Tempura Kiku

[FigmentKid]

I've been checking out these boards for a few months on and off and I don't think I've ever seen Tempura Kiku mentioned. This is one of my favorite places at Disney and I wanted to see how other people felt. Does it just get overlooked?

The first time I remember going I was quite young and the place was bustling! Chefs behind the counter were jabbering away in Japanese and the bar was jammed full of people. Then the last time I went there were a lot of people waiting to be seated at Teppanyaki so we were expecting a long wait at Tempura Kiku but we walked right in, were seated immediately and we were the ONLY people in there! One solo eater came in half way through but that was it!! Talk about slow!!

I just loved the place, it's very authentic and the food is light and delicious! It's also nice to be in an intimate setting when so many of the dining places are big and cater to so many people. I also think it's perfect for solo's because of the bar seating, you can watch the chefs cooking over the counter, or talk with the person next to you, or even have a conversation with your chef!

What do other people feel? Was our experience a one off since it was off season?

Edit: Just did a more thorough seach and it seems it has been mentioned a few more times than I thought but still, I'm interested to see what people think.

 

[gatour]

Good thing you checked again as I have posted many times about Tempura Kiku. It is one of our regular haunts. While we may not go every trip I think we average once every other trip. I think the tempura is good and my wife always orders that. I like the fact that I can order sushi which I like to do if it is hot out.

You are correct that most times there is little or no wait. Now if you want to sit in the lounge at the front that they have made a full adjuct to Tempura Kiku in the last year then you may have a wait.

 

[ktulu]

We visitied Tempura Kiku for the first time on our last trip to WDW, very tasty and plentiful! After eating there the thought of food made me sick! I guess I should say Tempura Kiku wa totemo oishikatta desu yo!

darren

 

[FigmentKid]

Tempura Kiku wa totemo oishikatta desu yo!

Will have to ask DBF what you said since he's our resident Japanophile!

I'm glad to see there are other Kiku fans! Was worried maybe they'll get rid of it if there is lack of support.

 

[Evil Genius]

We stopped there for the first time on our last trip. It was fantastic!!! And the iced green tea was to die for!!

 

[MamaKate]

Glad to hear it's good!

I've been wanting to try Tempura Kiku since our first trip, but we never got around to it.

I wanted to go during our trip this May, but since we're on the dining plan, it just didn't fit anywhere. I have it in our definate plans for November after our cruise!! Hopefully I'm not too full from the cruise to enjoy it!!

 

[isyt]

Is this near Teppanaki? I don't remember this place I would love to try it!!!!

 

[FigmentKid]

Is this near Teppanaki? I don't remember this place I would love to try it!!!!

It's hard to miss, and they don't take ADR's (from what I remember...) but it actually shares the same podium as Teppanyaki - you just have to ask to be seated at the tempura place. You just walk right up the stairs that lead above the shopping area as if you were going to Teppanyaki. The room is actually right there by the podium.

My memory is foggy on the details so if I'm wrong on anything I'm sure someone can correct me.

I wanted to go during our trip this May, but since we're on the dining plan, it just didn't fit anywhere.

We used a TS credit each for the place and still felt it was a good deal - we each ordered the big combo to "get our money's worth" but of course it was way more than we could eat. We also got to pick an appetizer from the "accompaniments" section which were things like edemame, salads and soup. The entre also comes with soup + rice. Then you can pick a desert, either fruit, ice cream, or whatever special cake-thing they have.

 

[MamaKate]

We used a TS credit each for the place and still felt it was a good deal - we each ordered the big combo to "get our money's worth" but of course it was way more than we could eat. We also got to pick an appetizer from the "accompaniments" section which were things like edemame, salads and soup. The entre also comes with soup + rice. Then you can pick a desert, either fruit, ice cream, or whatever special cake-thing they have.

WOW! That's news to me!! When we were on the Dining Plan last year Tempura Kiku wasn't on the list so I assumed it wasn't included. I didn't even think to check if it was included this year. I'm going to have to look into that and try to squeeze it in for May. Thanks for the heads up!!