Welcome to the brand new Morimoto Asia Restaurant in The Landing of what is at long last OFFICIALLY Disney Springs!
We’ll be back with a full review on Monday, but today we’re here for a First Look. In some respects, our meal at Morimoto Asia itself was a bit of a First Look, because while dinner seatings are up and running each night beginning at 5:00PM, the restaurant will not be serving lunch or its planned weekend brunch for a few weeks yet (the starting date for these dining opportunities is yet to be announced).
Once it is fully open, operating hours will be 11:00 am to 2:00 am, bringing extended hours — custom-made for a more vibrant nightlife — to Disney World’s ever-transforming and newly renamed dining and entertainment district.
But that’s all logistics… we know you’re itching to take a peek inside Iron Chef Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant, just like we were!
Morimoto Asia
So let’s do exactly that…
Atmosphere
Modern. Sleek. Elegant. These are the words that spring to mind when taking in this brand new addition to Disney Springs.
Inside Morimoto Asia
Inside Morimoto Asia
Inside Morimoto Asia Upstairs Bar and Lounge
I think we can also add “beautiful” to the list…
Inside Morimoto Asia
Of course, it’s not just the gorgeous artwork or the stunning glass-beaded chandeliers that serve to create the memorable atmosphere. The open kitchen and 14-seats-only Sushi Bar (located upstairs) give your eyes even more to take in as you watch the chefs in motion.
Open Kitchen
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto by the Sushi Bar
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you! That’s Chef Masaharu Morimoto himself, present for Opening Day (and possibly offering up the greatest photo bomb of all time)! Here he is in action…
Chef Morimoto
From the lounges to the various dining areas and table settings, it’s clear that Morimoto Asia is taking a huge role in ushering in a whole new feel for more upscale dining experiences in Disney Springs.
Main Dining Area as viewed from above
Upstairs seating with Private Dining Room behind
Table setting and staircase
Although, even with its very distinct vibe, you’ll never entirely forget where you are…
Hidden Mickey?
Although, the image above could be us doing some good ol’ Disney-fan projecting; you know, always seeing a Mickey in three circles. One of the Cast Members told us this mini piece of wall art is actually a Japanese character. (Which is all fine and fair… I’m still calling it a Mickey 😉 ).
Anyway, just as we’d hoped, the surroundings are pretty spectacular. But lovely settings alone do not an Iron Chef make 😉 , so let’s take a look at some of what’s on the menu at Morimoto Asia.
Eats
As noted, Morimoto Asia is Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first restaurant that focuses on cuisine from across the entire continent of Asia. And we’ll be sharing our full review next week (along with a look at the entire menu), but for now, we’d just love to give you a quick glimpse of some of what we enjoyed on Opening Night!
We’re so glad we went with our server’s recommendation from the specialty drinks: the Shirayuri (White Lily) mixing Shochu, Calico, and Yuzu was a terrific way to start the evening.
Shirayuri (White Lily)
And maaaybe a few more sips were had…
Mango Matcha Punch
Aaaaaand perhaps some Sake…
Sake Service
And what would a visit to Chef Morimoto’s newest establishment be without sushi? Here is a look at the Spicy Tuna Roll.
Spicy Tuna Roll
Both the Rock Shrimp Tempura and Tuna Pizza are two of Chef Morimoto’s signature dishes, and they lived up to expectations (though we didn’t pick up on much of the suggested spice in the Tuna Pizza).
Shrimp Tempura
Tuna Pizza
Speaking of signature dishes, we couldn’t resist ordering the Morimoto Peking Duck.
Morimoto Peking Duck
And for dessert? Two words: Churro Fondue!!
Churro Fondue
And two more… Oreo Tempura!! Okay, so the Oreo Tempura was just one part of the Chocolate Cream & Crunch dessert, but we could’ve happily snacked on just those alone.
Chocolate Cream and Crunch
Have we piqued your interest 🙂 ? We’ll see you right back here next week with our full review of Morimoto Asia. In the meantime, it’s so long from the long-awaited DISNEY SPRINGS!!!
What do you think so far of Morimoto Asia? Please let us know with a comment!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Thanks for the great pictures. The décor is beautiful but after seeing the plates, I don’t find it a “must do”.
beautiful place. Too bad menu looks pedestrian. I don’t see anything besides the duck that looks different. I am disappointed
We just had dinner at morimoto tonight, it was amazing!!! The decor is beautiful and the service fantastic, the food was phenomenal! We even got to meet chef morimoto and got pictures with him. We can’t wait to go back!
Had dinner there last night it really was excellent. There was six of us so we managed to try quite a bit, and the food did not disappoint. Morimoto was there and did two sessions of photo ops. Will definitely make it a regular go to spot, I’m so glad it opened. My favs were the ribs and Morimoto buri-bop.
The odd dip in the white bar counter top in the first photo is interesting. What is the purpose of that? As it seem to be using up space that would otherwise hold seats.
I’m hoping that’s it’s for handicap wheelchair seating at the bar. Because that type of forward thinking would be awesome.
Ate there Saturday, going back tomorrow – it is one beautiful restaurant and we found the service and food to be excellent. For those who feel it is not quite Pan Asian spicy enough, please remember that Chef is Japanese, not Chinese. Japanese foods don’t quite rise to the same heat level of Chinese, but we also find Japanese is much more subtle and intriguing.
Looking forward to tomorrow, in spite of WDW’s managing to create the worse traffic situation in Central FL
Psst, Brad, Japanese love their spice as much as anyone . There are contests to see who can eat the hottest curry 🙂
I believe they toned it down at Morimoto’s because everyone has their own level of “hot” and they found a happy medium (pun intended).
That being said, the atmosphere in this restaurant is spectacular! Have to agree with Carol on the menu – nothing you can’t find anywhere else, but quality is the star here.
Just wanted to update – the White Lilly drink features the japanese sports drink CALPICO instead of “calico”. I enjoy calpico – it’s a dairy-based sports drink. Very tasty!
This reminds me of a Japanese Restaurant we have in the UK called Rofuto. I’m always looking for new places to visit in Bimingham to eat and will most definitely check out Rofuto. I suggest you do too if you’re ever in the UK. (Editor’s note: link removed to adhere to posting guidelines.)