You will need a ticket to get into Epcot. If you plan to visit another park that day as well, you would need a park hopper. Otherwise only 1 park per day.
As the other person said, yes, you need a ticket to get in. If you want a similar feel (open air, walking around restaurant to restaurant), try Downtown Disney. There are some good restaurants there.
Easting at any in-Park Restaurant requires having valid admission for that Park. If you have been to one Disney Park and want to go to another Disney Park the same day for dining you must have the Park Hopper option on your tickets; otherwise you will not have valid admission to the second Park.
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