Foodies get ready…a new restaurant called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be opening at the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT this summer.
UPDATE (Aug.10): Disney has set August 30, 2023, as the opening date for this restaurant.
The Details
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is a table-service restaurant that will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable casual Izakaya-style featuring small plates…similar to a tapas restaurant.
In addition to a full menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill.
This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience where guests can watch being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar.
Located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, above the Mitsukoshi Department Store, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and nightly fireworks.
It sounds like Shiki-Sai may be replacing Tokyo Dining, which closed in November 2022 for refurbishment with promises of reopening in Summer 2023.
The atmosphere embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well.
The sushi bar even features a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto.
The Food
Disney Parks has offered up a sneak peek at some of the menu items to enjoy on your visit:
The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and Shiki-Sai will offer savory Karaage Chicken, succulent Salmon Misoyaki, and a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, among the many dishes to share with your dining companions.
Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.
Some highlights from the sushi bar include the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll.
Kobore Sushi translates to “overflowing sushi” and this item is “overflowing” with flavors. It features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion. The Tokyo Negi Roll combines green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno.
The Funamori features sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter. This iteration of Funamori is even served with the festive pomp and the boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri!
Opening Date
The exact opening date has not been announced yet, beyond Summer 2023, but as soon as we hear of one, we’ll let you know.
Are excited to check out this new restaurant coming to EPCOT? Let us know in the comments.