Disney4me Posted April 4, 2016 Report Share Posted April 4, 2016 Konnichiwa! And welcome back to another visit to Katsura Grill! Learn About:Katsura Grill Epcot RestaurantsDisney World Restaurants The counter service spot, located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, sits higher than the rest of the elevation in the area. Nestled into a garden behind the temple, this spot offers lovely, serene surroundings. And in the past, we’ve really enjoyed the food here as well — especially lighter, healthier options, like Steamed Veggies and Miso. I decided to visit Katsura spur-of-the-moment for lunch recently to see if I could still recommend this out-of-the-way counter service location. Come with me as we check out what I found. Atmosphere If you haven’t fully explored the Japan Pavilion, then make sure to carve out a little extra time to do it on your very next trip to Epcot. There’s lots to take in. As you make your way through the Pavilion to the back, Katsura Grill sits to the left. You’ll do a little climbing to get up to it, however. Katsura Grill The building itself demonstrates a simple Japanese aesthetic. Whereas the temple in front of it is a showstopper, Katsura is plain and functional, with dark wood accents and a thatched roof. Entrance Inside, the ceilings are vaulted, and much of the walls give way to windows, so you have views of World Showcase Lagoon, the Pavilion, and the Garden on three sides. Seating isn’t anything fancy, but it really doesn’t need to be with so much to look at. But I do appreciate the padded chairs here. Indoor Seating View From Seating Area If you prefer outdoor seating, you’ll find quite a bit of it, and much of it is shaded by large umbrellas. Also — just in case you always wondered — you’ll find the bathroom just off of this area as well. Outdoor Seating Area The patio overlooks an outcropping of rock where a waterfall provides soothing sounds. And this is why Katsura Grill is one of my favorite spots. It’s so relaxing, and I’ve rarely seen this area crowded. Follow the tiny bridge and meandering walkway down, and you’ll spot beautiful koi in the pond below. Outside Surrounding Garden Area Paper lanterns strung overhead bid you to return after dark just to see the area in a whole different light. Lanterns And indeed, you should return! Because night or day, this is a lovely spot. Japan Pavilion Outdoor Seating in the Evening After a look around, you’ll probably decide to stay a while. So head in and check out the menu. As I mentioned, Katsura Grill doesn’t often seem to be very busy. I’m alright with that, since it means that I can usually walk up to the small counter and order without much wait. Ordering Area And I usually have my pick of tables as well. Eats Katsura Grill is quaintly “old fashioned” — no electronic ordering or fancy food delivery systems. You will find backlit menu boards, however. That’s become pretty common around Disney, though. I do imagine that they make changing the menu items around much easier. Overhead Menu Boards — Click to Enlarge Take a closer look at the menu items, and you may be surprised to find some interesting selections. I mean, Japanese Curry and Udon? Or how about a Kids’ Meal that has ZERO to do with Chicken Nuggets or Mac and Cheese? Main Menu — Click to Enlarge Side orders are equally intriguing. Skip the chips and head to Katsura for some Edamame! That way you can justify both a Dole Whip AND a Mickey Bar later! Sides, Beverages, and Desserts Menu — Click to Enlarge I quickly decided on a couple of things to try. I’d heard rave reviews of the Udon during both the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (happening now, actually!), so my first choice was a no-brainer. I went for the Tempura Shrimp Udon. Tempura Shrimp Udon But I also couldn’t pass up one of my Katsura favorites, their Teriyaki selections. I went with my tried and true favorite, the Chicken and Beef Teriyaki Combination Platter. It comes with ample side servings of Steamed White Rice and Veggies. Teriyaki Chicken and Beef And this is where I have to mention something that I’ve hinted at — Katsura is a great stop if you’re looking to find healthier for you options. Believe it or not, we really enjoyed side orders of Steamed White Rice and Veggies as a snack a while back! Steamed Vegetables and Rice After all of that food, I didn’t leave room for dessert. However, we have reviewed both the Green Tea Cheesecake and the Chocolate Ginger Cake in the past. I’d go for the chocolate ginger cake if I were you. Green Tea Cheesecake (The Chocolate Ginger Cake is the same that’s served at Tokyo Dining. You can read our whole review here.) However, they’re teeny tiny portions. Not necessarily a bad thing — but I like you to know before you leap. Chocolate Ginger Cake After that filling lunch, I was ready to finish my circumnavigation of the (Epcot) world. Overall Katsura Grill continues to get two thumbs up from me! And it’s a combination of things that make for the recommendation, really. The food is better than mall food court, which is what you might expect. And the menu proves that you really can find better-for-you options at Disney if you want to. But in the end, it’s the setting that’s the cherry on top of Katsura Grill. Because when you can find someplace that’s so peaceful and calm, right in the middle of what is arguably one of the most exciting spots anywhere — well, it’s worth mentioning and lingering there for a bit. Now, I’d really love to hear from you! Is Katsura Grill one of your top spots in Walt Disney World for counter service dining? Leave a comment and let me know what you think! 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: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Steamed Vegetables and Rice at Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Review: Green Tea Cheesecake at Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Katsura Grill, Rogue Food & Wine Booths, and More Changes in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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