Jiko - The Cooking Place

Jiko - The Cooking Place - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Located in the amazing Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House) you will find Jiko. This is one of the best restaurants we've found on property. The dress code isn't really anything crazy, you'd probably want to wear something nice.

We first stumbled upon this hidden gem several years ago since we were staying here and on that night it was heavily raining and we didn't want to go anywhere. We were hesitant since the menu has a lot of foods that we've never had before. We have to say that the flavors of the food were amazing, nothing like we've ever had before. The service can be greatly improved, the few times we've been we have always had a long wait for food. One other issue we had on our recent trips was that we ordered a steak and the waiter knew asked if we were splitting, we said maybe a bite or two, the steak they split. Although it was a nice gesture, we rather not have that on a steak, wish they would have asked. Not a huge deal.

As for reservations, although we feel you should get them I wouldn't think that it would be too hard to walk-up for a table, depending on the time. Do want to mention if you are planning to come here for dinner make sure to come a little bit earlier (especially if it is still light out). The resort is huge and overlooks the amazing lands where the animals will roam around. Even if you don't see any near the main section, go down one of the hallways and see if you find any. Other than that the resort itself as a stunning lobby and just sitting there is worth the extra time to relax before or after dinner.

Overall the food is very good and worth going to, don't be afraid to try new things. Service can be improved. Really good restaurant and in one of the nicest resorts on property.

 We start off with their bread option. Flavor was good on the bread and butter.

 This is the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread topped with Grilled Onion, Four Cheeses and African Barbecue Sauce. The Flatbread's at Jiko are always amazing and very flavorful!

 This is the Piri Piri Chicken Flatbread topped with Piri Piri Chicken, House-made Hummus & Bhuna Masala Sour Cream. This was one of the best flatbread's we've ever had. So much flavor!

 Above is one of their most popular options, it's the Inguday Tibs in Brik, this contains Mushrooms, Spinach and Cheese in a Crispy Tunisian Filo, served with a Curry Vinaigrette. These were very good. Nothing at Jiko was bad, everything was spot-on and tasted great!

 Another popular dish is the Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin, served with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro. Out of everything we've gotten, we could have done without this option. Although it was great, we felt it was a dish that we've had one time and could go without next time.

 Here is another shot of the Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin.

Above is the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon which is Bobotie Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, Kachumbari with a South African Red Wine Sauce. As you can see from the picture above is the filet cut in half. Steak was good, not the best on property. Still very good!



Thank you for checking out our review of Jiko - The Cooking Place located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! Make sure to check out the rest of our reviews both here and on our www.CruiseAddictJunkie.blogspot.com page!