Jiko vs. California Grill

[boycom]

Never been to any. Currently holding one ADR for Jiko, but afraid we won't be able to make it on time, after Fantasmic! (show starts at 8:30 PM, ADR for 9:30 PM).

There is availability for California Grill for 5:35 PM on another day, but I'm not sure if that's a good time for dinner.. we will be, though, at the Magic Kingdom that day, so getting there would be much simpler.

So - what do you say: Late Dinner at Jiko with a chance not to be on time, or Early dinner at California Grill?

looking forward to read your thoughts.

 

[Testtrack321]

Disney's not usually too harsh about late comers (call ahead to warm them perhaps?) but I can say that I think Jiko is the best meal on property, and my dad who's been to both, thinks Jiko is better.

And if it counts any, I'd rather do a long dinner at Jiko over Fantasmic, but that's just me...

 

[Monty]

We ate at Jiko last night, excellent meal and wonderful servce. Of course, Cali Grill was wonderful as well when we last ate there...

Guess I'm not much help! :shrug:

:lol:

 

[scorp111]

Disney's not usually too harsh about late comers (call ahead to warm them perhaps?) but I can say that I think Jiko is the best meal on property, and my dad who's been to both, thinks Jiko is better.

And if it counts any, I'd rather do a long dinner at Jiko over Fantasmic, but that's just me...

The only thing is that with a 9:30 ADR, that is probably one of the latest of the evening. I can say that I find it very unlikely that you would be there for 9:30, as you are talking at least 8:55 before the show is over, and then the mass exodus, which is especially problematic if you are using Disney Transport. It would ordinarily take at least 10 minutes or more to walk to the bus stop, after the show, I am thinking 15 or more at least.

As far as the restaurants themselves? They are both top notch in my book.

 

[boycom]

ok, so thanks to you guys' advice, I've changed my ADR for Jiko from 9:30 PM to 5:40 PM, which means we'll have to break from DHS to AK Lodge in the middle of the day, and then back to DHS for Fantasmic! Still there's a question if by the time we're back, we'll have seats (but there's another show at 10:00 PM).

So now, when both CG and Jiko dinners are at the same time of the day - which one is better??

 

[sleepybear]

You really can't compare them. I think the food and atmosphere at Jiko are incredible. It's an excellent location for a quiet, relaxing, "adult" dinner. But Cali Grill has that view. And that yummy, yummy sushi. We go to both every trip.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

Nothing beats Cali Grille for me, due to the view alone. Our food there was absolutely wonderful too.

You can't go wrong with either of these places. I would check out the menu's for both & see which one is more your taste.

 

[zurgandfriend]

We have eaten at both and they are both great. Iwould rate them tied for second best restaurant at WDW. Victoria and Albert being number 1.

My son enjoys the California Grill more for the view and the fact that you can stand on the roof of the Contemporary and watch wishes.

 

[Donald Duck]

you can't go wrong with either...so do both if you can!

 

[Master Yoda]

ok, so thanks to you guys' advice, I've changed my ADR for Jiko from 9:30 PM to 5:40 PM, which means we'll have to break from DHS to AK Lodge in the middle of the day, and then back to DHS for Fantasmic! Still there's a question if by the time we're back, we'll have seats (but there's another show at 10:00 PM).

So now, when both CG and Jiko dinners are at the same time of the day - which one is better??

Personally I would go for Jiko's under those circumstances. The food their is quite unique and different from anything you will find anywhere else on property. CG, while incredibly good is not all that one of a kind. What takes CG over the top is the view of Wishes from the roof. When you remove Wishes from the equation it falls out of my top 3 Disney restaurants.

 

[TomHendricks]

If you do decide to go with Jiko, I highly recommend that you ask for a table in the back. The wall goes through a sunset and is highly romantic.

 

[Ariel484]

I haven't been to CG, but Jiko is fantastic. The atmosphere, food and service are excellent. I'd imagine CG is similar as far as quality goes, but since I've only been to Jiko, that's my 2 cents.

Good call changing your ADR to an earlier time...that would've been cutting it very close with Fantasmic!

 

[SMRT-1Michael]

Such a tough decision!

Both have equally good food

But for it's views, location, etc., Im going to say California Grill

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Im going to both saves with having to choose. How late is late? Ive never been seated on time yet, Im sure theyd be accomodating after all its not unusal for some folk to over run.