Sometimes the best things happen at the last minute.
I’d never been to Kimonos over in the Swan and Dolphin Resort, and a friend invited me to join a group for dinner at the last minute this week. Luckily, I was able to swing by and I’m so glad I did!
Atmosphere
I’d been hearing for years how great Kimonos was — “they have the best sushi in Walt Disney World!” was the standard review — and I was really looking forward to trying it.
Kimonos Seating Area and Bar
The atmosphere of the place is excellent. A long, narrow room bordered on both sides with windows features a full bar at the back, a sushi station to the left, and a karaoke stage to the right as you walk into the restaurant.
Sushi Counter
Oranges, yellow, and black are the dominant colors in the clean, contemporary Japanese decor, but pops of color and texture come from kimonos hanging from the ceiling.
Kimonos Seating Area and Bar
Kimonos Become the Decor
Dark, comfortable chairs surround small bar tables. Take a gander at the menu and mark how many of each item you want! Karaoke doesn’t begin until later in the evening, but grab a seat close to or far away from the action depending on how involved you want to be! 😉
Karaoke Stage
Eats
The menu is long and varied; no matter what you like or don’t like, you’re going to find something here you can sample and enjoy.
Click for larger image
Not sure what to get? Head over to the sushi counter to watch the talented chefs creating magic! If you see something you like, ask about it…then order it! 😉
Sushi Chef and his Creation
Fresh Sushi at Sushi Counter
My companions at the table ordered the Dragon Roll with crispy shrimp and tuna, the Jalapeno Roll with spicy tuna and yellow tail, the Rainbow Roll with spicy tuna and avocado, the Asparagus Roll with asparagus tempura and cream cheese, and the Coconut Shrimp Roll. Their reactions matched those that I’ve heard over and over again — this is some of the best (if not THE best) sushi in Walt Disney World.
Sushi Platter
Rainbow Roll
Dragon Roll
Coconut Shrimp Roll
Jalapeno Roll
I arrived late (as usual) and ordered the Chicken Satay (very good, but probably not worth $10.95) and the vegetarian Asparagus Roll. I’m pretty sure the Asparagus Roll was awesome as everyone else at the table liked it, but something in it just put me off. I’m not sure if it was the taste of the cream cheese or the mixed texture of the rice plus the cream cheese. Either way, don’t listen to me. Everyone else gave it a thumbs up!
Chicken Satay
Asparagus Roll
I think next time I’ll try the Bagel Roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber; and the Cajun Roll with spicy crawfish!
Overall
As I knew I would be, I was very impressed with Kimonos. Service was excellent, the food was gorgeous and quite good, and the sushi chefs went out of their way to be sure I had some great photos!
Once again, the Swan and Dolphin offer a fantastic night spot with great food and fun entertainment you won’t find anywhere else on property. And don’t be afraid to bring your kids! There’s plenty to sample and try if they’re adventurous, and the nighttime vibe doesn’t begin until the sun goes down.
Where’s your favorite place to get Sushi in Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thanks for the great review. I recently dined at Tokyo Dining for the first time, and was disappointed in their sushi. Like you with the asparagus, it was probably just me, as everyone else raved about it. Either way, I’ll have to remember Kimonos next trip!
Already printed my Restaurant.com coupon for my visit in May!!! 🙂
Loved sushi at California Grill! Have had Kimonos too and although not quite as good as CG, much more reasonable, especially when you factor in awesome restaurant.com gift certificate ($25 certificate costs only $2 now when you enter DEAL promo code!)
I also really enjoyed my meal at Kimonos. I will mention that the spicy rainbow roll was good, but not really spicy at all. The jalapeno roll was similarly on the mild side. The coconut shrimp was fantastic! Also an FYI to guests staying at WDW, they take Tables in Wonderland discounts, but since the Swan is not a Disney owned hotel you are unable to use your Key to the World to charge your bill to your room. I’m looking forward to going back in May when I stay at the Swan for the first time.
I am definately going to have to try this one. I really like sushi but have not had any in WDW yet. Thanks for the review.
Also worth trying is Kona’s Sushi Bar at the Polynesian… it was very good and not too pricey. 🙂
Thanks for the amazing review & photos. Presentation is AMAZING! I would have to be all over that Cajun Roll!
Quick question, tho … You say it’s the best sushi in WDW, which could be not saying much. For locals, how does it stack up with Orlando’s other sushi establishments?
Just curious to know if it’s worth the drive out there.
Must. Try. Karaoke. I’m an addict! That coconut shrimp roll looked really good! I’ll have to give it a go sometime soon! Great review, as always, AJ!
I didn’t eat there, but I did get up on stage and sing. Quite possibly one of the worst Ideas I have ever had. It was a very good midori sour that got me on stage.
we love love love Kimonos and are definitely among those who consider their sushi the best at WDW.
We stayed at the Boardwalk and used our $25 coupon for $10 from Restaurant.com. It saved us money while on vacation and was so worth it. We vow to go back every time we visit WDW. There are a couple of other restaurants that we found on Restaurant.com (some at Swan & Dolphin and some at Downtown Disney). Great for when your on a budget.
Great pictures by the way!
Me and my wife(who’s Japanese) never miss Kimonos while at Disney World.
It really is the best Sushi within Disney World, and at very good prices (for WDW).
We tried the Sushi at the California Grill on our trip last year.
Very good, but not as good as Kimonos.
Throw in a fantastic atmosphere, and Kimonos is a true WDW Gem!!!
My boyfriend and I were going to get that coupon from restaurant. com but after doing the math, you actually give more then what you’re actually saving. At first it sounds awesome, but then you have to buy a min purchase of $35 which already means you’ll be spending an additional 15 dollars and then they slap on the 18% gratuity on before hand too. Oh no, the way they like to promote to drag us in.
Can you drive and park there? I m reading they dont take reservations…..
Sally, you pay to park at Swan & Dolphin (you pull a ticket when you drive in), so you can park and dine. They used to validate parking at the restaurants, but that may not be happening anymore. You could ask when you check in to dine.