New table service restaurant Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya coming to EPCOT's Japan pavilion

May 09, 2023 in "Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya"

Posted: Tuesday May 9, 2023 2:05pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Epcot's Japan pavilion will host a new table service restaurant opening this summer, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya.

Located on the second floor replacing Tokyo Dining, this table-service restaurant will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style, complete with World Showcase lagoon firework views.

You’ll be able to experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals, where each month brings a new celebration to your table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide you through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also 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.

In addition to a full menu with sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill.



Sushi lovers will get a first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. This unique spot provides a view of a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto.

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 features negi toro and nakaochi tuna 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.

You’ll also be able to sample dishes from the world of Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant. One of the main highlights of Izakaya culture is the emphasis on sharing plates of food while enjoying drinks and conversation with friends. The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and here is no different. From savory Karaage Chicken to succulent Salmon Misoyaki, even a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, Izakaya cuisine is all about offering a variety of small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere.

Among the grilled items, 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.

Reservation and pricing details are still to be announced.

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JohnDNov 09, 2023

The time that was available was 8:10 which is probably good for 9:30 fireworks. I scheduled an 8:40 with Rose and Crown instead. Yes, I know I won't get a window seat but there is an area outside where you can watch the fireworks.

aladdin2007Nov 08, 2023

The view would be spectacular if you get a table right along the window. Haven't done it for fireworks but sat there a few weeks ago and its beautiful, inside and out.

JohnDNov 07, 2023

Thoughts on this? How's the view for the fireworks?

larryzOct 04, 2023

Considering the small bites concept, how could you tell the difference?

aladdin2007Oct 04, 2023

Our food was excellent yesterday, the only off thing was the spacing. My appetizer came with the entree, and my friends appetizer never came till much later after her entree. Very odd that way, but everything was good.

networkproOct 03, 2023

The last two pages.... and the Maguro Tataki

networkproOct 03, 2023

We ate there three times in the past two weeks and in my wife's and my opinion, it's good. Portions are typically Tokyo-sized meaning that most Americans will think they are small and its not inexpensive. I enjoyed my favorites: Maguro Tataki, , okonomiyaki, and Unagi Don while my wife will always go straight for the Sashimi Moriawasi. She was unsatisfied with the 1-2 sized portion (well it did have Octopus on it , the chewy mess that it is) but the second time around with the larger size they substituted some sea bream. Here's the first 10 pages of the menu, I'll need a second post for the remaining two

aladdin2007Oct 03, 2023

Thanks so much, thats very helpful.

christine7257Oct 03, 2023

I've been. We enjoyed it. The only non-sushi things we had were the karaage chicken (pretty big portion) and the wagyu gyoza (3 beef dumplings) and I'd recommend both. Side note, they do have silverware available - you just may need to ask for it. The skewers could be an option, or the udon, or the Ishiyaki-Sukiyaki Rice with grilled beef. Hope you enjoy!

aladdin2007Oct 02, 2023

Anyone been? As someone who does not eat sushi I'm trying to find something on the menu as trying it tomorrow, but it doesn't look easy unless I am missing something. Just wondered if any reviews or opinions.

larryzSep 03, 2023

Sadly, my only experience of sushi in Japan is -- gasp! -- AIRPORT sushi. I was connecting and had an extra hour at Narita, and there was this sushi bar -- a kiosk, really -- but the fish looked incredible. Had a couple of pieces of beautiful otoro. So it was, as far as I can tell, authentic. FYI, for another "good" sushi experience in a -- gasp! -- AIRPORT, try Matsutake at Reagan National.

Sir_CliffAug 30, 2023

I can't believe I've never been to Japan and I have to see the Epcot Pavilion does a good job as even watching that promo for the revamped sushi restaurant made me immediately think I need to book a trip to Japan sometime soon!

CompedAug 28, 2023

Not by much if you use ZipAir. You can even get a lie-flat bed for about $900 each way from San Jose/SF/LA, and even cheaper ($360/330/$280 respectively) if you fly economy. Yes, you read that right - you can literally fly to Tokyo for the price of that boat and some drinks, maybe a desert, plus a tip if you're willing to fly in economy.

larryzAug 28, 2023

Uh oh... I'm going to have to refinance the house before our next trip, I can see that already. Yeah, the nigiri and boats are expensive, but even at that price it's cheaper than flying to Tokyo.