Opinions about Jiko

[vikingfans]

I've heard comments on the Podcast about Jiko being a nice restaurant for a special dinner for a couple.

My hubby and I will be in Disney World in October and I was considering this restaurant for a special dinner.

I was hoping for opinions from the wonderful people on this board (I know you all have opinions!)

What is good to order?
Is there a special place to sit?
What is the dress recommendations?
Is there a better time to go?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I was there with my wife for an adults only dinner (kids were with the grandparents) last November. We had ADR's for 6:00 and there were quite a few empty tables. By 8:30, the restaurant was probably at 75% capacity.

We ordered the Taste of Africa and the flatbread with BBQ chicken & julien apples as appetizers, the oak-grilled sirloin and the beef short ribs for the main courses, and shared a chocolate cheesecake.

All were EXCELLENT. One of the best meals we've ever had.

In terms of location, I know there are tables near the windows that overlook a little stream. But the ambience was excellent no matter where you sat.

We dressed up a little bit (more because we wanted to, as part of our adults night out) but I think there were people there wearing polo shirts with nice shorts and sandals. I don't think there is a formal dress code, but I'd say you'd be out of place if showing up wearing tank tops and bathing suits.

Hope that helps.

 

[CamColt]

We tried Jiko for the first time last month. I was a bit worried about bringing my kids here as I had the impression it was more of a formal place, but it was very relaxed. I was surprised to see most tables had children with them, and this was a Saturday night at 7:00.

At any rate we had a very good meal and were glad we went. We got he rib eye flat bread for a starter and were surprised at how much we liked it. It was a different combination of ingredients, but they really worked well together. I got the filet with mac & cheese while DH got the ribs. Both were very tasty! We would definitely go back.

As a funny side note, before we went went, we were looking out our balcony upstairs and there was this huge ostrich just bopping around outside. The first thing I noticed on the menu was...OSTRICH!

 

[vikingfans]

As a funny side note, before we went went, we were looking out our balcony upstairs and there was this huge ostrich just bopping around outside. The first thing I noticed on the menu was...OSTRICH!

Maybe ostrich, better be careful! He may be next on the menu!

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

Very good Restaurant. Every time we have eaten there it has been consistently good quality and great service.

Our favorite is the steak with the port wine sauce on with mac in cheese. We chew very slow to make this last as long as possible.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We really enjoyed our meal there last year. For a couple, I would see if I could get a window table - tables are set in 3 columns as you enter the restaurant and then it spreads out toward the back. I would say, see if you can avoid the 4-tops in the center, between the window and the booths. The window would give you a more romantic view. Otherwise, a seat at the kitchen would be fun. Or maybe the very back wall of the restaurant (that intersects with the window wall). I wouldn't go for the very back right corner - you lose the visuals of the rest of the room. It's nice to see the entry architecture.

The only thing I didn't like due to being bland (which they immediately replaced with a trio of tuna - three ways appetizer that was phenomenal) was the sweet potato/sweet corn tamale, which isn't even on the current menu (posted 8/08 on www.allearsnet.com). That duck and stonefruit salad, on there now,sounds simply divine!!!

Service was supreme! This is truly one of top three favorite Signature restaurants, and believe me, we have eaten at almost all of them over the years!

 

[WLfan]

I think I'm the only person to not like Jiko! We were there in 01. I can't remember specifically what I didn't like, I just remember being disappointed, but maybe I should try it again. Does anyone know how many meals it costs on the dining plan?

 

[Uncleromulus]

The dress code is the Disney version of "business casual"--meaning no tank tops, swimwear, torn clothes, or hats (on men). T-shirts must have no offensive wording, etc. Almost anything else will get you in.
It's a great restaurant. We always order one of their flatbreads and I often get the lamb shank. Mrs U is fond of that aforementioned filet.
They have a great South African wine list and the Tusker beer is pretty good too.

 

[kmk1180]

I think I'm the only person to not like Jiko! We were there in 01. I can't remember specifically what I didn't like, I just remember being disappointed, but maybe I should try it again. Does anyone know how many meals it costs on the dining plan?

It costs 2 meals on the dining plan.
Don't know why, a steak there costs just about as much as one at Le Cellier.

 

[kmk1180]

Loved Jiko,
It's great for couples. We left the kids with friends and tried it.
Had the flatbread, the filet and took their recommendation for a bottle of wine.
All were great. The wine was by Delheim.
A gertawirmer (that's spelled wrong but you get the idea)
Was the best wine we've ever had. I highly recommend it if you like Reislings. It's not a Reisling, it's simuler but better.
We like it so much better that Cal Grill. Seems like CG has become more a family resturant with tons of kids running around waiting for fireworks.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

It costs 2 meals on the dining plan.
Don't know why, a steak there costs just about as much as one at Le Cellier.

Because the recipies are more complex than Le Cellier. Take a bit more skill to pull of the menu.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

I think I'm the only person to not like Jiko! We were there in 01. I can't remember specifically what I didn't like, I just remember being disappointed, but maybe I should try it again. Does anyone know how many meals it costs on the dining plan?

They have a different chef from when you were there in '01. It would be safe to try again by now.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

The wine was by Delheim.
A gertawirmer (that's spelled wrong but you get the idea)

I had a German Shepherd named Gerta...I think I gave her this a couple of times....


I think you mean "Gewürztraminer".

 

[Rootskate]

They have a different chef from when you were there in '01. It would be safe to try again by now.

Who is the chef there now?

 

[vikingfans]

I love this!

Thank you all for your information! Keep it coming!

I think I'm going to surprise him with the reservation!

You all are WONDERFUL!!!

 

[Vijoge]

JIKO is wonderful. DH had the filet with white macaroni and cheese. I had an amazing halibut-if you like fish do try it. One of the best meals we had anywhere.

We had a window seat (nice) and our waitperson was Sally. She's terrific! Ask if she's there when you go.

 

[DSNY4ever]

We are going to try Jiko for the first time on our next trip, we are very excited. I hope it lives up to the reputation that the podcast has given it Sounds like it will!

 

[BriarRosie]

Who is the chef there now?

Brian Piasecki is there now. He came from Le Cellier. I remember him from a food and wine pairing during the festival a few years ago, thinking he was fantastic. But I also liked Chef Annette Grecchi Gray, who was at Jiko for years.

My suggestion to whoever asked:

Share the cheese plate if you like to try different cheeses. It's really good.

 

[burberryplaid]

Jiko is our absolute favorite place to dine on property.

We have ordered the Taste of Africa during both our visits and really enjoyed it. It is a sampling of various 'breads" and "dips" from mild to spicy..very different and good.

We also had the Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Chicken flatbread which was also good, but not as enjoyable as the Taste of Africa.

I've had the Oak Grilled Fillet Mignon twice..best fillet mignon I've had EVER, ANYWHERE!! It was so flavorful and delicious...that's hard to say about fillet mignon since it's not known to be the most flavorful cut of steak.

DH had the Maize Crusted and Seared sturgeon once and really enjoyed it as well.

I got the Year of a Million dreams dessert once, and thought it was okay..very different. The other dessert I had there is not on the menu at the moment. DH had the Pistachio Creme Brulee which was really delicious, and I am really not a fan of pistachios.

This is a wonderful place to dine. It will be one we always go to and I'm sure we'll never be disappointed. Enjoy!

 

[firsttimemom]

Lori- thanks for the tip on the cheese plate. I just made ressies for our trip in Oct. We've been to Boma sooo many times and are excited to finally try Jiko. I can't WAIT!