Jambo, Jiko! The Animal Kingdom Lodge Favorite Reopened Tonight
Karibu tena, or welcome back, Jiko! The flavorsome table-service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge welcomed guests tonight for the first time in almost two years. Lucky for all of us, the uniquely delicious cuisine and impeccable service that defined the restaurant for decades has finally returned.
As they welcomed the first guests inside the tucked away delight, cast members clearly shared in guests’ excitement for this much-anticipated reopening. Of course, our MickeyBloggers were among those ready for this special treat.
The tone for the meal started as soon as we entered Jiko’s calming dining room, painted in tones that evoke a sunset vibe. With a wall of panoramic windows, a water feature accentuates the tropical views to one side of the restaurant. Likewise, the open kitchen adds to the culinary energy. A family of metallic birds also artfully floats above dining room guests.
Bursting with incredibly fragrant spices and boasting one of the most extensive South African wine lists in the states, tonight’s meal set the bar for Jiko excellence.
The menu rotates based on the seasons with a focus on Indian, African and Mediterranean cuisine. For tonight’s specialities, our MickeyBlogger Jared and his special guest chose to start with the Seared Scallops with Nhopi and Groundnuts. For entrees, the renowned Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon and the Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib topped tonight’s choices.
Bread Service Begins the Jiko Feast
The meal began with a scrumptious bread service. The service returned to a loaf-style offering rather than the crispy naans that featured at the restaurant before its 2020 closure. The authentic Egyptian-style fatir came speckled with sesame seeds. A “giraffe bread” debuted tonight as well alongside a pleasantly tangy butter that mixed regular butter with goat milk and goat cheese topped with a Black Sea salt. (Giraffe Bread stems from Tiger Bread, an originally Dutch recipe for loaf bread.)
A Taste of the Sea to Start
For the appetizer course, the perfectly seared diver scallops melted with each bite and surprised with their unique blend of flavors. The highlight of the dish was the Nhopi, a blended dish of pumpkin, winter quashes, peanut butter, and cornmeal that offered a unique twist on traditional corn-based purees.
Surrounding the delectable seafood, the dollops of chestnut cream added a richness and depth while the ground, blistered peanuts offered the right amount of crunch. The tangy fennel-apple slaw brought a surprising amount of tanginess to the richness of the dish, especially thanks to the cider reduction.
This $18 dish was even declared one of the best scallops dishes ever eaten by our MickeyBlogger, which is quite the compliment.
Main Courses Abound with Flavor
The Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon entree ($52) definitely put Jiko on the mark years ago when it first opened. The unique red wine demi-glace and the creamy, rich four-cheese macaroni that accompanies the incredible cut of beef make one of the most perfect culinary combinations ever imagined on Disney property.


Tonight’s filet offered a bit of unexpected color as well. With Jiko’s emphasis on seasonal produce, a colorful rainbow cauliflower and sauteed tomatoes and onions accompanied the remarkable dish.
At the suggestion of cast members, Jared and his guest also tried the Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib ($50). The slow-cooked masterpiece captured the luscious flavors of the beef short ribs. To balance the dish, another twist on a refreshing julienned slaw accompanied the main course.
Tonight, the most flavorful part of this dish came with the hominy stew served underneath the mouth-watering ribs. The side featured mushrooms, sea peas, and carrots.
Located within Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, reservations for Jiko often top the lists of many Walt Disney World Resort guests and locals. As with many top Disney restaurants, reservations are highly recommended and open 60 days in advance.