Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya — Restaurant in Bay Lake

Tokyo Dining is amazing and It's actually my favorite place to eat in all of Walt Disney World property! Of course, you'll need a valid park ticket to Epcot to enjoy this wonderful gem but, it's well worth it to carve some time out in the day and make a visit. Located inside the Japan Pavillion within The World Showcase, Tokyo Dining is located right above Japan's main gift shop. You can either access the restaurant via elevator ride or walking up the large stairs outside. Tokyo Dining shares a portion of it's space with it's sister restaurant, hibachi grill- Teppan Edo, and while both places are great, Tokyo dining is definitely more charming and has a more quaint and personal feel to it... A more comfortable feel. The atmosphere and food is more traditional and the dining area is just lovely. There's actually two seating sections; one being in front of the sushi preparation station with walled screens of beautiful japanese scenery/artwork, and the other seating section next to giant bay windows that overlook the lagoon. If you plan ahead, you may be able to time it to grab a table near the windows and watch the fireworks during your meal. I've sat in both the sushi bar area, and next to a window during the firework's display, and both experiences were just as wonderful as the other. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. However, if you are booking reservations with the intent to grab a firework's viewing window table, just know that while many tables have sightlines outside, there's only a select few that have 'prime fireworks viewing'. The lovely ladies will do their best to accommodate, but there's no guarantee you will get the table or area you've requested. You'll also want to make your reservation at least an hour before the firework's scheduled show to allow yourself enough time to wait for said table, as they are a popular request. Even if you don't end up grabbing that prime viewing window seat table, the restaurant pipes the music in from outside and you may still be able to see bits and pieces of the fireworks through their big windows. Tokyo Dining also has it's own balcony! It is open first come, first serve, for guests wishing to have an elevated view of the show, though this can fill up quick with guests not eating at the restaurant as well. If the fireworks are important to you just make sure to plan accordingly. Either way, the firework's show during the meal is just a wonderful bonus. The food and the outstanding customer service is what makes this place truly special. There's no shortage of hospitality and I don't thing I've been to a restaurant where the people have been more polite, even standing above by Disney standards! The food is wonderful and the menu should have something for every appetite. Some of my favorites are the seafood ramen, garden salad with ginger dressing, california sushi roll, and the lightly fried tempura calamari. Everything is made fresh, especially the shushi! And, if anyone in your party should have an allergy(like I do...Dairy), a manager will arrive at your table eager to assist so that you may have a safe and wonderful dining experience, just as everyone should be able to have! Whether I've come for a small bite, full meal, or one of the sushi selections, I cannot say enough great things about this place. Best of all, Tokyo Dining is actually very reasonably priced, so the experience leaves room to go visit the gift shop below the restaurant after dinner(Check out pick-a-pearl if you haven't already!, or grab a refreshing shaved ice at the kiosk outside for dessert). When planning a trip to Epcot, you can bet a stop to Tokyo Dining will almost always be a part of...

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya - A Culinary Journey to Japan

Nestled within the heart of EPCOT's Japan pavilion lies Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, a culinary gem that transports you to the vibrant streets of Tokyo with its authentic Japanese cuisine and impeccable service. From the moment you step through the doors, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

As you settle into your comfortable seat, your eyes are drawn to the mesmerizing dance of the chefs behind the sushi bar, their skilled hands expertly slicing and dicing the freshest seafood. The aroma of sizzling teppanyaki fills the air, mingling with the delicate fragrance of steamed rice and simmering broths.

Your culinary journey begins with a selection of delectable appetizers, each one a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. The edamame, perfectly steamed and lightly salted, awakens your taste buds, while the gyoza, pan-fried to crispy perfection, bursts with savory goodness. The delicate tempura, lightly battered and fried, showcases the freshest vegetables, each bite a symphony of textures.

As you progress to the main course, your palate is greeted by an array of sushi and sashimi creations that redefine the art of Japanese cuisine. The nigiri sushi, with its glistening slices of raw fish atop perfectly seasoned rice, is a testament to the chef's mastery of technique. The sashimi, thinly sliced and artfully arranged, melts in your mouth, revealing the exquisite freshness of the seafood.

For those seeking a heartier meal, Shiki-Sai offers a selection of grilled dishes that tantalize the senses. The Wagyu beef, grilled to perfection, is a succulent treat, its marbled fat rendering to create a symphony of flavors. The teriyaki chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, is cooked to tender perfection, its juicy meat falling off the bone.

Throughout your dining experience, you are attended to by Maya, your gracious and knowledgeable server. Her expertise in Japanese cuisine is evident in her recommendations, guiding you through the menu with a smile that warms the heart. She is attentive to your every need, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

As your meal draws to a close, you are presented with a selection of delectable desserts that epitomize Japanese refinement. The matcha ice cream, with its vibrant green hue and delicate flavor, is a refreshing indulgence. The mochi, soft and chewy, offers a delightful contrast in texture, its sweet filling a perfect ending to your culinary adventure.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is more than just a restaurant; it is an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of Japan. From the exquisite cuisine to the impeccable service, every aspect of the dining experience is designed to delight and impress. And with the exceptional guidance of Maya, your server, you are assured of an unforgettable culinary journey that will leave you...

My family had an absolutely lovely experience yesterday evening thanks to the excellent food and service at this restaurant. We made reservations and although my family booked our parties separate and showed up early, the hostess and staff was very accommodating. Not only did they seat us early but arranged a single table for us by the window at my request. The view of Epcot from our table was breathtaking and we watched the sun go down while enjoying our drinks.

This is the part helpful for those who have a dining plan!

Using our Deluxe Dining Plan, we each redeemed 1 Table Service credit for one of Shiki Sai's prefixe multi-course menu options (Omakase).

These options include Nishiki, or Gion (there is also an option for Kids). Each of these two options comes with a starter, alcoholic beverage or non alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Where they differ is Nishiki has two small plates (Izakaya and select Sushi roll) whereas Gion has a main entree.

For my drink I got the blue ocean drink and my sister got the yuzu lemonade. They were both delicious but I'd reccomend the Yuzu lemonade as it was more sweet and refreshing and you pour the syrup in separately which is fun to watch.

For our starter we all enjoyed the miso soup. Nice and warm

Now, I won't speak for the rest of my party as we all chose different things (everyone was happy) but I chose the Nishiki option, so I got an Izakaya plate and sushi. I went with the Salmon Miso Yaki for the former. I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor and gorgeous presentation. The next course was a small basic roll. I got their Snow Crab california roll and using the leftover Miso Yaki sauce as a dip, I was pleased with the flavor and the ginger was fresh too! Finally we got to choose dessert. The Yuzu Cheesecake was delightfully citrusy, sweet and rich! Small portioned as with everything else!

We reccommend this spot to those on the meal plan. You won't leave overly stuffed just comfortablely so. Our server, Ukumi, really went out of her way to make my sister feel special and was patient, kind and professional with all of us. She was a big part of what made this dining experience as special as it was!

The presentation of the food and ambience of this restaurant was also top tier. But we were as mentioned above blessed with a good table!

It's next door to Teppan-Edo so the main entrance and the restrooms are shared which is my only complaint. You have to walk quite some time to reach the restroom as it's located more in Teppan-Edo.

Overall it's good! One note: dining plans do not include gratuity, so even if your meal was "covered" by the credits,...