How the NEW EPCOT Restaurant Will Be Unlike Any You've Seen Before

Have you heard the big Disney World dining news? A NEW restaurant will be coming to EPCOT soon!

Japan Pavilion

Okay, we’re not going to lie: we are SO excited (okay, so NEW Disney food and restaurants always make us happy). The new restaurant will be called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya and will be opening this summer in the Japan Pavilion. But this restaurant will be unlike any other restaurant in Disney World! How thrilling!

So Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be a new table-service restaurant featuring a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.” The menu will feature items like sushi and teppan, as well as an open sushi bar and grill. Sushi lovers will be able to enjoy Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and more in an atmosphere that has a casual pub-style feel with an emphasis on drinks and conversation with friends.

©Disney

It already sounds a little different from other restaurants in Disney World, right? But that’s not what really sets it apart. Here’s the thing — the menu at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will change with the seasons. As the seasons change, you’ll be able to enjoy flavors that reflect the time of year you visit.

©Disney

So once the restaurant opens, you’ll be able to enjoy Karaage Chicken, Salmon Misoyaki, Tomato Salad with Avocado, and Okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake). However, the next season, you might be able to order COMPLETELY different menu items.

©Japan Pavilion-Mitsukoshi USA via Instagram

Why? Well, the concept of the restaurant is based on Japan’s seasonal festivals. Each month will represent a different Japanese festival. So every month will be a brand new celebration of Japanese food.

©Japan Pavilion-Mitsukoshi USA via Instagram

Although many Disney World restaurants do change SOME of their offerings on a seasonal basis, this will be the first Disney World restaurant that is dedicated to honoring the seasons. So if you love Japanese food, you’ll want to book a reservation here as often as you can to try everything.

Japan Pavilion

So where will you find this new restaurant? It will be located above the Mitsukoshi Department Store on the second floor of the Japan Pavilion. That means it will have amazing views of EPCOT, the World Showcase, and the nighttime fireworks on the World Showcase Lagoon.

Mitsukoshi

We’ll be keeping an eye out for an official opening date for the restaurant PLUS we’ll let you know when advance dining reservations will become available, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips.

A deep dive into Disney World restaurants — including all of our recommendations — is inside!

We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

Here’s How We’ve Ranked EVERY Restaurant at EPCOT

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you excited about the new EPCOT restaurant? Let us know in the comments!