There are several new restaurants opening this year in Disney World, including The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk and Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs.

Those are likely going to open in a few months, but there’s one new EPCOT restaurant that’s opening THIS WEEK!

Technically, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is already open…sort of. Let us explain.

This new spot in the Japan pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase “soft-opened” several days early and has been open for walk-ins from 12PM to 9PM daily. However, it’s going to OFFICIALLY open soon!

Shiki-Sai is officially opening on August 28th, 2023. Reservations are open now, so you can book your spot ASAP! Although you can walk in to dine here now, there are no reservation spots available until the 28th.

We already stopped in to try out the new eats, so you can check out our FULL REVIEW to decide whether you want to make reservations.

Click here to read our Shiki-Sai restaurant review!

The menu at this restaurant features Japanese cuisine such as sushi and teppan items, plus an open sushi bar and grill. The style of dining is Japanese Izakaya — a type of casual pub-style experience that puts an emphasis on drinks and conversations with friends.

Izakaya menus typically feature small dishes, and that is the case at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, too. Karaage Chicken, Salmon Misoyaki, and Tomato Salad with Avocado are among the Izakaya (sharable) plates.

At the open sushi bar, you’ll find highlights like the Kobore Sushi, the Tokyo Negi Roll, a Monster Roll, and the Funamori (sushi boat with a presentation of sashimi and sushi).

Shiki-Sai also celebrates seasonal Japanese festivals with changing menu items and decor at different times of the year “from hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September.”

The restaurant is located in the Japan Pavilion, on the second floor — above the Mitsukoshi Department Store (in the location of the former Tokyo Dining restaurant), providing views of World Showcase Lagoon and — when the timing is right — fireworks!

There are some cool details to check out inside the restaurant, like the fake windows that put on a fireworks display of their very own.

Check out these posts to learn more about Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya:

• The Shiki-Sai Restaurant Has OPENED in EPCOT — Go Inside With Us!
• Review: We Ate Nearly $500 Worth of Food at EPCOT’s New Shiki-Sai Restaurant — Here Are Our Honest Thoughts
• PHOTOS: We Got the New $300 SUSHI BOAT in Disney World!
• 2 Things You HAVE To Try at EPCOT’s Brand New Restaurant
• The Very Specific Request You Should Make at EPCOT’s Newest Restaurant

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news!

Click here to see four essential EPCOT meals. 

Are you planning to visit Shiki-Sai when it officially opens? Or did you already go for the soft opening? Let us know in the comments!

The post A BRAND-NEW Disney World Restaurant Officially Opens This Week! first appeared on the disney food blog.