JIKO THE COOKING PLACE AT DAKL

My wife and I eat here for almost every special occasion. The wild boar is one of the best dishes you will ever eat. Do not miss it. Amazing service, incredible food, and a wonderful, very un-Disney atmosphere. Don't miss this jewel.

Jiko is absolutely outstanding, and the restaurant is worth every bit of the hype. First of all, even though I arrived late for my reservation, I was still treated with the utmost hospitality and courtesy and was seated as soon as a table became available. Tusho greeted and seated us, and when I casually mentioned that it was my birthday, not expecting anything at all, he went above and beyond. After we were seated, he returned with a Disney birthday button and a card filled with handwritten messages from the staff. I have never received such thoughtful treatment in my life. My server, Dawn, was exceptional. She was attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and truly made my experience a thousand times better. Her recommendations and passion for the food made the evening even more memorable. Now, let’s talk about the food. It absolutely knocked my socks off. A dish may look simple—even like a salad—but the moment you take a bite, the flavors hit you and send a wave through your entire body. Every bite was spectacular. The food truly speaks for itself. The drink selection was also impressive, even though I wasn’t in the mood for a cocktail that evening. The service continued to amaze me until the very end. As I prepared to leave, I was presented with a birthday dessert to take home. I didn’t even look inside until the next day, but let me tell you—it was one of the most impressive desserts I’ve ever had. It was a mousse unlike any mousse I’ve ever tasted. Absolutely…

Jiko – The Cooking Place is one of the finest dining experiences at Walt Disney World and the perfect place to unwind after a busy day in the parks. The Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon was outstanding—perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and served with creamy four-cheese macaroni, seasonal vegetables, and a rich chocolate-red wine demi-glace that brought everything together beautifully. The meal begins with their warm, crusty house bread and whipped butter, which is so delicious it's hard not to fill up before your entrée. � Walt Disney World Do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. We shared the Potjie Pot, a decadent chocolate custard with whipped caramel, cocoa nib crunch, and cherries, along with the Malva Pudding, an Amarula-infused South African cake served with caramel-sea salt gelato and crispy kataifi. Both desserts were beautifully presented and the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. � Walt Disney World A special thank you to Dawn, whose warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service made the evening even more memorable. She was the perfect host and made this the ideal way to end a magical day at Disney. If you're looking for an exceptional signature dining experience, Jiko is absolutely worth the reservation.

Very very expensive but good was delicious. Great for a treat. Would return next trip but too expensive to go multiple times per trip. Husband and I both ordered filet minion. Lots of gluten free options.

I cannot say enough good things about the food at the various Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants and the pinnacle of the AK foodie experience. Food 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Service 5/5 Regarding the service, our server was Badr, and he is a certified ROCK STAR. He went so far and beyond our expectations and his service is one of the main reasons our dining experience was so good. But you really want to hear about the food: Tea Service - Assum tea was delightful, with honey. Scallop and Pork Belly App - good, but there is better. Giraffe Bread - seems simple, but it is real treat. (Overall bread service is great in all the AK restaurants.) Short Ribs - another app, this one was so good. Morrocan Spiced Lamb - this was a fantastic dish, next time I may order two so I can take one home. Mixed Greens - so good, I mean really good. Bone Marrow Crusted Filet - Another solid choice, filet was very well prepared and the flavor on the crust was delightful. Malva Pudding - good dessert, but I think there are other good ones. Raspberry Done - yes, but I also love raspberries. Birthday dessert - not sure what it was, but it was a little slice of heaven. There is so much to do at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, please arrive early and walk through the lobby. There is usually a lot going on, plus if you walk to the back and you can view the animals. It was one of the best dining experiences I have had at WDW.

Jiko’s food is something is the kind of food that you leave and want to plan when you will be back. I go to a lot of Disney Resort Hotels and this is the top of my list. The taste, portion and presentation… 5 stars!! The wine list is incredible and carefully crafted for the food. I believe is the largest collection of South African wine in the U.S.. The ambience will not blow your mind , but you don’t have time to look around a when there is so much going on with the food. The complimentary Giraffe Bread is such a great way to start your meal!

Jiko was the highlight of our stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food, service, and atmosphere were absolutely exquisite. My daughter’s father-in-law talked about the wild boar tenderloin appetizer for days afterward—it was that memorable. We also enjoyed a wonderful wine flight that perfectly complemented the meal. From start to finish, the evening was exceptional and created lasting memories for our family. It was truly a dining experience we will not forget.

Good and creative fusion food

Excellent food! I heard the pork belly was to die for. Ample vegetarian options as well!

