Tokyo Dining: A Place for Sushi

It’s no secret that EPCOT is the park for Disney foodies, and with so many options and festivals, multiple visits are required to even come close to sampling it all.

One EPCOT restaurant that guests can always count on for a cultural experience plus gorgeous views of this foodie paradise is Tokyo Dining at the World Showcase’s Japan Pavilion.

What You Need to Know

Located above the Mitsukoshi Store, Tokyo Dining is a sleek, modern-style eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon.

Tokyo Dining is only open for lunch and dinner with lunch currently beginning at 2:00 p.m. and ending at 3:55 p.m., while dinner runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Both meals are priced at $15.00 to $34.99 per adult.

Advance Dining Reservations are encouraged and can be made on the My Disney Experience app; although, if you’re already within that 60-day window, consider using the TouringPlans Reservation Finder.

Since EPCOT is home to so many delicious options, it’s important to know which restaurants deserve to be experienced and which ones to skip. So which side of the line does Tokyo Dining fall? That’s exactly what our park reporter Chrissy set out to determine during her recent visit.

Otsumami (Small Dishes or Appetizers)

Crab Salad – $30.00

The menu describes the Crab Salad as 3 piece crab legs, 2 piece crab claws, mixed greens, and Yuzu Gari dressing. Sadly, Chrissy found this to be worst value and least great thing she ate.

The crab tasted like it had been sitting in cold water so the taste was of crab water, not fresh crab. The Yuzu dressing was the equivalent of a LaCroix – just a hint of a whisper of what someone thought was Yuzu. It wasn’t exactly non-existent dressing, but just enough to be annoying that it wasn’t more plentiful. Overall, the Crab Salad just wasn’t good and felt like a huge sum of money for little in return.

Sashimi

Fresh Sashimi Sampler – $24.00

Clearly the star and the real reason why everyone should book Tokyo Dining. Seriously, don’t come here for the prepared dishes; come for this immaculate, stellar sushi that, shockingly, is available inside a theme park.

Consisting of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, this sampler is art on a plate, deliciously fresh and gorgeous, and delivers exactly what it promises.

Seared Salmon – $18.00

The only other outstanding thing Chrissy tried. It was seared just enough to give a hint of sweetness, but yet raw enough to get that buttery, salty goodness you expect from excellent salmon.  Chrissy says should would go back to Toyko Dining just for this and the sashimi.

Donburi & Noodle (Bowls & Noodles)

Yaki Udon – $30.00

Described as Japanese stir fry Udon noodles with beef and vegetables in a sweet, tangy sauce, this item was good but definitely on the pricey side. Chrissy requested the veggie version but would probably go back to get the beef as both options are the same price.

Even though the noodles were perfect and so very tasty, the $30.00 price tag put a pall on her fun.

Tempura

Assorted Tempura – $17.00

The menu lists this dish as 3 piece shrimp, onion, asapargus, and red bell peppers. Sadly, it was very bland and not what you’re thinking if you’re used to ordering tempura at your favorite hibachi place.

Desserts

Yuzu Mousse Cake – $18.00

According to Chrissy, this was gorgeous but a bit off-putting as its crusted by the same chocolate rocks Chrissy’s kiddo enjoys from the candy store. In regard to taste, she admits she’s too used to overly done flavors, but this mousse was too faint and delicate in an annoying way to be any good.

Basically, it’s a great dessert for the folks who order hot water with lemon while the rest of the table is getting affogato.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Chrissy says her youngster would have thrown a fit here, and it would have been in the shadow of her spending a small fortune for her to be miserable. Basically, this isn’t one for families with kiddos unless you’re 100% sure they love real sushi. In fact, actual raw fish sushi-lovers are the only guests who would want to book Tokyo Dining.

For those looking for the fun, onion-volcano-on-fire Japanese experience, Teppan Edo just down the hall is the better option.

Still, short of a trip to Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, Tokyo Dining’s sushi was the best she’s ever had in any Disney Park. The service was outstanding, the view is the best in the park, and who doesn’t love the Japan pavilion?

Have you ever dined at Tokyo Dining? Let us know in the comments!