Here’s Why Teppan Edo Should Be Part Of Your EPCOT Plans

Dining is a big part of a Disney vacation in the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you dine in a Disney Park or a Disney Resort hotel, you have a wide variety of choices. EPCOT theme park has plenty of excellent restaurants to eat at. You can choose from quick-service and full-service restaurants. Depending on the time of your Disney vacation, you may also be able to sample dishes from the Food Kitchens at an EPCOT International Festival.

We recently enjoyed a full-service meal in Teppan Edo during our day in EPCOT. Here’s why you should consider the Disney restaurant during your next trip to Lake Buena Vista.

Japan Pavilion

The Japan Pavilion is located between The American Adventure Pavilion and the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT World Showcase. You know you’re approaching the Japan Pavilion when you see the Japanese Arch on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon. The large pagoda also identifies the Japan Pavilion to the left and the grand brown building with its blue roof.

There are indoor and outdoor areas for the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT. Outside, you can stroll through the Japanese garden, which features a bridge, water features, a waterfall, and a large Koi pond. Throughout the day, you can see Matsuriza perform at the pagoda. Enjoy their performance on the traditional Taiko drums. Additionally, there are two quick-service locations to enjoy in the Japan Pavilion. Katsura Grill has a beautiful outdoor seating area at the top of the Japanese garden. If you need teriyaki, sushi, and curry, then Katsura Grill is the place to dine. Alongside the pagoda, you’ll find Kabuki Cafe. It’s a popular place to pick up shaved ice with sweet milk topping known as kakigori.

The indoor areas of the Japan Pavilion are generally made up of shopping and dining locations. Mitsukoshi is the large shop that forms the majority of the EPCOT Pavilion. Based on an original department store in Japan, you can find many different Japanese items, from toys to jewelry and clothing. There are also three full-service restaurants in the Pavilion – Takumi-Tei, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, and Teppan Edo.

Teppan Edo

Teppan Edo offers a unique dining experience for all Guests. Take a seat around a hot plate. Once you have placed your order, a Teppan chef joins your table to prepare and cook traditional Japanese dishes in front of you. Your dining experience is a combination of a show and a meal. You’ll experience the communal ritual of Teppan-yaki-style cooking before tucking into your lunch or dinner.

Teppan Edo is located on the second floor of the Japan Pavilion. To access the restaurant, you’ll walk passed the entrance to Mitsukoski toward the steps on your right. Check in for your dining experience at the kiosk before the stairs. You will then be directed to make your way up to the restaurant. Typically eight Guests occupy the table around a hot plate. Therefore, if your party is smaller than eight, you will dine with other Guests. An advance dining reservation is highly recommended to guarantee your dining experience. However, we secured a reservation on the day of our visit, around an hour before eating. Reservations can be made on the My Disney Experience App.

The Dining Experience

Teppan Edo is open from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. daily. While lunch is from 12 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. and dinner is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the same menu is available throughout the day. A selection of appetizers and sushi are available to begin your dining experience. However, don’t feel that you have to order one of those. Every Guest is served a complimentary bowl of garden salad as part of their meal. 

All entrees include udon noodles, vegetables, and steamed white rice, which your chef cooks in front of you. You have a wide choice of protein to enjoy. Choose from Filet Mignon, NY Cut Steak, Julienne Steak, salmon, shrimp, chicken, scallops, or tofu. Entrees range from $26 to $65, depending on your choice. Combinations of protein are also available if you prefer. Additional enhancements such as lobster tail, calamari, and Japanese Wagyu Strip are also available.

If you’re still hungry afterward, desserts are available at Teppan Edo. Choose from mango mousse cake, matcha tiramisu, chocolate ginger cake, and soft-serve ice cream. A selection of hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available to accompany your dining experience. 

Why We Love It

We loved our recent dining experience in Teppan Edo, and we think you will too. Here’s why:

• A unique dining experience. There are few places in the Walt Disney World Resort where you can enjoy a show while dining. It’s a delightful experience to see your foot being prepared for you before being served to you.
• Disney touches. The chefs at Teppan Edo are incredibly talented. Their cooking is a performance. They will interact with you and the other Guests around your table. You’ll even see your chef incorporating favorite Disney characters while cooking. We want to keep it a secret, but Olaf, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse may be a part of your dining experience.

• Delicious food. You’ll leave Teppan Edo feeling full after eating tasty dishes. Your hunger will build as your lunch or dinner is prepared before you.

• Authentic experience. Dining at Teppan Edo provides you with an insight into a Japanese tradition. The Cast Members who will serve you are from Japan, so they will happily answer your questions about their country and culture with you. Chopsticks are also available to eat with if you’d prefer to use them rather than ordinary cutlery.