Finding the Best Restaurant in Animal Kingdom Lodge
While Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort often steal the spotlight for dining, one of Disney World’s most flavorful and perhaps underestimated culinary destinations is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). This unique resort offers an impressive array of restaurants worth exploring, even if you aren’t staying on-site. Determining the Best Restaurant In Animal Kingdom Lodge depends on your preferences, but several stand out. This guide highlights our top recommendations to help you navigate the exceptional dining landscape at AKL.
Best Family Dining: Boma – Flavors of Africa
Located in Jambo House, Boma – Flavors of Africa is a highly popular buffet restaurant beloved by families and food enthusiasts alike. Open for both breakfast and dinner, Boma presents a vibrant mix of authentic African dishes alongside familiar American classics, ensuring options for every palate.
The breakfast buffet features items such as African pastries, made-to-order omelets, French toast, carved ham, and bobotie, a savory South African dish resembling quiche. Dinner expands the offerings with flavorful choices like Mealie Pap, curry salmon, various fire-grilled meats, and an array of tempting desserts. The open kitchen concept allows guests to watch the chefs prepare these diverse dishes.
Iconic Zebra Domes dessert served on a plate at Boma Flavors of Africa dining location.
Among the must-try items are the legendary Zebra Domes (available on the dinner dessert buffet or within the Striped and Spiked Cold Brew cocktail at breakfast), the hearty Beef Bobotie, and the flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Breakfast typically costs around $35 per adult and $21 per child, while dinner is priced at approximately $54 per adult and $32 per child. Given its popularity, advance dining reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Fine Dining Experience: Jiko – The Cooking Place
For a special occasion, romantic evening, or simply an exceptional meal, Jiko – The Cooking Place at Jambo House is a premier choice. Often cited as one of the best restaurants in Walt Disney World, Jiko offers a sophisticated atmosphere combined with exquisite, gourmet cuisine. The restaurant focuses on a blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors, presented through expertly prepared steak, chicken, seafood, and plant-based options.
Open only for dinner, Jiko features standout dishes like the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon often served with a rich macaroni and cheese, the tender Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib, delicate Seared Scallops with Nhopi and Groundnuts, and an elevated take on comfort food with the Bobotie Mac & Cheese. The restaurant’s design is inspired by nature, featuring twin wood-burning ovens meant to evoke an African sunset. Reservations are highly advised, though the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist might offer last-minute availability.
Best Quick Service Option: The Mara
Transitioning from fine dining to casual convenience, The Mara, also located at Jambo House, is the go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal. Named after the Masai Mara National Reserve, this counter-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with late-night options until 11 PM. Guests can grab food to go or enjoy their meal in the indoor seating area.
Breakfast includes classics like Mickey waffles, Bacon and Gruyère Quiche, and Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches. For lunch and dinner, the menu offers cheeseburgers, various flatbreads, cold sandwiches, and internationally inspired options like the Marrakesh Falafel Platter. The plant-based Chickpea Salad Sandwich is also a popular choice.
Crucially for many fans, the famous Zebra Domes are available here throughout the day. The Mara often features seasonal or specialty treats as well. It’s also the location to purchase and refill Resort Refillable Mugs at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Utilizing Mobile Order via the My Disney Experience app is recommended to save time.
Best for Unique Flavors: Sanaa
Nestled in Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club section of Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sanaa offers a unique dining experience with incredible views. The name means “Work of Art” in Swahili, and the restaurant lives up to it with flavorful African and Indian fusion cuisine served against the backdrop of the resort’s savanna, where animals roam freely.
Sanaa requires reservations for its table-service lunch and dinner. However, it also offers Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings as a quick-service option without reservations. The absolute highlight for many visitors is the Indian-style Bread Service, featuring five types of naan bread accompanied by nine distinct dipping sauces, ranging from sweet mango chutney to spicy red chile sambal.
Other notable dishes include the Potjie-inspired selections, allowing guests to customize their meal with curries and rice, flavorful Samosas, and refreshing Mango Lassi Smoothies. While the menu features adventurous flavors, there are usually simpler options available too. If you can’t secure a reservation, the adjacent Sanaa Lounge offers walk-up seating until 11 PM and serves the beloved bread service and samosas.
Conclusion
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge truly stands out as a remarkable destination for food lovers at Walt Disney World. Whether you seek the family-friendly abundance of Boma, the upscale elegance of Jiko, the quick convenience of The Mara, or the adventurous flavors and stunning views at Sanaa, finding the Best Restaurant In Animal Kingdom Lodge ultimately comes down to matching the experience with your desires for the meal. Each offers a unique taste of Africa and beyond, making the journey to this resort well worth the effort. Remember to make your dining reservations well in advance, typically starting 60 days before your visit, as these popular Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants fill up quickly.
