Konnichiwa! And welcome back to another visit to Katsura Grill!
The counter service spot, located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, sits higher than the rest of the elevation in the area. Nestled into a garden behind the temple, this spot offers lovely, serene surroundings.
And in the past, we’ve really enjoyed the food here as well — especially lighter, healthier options, like Steamed Veggies and Miso.
I decided to visit Katsura spur-of-the-moment for lunch recently to see if I could still recommend this out-of-the-way counter service location. Come with me as we check out what I found.
Atmosphere
If you haven’t fully explored the Japan Pavilion, then make sure to carve out a little extra time to do it on your very next trip to Epcot. There’s lots to take in.
As you make your way through the Pavilion to the back, Katsura Grill sits to the left. You’ll do a little climbing to get up to it, however.
The building itself demonstrates a simple Japanese aesthetic. Whereas the temple in front of it is a showstopper, Katsura is plain and functional, with dark wood accents and a thatched roof.
Inside, the ceilings are vaulted, and much of the walls give way to windows, so you have views of World Showcase Lagoon, the Pavilion, and the Garden on three sides. Seating isn’t anything fancy, but it really doesn’t need to be with so much to look at. But I do appreciate the padded chairs here.
If you prefer outdoor seating, you’ll find quite a bit of it, and much of it is shaded by large umbrellas. Also — just in case you always wondered — you’ll find the bathroom just off of this area as well. 🙂
The patio overlooks an outcropping of rock where a waterfall provides soothing sounds. And this is why Katsura Grill is one of my favorite spots. It’s so relaxing, and I’ve rarely seen this area crowded.
Follow the tiny bridge and meandering walkway down, and you’ll spot beautiful koi in the pond below.
Paper lanterns strung overhead bid you to return after dark just to see the area in a whole different light.
And indeed, you should return! Because night or day, this is a lovely spot.
After a look around, you’ll probably decide to stay a while. 🙂 So head in and check out the menu.
As I mentioned, Katsura Grill doesn’t often seem to be very busy. I’m alright with that, since it means that I can usually walk up to the small counter and order without much wait.
And I usually have my pick of tables as well.
Eats
Katsura Grill is quaintly “old fashioned” — no electronic ordering or fancy food delivery systems. You will find backlit menu boards, however. That’s become pretty common around Disney, though. I do imagine that they make changing the menu items around much easier.
Take a closer look at the menu items, and you may be surprised to find some interesting selections. I mean, Japanese Curry and Udon? Or how about a Kids’ Meal that has ZERO to do with Chicken Nuggets or Mac and Cheese?
Side orders are equally intriguing. Skip the chips and head to Katsura for some Edamame! That way you can justify both a Dole Whip AND a Mickey Bar later!
I quickly decided on a couple of things to try. I’d heard rave reviews of the Udon during both the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (happening now, actually!), so my first choice was a no-brainer. I went for the Tempura Shrimp Udon.
But I also couldn’t pass up one of my Katsura favorites, their Teriyaki selections. I went with my tried and true favorite, the Chicken and Beef Teriyaki Combination Platter. It comes with ample side servings of Steamed White Rice and Veggies.
And this is where I have to mention something that I’ve hinted at — Katsura is a great stop if you’re looking to find healthier for you options. Believe it or not, we really enjoyed side orders of Steamed White Rice and Veggies as a snack a while back!
After all of that food, I didn’t leave room for dessert. However, we have reviewed both the Green Tea Cheesecake and the Chocolate Ginger Cake in the past. I’d go for the chocolate ginger cake if I were you.
(The Chocolate Ginger Cake is the same that’s served at Tokyo Dining. You can read our whole review here.) However, they’re teeny tiny portions. Not necessarily a bad thing — but I like you to know before you leap.
After that filling lunch, I was ready to finish my circumnavigation of the (Epcot) world.
Overall
Katsura Grill continues to get two thumbs up from me!
And it’s a combination of things that make for the recommendation, really. The food is better than mall food court, which is what you might expect. And the menu proves that you really can find better-for-you options at Disney if you want to.
But in the end, it’s the setting that’s the cherry on top of Katsura Grill. Because when you can find someplace that’s so peaceful and calm, right in the middle of what is arguably one of the most exciting spots anywhere — well, it’s worth mentioning and lingering there for a bit.
Now, I’d really love to hear from you! Is Katsura Grill one of your top spots in Walt Disney World for counter service dining? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Frank says
I love this place. What did it used to be called???? I thought it had a different name.
Thx.
Frank
Liz says
It was called Yakitori House previously.
We love Katsura Grill. As you mention it really is a great option when you’re needing something better than standard theme park food. You never feel weighted down after a meal here.
Frank says
Bingo!!! Thx… Just couldn’t remember what it was called.
It’s one of those places you don’t always remember to go to, but are happy when you do!!! 8)
Thx.
Frank
MoiMoi says
Out of the way? I think that’s a bit of a stretch.
Mandi says
My sushi-loving boyfriend actually prefers the sushi here to Flying Fish and California Grill and considers it second only to Kona Island!
Gigi says
In all our years of going to Epcot, we finally stopped in here for a quick snack last trip. The cast members were so nice and the atmosphere was so calming. And the food was really good too! My only gripe would be the styrofoam bowls – wish they would switch over to the paper cups.
