All sorts of dignitaries gathered early this morning to officially open Katsura Grill, including Mickey and Minnie; Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot; and Hideaki Morooka, general manager International Business Operations for Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., partners with Disney in the Japan Pavilion.
Following warm welcomes, everyone gathered in the gardens – inspired by the strolling gardens at the historic Katsura Imperial Villa near Kyoto, Japan – and inside the pretty new restaurant. Early-morning tempura, sushi and other Japanese small bites, and sake served in a ceremonial cedar cup were part of the festivities.
Have you tried the new menu? Tell us your favorites – we’re partial to the okonomi yaki, a sort of fried Japanese pancake made with veggies.
15 Comments
Duncan on January 17th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Great Idea, serving sake from from the barrel
Eric on January 17th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Okonomiyaki is delicious.
(It figures prominently in one popular Japanese anime, which’s caused a lot of curious fans to try it.)
I’ve tried making it at home, as close as I can get, but I haven’t had a chance yet to try the real thing.
Dante on January 17th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Can’t wait to eat here this year
It’s about time they put a new Japanese restaurant in 
Kelly from NJ on January 17th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Is this what happened to the Yakitori House? My husband and I were so excited to go there for our honeymoon last August–it was going to be our “dinner for two”–but when we arrived, it was closed. It didn’t even say so on the Epcot map! We started dating while in Japan, and went to yakitori for one of our first dates. We were so sad to find it was gone!
James from GA on January 17th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Ate there Saturday night (1/14) it was great!! We got a small dish from most of the countries and made our own little food and wine festival
Jayme on January 17th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Does anyone happen to know if the Okonomiyaki is vegetarian or not? I have had some in the past that have in fact been vegetarian, but would love to know before getting my heart set on going to Katsura Grill.
Alvin from IN on January 17th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Good bye Yakitori House…you have been one of my favorite spots at EPCOT over the years but Katsura Grill sounds like a great change.
Jeanne on January 17th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I had the Udon Noodles with Tempura Shrimp. It was the first time ever eating in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. I was most pleased with the service and the food. I also had the Macha Roll; best desert ever. Never had it before. I am looking for to go again and try something else from the menu. I recommend Katsura Grill to all.
Michelle from NY on January 17th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
I got married on the Disney Cruise last August, and when we were back on land at the WDW Resort, the first order of business was to hit Yakitori House for their delicious Japanese Curry… It is my #1 favorite food at all of WDW. When we arrived at the Japan Pavillion only to find it closed, I cried. Seriously. My husband and I LOVED it there. I’m hoping they haven’t changed the menu too much – the Japanese Curry was the BEST!
Michael from PA on January 17th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
My wife and I stumbled upon this after we ran the half marathon. We just loved it! Got a picture of a duck who was very interested in us! Just a beautiful garden setting!
ryan from FL on January 18th, 2012 at 1:25 am
Best Pavilion at Epcot, am I right?
Christine from KY on January 18th, 2012 at 8:22 am
When I studied abroad in Japan in 2008, the first thing I ate with my new friends was okonomiyaki! I haven’t had it since I came back to the states. I can’t wait to share this amazing snack with my fiance (soon to be husband!) when we visit WDW on our honeymoon in July.
Matthew from FL on January 31st, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Unfortunately according to the ingredients spreadsheet given to me by the Mitsukoshi folks the Okonomiyaki is cooked in lard (pork fat). Other than the one single lard ingredient the Okonomiyaki would be suitable for us vegetarians. I wish they would simply use vegetable shortening, it would make this item available to thousands of more visitors (ie, anybody not wanting pork in their diet) every day. Also sadly that was the only entree available that even appeared to be meatless.
Jayme on February 7th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Matthew,
Thanks for the heads up regarding the lard. Guess I’ll have to plan on a different place for lunch. Too bad.
Cherie on February 16th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Is this a Table Service only restaurant or are you able to get quick service?
15 Comments