused about my reqeust so I made a reservation and will call the restaurant myself a day before and request the counter.

Have a magical day!

 

[Tricia1972]

What a fantastic tip! Just watch, the counter at Jiko will become as hard to get as a reservation for the Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's.

 

[Hootch]

overlooking the kitchen. The first time was at Alan Wong's in Honolulu. We couldn't get a table so we settled for a seat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. The interaction with the chefs was great. I learned how the green and yellow tomato soup worked which is something I had discussed with another passenger on the plane. Now if I have a chance I always take it.

I'll have to try the Jiko counter once the kids are a bit older.

 

[World Bouncer]

We have been planning on sitting there for our next ADR in Sept., it will be just a bit of extra fun! After all we sit at regular tables everywhere else!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I love sitting at the counter seats that overlook the kitchen/prep areas.

I think my favorite was eating lunch at Emeril's and talking to some of the chefs as they prepped items for dinner that night. As the restaurant is quieter during lunch, they really spent a lot of time talking to you and explaining different things. They also made some quick dishes on the fly for us to try.

I've also had the opportunity to eat at Morimoto's in Philadelphia and sat at the "bar" and that too was an amazing experience. As we ordered the Omakase menu priced off menu, the chef's both back in the kitchen and in the cold prep area became very excited. They were able to just concoct dishes based on their own skills and come up with some unique things. We ended up with 12 courses that night and not a single item brought out was available on the menu, everything was custom. Granted after about the 9th course, I stopped drinking the drink they would also bring out with the course (each course came with its own paired drink).

 

[LisaInNc]

The Contemporary has counter seating too. I was eating there solo and it wa suggested to me by the hostess I really enjoyed it!

 

[Lavender_Blue]

I've always been a little confused about this....so....if you sit at the counter...can you still order entrees or can you only order appetizers? Can you order dessert, too?

I took my DF to Jiko's for his birthday and though I loved my filet, I REALLY loved the bread. I woke up the next morning craving it intensely. My fiancee also loved the flatbread.

We joke about going to Jiko again and just ordering the bread and appetizers.

 

[jezebella]

I've always been a little confused about this....so....if you sit at the counter...can you still order entrees or can you only order appetizers? Can you order dessert, too?

I took my DF to Jiko's for his birthday and though I loved my filet, I REALLY loved the bread. I woke up the next morning craving it intensely. My fiancee also loved the flatbread.

We joke about going to Jiko again and just ordering the bread and appetizers.

It's full service....you can order anything from there. We loved watching them make everything, but our chefs must have been shy or something b/c they didn't talk to us at all.

 

[BriarRosie]

The counter area at Jiko is "The Cooking Place" seating area.

The others mentioned California Grill, too. I sat there watching the chefs working, and the counter on the other side of the kitchen overlooked Yoshie, the sushi chef. Flying Fish also has a "counter" area, and I've eaten there, too.

I sit at the counters (and the bars that serve food) when I'm dining solo.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I've dined at "the counter" on two occassions and highly recommend it! It is more of a prep station than a counter.

It is a lot of fun and very interactive.

 

[disneyplanningdad]

Not to disagree, it sounds fantastic ,but....Just a caveat for those who have never been to JiKo, Compared to most Disney restauranys it is a quiet and awfully romantic setting. The tables by the window overlook landscping that I consider a piece of artwork, especially since the resort pool is only feet away. you would never know this sitting in the restaurant. jiko is a must for anyone who enjoys food.

 

[Maxamuus]

We asked them for recommendations and what they thought was the best on the menu.

What were their recommendations & thoughts ??

 

[TigerKat]

We dined at "The Cooking Place" on our only visit to JIKO and absolutely LOVED it! Shellie was our server and was without a doubt the most knowledgeable one we've ever had. Amazing night.

 

[Lynnsky]

Good to know people like this. We are big Jiko fans and I think my DH would love to watch the chefs do their thing.

 

[Simba's Mom]

How does one guarantee sitting at the counter? Do you specifically request it when you make ADRs? Or do you request to sit at the counter when you check in to the resturant? And if so, what are the chances of getting it? I'm a solo and would love to eat at Jiko's, but only if I could be sure I could sit at the counter.

 

[TigerKat]

You request it when you check-in. It's not all that popular yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long before it is. I think your chances of being seated there are very good, enjoy!

 

[mavdav]

Would you recommend the counter for small children? DS 4 & 2.5 ???

Also, are most people who dine there dressed "nicer"? I know that at almost all the WDW restaurants everyone is wearing their 'park' clothes, didn't know if that was the same at JIKO or not, seeing as it is a 2TS credit restaurant.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[kidsister]

The 'cooking place' is great...but remember that near closing they really arent' prepping anymore food nor making appetizers. We sat there once at 10pm and soon got tired of watching them clean up and moved to a table.
But when we've eaten there earlier...it is great fun!
The tables by the windows are indeed romantic, and quiet.
No worries about dress codes...shirt and slacks for men is fine and most anything for women.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I ate at the counter once too, but the chefs were very quiet when I did, the only time they talked is when I asked them what was in a sauce.

 

[TigerKat]

I ate at the counter once too, but the chefs were very quiet when I did, the only time they talked is when I asked them what was in a sauce.

We had the opposite experience, ours were very informative, explaining the dishes and giving us little samples.