In the Venn diagram of sushi lovers and Disney fans, we land firmly in the middle, happily ensconced by both overlapping circles. Luckily for those of you who know where we’re coming from, there’s plenty of sushi to be found in the many marvelous restaurants of Walt Disney World Resort. We rounded up a list of the most popular spots, including some mouth-watering photos of their menu offerings (keep in mind that all menu items are subject to change). Fair warning: this list will make you hungry. Here are the five best places to grab sushi on your next visit to Orlando:
Dining at the California Grill at the top floor of the Contemporary Resort is a true experience. The restaurant offers the finest in California cooking, including an incredible sushi menu. Sushi lovers can make a reservation for the main dining room and enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows’ breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, or pop in without a reservation and order from the full menu in the lounge or bar. Those who sit at the bar might have the chance to see the talented chefs in action, and anyone who dines can watch Wishes Nighttime Spectacular from the restaurant’s observation deck—the music is even piped in!
As one of Disney World’s most iconic signature restaurants, the sushi menu at the California Grill is upscale and inventive. Take a look at some of the popular sushi offerings:
The Spicy Kazan Roll features crab, shrimp, scallops, tuna, and fireball sauce.
The gorgeous Dragon Roll contains spicy and tataki tuna, shrimp tempura, bell pepper, avocado, and a chili-soy glaze.
Sashimi lovers should try the yuzu-marinated sashimi with yellowfin tuna, salmon, hamachi, snapper, and wasabi oil.
The Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a popular spot for dinner, but if it’s sushi you’re after, you can also sit right at the Kona Island sushi bar adjacent to the restaurant without a reservation. There, you’ll have access to the full menu at the Kona Cafe, including the many delectable sushi rolls and creations. You’ll even be able to watch the sushi chefs at work. Here are some of the more unique creations that can be found at Kona Island:
Colorful nigiri with traditional-style salmon, tuna, and chef’s choice.
Tuna Poke, a traditional Hawaiian poke salad.
This platter features a volcano roll (featuring a Spicy Tuna Seafood Lau’ai with Tempura Crunch), nigiri, and tuna poke.
Sushi and bowling may sound like an unusual combination, but the upscale dining and entertainment here will convert any nonbeliever. The world’s largest Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened in Downtown Disney in late 2012, giving sushi-loving Disney fans good reason to rejoice. Guests are welcome to dine without bowling or vice versa, but doing both together is the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring. Reservations are encouraged, and once you see some of the inventive rolls on the menu (including some gluten-free sushi), you’ll want to book your next trip right away:
The Fantasy Roll is a fantasy indeed: gluten-free with fresh salmon, ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, and steamed shrimp, rolled in soy paper and drizzled with spicy kimchee ponzu sauce.
The Spicy Tuna roll (which is also gluten-free) contains fresh tuna, spicy mayo, cucumber and scallions, and is drizzled with sriracha hot chili sauce.
Sushi lovers looking for an authentic experience can find one at Tokyo Dining in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. The sleek and contemporary restaurant offers an expansive menu (including nigiri, sashimi, and uramaki) as well as views of the World Showcase Lagoon– if you time it right and are lucky enough to get a table by the window, you can even watch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth while you dine.
This Sushi Sampler contains tuna, salmon, and shrimp nigiri, two pieces of a California roll, and a Spicy Tuna roll.
Assorted tempura can also add a satisfying crunch to your appetizers.
This award-winning restaurant and lounge at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel offers some of the most popular fresh seafood in Orlando. Colorful kimonos hanging on the walls create an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also boasts a sushi bar where guests can watch the chefs at work, nightly karaoke, and of course, top-notch sushi. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance.
We hope this list gave you some inspiration for your next visit to Walt Disney World. Have you enjoyed sushi at any of these spots?
