Ohana or Jiko?

[Alyssa Hamilton]

I have never been to either Ohana or Jiko. I am planning my trip for August and and wondering which I should choose for dinner. I don't have time for both

 

[Hopefully]

They are totally different from each other.
Who is in your party? What are the ages? What types of food do you prefer?
What is your budget? Where are you staying? Where will you be that day?
A little bit more information will help us to help you.

I like both for very different evenings and very different meals. I can't recommend one over the other without an idea of what you are looking for.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Like @Hopefully said they are VERY different restaurants.

Most notably, I'd point out that Jiko is signature dining meaning it will be more expensive or two table service credits and ideally you shouldn't be in park clothes (the dress code is relaxed, but think going to a mid to nicer restaurant in your hometown).

Personally, I think 'Ohana is overrated, but I know a lot of people like it.

To me, this comparison to me is a bit like comparing your favorite restaurant as a family to your favorite date night place.

 

[Alyssa Hamilton]

Ages 23 and 32. It will be a birthday dinner(for me!) no budget. I will be staying at art of animation and will be in animal kingdom that day

 

[Hopefully]

Since you are a young adult couple, who are at AK that day, celebrating your birthday, and have no budget I would suggest Jiko. But I would urge you to bring something to change into and freshen up a bit before dinner. I would bring a bag and put it in a locker at AK during the day and just freshen up in the rest room before heading to Jiko.
And I would caution you to read Jiko's menu on line at Disney and at allears.net to see if you like the choices. There food may be a bit "exotic" for some.
Welcome to the DIS and Happy Birthday.

 

[rwdavis2]

Jiko all the way. But check the menu first to see if it suits your needs. Mainly because it is completely different than Ohana.

 

[Alyssa Hamilton]

Thank you guys! I think I will go with Jiko! I love trying different cuisines so it should be fun !

 

[Babsy]

Thank you guys! I think I will go with Jiko! I love trying different cuisines so it should be fun !

Great Choice! Jiko has some of the BEST food we have ever tasted! The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is great.

Enjoy!

(and Happy Birthday)

 

[steviethegreat]

As a note about the dressing up, you totally don't NEED to. We went to Jiko in dresses because we wanted it to be the special dinner of our trip. But we saw plenty of people in park clothes. Jiko is a signature restaurant and a lot of the food is African-inspired. You can check out reviews from previous diners on the Dis or you could read reviews on The Disney Food Blog or other similar websites. I think the ambiance in Jiko is wonderful. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite places on property!

If you do end up at Ohana in the future, it's a totally different experience. I usually go to one of the latest dinner options, as there's a chance of getting a window seat to watch the fireworks in the Magic Kingdom (never asked for it, but it's happened both times I've gone). The food isn't something you pick, unlike Jiko. It's bread, salad, a round of pre-protein foods like noodles, chicken wings, and potstickers. And then they come by with skewers of meat and ask if you want chicken, steak, or shrimp. There's no limit to how much you can eat. And you can always ask for more of anything. It's a very heavy meal. But I've never had a bad time there. A lot of people find it to be overrated, but I don't get to go to Disney very often, so maybe I wear rose-tinted glasses when it comes to restaurants on property?

The banana bread pudding is an incredible dessert, if you ever go and try it. (Though I'm 90% certain that you can get it from a lounge in the Polynesian if you want to skip dinner and just grab dessert.) I've enjoyed the Polynesian and the atmosphere of the restaurants. So hopefully you'll get to go back sometime!

But seriously, Jiko is awesome. I got the buffalo ribeye with a side of mac and cheese and it was wonderful. I would happily go back and time that I make it down to Disney. Make sure you don't skip over the appetizers, though! The tibs in brik are fantastic. I wasn't a huge fan of the desserts, but it looks like some of their options have changed now.

 

[LilyWDW]

They are totally different restaurants, foods, and experiences. Both are places I enjoy, but you really can not put them next to each other and compare eveningly.

 

[StuckinPA]

I've done both, and given your scenario, another vote for Jiko here! Definitely check out the menu. If you're a filet/steak fan, the filet (which you can have over mac & cheese by request) is one of my favorite meals on property. They also have an excellent wine selection. And I rate the Animal Kingdom Lodge staff as second to none on property.

 

[Crystal824]

They are both great restaurants, but given your situation, I would do Jiko.

 

[Alyssa Hamilton]

Jiko it is!!

 

[lubob]

Ohana hands down !!!!