Jiko The Cooking Place

Jambo House, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, United States Of America

🛍 Full, Ribs, Fish, Cheese

4.6 💬 11797 Reviews
Jiko The Cooking Place

Phone: +14079395277

Address: Jambo House, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, United States Of America

City: Lake Buena Vista

Menu Dishes: 35

Reviews: 11797

Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/jiko-the-cooking-place/?CMP=OKC-90001778_GM_WDW_dining_jikothecookingplace_NA

"Short version: I saved this as my last night treat and was so underwhelmed. With tip and my 10% Disney Visa discount, it was $90 for just me to eat an entree, dessert, water and iced tea. Food was small and average. Longer version: Arrived at AKL and had trouble finding Jiko due to lack of signage. It was noisy down below, so I took a fairly steep staircase down 2 floors and found Boma on my left, with Jiko tucked away on my right. Checked in via the app and received a text my table was ready in about 5 minutes. The cast members there were super nice, but we had a bit of an awkward start when I had problems hearing/understanding the man checking me in as he was soft spoken, had an accent and there were kids bashing on drums outside Boma and the whole entry way there echoes horribly. He said something to me about eating at their cooking place and I finally had to tell him, this was my first time there, I didn 't know what he meant. Turns out they wanted to seat me at their bar area, on a high top stool, elbow to elbow with strangers so I could watch the chefs cook while my legs dangled and anyone walking buy could gawk at me eating. They consider it an experience , but it was not one I wanted, so I asked for privacy. They were polite, but it was clear they weren 't thrilled I refused. I was seated in a far corner, very private, and fell for the what type of water do you want trick . I had Disney 's tap water, said bottled and was charged $7 for a large glass bottle of Evian in addition to $5+ for my iced tea they never offered to refill. Bread service is included and in the past, based on reviews, was giraffe bread and a flatbread. They now only serve giraffe bread and it 's fairly small. Tasted good alone, but the baobob butter was very sour tasting and not good. I ordered the famous short rib for my entree, expecting it to rival Tiffins '. While bigger than Tiffins, it was quite fatty and I had to use a knife to cut it vs just using a fork. The side sauces had a weird taste to me too. For over $50 I was disappointed. Dessert was the potjie pot. It was beautiful, but so so small. A bite of the caramel custard on top with the chocolate custard below was lovely, but the chocolate alone was tasteless and the olive oil cake under it all was a thin disk that seemed soggy (not a good texture) and served no real purpose. Before I asked if there was a Visa discount, my total bill, for just me, with tip was $99. After discount it was $90. I was horrified. I 've heard there is a new chef, that could be why things aren 't what reviews had me expecting, but I do not get the hype around Jiko. I would not go back."

Full menu - 35 options

All prices are estimates on menu.

Dessert

Seafood

Main Course

Indian

Gnocchi

Warm Tapas

Salads

Schnitzel

Various

Pork

Lamb

Side Dishes

Duck Meat

Vegetarian

Pizza

Pizza Snacks

Beef Dishes

Steaks

Sandwiches

Desserts

American Food

Burgers, Sandwiches & Such

Chicken Dishes

Fish Dishes

Petra Specialties

Chicken

Sides & Others

Appetizers

Alexandra Alexandra

Excellent experience and would go again The muscles appetizer, giraffe bread are awesome!

Address

Show Map

Reviews

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

I've been to Disney a hundred times, and Jiko is by far my favorite restaurant on the property. The food is amazing, the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is always delightful. It never disappoints!


Philippe
Philippe

Very good restaurant. Kids loved their diner as well. The girafe bread is amazing. Great service and food. Nice African wine selection (100% africain I believe) ? More expansive then other options at disney, but worth it if you enjoy fine meals, portions were very satisfying as well.


Michael
Michael

QuikTrip to Orlando for work but what was able to get reservations for dinner. The host was phenomenal and our server, Badr, was the most smiling and happiest server ever. They truly made our dinner spectacular. The food, I have a good friend and coworker who is proud of being a foodie and he said it was beyond belief. Well done! View menu


Patricia
Patricia

Your meal begins with a warm rose water cloth to wipe your hands and ends with a pineapple palette cleanser while everything in-between is flavorful and beautifully presented. The waitstaff (especially Trisha, who was our server tonight) go out of their way to enhance the food with wonderful service. You definitely get great value for the money.


Jaz
Jaz

This restaurant stands out for its excellent service and incredible flavors. However, I can only give it 3 stars due to the steep price increase. In 2014, the bread service was $9.99, but now it costs $22.99. That's hard to believe! While I understand that prices can rise, this feels like a slap in the face to consumers. Disney's pricing is getting out of hand.


Greg
Greg

As for the service, it didn't match the expectations of fine dining either. We were there to celebrate my wife's birthday, and although they asked us at check-in if it was a special occasion, that was the last acknowledgment we received. In contrast to places like Disney, which go above and beyond to celebrate birthdays, this restaurant did nothing further. Overall, I think there are better options for fine dining on Disney property. View menu


ModernWanderers
ModernWanderers

Our first time here, as unfortunately this restaurant was closed last time we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge (during COVID) — so we were kinda excited! We were welcomed warmly by Chelsea, our server for the evening, and provided an introduction to the restaurant and a chance to find the biggest hidden Mickey on Disney property. Warm hand towels started the meal and then we were brought Jiko’s famous giraffe bread … and although it was smaller than photos might suggest, it was to die for! Sooooo yummy! Unfortunately, our food took a looooong time to come out, even once we’d finished all the bread and butter. That being said, my fellow diners had some comments to share at the end: “The mac and...


Zachary
Zachary

Came here on my honeymoon with by beautiful wife We were both excited to go here so when the time came we were really happy To start the interior is very nice, quite classy with some African flair. Service, in typically Disney fashion, was very good! Our waiter was good at recommending what was good and was attentive We started with the giraffe bread. It has a nice, crispy outside with a soft inside, and the acacia butter it comes with is delicious! I got some African wine and it was very smooth! And a very nice bonus: They gave us free champagne for our honeymoon It was good champagne too! We got the dumplings for our appetizer it was delicious, especially with that yummy mushroom broth...


aerin
aerin

Short version: I saved this as my last night treat and was so underwhelmed. With tip and my 10% Disney Visa discount, it was $90 for just me to eat an entree, dessert, water and iced tea. Food was small and average. Longer version: Arrived at AKL and had trouble finding Jiko due to lack of signage. It was noisy down below, so I took a fairly steep staircase down 2 floors and found Boma on my left, with Jiko tucked away on my right. Checked in via the app and received a text my table was ready in about 5 minutes. The cast members there were super nice, but we had a bit of an awkward start when I had problems hearing/understanding the man checking me in as he was soft spoken, had an accent and... View menu

Categories

  • Full Savor a delightful array of authentic flavors with our carefully curated menu. Indulge in a variety of dishes, crafted to perfection, offering something for every palate.
  • Ribs Savor the rich, smoky flavor of our tender ribs, cooked to perfection and slathered in our signature barbecue sauce. A mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more. View menu
  • Fish Delight in our exquisite fish dishes, crafted from the freshest catch of the day. From grilled favorites to savory stews, our menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with flavors to satisfy every palate.
  • Cheese A curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, featuring diverse flavors and textures that delight the palate. Perfect for sharing or savored individually with the ideal accompaniments.

Amenities

  • Wifi
  • Television
  • menu
  • Mastercard
  • menu
  • Diners Club

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