Oh honey, you know I love a good food adventure, and let me spill the tea on Kimonos at the Swan Hotel—because this place is everything. If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in authentic Japanese cuisine while soaking in the energy of a lively karaoke bar, look no further. Located right on Disney World property, Kimonos is like a hidden gem—where sushi is king, the drinks are flowing, and the fun never stops. Whether you’re a foodie, a karaoke lover, or someone who just wants to have a good time, Kimonos is the spot you need to know about.
Let me just say—award-winning doesn’t even begin to describe it. This place has earned its place as one of the top spots in Orlando for sushi and Asian cuisine. Voted the top sushi spot by Orlando Sentinel readers, it’s become a local fave and it’s not hard to see why. Oh, and did I mention there’s karaoke? Yes, you heard me right—karaoke. And trust me, that adds an extra level of fun to the already delicious experience.
Before we even get to the food (which is obviously the highlight of the evening), let me talk about the vibe. Kimonos has this charming atmosphere—think dark teakwood, colorful kimonos, and an intimate setting that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a cozy, traditional Japanese hideaway. The vibe is always buzzing with energy, and you can feel the excitement in the air as you watch sushi chefs performing culinary magic right before your eyes.
It’s not the kind of place you come to for a quiet, romantic dinner—oh no, honey. It’s the type of place where you and your friends can enjoy the lively chatter, the clinking of glasses, and of course, the sound of laughter as people take their turn on the karaoke mic. The energy here is palpable, and I just adore how it adds to the whole dining experience. So whether you’re here for the food, the atmosphere, or a great night out, Kimonos has you covered.
Now let’s get into the good stuff—the food. Oh my goodness, where do I even start? If you’re a sushi fan, you’ll feel like you’ve found your culinary heaven here. The sushi is crafted to perfection, and every bite feels like a mini celebration of flavor. But let me break it down for you, because darlings, you simply can’t visit Kimonos without trying some of their most popular dishes.
We kicked things off with some traditional hors d’oeuvres, and let me just tell you—if you haven’t tried gyoza or tempura prawns, are you even living? Tempura prawns, in particular, were so crispy, golden, and delicate, they practically melted in my mouth. These prawns had their own fan club—and rightfully so! The crispy exterior gave way to a sweet and tender prawn inside, and I couldn’t get enough of them.
Then, we dove into the Kobe beef satay—and let me tell you, Kobe beef is in a whole other league. It’s rich, tender, and just melts in your mouth like a warm hug. This dish was an absolute showstopper. Each bite had the perfect balance of flavors, and I just couldn’t get enough of the smokiness of the grilled beef paired with the sauces that accompanied it. Kobe beef, darling, you are my new obsession.
But, as with all dining experiences, not everything was a winner. Cue the TMI moment—the beef short rib on the bone? Well, that was a hard pass for me. Bizarre doesn’t even begin to cover it. The flavor was just… off. I nearly tossed my cookies right there at the table (and trust me, as a Saucy Queen, that’s not something that happens easily). So, my advice? Stick with the things you know will knock it out of the park—like those tempura prawns or the Kobe beef satay. Some dishes are just meant to stay in the land of experimentation, and this short rib was one of them.
Now, let’s talk about the karaoke. Honey, you know I can’t resist a good karaoke session, even if I’m not exactly a trained singer. The karaoke starts at 9:30 PM, and let me tell you, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Sure, I might not be winning any awards for my singing abilities (I can barely stay on key), but that’s not what karaoke is about, is it? It’s about having fun, letting loose, and singing your heart out, even if it’s a little off-key. The karaoke adds a layer of excitement that truly sets Kimonos apart from your average sushi spot.
And if you’re wondering about the drinks, darling, let me tell you—they do it right. The bar is stocked with everything you need to enjoy the evening, from classic cocktails to delicious wine pairings. Speaking of wine, I must admit, I was deeply disappointed to find that the French rosé I’ve grown to love had been removed from the menu. Heartbreaking, I know. I live for a glass of Coates du Provence—it’s my go-to drink, so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that it returns.
But the new waitress, Heidi, was a gem—and I couldn’t resist taking a pic of her mixology skills. Honestly, Heidi might have made the best cocktail I’ve had in a while. Cheers to you, Heidi!
So, after indulging in the delights of Kimonos at the Swan Hotel, what’s the final verdict? I’m giving this spot a solid 9/10. Why not a perfect 10? Well, my darlings, as I mentioned earlier, the French rosé was sadly missing, and the beef short rib was a total letdown. But other than that, Kimonos is a must-visit if you’re craving some of the best sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine in Disneyworld.
Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, tempura prawns, or just an all-around fun evening with karaoke, Kimonos will deliver. Plus, you get to enjoy the vibe of Disney magic while indulging in delicious food, fabulous drinks, and a fun atmosphere. Trust me, darlings—you’re in for a treat.
So, grab your friends, your appetite, and maybe a karaoke mic, and head over to Kimonos for a dining experience that will leave you feeling fabulous. I’ll definitely be back—next time with my karaoke skills warmed up!
Stay Saucy, The Saucy Queen 👑💋
