New Japanese Restaurant Opening At Disney World This Summer

Walt Disney World has announced that a brand-new restaurant will soon open at EPCOT.

Located inside the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase, Guests will soon be able to enjoy authentic sushi at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, a new table-service restaurant.

Disney Parks announced that Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be coming soon to the Japan Pavilion and "will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style for you to create memories and good times through flavors."

Guests will be able to "experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals" as each month the dining experience will offer something new! "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," Disney stated. "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. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan’s vibrant seasonal festivities."

Of course, traditional Japanese sushi and teppan items will be on the menu, but there will also be an open sushi bar and grill!

"Sushi lovers will marvel at the first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar," Disney's report continued. "This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience along with a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize your eyes while the food captivates your taste buds."

Some of the sushi bar items that Disney highlighted include the Kobore Sushi, which actually translates to “overflowing sushi” and "features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion", the Tokyo Negi Roll, which consists of "green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno", and the Funamori, which consists of sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter.

Disney World Guests will also have the opportunity to sample Japanese Izakaya dishes, which Disney states is "a type of casual pub-style restaurant."

Per their report, "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 delicious small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere."

On the grill, Disney Guests can look forward to trying the Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake that is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water. The pancake is then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.

At this time, there is no set opening date for Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, but fans can look forward to dining at this new restaurant starting sometime this summer. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakayall be located inside the Japan Pavilion of World Showcase, which is located inside EPCOT.