Jiko – The Cooking Place

Jul 13, 2020


Updated 6/16/22
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If you are looking for exotic flavors and a Signature Dining experience at Disney World, head over to a restaurant that is slightly off the beaten path, Jiko – The Cooking Place. Jiko is tucked away at the beautiful Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. The name Jiko means “the cooking place” and is in reference to the huge wood-burning ovens in the middle of the restaurant. The menu focuses on traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Jiko has participated in the Disney Dining Plan and required two credits. (As a reminder, Disney currently is not offering Dining Plans.) If you are paying out of pocket, you can expect to spend $40-$60 per person on entrees. The restaurant is open daily for dinner, so be sure to make an advanced dining reservation!

There are a few ways to arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can take a bus to a theme park (the resort is closest to Animal Kingdom) or Disney Springs. You will then get on a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House to arrive at the restaurant. You can also utilize a taxi, rideshare, or Minnie Van service, which will take much less time than using Disney transportation. Please keep in mind the dress code is business casual.

The menu at Jiko regularly evolves in order to take advantage of seasonal foods at the time of your dining experience. The restaurant offers a kids menu for younger diners. Jiko also features an extensive selection of South African wines. Most of the wines are available by the glass or the bottle. Or you can even get a wine flight to sample three or four! There are also plenty of beer, cocktail, and soft drink options.

The decor of Jiko ties to the Animal Kingdom Lodge perfectly and is gorgeous. The design of the restaurant is modern and polished, yet cozy and inviting. Be sure to pay attention to the space around you. The restaurant is full of details that reflect various cultures and environments of Africa. For instance, the lighting on the back wall of the restaurant changes throughout the evening to mimic the sunset (and creates a lovely ambiance).

If you are not familiar with this type of cuisine, you may be anxious about whether you want to spend a lot of money on dining here. But trust me when I say it is absolutely worth it! The menu has something for everyone in your family — from the pickiest to the most adventurous. If you are looking for a restaurant with exceptional service, a gorgeous restaurant, and delicious food, head over to Jiko!

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