Jiko – The Cooking Place

Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jiko - The Cooking Place
Recommendation

Fun Facts

The correct way to pronounce the name of the restaurant is "jee-ko."

Jiko – The Cooking Place fuses the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Twin wood-burning ovens roar and the soothing, warm colors of an African sunset bring energy to this remarkable restaurant. The menu features culinary classics with an African flair. Delight your palate with dishes that change seasonally, such as braised short ribs, Durban shrimp curry and Peri Peri roasted chicken, along with conventional favorites. Take a culinary tour of Africa with tantalizing appetizers such as grilled wild boar tenderloin, crispy beef bobotie roll and brick oven-fired flatbreads.

Watch the chefs prepare each meal in The Cooking Place, a show kitchen with a rich atmosphere befitting the beauty of this unique restaurant.

Award-Winning Wines

With a wine list that features one of the largest selections of South African vintages in North America, Jiko presents Guests 21 years of age or older with a wide array of vintages to please most every palate. The wine list has won multiple awards, including the Orlando Sentinel Foodie Best Wine List Award and the Wine Spectator Excellence Award for Most Outstanding Wine List.

Jiko also offers 2 tantalizing wine-and-dine experiences:

  • Jiko Wine Dinner Series: Four times a year, Jiko partners with renowned winemakers from South Africa to take you on a culinary journey. The chefs prepare a 6- to 8-course meal carefully designed to complement the unique characteristics of the African terroir. As you dine, the winemakers paint a picture of their vineyards through the taste of their wines—and Jiko's Wine Room transforms into a mixture of flavors, friends, aromas and conversations that go into the night.
  • Jiko Wine Tastings: Every Wednesday, explore the South African wine regions as you taste unique wines paired with artisanal cheese.

Whether you're seeking a decadent wine dinner or a vibrant accompaniment to your meal, Jiko offers wine options to suit your style.

Wanyama Safari Resort Tour

Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas can make reservations for the Wanyama Safari—a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy up-close encounters with the Resort's wildlife, followed by a savory South African feast at Jiko – The Cooking Place.

Cancellation Policy Updates — Begin October 26, 2011

To ensure consistent Guest service, a one-day cancellation policy will apply to new reservations at this dining venue beginning October 26, 2011. If a Guest cancels within one day of the reservation or if the dining party is a "no show" for the meal, a cancellation fee of $10 per person will be charged to the credit card used at the time of booking. See complete details below under Guest Policies.

Guest Policies

  • Dress Code Guidelines:
    Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts.  Sport coats are optional.
    Ladies:  Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.

    Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.

  • To make reservations, book online or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days prior to your visit.
  • This experience takes place in a non-smoking environment.
  • This location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary need at time of reservation booking. Learn more about how we can help accommodate special dietary needs.
  • Beginning October 26, 2011, a one-day cancellation policy will apply to new reservations at this restaurant:

    • When booking, the Guest must provide a credit card to hold the reservation.
    • If the Guest cancels within one day of the reservation or if the dining party is a "no show" for the meal, a cancellation fee of $10 per person will be charged to the credit card used at the time of booking.

    For reservations made prior to October 26, 2011, the one-day cancellation fee does not apply, however:

    • If the Guest modifies the reservation on or after October 26, 2011, the new cancellation policy will apply.
    • At that time, the Guest will be notified of the new cancellation policy and then prompted for credit card information.
    • Once the credit card information is submitted, the reservation can be modified and the new cancellation policy will apply.
  • Specialty celebration cakes are available for an additional charge and should be ordered 48 hours in advance by calling (407) 827-2253.
$$$ ($36 to $59.99)
Price per person*
Disney Dining Plan Accepted
Reserve in Advance

Quick Tips

  • The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Food and Beverage team is committed to offering a wide range of options to accommodate Guests with food allergies or intolerances. Please notate any food allergies and intolerances at the time of booking your dining reservation. Guests are also welcome to speak to a chef or a manager on duty when arriving at the dining location. Learn more about how we can help accommodate special dietary needs.
  • Plan ahead, as many meal times at popular Walt Disney World restaurants book quickly. Book online or phone (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days in advance. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.
  • Purchase the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining, which includes the Disney Dining Plan, and save up to 20% per adult at more than 100 select Walt Disney World restaurants. Enjoy a wide variety of options, from snacks and quick meals to Disney Signature restaurants and Character Dining.
  • All Walt Disney World restaurants, with the exception of food carts and quick-service dining, have high chairs and booster seats.
  • Complimentary transportation, in the form of buses, boats and a monorail, is available as one of the many benefits to Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort include Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks and Disney Resort hotels—where you'll find many fine-dining restaurants, Character Dining and dinner shows.

*Price reflects estimated individual check average, except Character Dining and buffet locations where pricing is based on individual adult pricing. (Excludes alcohol, tax, and gratuity)

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