Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya restaurant opens this summer at Epcot
This summer, it’s out with the old and in with the new at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot with the debut of the Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya table-service restaurant.
As Epcot celebrates 40 years, a new restaurant concept will debut in the Japan pavilion, replacing Tokyo Dining, which closed late last year. Officially, Walt Disney World has only said that Tokyo Dining is closed for “temporary refurbishment until the summer.”
Disney describes the new dining concept as follows: “The atmosphere embraces the festival of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand-painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders Japan offers as well.”
In addition to its cultural offerings, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya boasts a full menu of traditional Japanese cuisine, including teppan items and small plate dishes such as Karaage Chicken, Salmon Misoyaki, and Tomato Salad with Avocado.
Sushi fans can also enjoy an open sushi bar where skilled chefs create sushi options, including Kobore Sushi (which means “overflowing sushi”) and the Tokyo Negi Roll, a fusion of green onion tempura, tuna tataki, and jalapeno aïoli, garnished with shredded carrot and sliced jalapeno.
Funamori
The Funamori brings a unique experience at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, and consists of sashimi and sushi on a boat-shaped platter. The presentation is accompanied by the lively boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri, adding an extra touch of excitement to the dining experience.
This restaurant also plans to celebrate the casual pub-style dining of Japanese Izakayas, a dining style that focuses on sharing food plates and enjoying drinks with friends as a cherished tradition. The Izakayas menu will contain a wide range of small plate items encouraging guests to enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere.
A highlight from the restaurant’s grill is Okonomiyaki, a savory egg pancake filled with shredded cabbage and bacon and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Reservations
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be located on the second level of the Japan pavilion, providing great views of the World Showcase Lagoon for the Epcot nighttime fireworks.
Once the Disney Dining Plan returns, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya could be a tough advanced dining reservation to acquire, but we will need to wait for more announcements from Walt Disney World about the official opening date, pricing, and reservation policy. At this point, we know Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is opening this summer.
