Sanaa for lunch or dinner? Also, sanaa vs jiko?

[Lilly0704]

Hello! We are staying at animal kingdom lodge. I am wondering if Sanaa is better for lunch or dinner? We are looking specifically at the food. Since we are staying there, I'm not concerned about animal views. If you think the food at sanaa is better at dinner, would you suggest jiko over sanaa? I'm thinking we may do sanaa for lunch and jiko for dinner. Thoughts?

 

[greentea]

I think Sanaa is great for lunch or dinner. I guess if what you want to eat is only on the dinner menu it might sway your decision, but there really aren't that many differences. And I love Jiko! If I could only eat at one, I'd definitely pick Jiko, but we really enjoy both of them.

If it fits into your schedule (Wednesdays at noon, limited to 12 people so you definitely want book well in advance, and lasts about 2 hours or so) you could also look into the dine with an animal specialist lunch at Sanaa. I'm doing that for a second time next trip: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/dine-with-an-animal-specialist/

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Sanna is great for both lunch and dinner. Whenever you go be sure to get the full bread service. SO WORTH IT!!

Jiko is a much more upscale experience, and frankly amazing. It is more of a dining event, really especially if you are seated where you can see the kitchen.

I think these are 2 of the best restaurants on property. Do both if you can!

ETA: we have done Dine With an Animal Specialist twice. It is a LOT of fun if you are at ll interested in veterinary medicine.

 

[eeyoresmom]

I would choose Sanaa over Jiko for dinner. We were sat in a back room at Jiko and it ruined the experience for us. I've thought about returning and just refusing to be sat there again but we were also not wowed by the food. We've eaten both lunch and dinner at Sanaa and had enjoyable experiences both times.

 

[sleepydog25]

Both excellent; in fact, I suggest trying both as imply you might. In that case, I'd do Sanaa for lunch. Since you're staying there the animal issue is less important, but it is fun to see them on ground level through a window while dining. Arrive early and ask to be seated at a window seat, and by early, I mean when Sanaa first opens for lunch. There's isn't a huge difference in food between lunch and dinner there, and since we're not terribly heavy eaters, the bread service at Sanaa for lunch is a wonderful option--worth going there just for the dips and na'an. As for Jiko, much more of an "event" as someone else posted. More upscale in terms of food, ambiance, menu, and pricing. Excellent food and service. Very good for a couples' night or romantic dinner or just because you want something special.

In both restaurants, the flavor profiles are certainly not typical American fare; nonetheless, the spices and herbs they use aren't exotic, either--toned down authenticity for most of the dishes. Still, very tasty and unique. Sanaa is less expensive, and in fact, is one of the better TS values (such as Disney has) in the World. Each restaurant has a very good wine list. Well, Sanaa's is quite good; Jiko's is excellent. These are two of our favorite places to dine, so again, I highly recommend doing both. Good eats!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Since you are staying at AKL, I would do both - Sanaa lunch and Jiko dinner - they're both great!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I prefer Sanaa for lunch over dinner. The main reason is that I love the tandoori sandwiches, and they're only available at lunchtime. Also, I've eaten at both lunch and dinner times, and I've found lunch to be a lot quieter and less "hectic"-feeling.

 

[Lilly0704]

Great! Sounds like we'll do both! Do I need a reservation for lunch, or would we be able to just drop in? I prefer to leave our lunches unplanned if possible as we have a dinner reservation every night.

 

[sleepydog25]

Great! Sounds like we'll do both! Do I need a reservation for lunch, or would we be able to just drop in? I prefer to leave our lunches unplanned if possible as we have a dinner reservation every night.

You can drop in, though as with any place, how quickly you get seated will vary depending on the time and crowd level. If you can swing it, I'd drop by when they opened or at least within the first half hour. After that, the place can get crowded. Still, you shouldn't have any real issues.

 

[Greg K.]

Definitely Sanaa for lunch. Unlike Jiko, it has a view of the savannah and you will see animals during daylight!

 

[JoJoGirl]

Great! Sounds like we'll do both! Do I need a reservation for lunch, or would we be able to just drop in? I prefer to leave our lunches unplanned if possible as we have a dinner reservation every night.

We had lunch at Sanaa on Monday as a spur-of-the-moment choice. We decided at 1:10 to eat there, pulled up the MDE app, and made a 1:45 ADR. We walked over, checked in, and were seated at exactly 1:45.

Warning, the bread service is excellent, and huge! Five naan rounds and nine dipping sauces. My daughter and I seriously could have made our lunch out of what they served us. We barely made a dent in our Tandoori Chicken sandwiches and left stuffed and needing a nap.

Hope you make it to Jiko also. We've dined there twice and had delicious meals each time. Once we were seated at a table by the windows and had a lovely, peaceful view of the water garden. Have fun!!

 

[sleepydog25]

We had lunch at Sanaa on Monday as a spur-of-the-moment choice. We decided at 1:10 to eat there, pulled up the MDE app, and made a 1:45 ADR. We walked over, checked in, and were seated at exactly 1:45.

Warning, the bread service is excellent, and huge! Five naan rounds and nine dipping sauces. My daughter and I seriously could have made our lunch out of what they served us. We barely made a dent in our Tandoori Chicken sandwiches and left stuffed and needing a nap.

Hope you make it to Jiko also. We've dined there twice and had delicious meals each time. Once we were seated at a table by the windows and had a lovely, peaceful view of the water garden. Have fun!!

Agree that the bread service is filling and a meal unto itself. We do actually a side of soup or a salad with the bread service, but that's it; otherwise, it's too much food for us.

 

[Lilly0704]

Warning, the bread service is excellent, and huge! Five naan rounds and nine dipping sauces. My daughter and I seriously could have made our lunch out of what they served us. We barely made a dent in our Tandoori Chicken sandwiches and left stuffed and needing a nap.

The bread service is really the only reason I want to try Sanaa! Bread is pretty much my favorite thing ever, so I HAVE to try it. I've made a reservation for jiko, and we'll definitely be doing Sanaa for lunch!

 

[sleepydog25]

The bread service is really the only reason I want to try Sanaa! Bread is pretty much my favorite thing ever, so I HAVE to try it. I've made a reservation for jiko, and we'll definitely be doing Sanaa for lunch!

Well, then, you won't be disappointed. Do the whole bread service, too. They had a smaller version at one time (not sure if they still do), but it only came with something like 4-5 dips/sauces. Do all 9 and all the breads.