Teppan Edo… it’s been a while, my friend!

Too long, I might say. I tend to not visit Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion as often as other spots around Epcot’s World Showcase — not because I haven’t enjoyed it in the past (because I have). This is due to the fact that as Epcot’s resident hibachi grill, the menu and experience doesn’t tend to change very much. So from a reviewer’s perspective, there isn’t a hugely revised menu or anything to keep readers posted on.

But from a Disney fan perspective (and Epcot fan. And Japan Pavilion fan. And FOOD fan!), I was rather keen on making a new Advance Dining Reservation here. And when @DininginDisney and her family happened to be going, I was excited to tag along!

So, let’s see how this recent visit went!

Check-in for Teppan Edo is located just outside the steps leading up to the restaurant.

This helps avoid any extra confusion as there are actually two Table Service restaurants located in the building above the Mitsukoshi Department store: our current destination as well as Tokyo Dining (you can check out our most recent review of that spot here).

Atmosphere

After your time in the waiting area (which is also dedicated to Tokyo Dining), you’ll be led to your table.

Rather than one large dining room, the space is made of several smaller ones.

That said, “small” does not equal “private.” Similar to the Germany Pavilion’s Biergarten, you will most likely be seated with other guests at a shared table if your party is less than the table’s capacity for seating eight.

You may refer to Teppan Edo as teppanyaki-style, Japanese steakhouse, or hibachi grill. This is key to the atmosphere. Your lunch or dinner is served with a side of entertainment by the Teppan Edo Chefs, which is a huge component of your meal!

But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself… so let’s check out the food before checking out the handiwork of the Teppan Edo Chefs!

Eats

The menu is pretty straightforward at Teppan Edo. Though you’ll find options for Appetizers and Sushi, the primary focus is on the teppanyaki entrees, with your choice of meat or, if you prefer, seafood or vegetables with tofu.

Can’t decide? Combinations are also options for you.

We started with the Edamame for an appetizer. These are served chilled, and if you’ve entered directly from the check-in desk outside on a hot day in Epcot, these are especially refreshing.

Some of my tablemates selected a few options under the Entree Add-ons, or Enhancements. You can see two pieces in various stages of preparation on the table: Lobster Tails (which can be added for $28 per) and the Tuna Tataki ($16).

Note that the enhancements aren’t available as part of the Disney Dining Plan, so if you’re participating in the Plan you’ll have to pay for these out of pocket.

The Tuna Tataki is 4 ounces of seared tuna loin that is topped with scallions and tempura crunch. Just an added bit of decadence to the full meal!

And I ordered up an enhancement of my own… the Wagyu Steak is a definite splurge at $56 for the addition.

But let me tell you: it was AMAZING! You receive 3 ounces sliced sukiyaki style. I know the image below doesn’t look “amazing,” but it’s all about the flavor on this imported beef.

The experience reaffirmed my standing opinion: it’s not worth it to pay extra for Wagyu beef UNLESS you are in one of Disney World’s Japanese restaurants (or Pan-Asian restaurants in the case of Morimoto Asia, which serves incredible, certified Wagyu). No idea why this is, but everywhere else I’ve ordered Wagyu it’s been underwhelming. Maybe only the Japanese and Pan-Asian restaurants actually get the imported stuff versus the “raised like Wagyu” here beef? No idea.

Of course, beyond the Enhancements, we’ve got the regular full Entrees to check out! Entrees include — and start with — a simple Garden Salad.

A VERY simple garden Salad 😉 . But the salad’s not why we’re here, anyway!

The other accompaniments that make up the meal are udon noodles, vegetables, and steamed white rice. However, these are all prepared in steps to present with the full entree. And your Chef is there to have a bit of fun with the whole thing!

Keep in mind that dishes are created in stages, so you won’t be receiving your full plate at once when you’re ready to dig in (and with all the frying going on at your table, the fragrances make you good and hungry pretty quickly). But having your own personal cooking show right in front of you makes the wait worth it. Especially when you take in the touches that only happen in Disney World…

Where else will your Chef create a not-so-hidden Mickey Mouse for you from cooking oil on the table?

Or, with a the addition of a little bow…

… you’ve got yourself a MINNIE Mouse!

Final touches to your dish include ginger sauce and “yum-yum” sauce (which, in previous visits, our chef described as a “Japanese ranch,” which pretty much sums it up)!

And, finally, your meal is ready! (If you were two Pavilions down in France, we might say, “Voila!”) At the table we had the Tori: 8 ounces of boneless chicken breast.

Nicely seasoned with some zest from the veggies, it’s a meal that rarely disappoints.

And the Steak (my typical go-to, combined with the chicken) is always a popular option all around the table. Note that a few different varieties of beef are available, from Julienne Beef strips to a NY Cut Steak to Filet Mignon. And believe it or not, the times when I’ve ordered the Filet Mignon, I’ve enjoyed some of the best steak I’ve ever had in Disney World.

No matter what you choose, it’s a meal chock full of protein and super fresh veggies, and a good portion to boot. Though the cuisine may not “wow” each and every visit, I do tend to leave quite satisfied with the overall experience and meal each time.

Nosh or Not

You might want to visit Teppan Edo if:

You enjoy the idea of your food being served with a side of entertainment when you’re in Disney World!

You want a meal with some global flair that still has enough familiar choices and flavors to appeal to your whole group.

You might want to pass on Teppan Edo if:

You prefer not to sit at a table with strangers during your vacation.

You consider the meal and experience a little too similar to what you might be able to find closer to home at a local Japanese steakhouse. (But… will they make Mickey Mouse on your table 😉 ?)

Overall

I think “back in the day” (Old School Epcot!) Teppan Edo was a more unique dining experience. These days, most of us have access to a local teppanyaki restaurant where talented chefs prepare the meal in front of you. Even so, I really enjoy visiting Teppan Edo to this day. I find that the entertainment from the Chefs is always above par, bringing real joy and fun to the experience. And the meal is usually solid. So, even after a while away from Teppan Edo, I can still give this restaurant a solid thumbs up!

Be sure to check out ALL the dining options in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion in our DFB YouTube Video!