Epcot’s Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Restaurant Review
We tried Epcot’s Shiki-Sai to see if this sushi izakaya lives up to the hype. Here’s my honest review of this unique spot that celebrates Japanese culture. Read on to for tips on what to order, and why the festive dining experience surprised me!
🍣 Quick Snapshot: Shiki-Sai – Sushi Izakaya at Epcot
- Location: Second floor of the Japan Pavilion, above the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s World Showcase
- Cuisine Type: Japanese Restaurant (sushi izakaya, teppan, small plates)
- Price Range: $$–$$$
- Accepts Dining Plan? Yes (Table-Service credit)
- Characters? No
- Reservations Required? Definitely recommended
- Mobile Check-In Available? Yes
- Atmosphere: Chill, festive, quietly beautiful
Overall Rating: 4/5 for the food– Loved the food, and the setting was a peaceful surprise– also 4/5
So, here’s the thing: I wasn’t even planning to eat at Shiki-Sai. My flight landed in Orlando a day earlier than my friend and it was one of those “let’s see if there’s anything available on the app” moments while wandering through World Showcase. Total luck. I snagged a last-minute reservation around 815pm, which ended up being perfect timing for sunset… and fireworks.
Atmosphere and Decor
You’d never know it was up there unless someone pointed it out. It’s on the second floor above Mitsukoshi, tucked next to Teppan Edo.
You go inside the pavilion and either take the stairs or elevator up. Once I got in? Whole different vibe. It felt like a hidden gem. Like I had left Epcot completely and stepped into a relaxed, airy space that just happened to have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the lagoon.
The decor shifts with the seasons and there are numerous seasonal festivals that celebrate the spirit of Japan. The decor as not in-your-face Disney stuff. Everything was just subtle, festive, and totally charming. Our server, who was part of the Cultural Representative program from Japan, explained what each decoration meant. It was a lovely touch and made the place feel more personal.
Related: Yak & Yeti is another great option with some fantastic seafood options
Now the food. That’s what you’re really here for, right?
I decided to order three different sushi rolls.
The first roll was Avocado Roll. This roll was fine, but it wasn’t the best sushi roll I ever ate. Honestly, it kind of tasted like grocery store quality sushi. Not horrible. But I didn’t finish it either.
The Spicy Crunch Roll was so much better. There was a spicy mayo, ahi tuna, and the crunch was just perfect! This roll was a little spicy, but also savory. I really enjoyed it.
Now the Dragon Roll was the absolute best and with every bite I was in sushi heaven. The freshwater eel was delicious and the barbeque sauce was the perfect complement to the avocado and shrimo tempura.
Related: Why not try Via Napoli if you are in the food for Italian?
What else is on the menu?
If you like Japanese food, there are plenty of great options on the sharable izakaya-style menu. If you are dining with friends, go ahead and order a variety of dishes. That’s kind of the whole idea here. It’s meant to feel like a Japanese gastropub, with a variety of delicious small plates you split among the table.
Some popular options include the Wagyu Gyoza, savory Karaage Chicken, or the succulent salmon misoyaki.
The karaage chicken us basically fried chicken, but more crunchy and juicy. It’s served with this slightly sweet garlic sauce.
There are really a ton of options for sushi rolls. Another popular roll is the Tokyo negi roll. It is super fresh and comes in a hot stone bowl.
For drinks, I tried the violet yuzu lemonade because… why not? And it totally hit the spot. Tart, not too sugary, and just a little floral. If you’re skipping alcohol, that one’s a good call.
Related: Another great table service restaurant for fireworks is La Hacienda de San Angel
Dessert and Fireworks
I definitely wanted to savor dessert during Luminous: Symphony of Us. I ordered the Ichigo Parfait, which consisted of strawberries, cheesecake, and vanilla ice cream.
Speaking of the end of our meal, watching Luminous from my table in the dining room made for some truly unforgettable memories.
Since I was a single diner, my table wasn’t right next to the window. When the fireworks started I decided to take some photos of the couple in view. Turns out they were on their honeymoon and I was able to air drop spectacular (and super romantic) fireworks photos to them. See, even guests at Walt Disney World can pixie dust other guests!
Related: If you want a buffet with great options you won’t find anywhere else, why not try Boma?
Service and Pace
The pacing of the meal was just right. Nothing came too fast, but we also weren’t sitting there wondering where the next plate was. Our server checked in often, but not in a hovering way. And when we had questions about the menu, she really took her time explaining the different items. I loved that. You could tell she cared. This meal was truly a cultural experience.
Cost and Value
Now, let’s talk numbers. You know sushi is never cheap. Three rolls, a drink and dessert set me back about $80 before tip. Not a cheap dinner, but for a Disney table-service restaurant presenting Japanese cuisine this fresh and thoughtful? I’d say it was well worth it. Especially considering the view and the overall vibe.
Is It Kid Friendly?
Would I come here with kids? Depends on the kids. There’s no character dining or “plain” kids menu that I saw, so if your kid is picky, maybe not. But if they like sushi or noodles or are curious eaters, this could actually be a great way to introduce them to something new. It’s quiet, not overwhelming, and the staff is so kind. That helps. Since there is a wide range of small dishes, there is likely something they would enjoy.
Now, for sushi fans, this is a dream. It’s not every day you get to eat nakaochi tuna and salmon misoyaki while watching fireworks over Epcot. And if you’re someone who enjoys cultural details, this place gives you that immersive-but-genuine feeling. Like you’re not just eating dinner, you’re having a little moment.
Reservations & Availability
And yes, this spot accepts the Disney Dining Plan, which definitely bumps up its value if you’re using a table-service credit. We paid out of pocket, but I’d happily return with a dining plan in hand and try more of the menu—especially the teppan items and that Japanese savory pancake everyone keeps raving about. I would say an Advance Dining Reservation is a great idea, but not necessarily essential.
Final verdict?
Shiki-Sai is one of those restaurants I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and the food is something I’m still thinking about days later. I already know I want to come back during another festival just to see how they change things up.
Next time, I’m bringing a bigger group so we can order way more. Because honestly? That assortment of delicacies on the full menu? I’m only just getting started.
One More thing
I just wanted to say that getting a pre-fireworks dining reservation is the absolute best idea ever! Once I was done with dessert, Epcot was basically empty.
There is something purely magical about strolling out of Epcot after the park closes. Everything is empty and peaceful. And the entire park is so beautiful!
