Narcoossee's vs. Jiko

[jagafen]

I'm facing a delimma. Our 180 day mark is bout 2 weeks away, and I'm still playing around with ADRs....DH and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary this summer (we were married on my birthday too, so it's a double whammy celebration). We're staying at AKL. I had origionally thought that we'd have our anniversary dinner at Narcoossee's (we both love seafood). But part of me thinks that since this is our 2nd stay at AKL, and we've never eaten at Jiko's, we should go there instead. I've heard great things about both restaurants. DS will be at Simba's club, regardless of which restaurant we choose...but I'm still floundering. If we eat at Jiko's, it'll save us at least $50 in cab fare, and a ton of time. But I kinda had my heart set on the surf and turf at Narcoosee's. We're wine drinkers, but neither of us knows an iota about african wines. Didn't even know they could grow grapes....so it's a toss up....go with safe and comfortable (Narcoossee's) or with slightly out of my comfort zone (DH is a more adventerous eater than I....he'd eat the ostrich appetizer). On our last trip, we ate at Cali Grill, so we've done the "dinner and fireworks" thing...that really isn't a factor in our decision. I'm more concerned about the food/wine (mostly wine ;-) selections!)

 

[madalex]

Go with Jiko! It is a fabulous restaurant; my favorite on Disney property. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

Not knowing anything about South African wines is half the fun! Who wants to go to a restaurant and order the same old thing that you can drink at home? There are many really great wines on the list (many of which are not available anywhere else in the US) and your server will be able to help you pick something out that you will like.

Finally, the convenience factor if you are already staying at AKL can't be overlooked. You won't be disappointed with Jiko.

 

[melvin]

I would suggest Jiko's. Their wine list is great, and the servers seem knowledgable. Usually, if you ask, they will bring you a sample sip of a wine to see if you like it before you order a glass. Then, since you are staying at AKL, you will not have to rush and can have a drink before and or after dinner at the great bar nearby. P.S. South Africa produces some great wines, including sauvignon blancs, chards, chenin blancs and their famous red, pinotage, which I think is an acquired taste... to put it nicely...

 

[jess20k]

Narcoossee's is wonderful! We love it there and go every time that we are in WDW!

 

[warpdarkmatter]

jiko all the way! there is always somthing on the menu at all disney resturants for the plain jane eater like yourself. jump into a adventure youve been married 5 years mix it up a little

 

[auntfrannie]

I think the food & service are both better at Jiko's.

 

[TillyMarigold]

I prefer Jiko, but we're adventurous eaters.

Looking at Wikipedia, South Africa's climate is comparable to Oregon/Washington, which grow great wines.

 

[brendaziz]

We love Jiko.
The filet and mac and cheese is SOO good.
And if you like the zebra domes from boma you can order em at jiko and they'll grab some for you from the kitchen

Def agree wines are great also.

 

[jelliott04]

And if you like the zebra domes from boma you can order em at jiko and they'll grab some for you from the kitchen

REALLY??? Wow! I'm not a dessert eater but I enjoy a zebra dome or two while I'm there! This is great info!

My vote is for Jiko btw. There is a lot to be said for dining at the hotel your staying at! Plus the food is delish!

Jen

 

[jenjersnap]

REALLY??? Wow! I'm not a dessert eater but I enjoy a zebra dome or two while I'm there! This is great info!

My vote is for Jiko btw. There is a lot to be said for dining at the hotel your staying at! Plus the food is delish!

Jen

They sell them pre-packaged downstairs in the Mara too!

 

[jelliott04]

Not to mention I'm sure you and DH can find SOMETHING to do with the time you save going to and from the Contemporary while your son is occupied with Simba and friends.

I need to look up info on Simba's clubhouse. My kids are 4 and 9 and have never been.

Jen

 

[stitchineeyore]

Jiko definitely! We go every time we are at WDW (couple of times a year). My daughter had a guest last year who is NOT an adventurous eater, and she said it was the best meal of the whole week-long trip. Drop your little one off at Simba's Club, and have a long, relaxing evening together. Be sure to put your special occasion on your ADR, and have a wonderful time!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Jiko, hands down.

 

[Eli's Dad]

I agree with the majority (which doesn't happen often I might add.) Jiko is our favorite on all of property including Victoria and Albert's, California Grill, Citricos, Flying Fish, etc... Location, ambiance, food, wine, service, the whole package. It's the only restaurant we go to every time we visit.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We've been to both and prefer Jiko.

 

[Pakey]

We prefer Jiko and honestly, except for the appetizers, we feel that the Jiko entrees are very tame.

 

[snowdrift7]

We went to Narcoossee's 2 years ago for our anniversary and loved it. Having said that, Jiko is now our very favorite restaurant on Disney property. You will love it.

Also about the surf and turf at Narcoossee's, I understand that sometimes the lobster tail is tough. My husband usually ask for scallops instead of lobster.

No matter where you eat your anniversary will be wonderful because you're in the most magical place on earth. Enjoy!

 

[goofy4prez]

I have been to both restaurants and enjoyed them both. I am in the minority here, but my nod goes to Narcoossee's; it is a must stop for us when we are in WDW.

 

[mjy]

Canada, The Flying Fish, and Jiko are places I go to the two times I get down to Disney each year.

I do not think you would be at all disappointed with Jiko. The service is excellent and the menu is absolutely wonderful. Their wine selection is also very good.

And, by the way, Happy Anniversary!

 

[canluvpooh]

Definitely Jiko all the way we make a stop there every trip, wonderful food and great service.

We ate at Narcoossee's on our last trip and thought the view was wonderful the food was ok, but nothing like the food at Jiko