There's something romantic about a stroll around EPCOT's World Showcase with your sweetheart. Whether you're trying food from other cultures or walking hand-in-hand through the countries represented around the World Showcase Lagoon, there's a reason EPCOT is thought of as Walt Disney World's theme park for grown-ups. Yes, there's entertainment, cocktails (and mocktails), and artwork themed around various world cultures. But there are also tons of restaurants where you can reserve a table, rest your feet, and enjoy a romantic meal. And one of the new restaurants at Walt Disney World is located within one of the most romantic spots at Disney World.
One of the newer restaurants to open at EPCOT lies inside the Japan pavilion. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya opened in the summer of 2023 in the location formerly Tokyo Dining.
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Located just above the Mitsukoshi Department Store, Shiki-Sai has quickly become one of my favorite spots for a date night. Not only is the food incredible, but the restaurant boasts stunning views of the nightly EPCOT fireworks show. If you time your reservation just right, you can score a phenomenal spot to watch fireworks at the end of your date night.
Planning a visit to Shiki-Sai? Here's everything you need to know about dining at this new EPCOT Japanese restaurant.
What to know before you go to Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is located within the Japan pavilion at Walt Disney World's EPCOT. Because the restaurant is located inside of a theme park, you'll need a park ticket or annual pass to visit. This means even if you make a dining reservation for Shiki-Sai, you won't be able to get into EPCOT without valid park admission.
Be sure to have a park ticket for the date of your dining reservation and to make a reservation in advance using the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website.
EPCOT's nightly fireworks show, Luminous the Symphony of Us, takes place along the World Showcase Lagoon each evening as EPCOT prepares to close for the night.
When making your dining reservation, check the time the fireworks show will take place that night to ensure you're seated at Shiki-Sai during Luminous. It also pays to request a table near the windows at Shiki-Sai, as this will ensure you get the best view of the fireworks show.
Audio for Luminous is pumped through the restaurant over a speaker system, so it's truly the perfect crowd-free way to see the show.
The menu at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
What is Japanese izakaya-style dining anyway? An izakaya is a Japanese pub or bar, where food is sharable and served in a similar format to a Spanish tapas restaurant.
This means you'll find a variety of reasonably-priced dishes designed to share—a perfect scenario for date night. Imagine sharing grilled meat skewers, sushi, and udon noodles with your date while sipping beer, wine, and craft cocktails. If that sounds appealing to you, Shiki-Sai is a great option for your next EPCOT date night.
I've eaten at Shiki-Sai several times and, in addition to some of the best sushi we've had in Orlando, the menu is filled with delightful options like edamame, miso soup, grilled meat and vegetable skewers, and rice and noodle dishes.
And, while the menu of alcoholic beverages is impressive, there are also plenty of mocktails and booze-free options.
Plan the perfect date night at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
To plan a perfect date night at Shiki-Sai, there's more to know besides the importance of reservations and timing the meal to EPCOT's fireworks display. Shiki-Sai's menu is seasonal and changes to celebrate different Japanese festivals and holidays.
When you visit, be sure to ask about which festival the restaurant is celebrating, as we've had opportunities to participate in the festivities by reading fortune cards or writing wishes on bookmarks.
Shiki-Sai is beautifully-themed, with breathtaking art murals to explore and screens that project outdoor scenes like Japanese gardens and trees. While you dine with your sweetie, be sure to immerse yourselves in the beautiful environment, as it's a romantic experience in itself just to be seated in the dining room.
If you arrive and your table's not quite ready, there are also plenty of things to check out around the Japan pavilion. Walk around the Mitsukoski Department Store with your date, checking out Japanese wares and crafts, or visit the bar next door to Shiki-Sai for a cocktail to sip while you wait.
There's also often a Disney PhotoPass photographer snapping photos along the waters of the Japan pavilion, so take a moment to commemorate your romantic evening with a professional shot.
