More Romantic: Jiko or California Grill

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dsoup's picture
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More Romantic: Jiko or California Grill

Thought we could do a couple of threads doing comparisons between the romantic-ness of various restaurants.

I actually think Jiko is more romantic than California Grill. I really enjoy eating at CG but, there are usually a bunch of kids there to see the fireworks and kids are kind of the opposite of romance in my book. silly

Jiko is nice and dark and doesn't appeal as much to youngsters, so that's my selection.

cdub's picture
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Gotta be Jiko!

Brad's picture
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cdub wrote:
Gotta be Jiko!

Gets my vote. I like them both, but California Grill isn't really all that intimate.

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I really love both! However I think California Grill better than Jiko. The atmosphere, location, foods, services, etc, everything is fine. I always got there my favorite food.

Jiko is also best eatery and we ever had great variety of food but if I compare together so my favorite eatery is California Grill.

Best Regards,

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So different but both very good.

I pick Jiko over CG in almost every category except for "views of the MK" silly

Not to say Jiko is a lot better tha CG, but I give it the slight edge. I agree too, that is the more romantic of the two.

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dsoup's picture
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Imagineer wrote:
So different but both very good.

I pick Jiko over CG in almost every category except for "views of the MK" silly

Not to say Jiko is a lot better tha CG, but I give it the slight edge. I agree too, that is the more romantic of the two.

The soup at the California Grill can be really good. Otherwise I think Jiko has it beat on most of the food fronts. I think most people would give its steak the edge, although I vary by night.

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I'd be hard pressed to decide who has better food. I've had some EXCEPTIONAL food at Cali Grill, but also some unimpressive visits. Jiko has always been really good, but the service can sometimes be lacking. In fact I'd say that's the biggest problem with Jiko as a romantic place: Bad service can ruin the mood and Jiko doesn't seem to have "Signature" style service.

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Brad wrote:
Jiko has always been really good, but the service can sometimes be lacking. In fact I'd say that's the biggest problem with Jiko as a romantic place: Bad service can ruin the mood and Jiko doesn't seem to have "Signature" style service.

In comparing our last visits to both places, the service was better at Jiko. Our service at California Grill was good; attentive but not obtrusive, which is how service should be. But it was obvious that the server was doing his job and nothing more, if that makes sense. Our last server at Jiko seemed to be doing his job and enjoying it at the same time.

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dsoup's picture
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Imagineer wrote:

In comparing our last visits to both places, the service was better at Jiko. Our service at California Grill was good; attentive but not obtrusive, which is how service should be. But it was obvious that the server was doing his job and nothing more, if that makes sense. Our last server at Jiko seemed to be doing his job and enjoying it at the same time.

I felt the same way about California Grill. I have to wonder if it's in their training because everyone who's there feels like one of those waiters who's been there forever and is really good, but just isn't that "into it" anymore. Is that the feeling you got?

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Jiko!

But I must say that I have not been to either..but if I was looking for romance I'd book Jiko first.

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dsoup wrote:
Imagineer wrote:

In comparing our last visits to both places, the service was better at Jiko. Our service at California Grill was good; attentive but not obtrusive, which is how service should be. But it was obvious that the server was doing his job and nothing more, if that makes sense. Our last server at Jiko seemed to be doing his job and enjoying it at the same time.

I felt the same way about California Grill. I have to wonder if it's in their training because everyone who's there feels like one of those waiters who's been there forever and is really good, but just isn't that "into it" anymore. Is that the feeling you got?

That is EXACTLY the feeling I got.

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Imagineer wrote:
dsoup wrote:
Imagineer wrote:

In comparing our last visits to both places, the service was better at Jiko. Our service at California Grill was good; attentive but not obtrusive, which is how service should be. But it was obvious that the server was doing his job and nothing more, if that makes sense. Our last server at Jiko seemed to be doing his job and enjoying it at the same time.

I felt the same way about California Grill. I have to wonder if it's in their training because everyone who's there feels like one of those waiters who's been there forever and is really good, but just isn't that "into it" anymore. Is that the feeling you got?

That is EXACTLY the feeling I got.

That's a good point. Kind of the feeling that they're all working on
their novels, but toughing it out 'cause this is a good job in the
interim.

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This is tough for me, because Jiko and Cali Grill are my two favorite WDW restaurants.

BUT, my husband and I had an absolutely magical experience at CG during our Honeymoon in April 09. The waiter gave us celebratory champagne and we took them with us out to the observation deck to watch Wishes. It was the first time I had seen Wishes in 3 years. We snuggled up close and I felt the Disney magic, along with the magic of us being husband and wife. And the dinner that night was phenomenal -- we love to try new things, so I had the ostrich -- yumyum.

We then returned to CG on the night of our 1st anniversary this year and had a very attentive waiter. I also had a wonderful sushi app and the bison entree -- YUM! And the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake was to DIE for. Not to mention our waiter gave us a free wine flight. It is a little loud in CG but that is the atmosphere we like. We like the open kitchen setup and being able to see the hustle and bustle.

Later that week, we dined at Jiko for the first time -- and while it was very good, the service was a little lackluster. But AKL is where we stayed on our honeymoon, and I absolutely love the atmosphere there.

So while I wouldn't hesitate to return to either, CG remains our "special" restaurant for celebrations as a couple. Jiko I would prefer more if I had a group of friends or family.

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I LOVE Jiko. I think it's so beautiful, and the exotic food and south african wines just scream romance to me!

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Annie wrote:
I LOVE Jiko. I think it's so beautiful, and the exotic food and south african wines just scream romance to me!

Nothing says romance like Apartheid...sorry..I tried..I just could not resist typing that one. I have very bad taste.

I have been drooling over the menu at jiko for the last few minutes..and those wood fired flat breads make me soooo hungry!
Yum!

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You should read about how South Africans feel about that; fascinating.


Haven't eaten at either, but we will be at CG for dinner and Wishes in December. Can't wait.