Solo dining at AKL?

[cmsnyder77]

I am on a solo trip for a work conference. I have never been to AKL and would like to check it out. Which of the restaurants do you think I would feel most comfortable dining alone at?

 

[ShelbyWagon]

Both Sanaa and Jiko have lounges that are nice. When I'm dining alone, I like to sit up at the bar and chat with the bartender or read my kindle. You can order off the full restaurant menu at either lounge. If you'd rather do the restaurant instead of the lounge, I'd probably go with Jiko. It's a little quieter and adult-oriented while Sanaa is more family friendly IMO. The bread service at Sanaa can't be beat though!

 

[cmph]

I think you'd be fine at Sanaa or Jiko. If you go to Sanaa during daylight, everyone is looking at the animals anyway! Boma is a much busier/more crowded restaurant, so I probably wouldn't pick that, personally, although the lounge above it is neat.

 

[shortnsassy730]

I struggle with going to eat solo, but the idea of having the bread service all to myself at Sana sounds amazing!! That would be my choice for sure!

 

[RmeDad]

BOMA! Make some friends while enjoying great food!

 

[samsteele]

You have many great choices & don't be worried about dining solo. In park, Yak & Yeti is excellent with interesting decor. A short bus ride away, find Sanaa at Kidani Village or Boma at AK Lodge. All 3 are very good. If this is your first time dining alone, then I'd opt for Boma. Because it is a buffet, everyone is up and away from their table often to refill their plate. So you may feel less self-conscious. Boma is also very, very tasty with a huge array of goodies to eat. I usually order a Tusker African beer when I am first seated at my little 2 top table and then book to the buffet. I do try to strike up a conversation with the table next to me and usually have a nice visit with families or couples next door. Bottom line: take a good look at the online menus and then decide on what food appeals to you the most. You really can't go wrong.

 

[minnie mum]

I agree with Samsteele. No need to feel self-conscious about dining solo anywhere at WDW. Just go where your taste buds take you.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I have died alone at Jiko and sat at Dining bar in front of the kitchen. It was great

 

[mister morrow]

Sanaa without a doubt, the menu is expansive and delicious.
when you are there, ask for a seat near the savannah!

there is no reason to feel odd about dining alone! people walk around with mickey mouse ears on their heads, i don't think people will look at you funny if you are by yourself

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with others, just go to whichever one appeals the most to you. I travel to WDW solo often and eat at TS restaurants all the time. I do have my kindle loaded on my phone and after the server has taken my order I usually read. I don't do it before because it just seems kind of rude to me.

 

[Straughn]

Both Sanaa and Jiko have lounges that are nice. When I'm dining alone, I like to sit up at the bar and chat with the bartender or read my kindle. You can order off the full restaurant menu at either lounge. If you'd rather do the restaurant instead of the lounge, I'd probably go with Jiko. It's a little quieter and adult-oriented while Sanaa is more family friendly IMO. The bread service at Sanaa can't be beat though!

I have died alone at Jiko and sat at Dining bar in front of the kitchen. It was great

I have dined at both Sanaa and Jiko as a solo. The counter at Jiko is the Cooking Place and it is fabulous. On more than one occasion, I have sat next to another solo diner with whom I had a great conversation. If you don't want to take that chance, then a solo table is fine. The restaurant is quiet and, based on my experiences, has fewer children than Sanaa. Also, if you are into wine, they have some great S. African wines.

Having said that, I love Sanaa for the menu. It is noisier than Jiko, but has outstanding food. I think it depends on the atmosphere and $ you are willing to spend. Food wise, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[sotoalf]

In December I had a night to myself before my friends arrived the following morning, and I made reservations at Jiko, a long-deferred dream. At the podium the hostess asked if I'd prefer sitting at the "cooking place," that is, the banquettes facing the open kitchen. I accepted. I had a delightful time ordering cocktails and chatting with the chefs; they even slipped some amuse-bouches my way.

In Disney -- or indeed anywhere -- there is no reason to feel self-conscious about dining alone.