Disney’s newest restaurant is officially OPEN!

EPCOT surprised us with an early opening of Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya in the Japan Pavilion on August 15th, and we stopped by to see what this new restaurant is all about. From color-changing drinks to a $300 sushi boat, this spot has a lot of exciting things to offer — but is it the right choice for you and your group? Maybe! But, here are a few reasons why you might want to skip this new dining location.

It’s Expensive

Ok, remember how we said we got a $300 sushi boat? Yep, this place can be mighty expensive!

Sure, this is an extreme example of what you could pay here, but even without an extravagant boat of fish, this spot still isn’t cheap. Nigiri can set you back between $8 and $26 for two pieces, the rice and noodle dishes cost between $24 and $30, and kids’ menu items start at $18.

There are a few more affordable options — for example, some starters are as low as $6, but those are typically pretty small and likely won’t leave you full.

If you are on a budget but still have your heart set on checking this place out, there is a way for you to keep the costs down by snacking on smaller items. But for the most part, this is a rather expensive option.

There Are TONS of Other Options

Another reason why you might want to skip Shiki Sai is that EPCOT is full of other options! The World Showcase has a lot of quick service and table service restaurants that are worth checking out, and if you decide to stop here for a meal you might miss out on some of the other winners.

Especially if you head to EPCOT during one of its many festivals, there are so many options that are worth exploring. You could eat a variety of food from around the World Showcase cheaper than a meal at Shiki Sai.

It’s Not the Most Kid-Friendly

Lastly, if you are dining here with family and there are kids coming, this might not be the best option for you. There are only two kid meals on the menu currently, which start at $18.

We tried the Kids’ Bento Box for $20 and thought it was really impressive, but it was unique in a way that a lot of kids might not love.

Sure, if your kid is an adventurous eater and loves sushi, there will be plenty on the menu for them. But, if you have a picky eater with you, this spot might not be ideal.

Why You SHOULD Eat at Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya

So what if you love Japanese cuisine and think this might still be worth a visit? Here are the reasons we think that might be a great idea for your party.

First, this restaurant is beautiful! Depending on what time of year you visit, you’ll see a different type of decor based on the seasons. Shiki Sai’s personanity centers around different seasonal Japanese festivals. When we were there, we were greeted with hanging tanzaku (thin strips of colored paper streamers) on the bamboo tree up front — a typical component of the Tanabata Festival that celebrates the summer.

There’s also a bamboo tree guests can use to make wishes!

📍Shiki-Sai, EPCOT pic.twitter.com/vsU9apSgyB

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) August 15, 2023

Aside from the seasonal decor, the restaurant is full of beautiful lanterns and murals, and depending on your table you might even get a seat by the window with a view of the EPCOT fireworks.

As for the food, we actually really loved it. It wasn’t cheap, but the quality was great. And it’s not just sushi! We had a wide variety of options when we were there, from soup to items from the grill and a selection of unique starters.

We think that if you and your group absolutely love Japanese food and have it within your budget to make a stop here, it’s definitely worth checking out. But, if you’re trying to save some money and have picky eaters among you, it might be better to skip this new spot. We’ll keep bringing you all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

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Have you checked out this new spot in EPCOT yet? Let us know in the comments below!