The 10 Best Restaurants to Try at Walt Disney World Summer 2023

Plus, the newest restaurant at EPCOT and Eat to the Beat concert preview

A new restaurant is opening at EPCOT, plus we share the top 10 Walt Disney World table service restaurants for Summer 2023 and a look at who's playing at this year's Eat to the Beat music festival at EPCOT.

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Top 10 Restaurants at Walt Disney World for Summer 2023
 
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (EPCOT)
This brand-new dining experience is a must-try.
 
Takumi Tei (EPCOT)
If you want a fine dining experience, Takumi Tei is a top pick and a great AC relief sheltered from the buzz of the outside world.
 
Narcoossee's (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
Newly reopened, Narcoossee's aims to reclaim its former glory. You make the call.
 
The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
A staple for any Disney World vacation, The Boathouse shines during the summer months and you have your choice of indoors or outdoors.
 
Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Summertime in the Kingdom; what's not to love? If you want a character experience with great food options, this one is hard to beat.
 
Le Cellier (EPCOT)
Looking to beat the summer heat? Le Cellier is a perennial classic and a great spot to enjoy an upscale meal.
 
Topolino's Terrace (Disney's Riviera Resort)
Whether it's the character breakfast or the fine dinner experience, this is a great summer dining location.
 
California Grill (Disney's Contemporary Resort)
Not only is the food excellent here, but the view from the top of the Contemporary is an added bonus--even when a summer storm is rolling in.
 
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (EPCOT)
For a little Italian-style pizza in a courtyard setting, Via Napoli makes a great summertime stop.

Grand Floridian Cafe (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
Casual table service dining in an upscale environment, with something for everyone. The perfect pick for summer casual elegance.

The EPCOT Japan Pavilion Gets a New Restaurant

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is a new EPCOT table-service restaurant offering a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style. It is located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion in the space previously occupied by Tokyo Dining.

The theme at Shki-Sai is Japan's seasonal festivals. Each month will bring a new celebration to your table, making for a unique experience every time. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide guests through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan's vibrant seasonal festivities.

In addition to a full menu of sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Sushi lovers will see sushi being made by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar.

The menu is designed to appeal to both sushi newbies and sushi aficionados.

Don't like sushi? Don't worry as the grill will also be serving up specialties commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.

Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. We hope everyone is as excited as we are for this new location to open its doors this summer!

2023 Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOT

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series kicks-off on July 27. Here is a first look at the lineup coming to the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT!

In addition to the headline acts, local bands will take the stage Tuesday through Thursday. Visit TasteEPCOT.com for more information.

July
28-29 – Orianthi (NEW)
July 30-31 - For King & Country (NEW)

August
4-5 – Southern Avenue
6-7 - Tiffany
11-12 – Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart
13-14 – The Bacon Brothers (NEW)
18-21 – Joey Fatone & Friends
25-26 – Ayron Jones (NEW)
27-28 – Phillip Phillips (NEW)

September
1-2 – Baha Men
3-4 – MercyMe
8-9 – Ray Parker Jr.
10-11 - Tobymac
15 – Celebrity Latin Talent
16 – Celebrity Latin Talent
17-18 – Raul Acosta and Oro Solido (NEW)
22-23 – Los Amigos Invisibles
24-25 - 98°

October
29 – October 2 – Boyz II Men
6-7 – Mark Wills
8-9 – Sugar Ray
13-14 - Hoobastank
15-16 – Air Supply
20-21 – Taylor Dayne
22-23 – Billy Ocean
27-30 - Hanson

November
3-4 – We The Kings (NEW)
5-6 – Sheila E.
10-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
12-13 – 38 Special

Beginning July 6, you can secure your spot for these performances with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. Visit TasteEPCOT.com.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic