Would you go to Jiko or Boma at AKL for dinner?

[boucheresq]

And do you need a PS for both?

 

[Forever42]

Depends on what you're looking for. Both are excellent - two of our favorite restaurants. Jiko is more "interesting" - the flavors and spices are deeper, more pronounced. The wine list is phenomenal. Boma is a lot of fun, a place for not-so-adventurous eaters to try new things, and you get a little bit of everything.

(I am a chatty little bee now that I finally have time on my hands)

Edit: we always make PSs, but you don't *need* one. When are you going? We went to Jiko the night before Hurricane Jeanne and you sure didn't need one then!

 

[boucheresq]

we're going to be at WDW from 1/13-1/18 but have PSs already for 1/14, 1/15 and 1/17 - so we were thinking on 1/16 which is a Sunday.

 

[Forever42]

I was about to say don't worry about a PS because it's January, but I realized it's MLK weekend, pretty busy. Doesn't hurt to have one, just to be safe.

So what kind of atmosphere are you looking for? And do you have kids? I think they'd be happier at Boma if you do, it's more of a family environment than Jiko is.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We have tried both Boma & Jiko and liked them both. Having said that we like Jiko more because it is not a buffet. We do not eat at many buffets because we always eat to much. We will be eating at Jiko again in a few weeks.

 

[blanq]

We stayed at AKL last year over the MLK week. AKL was booked full, according to a CM we talked to, for the weekend prior to the MLK holiday. The resort cleared out some on the day after MLK day. During our stay we ate at Boma twice (once for breakfast and once for dinner) and at Jiko once. We had PS for both meals at Boma. On the spur of the moment one weeknight evening, around 7:00, we decided to try Jiko and were able to walk up and be seated with no wait. There were plenty of tables available throughout or meal that evening. Our PS's for Boma were needed, however. During the entire week of our trip, the podium area near Boma was packed solid with people waiting for tables whenever we passed by, and we passed by there plenty since it is near the exit to the pool area. We love both of these restaurants, however Jiko surpasses Boma for food, service and atmosphere.

 

[Patty3]

We personally like Boma better and we are not buffet lovers. Boma has something for everyone but I do love the Bloody Marys from Jikos. I also make ps.

 

[jwfla422]

LOVE JIKO, but never ate at Boma's. Prefer the laid back dinner dining

 

[Lewski709]

Both great. The desserts at Boma alone are wonderful, but the desserts at Jiko are awesome too. I got to try them all at both places, becuase we had a dessert sampler at Jiko.

We are eating Christmas dinner at Boma. I would do Boma with kids and Jiko without, unless the kids are older then you can do Jiko. I think Jiko is more upscale and is wonderful for adults.

I LOVE them both and will miss eating at Jiko this upcoming trip.

 

[robinb]

We're eating at both in a few weeks. We really like Boma's for the variety. You will need a Priority Seating. We were turned away from Boma's once because we didn't have a PS and we also had to wait a long time for our table even with a PS. Don't take a chance with this restaurant, get the PS.

 

[BCV23]

I love Jiko for dinner and Boma for breakfast.

 

[littleprincessmom]

We were at AKL in Nov. Jiko is our new favorite dinner spot. While it is certainly more upscale, IMHO it has the best kid's menu in WDW. Our server was excellent, the food was wonderful and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone was very friendly. Took DD5 and DD2 - they colored and played with stickers between courses. DDs had apples, carrots and celery sticks with peanut butter for app., pizza and mac and cheese for dinner. I don't remember their dessert (ice cream???). I had the filet served on the mac and cheese (to DIE for) and DGM had the monkfish (also excellent). WE LOVED JIKO!!!

Boma's has a fab. breakfast buffet. Enjoy!!!

 

[ILUVDXL]

We're hugh Jiko fans and try to eat there each trip. I understand Boma's is great. It's just that we're not big on buffets.

 

[whopper65]

I agree with just about everyone else who stated that JIKO is more laid back and semi-formal, while BOMA is more family-oriented in that the buffet gives you far more choices. More things to do if you have little ones, and let them try new things. Chefs and servers are more than happy to describe tastes and ingredients. PS definitely for BOMA, not necessarily for JIKO especially during off-peak times.

 

[Forever42]

Also, the Foodie awards came out yesterday in the Orlando Sentinel.

Boma won Scott Johnson's, the food critic, award for best children's meal in the Orlando area. Interesting!