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First Look! Morimoto Asia in Disney World’s Disney Springs


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Welcome to the brand new Morimoto Asia Restaurant in The Landing of what is at long last OFFICIALLY Disney Springs!

We’ll be back with a full review on Monday, but today we’re here for a First Look. In some respects, our meal at Morimoto Asia itself was a bit of a First Look, because while dinner seatings are up and running each night beginning at 5:00PM, the restaurant will not be serving lunch or its planned weekend brunch for a few weeks yet (the starting date for these dining opportunities is yet to be announced).

Once it is fully open, operating hours will be 11:00 am to 2:00 am, bringing extended hours — custom-made for a more vibrant nightlife — to Disney World’s ever-transforming and newly renamed dining and entertainment district.

But that’s all logistics… we know you’re itching to take a peek inside Iron Chef Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant, just like we were!

Morimoto Asia

Morimoto Asia

So let’s do exactly that…

Atmosphere

Modern. Sleek. Elegant. These are the words that spring to mind when taking in this brand new addition to Disney Springs.

Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia Upstairs Bar and Lounge

I think we can also add “beautiful” to the list…

Inside Morimoto Asia

Inside Morimoto Asia

Of course, it’s not just the gorgeous artwork or the stunning glass-beaded chandeliers that serve to create the memorable atmosphere. The open kitchen and 14-seats-only Sushi Bar (located upstairs) give your eyes even more to take in as you watch the chefs in motion.

Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto by the Sushi Bar

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you! That’s Chef Masaharu Morimoto himself, present for Opening Day (and possibly offering up the greatest photo bomb of all time)! Here he is in action…

Chef Morimoto

Chef Morimoto

From the lounges to the various dining areas and table settings, it’s clear that Morimoto Asia is taking a huge role in ushering in a whole new feel for more upscale dining experiences in Disney Springs.

Dining Area as viewed from above

Main Dining Area as viewed from above

Upstairs seating

Upstairs seating with Private Dining Room behind

Table setting

Table setting and staircase

Although, even with its very distinct vibe, you’ll never entirely forget where you are…

Hidden Mickey

Hidden Mickey?

Although, the image above could be us doing some good ol’ Disney-fan projecting; you know, always seeing a Mickey in three circles. One of the Cast Members told us this mini piece of wall art is actually a Japanese character. (Which is all fine and fair… I’m still calling it a Mickey ;) ).

Anyway, just as we’d hoped, the surroundings are pretty spectacular. But lovely settings alone do not an Iron Chef make ;) , so let’s take a look at some of what’s on the menu at Morimoto Asia.

Eats

As noted, Morimoto Asia is Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first restaurant that focuses on cuisine from across the entire continent of Asia. And we’ll be sharing our full review next week (along with a look at the entire menu), but for now, we’d just love to give you a quick glimpse of some of what we enjoyed on Opening Night!

We’re so glad we went with our server’s recommendation from the specialty drinks: the Shirayuri (White Lily) mixing Shochu, Calico, and Yuzu was a terrific way to start the evening.

White Lily

Shirayuri (White Lily)

And maaaybe a few more sips were had…

Mango Matcha Punch

Mango Matcha Punch

Aaaaaand perhaps some Sake…

Morimoto Ishikawa

Morimoto Ishikawa

And what would a visit to Chef Morimoto’s newest establishment be without sushi? Here is a look at the Spicy Tuna Roll.

Spicy Tuna Roll

Spicy Tuna Roll

Both the Rock Shrimp Tempura and Tuna Pizza are two of Chef Morimoto’s signature dishes, and they lived up to expectations (though we didn’t pick up on much of the suggested spice in the Tuna Pizza).

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

Tuna Pizza

Tuna Pizza

Speaking of signature dishes, we couldn’t resist ordering the Morimoto Peking Duck. 

Morimoto Peking Duck

Morimoto Peking Duck

And for dessert? Two words: Churro Fondue!!

Churro Fondue

Churro Fondue

And two more… Oreo Tempura!! Okay, so the Oreo Tempura was just one part of the Chocolate Cream & Crunch dessert, but we could’ve happily snacked on just those alone.

Chocolate Cream and Crunch

Chocolate Cream and Crunch

Have we piqued your interest :) ? We’ll see you right back here next week with our full review of Morimoto Asia. In the meantime, it’s so long from the long-awaited DISNEY SPRINGS!!!

What do you think so far of Morimoto Asia? Please let us know with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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