EPCOT‘s new restaurant is officially open!

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya has opened its doors and wowed us with its commitment to theme, delicious food, and stunning views. A few details really stood out to us when we stopped by to check it out, and it had us thinking — a few Disney restaurants could really learn a thing or two from this new restaurant concept!

There were so many aspects that we loved at this new restaurant — from the beautiful decor to the friendly service. But two things were particularly memorable to us.

Fireworks Windows

Shiki-Sai is on the second floor of the Mitsukoshi building, which allows it to offer up some stunning views of the World Showcase Lagoon and Epcot fireworks.

This is a wonderful component of the restaurant, but, Shiki-Sai has gone even further to wow its guests. In addition to tables with this view, the dining room also contains tables that feature a unique piece of decor — beautiful digital “windows” that move and change according to the time of year.

Check out the “windows” at the booths – complete with fake breezes and fireworks views! Still pretty

Shiki-Sai, EPCOT pic.twitter.com/Jvvz0YBA89

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

This was a way that the restaurant could elevate the experience for guests who did not get a fireworks view from their table, but it’s on display all day! While we love this thoughtful addition to the dining room, it’s even more intentional than you might think at first glance. Like many other decor elements around the dining room, the digital widows heavily focus on the seasons.

Shiki-Sai, meaning “festival of the four seasons,” is covered in details that honor the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Seasonal plants, animals, and activities grace everything from lanterns to murals around the space — like this lantern that showcases pine and a crane, symbolizing the Winter.

Just like the other decor that celebrates the seasons, the digital “windows” do just that. They move and change, and each scene depicts a specific season — like summer with its fireworks.

These “windows” surround the inner dining room, and we think this is a wonderful addition that could inspire other restaurants to make more creative decisions throughout the parks.

Intentional Menu

Another way that this restaurant really surprised us was with its menu. There really is something for everyone here — whether you’re plant-based, a meat eater, or a sushi-lover.

If you’re looking for sushi, there are a number of unique rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and an impressive Fune (sushi boat).

There are starters that range from Edamame to Kara-age Chicken.

Meat eaters will find multiple versions of Wagyu steak, among other things.

And there is so much more to explore on the menu! But what makes this restaurant special isn’t just its large menu — it’s an intentional menu. Throughout the year, the menu will get new additions to reflect the seasons — so it’s not just a varied menu, it’s deliberate.

We were really pleased with this new addition to EPCOT, and think a lot of Disney World’s restaurants could learn a thing or two from Shiki-Sai. We’ll keep bringing you all the latest Disney news and reviews, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

Ranking EVERY Menu Item at Les Halles in EPCOT

What is your favorite restaurant in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 2 Lessons We Wish EVERY Disney World Restaurant Could Learn first appeared on the disney food blog.