I added this restaurant last minute about two days before my reservation and I’m so thrilled I did because it completely blew me away. I knew going in that Jiko was considered one of the more upscale restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and now I understand why. The food was impeccable from start to finish. The giraffe bread service was incredible, the scallop and pork belly appetizer was outstanding, and I’m so glad I chose the seafood entrée. They rotate the fish selection and tonight it was halibut, which happens to be one of my favorites. The dish was cooked perfectly and honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better meal. What also stood out was the service. From the moment I checked in to the wait staff throughout the evening, everyone was an absolute joy to interact with. My waiter in particular was incredibly attentive without being overbearing and really made the whole experience feel relaxed and special. I enjoyed it so much that I actually decided to cancel my reservation at Boma tomorrow. Buffets just really are not my thing, and instead I made another reservation for Jiko so I can go back and try the filet mignon. Definitely worth going back twice. Definitely worth every penny. Much more my speed while on vacation.

We had a lovely dinner at Jiko. Our food was a delicious, well balanced, Americanized version of African inspired dishes. If you're you're looking for something more interesting than your typical steak and potatoes, but want to keep it a bit more casual than some of the more upscale dining experiences on Disney property, then Jiko is an excellent choice!

Top notch African restaurant. Food is authentic and excellently prepared. Dined there many times, highly recommend.

Easily one of the best restaurants in the whole resort!

I always thought that Boma was THE place to dine while visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That is, until I finally experienced Jiko. It's sumptuous dining selections are only outdone by its extensive wine menu, which ,by the way, is the largest grouping of wines outside of Africa itself. Not necessarily for the meat-and-potatoes crowd, it is truly an experience one is not likely to forget. If the menu doesn't whet your appetite, the decor and ambitious will. Offering first-class service and dining options, I dare you to try this truly unique restaurant at least once. I, for one, cannot wait to go back!

What a dining experience! Everything was phenomenal. Listen to the wine pairings, it really enhances the flavors. Neurodivergent /migraine heads up: Lighting is very low. It was very pleasant. Noise level was moderate, I used my loop engage and was fine. Strong smells of cooking spices and wood burning. The spoons are large and shovel shaped (see photo) Cilantro heads up: Cilantro was not listed as a separate ingredient on the menu. Be sure you me too. It to your server at the start of the meal.

After arriving in Orlando and checking into Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge after a long day of travel, we were hungry and didn’t have dinner reservations. Luckily we were able to snag a 5:30 PM table at Jiko, the African-inspired restaurant located on the lower level of the lodge. The ambiance carries the same beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge African theme with soft earthy tones and clean metal accents. We were seated at a fantastic table overlooking lush foliage and a serene koi pond. Our server, Michael, welcomed us with warm towels and walked us through the evening’s specials. The food was outstanding—true fine dining—from the diver scallop with pork belly to the blackened halibut, and for the first time, we tried seared venison loin…absolutely incredible. We couldn’t resist dessert and ordered the Malva pudding, and were also treated to four complimentary friandises—little sugared jelly squares that were unusual but surprisingly addictive (we ate every one!). Expect to spend around $100 per person, but it is absolutely worth it for the service, ambiance, views, and unforgettable food.BTW, they do get super busy, I highly recommend reservations!

We enjoyed the plant based options on the menu. It’s nice to find unique vegan options with a great wine list. Every enjoyable experience.

This is fine dinning. The coffee ☕️ was really gorgeous flavor. Much like kona is to Hawaii. The roast boar appetizer was my absolute favorite part of the meal. So tender, full of flavor. The filet was extremely good, and also made a great breakfast mixed with the 4 cheese macaroni. No room for dessert. Highly recommend.

Jiko is an oasis like restraint in the heart of animal kingdom lodge, not only with its atmosphere but also with its food. The food is delicious with amazing presentation. We recommend the lamb shank, short rib, chicken, and duck flatbread. There is a kids menu with many options including steak. Protip: you get bread automatically, so if you wanted to order you don’t have to. Our server was very good and proactive. The restaurant was crowded, but somehow very quiet.

Absolutely love coming here and will always recommend it. Beautiful restaurant with upscale dishes that deliver flavor and presentation. I love the unique desserts and the main courses never disappoint. I love the scallops and white fish, both are sweet and light. The apple mousse texture and presentation was divine, the portions are perfect, and everything is cooked and prepared well. I will always visit when I'm in town and recommend it!

WOW. This restaurant really exceeded my expectations. I’d heard it was very good, but the experience and the food are treasures in the Walt Disney World Resort. While I wouldn’t recommend this one for the kids, there are menu items for the older children. We LOVED EVERYTHING. And, our server, Nate, was outstanding! Thank you, Jiko!

Jiko for dinner was a wonderful way to begin our recent Florida vacation. Canoe birds are a sign of good luck and the representations of Canoe birds over us made us feel as if their status as a good luck sign was already having an effect to create a wonderful meal to enjoy.

Nice quiet place. Nice food choices , excellent service. Nice wine list. Good ambiance. Recommend reservation.scallops and mushroom flat bread were excellent. Loved the bread. Been back second time . Food and menu choices were excellent , great S African wine list . Great service

One of the true hidden gems here, this provides service in a great atmosphere.

Fave restaurant on Disney property