Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants: A Guide to Dining Options
If you're looking for a unique dining experience during your stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, you won't be disappointed. This Deluxe Resort offers a variety of restaurants that showcase African-inspired and American-inspired cuisine. You'll have the opportunity to indulge in family-friendly buffets, fine dining, and quick-service options.
One of the most highly reviewed restaurants (and our favorite) at Animal Kingdom Lodge is Boma - Flavors of Africa. This African buffet serves breakfast and dinner with a variety of dishes that will satisfy any palate.
You can try traditional African dishes like mealie pap and curry salmon, or stick with American favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon. Don't forget to save room for dessert, as Boma is known for its delicious Zebra Domes.
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, Jiko - The Cooking Place is the perfect choice. This signature restaurant offers a unique blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors. You'll enjoy dishes like oak-fired filet of beef and maize-crusted fish while surrounded by beautiful African art and decor. Jiko also has an extensive wine list with over 130 selections from South Africa and other regions.
Dining Options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Ranked
Boma — Flavors of Africa
Boma is a buffet-style restaurant that offers a wide variety of African-inspired dishes. The restaurant offers one of the best all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfasts at Walt Disney World. It’s one of our favorite meals and the meal I recommend most often to guests.
With a higher price tag, Boma is a great option for use of a Disney Dining Plan table-service credit.
Jiko — The Cooking Place
If you're looking for a fine dining experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko is the place to go. This signature restaurant offers a unique culinary journey that takes you through the flavors of Africa.
Jiko is located on the lower level of Jambo House, right past Boma. The restaurant's ambiance and decor are warm and elegant, with vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens, and African-inspired artwork.
Jiko's menu is a celebration of African cuisine, featuring dishes like oak-grilled filet mignon, fire-grilled meats, and African soups. Vegetarian options are also available. The restaurant's chefs use a blend of traditional African spices and modern cooking techniques to create a unique dining experience.
Jiko's wine list is extensive, featuring a selection of South African wines that perfectly complement the restaurant's cuisine. You can also try a flight of African wines surrounded by the warm hues of an Old-World spice market.
Jiko is available on the Disney Dining Plan, but will cost 2 Table-Service credits.
Reservations are recommended for Jiko, and the restaurant has a dress code. Swimwear is prohibited.
Sanaa
Sanaa is a table-service restaurant located in Kidani Village, which is part of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The restaurant's decor is inspired by the African savanna, with warm colors and natural textures. Sanaa's menu features African and Indian-inspired dishes, including the Curry Salmon and Chermoula-Spiced Shrimp Bowl.
If you're looking for a more relaxed dining experience, check out the Sanaa Lounge. Here, you can enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails, including the Amarula Cream Liquor, while taking in the stunning views of the savanna.
Quick Service
The Mara
The Mara is Animal Kingdom Lodge's quick-service dining option, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Mara is your typical cafeteria style quick-service option you expect to find at a Walt Disney Resort. It has all of the beverages, snacks, chips, sandwiches and quick meals you want on the go. You can also use mobile ordering to save time and avoid lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top dining options available at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the top dining options available at Animal Kingdom Lodge include Sanaa, Boma - Flavors of Africa, and Jiko - The Cooking Place. Our favorite is Boma for all you care to enjoy breakfast.
Can visitors dine at Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants even if they're not staying at the hotel?
Yes, visitors are welcome to dine at any of the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, even if they're not staying at the hotel. However, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants such as Sanaa and Boma.
Is there a restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can view animals while eating?
Yes, there is a restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can view animals while eating. Sanaa offers stunning views of Sunset Savanna, home to over 30 different species of African wildlife. You can enjoy your meal while watching giraffes, zebras, and other animals roam freely. Animals are visible in some areas near Boma and Jiko as well.
Does Animal Kingdom Lodge offer any character dining experiences?
Unfortunately, Animal Kingdom Lodge does not offer any character dining experiences at this time.
What quick service options are available at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The Mara, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is the main quick-service option at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma does not have a quick service option.