Around here, we LOVE Disney World restaurants! This is the Disney FOOD Blog after all. But if we’re being real, some Disney World restaurants are just better than others.

Nowhere is this sentiment made more obvious than Yelp. While certain Disney World restaurants have their detractors, others are BELOVED, including the top-rated Table Service spots in Animal Kingdom! But, instead of sharing reviews for Animal Kingdom, most have ranked Animal Kingdom Lodge spots instead. 

Table Service dining, especially, is an ESSENTIAL experience for any Disney World food fan, and some of the most quintessential restaurants can be found in and around Animal Kingdom!

We have our own personal faves, but let’s take a look at the TOP three Table Service restaurants in Animal Kingdom according to Yelp!

Number 3: Sanaa

Curiously, the only Table Service restaurant with a Yelp rating that’s actually INSIDE Animal Kingdom is Tusker House (no Tiffins?! Sacrilege!), but that falls behind the ACTUAL top three highest rated restaurants in the resort area! Coming in with the bronze is Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a restaurant we’ve long been singing the praises of!

Come for bread service, stay for the savanna views, that’s what we say! Enthusiastic Yelpers have more to rave about though. “This spot was one of the best places I’ve been to in 2021,” proclaims Silma L. in her five-star review. “The staff were so friendly and the food was absolutely amazing.” Christine C. says that this is her MUST visit Orlando restaurant when she visits for vacation. “Their naan appetizer is what they are famous for,” she says, calling it EXTREMELY delicious, and raving about the friendliness of the chef and the gluten-free options.

Disney Recipe: Make the Famous Sanaa Bread Service at HOME!

If you were wondering why the top rated table service restaurants in Animal Kingdom aren’t technically IN Animal Kingdom, Andrea R. explains why: “Sanaa has one of the coolest Disney dining experiences without having to set foot at one of the parks. You get to enjoy some of the tastiest African cooking with Indian flavors — while sightseeing animals right outside the windows.”

Read our latest Sanaa review here! 

Number 2: Jiko – The Cooking Place

The second highest rated table service restaurant for Animal Kingdom is none other than Jiko – The Cooking Place! And alas, this spot is also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and not Animal Kingdom… . We were SO excited to see this restaurant reopen recently, and you better believe we were there on opening day to FEAST on Giraffe Bread, Braised Wild Boar, and Oak Grilled Filet Mignon!

Know who agrees with our excitement?! Yelpers who have heaped this African-accented restaurant with praise. While pricey, it’s well worth it, according to Michelle P. “I’ve been here 3 times. My first experience was a few years ago and I didn’t understand the hype. However, this year I have visited 2 times and it was much, much better! Be prepared, even if you have a discount, to spend money!”

For Jonathan L., a seasoned Disney dining pro, Jiko is tops. “One that I keep coming back to…Jiko. Beautifully themed restaurants with an authentic touch of Africa.” Along with the food, it’s the atmosphere and vibe that keeps some guests coming back. “The atmosphere itself is a welcome break from the chaos of the parks,” says Kate F., who loves the quieter and slower ambience, likening it more to a typical fine dining restaurant.

Read our FULL Jiko review HERE! 

Number 1: Boma – Flavors of Africa

The number one highest rated table service restaurant in Animal Kingdom is yet another mainstay in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Boma – Flavors of Africa. It might seem a tad odd that a buffet restaurant took the top slot, but not when you consider the high quality and value of the experience (and who can resist a Zebra Dome?!). 

“The buffet was plentiful, fresh, clean, delicious, and creative,” says Lisa M., adding that ambience and service are also stellar, and favorite menu items are blueberry pancakes, Mickey and Simba Waffles, and scrambled eggs with feta. Jessica B. loves the breakfast buffet as well (especially when they’re carving ham), and thinks it’s a great value for the price point.

“Giving a buffet a 5 star rating can be a challenge, but I feel Boma has met the challenge head on,” proclaims Steven S., who follows his bold statement with praise for the something-for-everyone menu variety, comfy seating, and hard-working team.

Read our latest Boma review here! 

While it’s certainly surprising not to see Tiffins or Yak & Yeti make the cut for Yelp-rated Animal Kingdom restaurants, with resort restaurants THIS good, it’s no surprise to see the likes of Sanaa, Jiko, and Boma take top billing!

The Top 3 Restaurants in Magic Kingdom, According to Yelp

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Which are your favorite places to eat INSIDE Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Top 3 Animal Kingdom Table Service Restaurants, According to Yelp first appeared on the disney food blog.