MeLissa says
So how was the Tempura Shrimp Udon?
Wendy says
I was also wondering more about your your thoughts of the tempura shrimp udon. Just seemed you mentioned you ordered it, but didn’t share if you enjoyed it!
Kirsty says
I agree with the previous 2 posters. My thoughts thoughts at the end of reading this were “but you haven’t reviewed the food :S”. Details given on what was ordered but no actual thoughts or details.
Would love to know more info on the Teriyaki combo.
Adrienne @ Let's Do Disney says
Is the ice cream here soft serve or hard pack? Soft serve azuki strawberry ice cream sounds delicious 🙂
Cate says
I love love love the green tea cheesecake! I make it my mission at Epcot to try things that I wouldn’t usually touch. When I saw green tea cheesecake on the menu, I thought, “that’s just not right.” But I ordered it anyway to continue branching out. Now I get it whenever we stop by Katsura.
Jean says
I need to visit Katsura Grill now! I also loved the udon noodles at the Flower & Garden, so it would be nice to have something like that in an entree size. I love sushi, so if it’s as good as everyone is saying, then I need that, too. I also appreciate that they offer $2.00 bowls of rice — that’s a perfect option for my very picky children.
Sandra says
Adrienne, this is the same ice cream as is served at Lotus Blossom, so it is large pre-packed cups, very good.
We love Katsura for the quiet atmosphere and yes, for being out of the main traffic area. But my real reason for going is the wonderful iced green tea! It is my absolute favorite Disney non-alcoholic beverage. My family has enjoyed the salmon and teriyaki chicken platters and sushi here. The staff has always been polite and friendly. Kids will love having a bowl of rice and chicken and watching the koi in the pond.
For those with mobility impairments, the “climb” is up a ramp that easily accommodates my bad knees and my husband’s ECV. The restroom is quite tiny, however, easily accessed from the outdoor seating area.
Brooke says
Sandra — Ditto on the Green Tea! We get it practically every single time we visit!
AJ says
MeLissa, Wendy, and Kirsty — The Shrimp Udon was great — flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The shrimp was nicely cooked. The Teriyaki Platter is one of my favorites. Tons of flavor and good texture. They’re pretty basic, what you see is what you get dishes. I noticed later that this was virtually the same lineup I had tried on a previous visit — clearly, these are my favorite, go-to dishes here!
Tom says
My wife must be gluten free. Can this restaurant provide a gluten free meal?
Essie says
Thank you AJ for opening my eyes! It really is an Off the Beaten Path, kind of place isn’t it? I love the Japan Pavilion because of the beautiful koi pond. I always sit there awile midway up and relax. I’ve enjoyed the big ts restaurant and the department store as well as the museum area, but I never remember that they have a qs spot. This is now a Must Do on my very next trip! I like their snow cones,too! The only thing better would be to bring the candy artist lady back!
Mike V says
This is a great spot and as the writer notes rarely are you waiting for someone to get up to trounce on their table.
Casey says
Agree with all comments here and thank you Frank. Forgot this used to be called Yakitori House which is what it was still called the last time I ate here (if that dates me). But that’s just because I have recently switched to trying full service restaurants whenever I can. That being said, this is one of the best quick service offerings in the park — fast service, different cuisine and all prepared fresh by friendly smiling staff with plentiful open seating in a relaxed environment. Thanks to the DFB team for reminding us all about this gem; makes me want to try it on my next trip!
Chris says
Just wanted to echo all the comments praising this place, but also to sing the praises of one of the dishes you briefly pointed out…the Japanese Curry!
Flavorful and very unique, almost a curry-spiced hearty stew on a bed of white rice with fried Chicken cutlet laid on top, this with a good beer is an AMAZING combination, and very authentically made, speaking as someone who got hooked on it during a trip to Tokyo years ago.
Brooke says
Chris — Thank you so much for sharing your impressions of the dish with us! I know what I’m having for lunch the very next time I’m in Epcot. 😀
Jess says
I love this place and have been eating there for years even back when it was the yakitori house. It’s a must do every trip and one of my favorite counter meals. The atmosphere outside by the pond is the best! One year we saw a duck and ducklings hanging out there. So cute!
I always get the shrimp tempura udon, green tea and green tea ice cream. My only issue is that the ice cream used to be soft serve. It was way better than the prepackaged cup. I think the place that sells the kakigori shaved ice in front of this place has it in soft serve. At least last year I believe they had it there.
I also buy the unsweetened green tea packets at their store in bulk to take home as it’s hard for me to find it back home. I like the individual packets. You get about 20 in a box and they have a sweetened version too. I think it’s under $5 per box. The unsweetened version they sell already made at Katsura grille is great and refreshing to drink in the hot sun and give me energy.
The people at both the store and Katsura grill are so nice and make my day when I shop and eat there. I love Japanese food and that store and they always strike up a conversation with me at the checkout and are happy I am a fan of their food and culture. I hope to make it to Tokyo and the parks there some day! Looking forward to visiting Katsura grille in the next week or so! 🙂
Mike says
A beautiful, peaceful spot. My wife and son love the Udon.
Alyce O says
Do they use peanut oil when cooking? Also, are reservations recommended?